Haley Heynderickx, courtesy Evan Benally Atwood

This week’s edition features swampy folk from Haley Heynderickx, autumnal funk from Cymande, a soulful ode to San Francisco by one-time resident Ayoni, funky pop by Isabella&Sebastian, alt-rock from Greet Death, West African jazz from Ebo Taylor and friends, and some nostalgic dance music by Oklou and underscores.

Haley Heynderickx, “Gemini” — “Gemini” is the third single from Haley Heynderickx’s sophomore album, Seed of a Seed. The swampy blues sound from the guitar sets the scene for her rambling lyrics. They lead to spiraling-sounding strings. Heynderickx comes back in with a little more control, while the bow draws on the strings keep that spiraling sound going underneath her vocals.

The whole song comes down to a gentle pause, which leads into dreamy instrumentals taking you away. “Gemini” brings the blues and folk together in a satisfying way. The thought-provoking lyrics add depth. The start is full of anxiety, but the song ends in peace. This is Haley Heynderickx first Tuesday Tracks appearance since 2018.

Cymande, “Chasing An Empty Dream” — Cymande brings its classic British funk back to the modern scene. The song is from the group’s first album in 40 years, Renascence. It begins with a wet, grimy bass line that transitions into a fat, funk-filled sound. A conga groove joins in to balance out the soulful vocals. Smooth accenting guitar licks, strings and brass create the layers of sound that make up this song. That emotion of the arrangement is mirrored by the poignant lyrics.

Cymande plays August Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 26.

Ayoni, “San Francisco” — Born in Barbados, Ayoni Thompson is a world citizen, having lived in Singapore, Indonesia and—obviously—in San Francisco. She’s down in L.A. now, but our City by the Bay clearly left an impression.

Her first single with Def Jam, “San Francisco” is a love letter and a farewell of sorts. Ayoni’s voice is expressive as the remorse and gratitude seep out both in her voice and the lyrics. The driving kick drum, soft guitar chords and background vocals build up the heartwarming song, which highlights the impact a relationship between a person and a place can have.

The warm-toned video is full of the places you’ll recognize; not just the touristy places like the Painted Ladies but everyday haunts like the Mission, Dolores Park and lounging in the grass in front of the Palace of Fine Arts. Both the video and song are personal, but also serve as a picturesque retort to the next person (who’s never been here) who complains about crime or the unhoused.

Isabella&Sebastian, “Jellyfruit” — Isabella DeFir is 19 and Sebastian Stephens just 12! The song has no right being this good; the duo is doing for pop what the Linda Lindas did for punk. Over a funky bass line and twinkling, jazzy piano strains, DeFir sings about someone who “doesn’t satisfy my sweet tooth,” reaching a breaking point with the toxic behavior of a partner. “Artificial sweetener just doesn’t do it for me like it use to,” she adds. That’s surrounded by funk guitar jabs that sound a bit like Nile Rodgers of Chic, but without sliding into disco, and a hi-hat-heavy beat.

Greet Death, “Same But Different Now” — Michiganders Greet Death blended post-punk with jangle pop on this new tune, layering hazy vocals on top of it all. “Same But Different Now” gets heavier as it goes along, adding elements of shoe gaze into the cauldron that swells toward a crashing finish.

Greet Death will be stopping in San Francisco for a show at Cafe Du Nord on Dec. 9.

Ebo Taylor, Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammed, “Feeling” — Ghanaian guitarist and composer Ebo Taylor met producer Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest at their Jazz is Dead tour in 2022. This meeting blessed us with an unexpected, yet wonderful collaboration. The trio made an album and “Feeling” is the latest single.

This jazzy song is Taylor’s tribute to love. The soon to be 90-year-old lets his voice shine over a syncopated beat, horn melodies and pulsing organ. All of it is predictably full of “feeling.” Taylor will also be coming to play The UC Theater in Berkeley May 12.

Oklou and underscores, “harvest sky” — French producer Oklou (Marylou Mayniel) teams up with Bay Area native April Grey, who makes music as underscores, for this song. It starts with angelic, airy vocals over a trance beat and build into a massive anthem. The song has a nostalgic sound reminiscent of electronica from two decades past. Oklou will be hitting the road early next year, ending a tour at the Independent on March 29.

Peter’s Pick: The feel and sound of “Gemini” by Haley Heynderickx really struck me. Her folky vocals and blues guitar mix so well, along with her well-crafted lyrics.