Three DJs/multi-instrumentalists celebrate their long standing love of jazz hip-hop fusion with 9 tracks of spiritual beats/vocal jazz. Selections played include two Pharaoh Sanders cuts played with reverence and simplicity, pianist and bandleader Mark de Clive-Lowes track “Bushido” and several originals that showcase each members chops well and sound like the band has been performing together for years. I have been a Shigeto fan for years, and his playing here is immense with strong influence from sampling and a subtle jazz fusion slant that’s reminiscent of Malcolm Catto. The other two, vocalist/flutist/rapper and Melanie Charles and dj/producer/pianist Mark de Clive-Lowe, are new names to me but are clearly experienced, creative players and songwriters with a love for the material that comes through immediately.

This album is walks the line between a future forward fusion, retro jazz-funk vibes, and timeless instant-classic hip-hop beats. It’s spiritual, it’s groovy, it’s fun. I expect to spend a lot of time with it this summer. Don’t miss it.