Connect [Audio CD] FARINA,MARK

Perennial house DJ and Mushroom Jazz-man Mark Farina has been there and done it all in his long career, so it's no surprise that Connect shows off a master's dexterity with sounds, beats, and the importance of a well-timed sample. The record lands headfirst with Latin Impressions' "Boca De Bon Do Neon," which showcases the accordion, surely a house first. Hypnotic tracks flow forth effortlessly, and while the beats remain largely static, Farina's diverse sonic embellishments--garbled voices, pitched-down kazoos, smoking saxophones, and a regal command to "get on down and par-tay!"--keep the disc fresh. Throughout, Connect never loses it organic, mellow jazz mood, burning slow before your Saturday night really kicks in. --Ken Micallef