Outside's The Rough and the Smooth has to be one of the best crafted
albums in recent years. I've had it over a year and each time I listen to
it I have to hear it all. The mix of soulful jazzy melodies and (relatively)
hard beats are great. I saw Outside at a recent Giant Step and they have
moved toward the abstract jazz/ambient dub side of things with great
results. Whatever Matt Cooper produces has real staying power.
I'm not sure if compilation albums are in the same league, but the Giant Step
compilation released by verve/fffr has some classic recordings from a few
years back. It starts out with Marine Girault's unforgettable Revival from the
Opaz Studios followed by Galliano's Prince of Peace. Forget BNH - this should
be your introduction to 'acid jazz'. There is hardly a weak song on the album
(with the exeption of Paul Weller's effort - I never got used to him). This
is THE best collection of songs on a compilation I have seen yet.
bijan
pesaran@bell-labs.com