Strings attached
JO CALEB • Jo Caleb Music
WORK • Wednesday Routine
JO CALEB • songwriter/producer • Jo Caleb Music
Neighbourhood you live in: Twickenham
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
As a music producer, my work often keeps me in the studio late into the night, which means my mornings tend to start closer to noon. I have a home studio setup, so when I wake up, I like to listen to the previous night's work with fresh ears. It's a great way to assess what I’ve done, then dive into writing new ideas or refining what’s already in progress.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Today, I’m working with Dave, one of my favourite artists. We’ve been collaborating regularly for the past few years, and our schedule is always a bit unpredictable. I often won’t know until later in the day whether I need to head to the studio, so things tend to keep me on my toes.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
I live in West London, and one of my favourite spots is Shuili in Twickenham, an incredible Indian restaurant my wife also loves. The chef has a Michelin star, and honestly, it serves the best curry I’ve ever had. This weekend, I’m also planning to catch up with a friend over Thai food at Torthai in Chiswick. As you can probably tell, I’m a huge fan of a good curry.
How about a little leisure or culture?
As a jazz lover and musician, Ronnie Scott’s is always my top choice for live music in town. The 606 Club also has a great underground vibe. One of my all-time favourite gigs at Ronnie’s was quite a while ago when I saw the legendary Elvin Jones, who was most famously the drummer from John Coltrane’s quartet. More recently, I’ve caught Ezra Collective a few times — they’re an incredible band and always deliver an amazing live performance. I’ve worked with them a lot, and they never disappoint on stage.
Any weekend getaways?
I recently spent some time in Stadhampton at The Crazy Bear, which my wife booked. I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be a really cool experience. The place has so much charm and character; it’s so unique, with a sense of eccentricity in the design that somehow works to create a really cosy, lavish vibe. One of the highlights of the visit was definitely the chocolate crème brûlée — thinking about it’s making me hungry.
What was your last great vacation?
I visited Ghana in January and stayed at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, which is right in the centre of the main district. The country has such a rich history and culture that made the whole experience unforgettable. One of the highlights was meeting some local musicians whose sounds blend traditional Ghanaian rhythms with a more modern sound. I also checked out some of the local landmarks, like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and visited Makola Market, where you can get all sorts of street food such as jollof rice and banku. I tried chinchinga for the first time, which is a grilled meat with a spicy pepper sauce. Delicious!
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I’m currently learning to play the arpeggione, a rare instrument invented in the early 1900s that quickly went out of fashion. You don’t see many of them these days. I purchased mine from a Russian luthier called Aleksandr, one of the few people still making them. The instrument has frets like a guitar, which makes it a bit easier for me to handle, but it's tuned like a cello and played with a bow. The bowing technique has been a real challenge, and it’s definitely been humbling. I’ll get there.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Wunjo Guitars on Denmark Street. They have a huge selection of new and vintage guitars, and the repair service is top-notch. They also carry amps and pretty much anything else a guitarist would need.