ROLI’s Expressive Arsenal: Jazz Reimagining with Piano and Airwave

A key focus of the session is the reharmonization of the original pop progression. Rashaan breaks down the process, moving from the straightforward, blocky chords typical of pop into richer, more complex jazz voicings. He explains how jazz musicians often add extensions and color tones, making the harmony more extravagant and nuanced compared to the major/minor simplicity of the source material.

This transformation is not just theoretical—Rashaan demonstrates it in real time, accidentally landing on a reharm that introduces a flattened seventh, a move more common in neo-soul and R&B but equally at home in jazz. The video highlights how the ROLI Piano’s interface supports this kind of harmonic exploration, encouraging experimentation and quick iteration without menu-diving or technical friction.

With the new chord structure in place, Rashaan moves to recording layers, starting with a bass part that adds depth and groove to the arrangement. The workflow here is fluid—recording, reviewing, and stacking parts with minimal interruption, a nod to the integrated nature of ROLI’s hardware and software ecosystem. The ability to quickly switch roles (from keys to bass to soloist) is a clear advantage for musicians who value momentum in the creative process.

The introduction of the Airwave marks a pivot to expressive soloing. Rashaan highlights the instrument’s blend of modulation, pitch bends, glides, and filtering, all accessible through its touch-responsive interface. This section is where ROLI’s “5D touch” philosophy comes alive, as the Airwave’s surface translates nuanced gestures into dynamic, evolving sound. The workflow supports spontaneous improvisation, with Rashaan able to shape phrases in real time without being boxed in by traditional keyboard mechanics.

Throughout, the layering process is both musical and architectural: each new element is considered for its emotional and textural contribution. The video subtly demonstrates how ROLI’s instruments facilitate this kind of additive, exploratory workflow, making them well-suited for both studio experimentation and live performance contexts.