Mr. Scruff, Manchester’s Andy Carthy, is an eclectic chap who makes his own tea and stays true to a love of all things quality. However, don’t mistake quality for a lack of quirkiness. On all of his albums, and his most recent – “Ninja Tuna” – Mr. Scruff takes us on another trippy, fun, expansive, and quality journey.

1. Test The Sound
2. Music Takes Me Up
3. Donkey Ride
4. Hairy Bumpercress
5. Whiplash
6. Nice Up The Function
7. Bang The Floor
8. Get On Down
9. Hold On
10. Give Up To Get
11. Kalimba
12. This Way
13. Stockport Carnival

“Ninja Tuna” is Mr. Scruff’s fourth, and most recent, demonstration of a unique approach to DJing and producing. Combining jazz, funk, dub, trip-hop, dancehall and even adding a dash of calypso, Mr. Scruff brings another album that wanders through several different genres while captivating listeners. This is an album for anyone who enjoys quality, structured music – the dancehall addict can groove all night while the lounge cat sips martinis and the homebody chills on the porch. Anything goes with “Ninja Tuna.”

This distinctly British album is a departure from the sample-based tracks Mr. Scruff started with. “Ninja Tuna” uses more synthesizers and production, while maintaining the feeling of breaks to keep it interesting. “Test the Sound” kicks the album off with true trip-hop bass beats and electronic accents. The track cruises through hip-hop vocals and sets us up for tracks to come. “Music Takes Me Up” is a tune some may instantly fall in love with. For those who respond to stories, “Music Takes Me Up” tells a loose tale of what music does for Alice Russell, the crooner who layers her vocals over Mr. Scruff’s high-hat drums and introspective piano.

These two tracks introduce listeners to the foundation of Mr. Scruff’s beats, and the rest of the album maintains this foundation while wandering through other genres. “Donkey Ride” has a hint of calypso, jazz piano and funk guitar. Interestingly, once you hear this track, you understand why Mr. Scruff calls this particular one “cartoonish tail-swishing.” Another great track, “Hairy Bumpercress,” catches the attention with the title, and then brings it to life. “Hairy” may be a psychedelic jazz pianist, because the track starts with jazzy piano that morphs into a dancehall synth that pushes the vibe and gets the jazz club on their feet.

Mr. Scruff shows his affection for dub and funk on “Nice Up the Function” and “Give Up to Get,” respectively. Roots Manuva contributes vocals to “Nice Up,” creating an underground dub track with a trip-hop groove driving it all the way. And “Give Up to Get” belongs in the American 1970’s, when funk ruled and party-goers let the atmosphere sway them every which way.

Mr. Scruff creates a quality listening experience throughout “Ninja Tuna” while keeping it light and helping listeners take it easy.

~ Erik Dawson

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