1. Outside: The Rough and the Smooth - Excellent level of musicianship
throughout. Matt Cooper is definitely one of the geniuses currently on the
aj scene, IMHO. The disc ranges from some very jazzy cuts (check Moodswing
w/ a phat double bass-line) to jungly drum&bass influenced grooves (esp.
To Forgive But Not Forget, with its plaintive Eastern-European-sounding
violin lead). Anothe solid offering from Dorado.
Grade A
2. The Mighty Bop: La Vague Sensorielle - A sparse, futuristic groove that
has been growing on me steadily since I bought it. Definitely a producer's
record - it has a sophisicated studio sensibility that mixes ambient,
abstract hip-hop, with some well-placed beats and scratches.
Grade B+
3. DJ Food: A Recipe For Disaster - Moore and Black never cease to amaze me
with the ease with which they seem churn out very pleasing material under
their various aliases. Even on this one album they exhibit a broad range of
styles ranging from funky breaks (Mr. Quickie Cuts the Cheese), jungle
(Fungle Junk), atmospheric (Half Step), to pure fuckit up on the tables
scratches and loops (Scrath Yer Hed). As usual, the beats are infectious,
the melodies simple yet engaging, the instumentation fresh and varied.
These guys have become one of the few sources that I don't even bother
listening to before making a purchase because I find them to be so
consistent (Ballistic Bro's are in this category for me as well).
Grade A
4. Groovin' High volume 1 (comp) - In the tradition of the "Rebirth"
series, this comp on Stepping Stone/Sonic Images provide an excellent
introduction to the variety of music currently being categorized as acid
jazz. I includes artists from 7 or 8 different counties, is consistently
danceable, and includes some well written liner notes. Definitely a strong
sampler for someone just getting into the genre as well as for something to
throw on at a house (the location, not the musical style) party.
Grade B+
Keep it bumpin!
Peace,
ek