Acemoma A Future (2021)

Future Sounds of Jazz, Vol. 7 combines smooth jazz layered with progressive drum'n'bass, equally pleasing for dancing or intense listening. This release from the German Compost label includes Universal Principles, Stephane A, Peter Kruder, The Amalgamation of Soundz, Bonobo.

For better or worse, Germany's Compost Records has been the benchmark and barometer for measuring the state of downtempo/chillout. While trends in downtempo music have altered and evolved since the inaugural installment of the Future Sounds of Jazz series, one thing has remained consistent: the series has provided quality compilations featuring some of electronic music's most respected downtempo producers alongside up-and-coming talent. This tenth installment, mixed carefully by label owner Michael Reinboth and labelmates Beanfield, features the same high-quality acid jazz, downtempo, and drum'n'bass that devotees of the label have come to expect from the series. Contributions from minimal techno maestro Ricardo Villalobos and jazz legend Cal Tjader (remixed ably by Reinboth)…

Welcome to the eleventh chapter of this exquisite compilation series that was launched wayback in 1995. The longevity may be the most obvious proof for its success - and quality! Not for nothing in the past years Future Sounds Of Jazz has been voted repeatedly one of the best compilation series of all times in English and German music magazines like Mixmag, Jockey Slot and Groove. But instead of being misled to rest on his laurels Mr. Reinboth is only incited to update his track record.
Anyway, a lot of great soulful electronic music out there at the moment and this package right here takes you on a diversified trip into the deeper spheres of advanced dance music…

The Future Sounds of Jazz series continues to bring forth the best that nu-jazz and downtempo has to offer. Volume 8 happens to be one of the strongest installments of the series, presenting a variety of styles, from bossa rhythms to gentle house and spoken word. Includes exclusive tracks & previously unreleased tracks.

If this compilation is any real indication, the future sound of jazz consists of mellow vocals, dreamy electric piano, and programmed rhythms. Okay, it's more varied than that, but if you listen to "Keep You Kimi" and "Leave Me Now," two of the first three cuts from this disc, you'd be forgiven for thinking there was a formula. The Foremost Poets up the energy a bit, bringing up bits of hip-hop - they actually sound like Herb Alpert fronted by an R&B/hip-hop mix. Their lyrics, however, certainly need some work. Joseph Malik's track has as much to do with the chill-out room as nu-jazz, while Triplane offer a largely percussive workout. In fact, the second half of the album tilts heavily toward electronica - Dntel's "Anywhere Anyone" has very little to do with jazz by any normal definition, although Monassa right the balance just a tad…

Killer thirteen-song album that builds on the influences of feel good Southern Rock royalty. It recalls and refreshes the boogie licks and anthemic riffs of the genre, with Riley Couzzourt and Logan Tolbert's twin guitar attack driving everything.

With his riveting performance in the inaugural Sequesterfest online festival in April 2020, Ken Vandermark inspired the Black Cross Solo Sessions. Already in the early days of lockdown, making good on the promise – or threat – of protracted off-road time, Vandermark had dedicated himself to the creation of a new book of works for solo reed instruments, which he debuted that day. The result of this watershed moment for the Chicago-based improvisor and composer was a body of works that reassert his seriousness and test his ability to reflect and reevaluate. The compositions, which are platforms for invention, are dealt with in relatively economical, almost stripped-down fashion, ringing with a kind of bell-like clarity and focus. Most tracks are on the shorter side, straight to the point, featuring the rippling intensity that is a Vandermark hallmark, but with an altogether reborn sense of purpose.