Âme – Coast 2 Coast (2007)

Aug 22, 2010 by Mr. Nau This collection of tech house tracks features two disks, one of them a continuously mixed DJ set with a few strange voiceovers and samples, and the other an unmixed DJ-friendly disk with the same tracks. The music here is spaced out and hypnotic, a solid group of bumping gems. […]

Eddie Amador – ICU Session, Volume 2 (1999)

Aug 21, 2010 by Mr. Nau In this DJ set from 1999, Eddie Amador puts together a relaxed mix of funky house music grooves, including a few vocal tracks. Some of the transitions here are a little abrupt and some of the remixes are dated, but this collection is a nice background for driving or […]

Donald Glaude – Mixed Live: Buzz @ Nation (2001)

Aug 21, 2010 by Mr. Nau Donald Glaude thumps uptempo house grooves through the speakers at a Washington, DC, night club in this fun set from Moonshine Music from 2001. The tracks here are mostly funky house music at 132 bpm with plenty of backspins and other mixer tricks thrown in to excite the cheering […]

Pepper Adams – Encounter! (1968)

Mar 15, 2010 by Mr. Nau On this beautiful hard bop album from 1968, baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams plays a number of originals, obscure jazz charts, and standards. He’s joined by Tommy Flanagan, Zoot Sims, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones. The music here is thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully played, and accessible even to people new to […]

Miles Davis – Bags’ Groove (1954)

Mar 15, 2010 by Mr. Nau Miles Davis leads a breathtaking ensemble in this set of dates from 1954. With Sonny Rollins (tenor saxophone), Horace Silver (piano), and three members of the Modern Jazz Quartet, this set of five songs is a superb example of tight improvisation and effortless musical chemistry between these astonishing jazz […]

Oliver Koletzki – Großstadtmärchen (2009)

Mar 15, 2010 by Mr. Nau In this sophomore effort (Urban Fairy Tales in English) by Berlin-based house music producer, Oliver Koletzki, funky basslines, beautiful arrangements, soaring vocals in German and English, and laid-back rhythms create a compelling musical journey. These minimal house grooves vary in tempo and make for a very interesting experience. Grade: […]

The Modernist – Explosion (1999)

Jan 22, 2010 by Mr. Nau The Modernist blends minimal German techno with electro house in this set of thirteen tracks from 1999. With solid dancefloor appeal, this would hold its own mixed into a DJ set with music a decade newer. For a nice understated album of good grooves, this solid set delivers the […]

Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage (1965)

Jan 11, 2010 by Mr. Nau Herbie Hancock leads a wonderful quintet in this spectacular album that incorporates modal jazz, luscious melodic composition, and incredible solo work. The interplay between the musicians, particularly Hancock on piano, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, and George Coleman on tenor saxophone, makes this set of five original charts an unforgettable […]

Antonio Carlos Jobim – Live at Minas (2006)

Aug 10, 2009 by Mr. Nau The legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim takes the stage to sing his songs and play the piano in this wonderful 1981 live recording. Interrupted occasionally by his introductions of his songs in Portuguese, the music here is warm and displays the songwriting talent of a truly original voice in music […]

The Best of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet with Chet Baker (1991)

May 08, 2009 by Mr. Nau Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker anchor a pianoless quartet in this collection of tracks from various recording sessions from the early 50s. With the pair tackling a number of familiar standards and a few original charts, this laid-back straight-ahead West Coast jazz record is an mellow, entertaining listen. Grade: […]

« go back — keep looking »