Brokenbeat / Nu Jazz Recommendations October 2011

Review: For the open-minded and soul-inclined, Gilles Peterson's periodic Brownswood Bubblers compilations have always been essential listening. Peterson has long held a deserved reputation as an impressive selector, and the Brownswood Bubblers sets - full to bursting with brand new cuts from new or little-known producers - are rarely less than deliciously diverse. This seventh selection is just as essential as its predecessors, featuring as it does a brilliant mix of lazy Latin grooves, simmering jazz, folksy whimsy and acoustic soul. Highlights are plentiful, but look out for Jesse Boykins' impeccable R&B, Jon Phonics' authentic 80s boogie and Simon 'Basement Jaxx' Ratcliffe's brilliantly bonkers "Mindset".

Review: Veteran German crew Jazzanova are the latest production outfit to curate an instalment in Stereo Deluxe's long-running Coming Home series. As with the previous editions, there's no mixing, just an enjoyable selection of tracks hand-picked for home listening by the Berlin-based six-piece. Given Jazzanova's multitude of influences, it's no surprise to find an eclectic mix of genres and artists on display, from the dewy eyed experimentalism of Arthur Russell and hip-hop soul of the Roots to Jamie Cullum's smoky jazz and Joyce's sunny samba grooves. Throw in some vintage disco (John Davis), sweet modern soul (Daz-I-Kue) and hip-hop wonk (Flying Lotus), and you have a thrillingly varied and deliciously well thought-out compilation.

Review: Japanese group Quasimode are rightly lauded by the world's jazz and electronic music cognoscenti, with their productions flitting elegantly between the two genres. For their third release on Japanese label Flower, the foursome present the Hi Tech Jazz EP. "Hi Tech Jazz", as you may have guessed, is a cover version of one of the finest tracks in the Underground Resistance back catalogue, bobbing along with jazzy piano keys, swooning saxophone solos and an undisputable sophistication. Once we flip over, "Seven Colors" featuring Kazufumi Kodama brings a hint of the electronic with a dub tinged rhythm in its pallet to showcase why Quasimodo are so highly regarded.