Compost Records have written the book on electronic jazz sounds with their compilation series, Future Sounds of Jazz. When I dropped the latest volume into my digital library it landed with a massive sound on my ears. In years past, the volumes have maintained a sense of subdued, downbeat rhythm, but now, we find the assortment of tracks within the pages of this tome include more uptempo, minimal-inspired, dance beats. However, fear not my friend, there is definitely nothing to worry about because Compost delivers more of the same quality storyline we have come to expect from this compilation series.

1. Joash "Salome"
2. Koop "Drum Rhythm A (drumlesson mix by Christian Prommer)"
3. Solomun & Stimming "Eiszauber"
4. Yannah Valdevit "Superlight"
5. James Din A4 "Mit 66 Jahren"
6. Zeynap Erbay "Flowers"
7. The Invisible Session "Till The End (Panoptikum 2007 remix)"
8. No Theory "Strictly Instrumental"
9. Wojtek Urbanski "Violet Violin (Maximillian Skiba remix)"
10. Dennis Ferrer "Son of Raw"
11. Blackjoy "Moustache (Prins Thomas diskomiks)"
12. 400 Blows "Movin (special extended club remix)"

Michael Reinboth is the founder and owner of Compost Records as well as the creative force behind such acts as Beanfield. He is also the creative force behind this series who hand picks the artists for each Future Sound of Jazz compilation. It all began back in 1995 with the first installment, and Reinboth continues to keep the sound and art work on the cover of every release fresh. On Volume 11, he doesn't disappoint, assembling up and coming artists from many different corners of the world.

This successful German record label always manages to gather your attention with the artists it showcases on the Future Sounds of Jazz. For the introduction it begins with Joash's creation, "Salome." Joash is a British producer who has created a masterful nujazz sound on "Salome" with a string arrangement, backed by solid percussion and sweet vibes. It's a great way to get your ears tuned for the eleven performances to follow.

"Eiszauber" is a dual production from Solomun & Stimming. Both have been busy recording in Germany. Solomun has released material on the neighboring label, Sonar Kollektiv, while Stimming records on Diynamic. Together, they have built a soft-house sound on "Eiszauber" with playful vibes and keyboards.

We leave Germany and jump the border to Stockholm with Koop. Koop travels the musical spectrum with their sound that incorporates snippets of jazz sampled from different periods. On "Drum Rhythm A," Koop change the style with a Latin sound that uses a high beat rhythm with some world sounds that mold and transform this track nicely.

Zeynep Erbay resides in Istanbul where she runs a weekly radio show called "Moodland." She has developed her own discriminating taste through weekly selections that undoubtedly spill over into her own creations. On "Flowers," she delivers an electro-glitch trip that travels brilliantly with its soft, interesting use of programming.

This is just a sample of the variety of different styles that have been collected on Volume 11 that includes a total of 12 artists providing a glimpse at futuristic electronic music where jazz is the dominate influence and house beats are the base medium. Each artist provides their own vision that is worth a listen, but don't take my word for it.

~ Chris Lindsey

Add a Comment