Berlin-based producer/DJ outfit Jazzanova has departed from its electronica roots to venture into the realm of nu-jazz, soul and bossa nova with the release of its latest album, “Of All The Things.”
Upon brief audio perusing, listeners quickly realize these Germans don’t mess around. The production and minimal sampling are pristine, which is to be expected of these dukes of dance music. But it soon becomes evident that their arranging and composing skills are also something to be reckoned with. Soulfully-soaring vocal harmonies and heart-wrenching string passages accentuate the emotional power of each tune.
As if that wasn’t enough, the respect commanded by the group seems to have attracted a slew of stars from the jazz/Brazilian/soul world to bring to the mix.
The Raleigh, N.C.-based rapper Phonte (Little Brother, Foreign Exchange) leaves an indelible mark on the album through his lush R&B flavor. While the first track, “Look What You’re Doin’ To Me,” features Phonte’s more melodious style of singing, “So Far From Home” embodies his magical rhyming style over a heavily sampled wall of hip-hop.
Lending samples to the aforementioned tune, “Let Me Show Ya” sounds like an ecstatic blend of Marvin Gaye and the “Shaft” movie orchestra. Featuring vocalist Paul Randolph (Innerzone Orchestra), the song features a full orchestra complete with strings, wind instruments, a slick choir and a vibraphone.
Jazzanova keeps the 70s funk vibe going strong with the next track “I Can See,” by incorporating another formidable R&B vocalist, Ben Westbeech of London-fame. Though primarily a DJ, Westbeech’s Cee-Lo-ish vocal timbre and talent show why he quickly garnered the attention of Giles Peterson (BBC Radio 1).
The late-Beatles-esque “Lie” takes the listener through a bouncy ride via the vehicle of Thief’s breathy vocal stylings. Through the incorporation of strings and quarter-note-heavy rhythms, Thief is given the freedom to paint a mural with his soothingly-simple voice.
The real tear-jerker of the album comes in the form of “Little Bird,” featuring José James. The sweeping cries of the strings and pleas of the vocalist ebb and flow wonderfully as James sings of one day hoping to “fly into the sun one day with (his) cherished one.” The somber chorale at the end of the track shows a mature decision on the part of arranger Stefan Leisering.
The breezy 3/4-time “Morning Scapes” features a virtuosic flute solo thanks to Magnus Lindgren and passionate musings on the part of vocalist Bembe Segue whose vocal style embodies Latin club house. It’s refreshing to hear her out of her element and not through a series of synthesizers.
Other gems dot the album including an up-tempo Brazilian diddy titled “Gafiera,” and an interesting funk ballad cover called “Dial A Cliché” by Morrissey, which features the heavy-hearted serenading of Paul Randolph. Truly moving and cleverly orchestrated, the climax of the song is the perfect treat to wrap up the album.
This German sextet has taken a huge chance on something that the general public would likely be averse to checking out, but the gamble has paid off as Jazzanova put out one of the best albums of 2008.
Grade: A+
Download (don’t steal): “Dial A Cliché” by Steven Patrick Morrissey as performed by Jazzanova featuring Paul Randolph.