---DJ Sensei: Crescendo - The Dark Side of Funk
Another great CD on IRMA... I'm quickly becomming hooked on this record label. This album is 22 tracks of mainly breakbeat 'stuff' with a couple interludes. Despite the name, the album is fairly playful especially in its use of samples. Mostly midtempo stuff, though I think the sticker said file under trip hop. Favourite track is 'Sensei's Theme' which combines some fine beats and an ultra cheesy synth line. As far as the whole album goes, I would draw comparison to The Herbaliser's 'Remedies'. Repetitive music for beatheads.
---Roy Ayers Ubiquity - Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival
This Verve release has been on my cds-to-buy list since it was first reissued earlier this year. The CD reissue features 4 tracks that were not on the original release and is an absolute must for Ayers fans or anyone looking for the 'roots of acid jazz'. Favourite tracks include an excellent cover of Miles' 'In A Silent Way', 'Move To Groove', 'Sketches in Red, Yellow, Brown, Black and White', and 'Your Cup Of Tea'. The other half of the album is just as good. :-) Don't be put off by the closing track 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head', this cover is very spacey. The whole album should appeal to fans of Miles's In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew, but most acid jazz fans should also find a bit of what they're looking for on this record.
---Plunge - Falling With Grace
A great acoustic outing by a quartet made up of trombone/tuba/bass/drums, this CD is one of my fave recent sample-free purchases. All the tunes have great groove driven forward by the double basslines of the bass and the tuba and solidied by the excellent work of bob moses on the drums. Standout track is the ulra funky 'Beneath The Wheel', totally dig the intro... as far as the rest, they're all good. Overall the album has a very warm jazz-funk sound that's guaranteed to get some part of your body moving after just a short listen. A must for anyone who prefers the 'live' acid jazz thing. (This one is on Accurate records)
---Anyway, that's all for now, everybody have a great holiday season.
peace, Jakub.
"i can't dig that two-beat jive the new orleans cats play; cause my boys and i got to have four heavy beats to a bar and no cheatin'" - count basie