In Between [Audio CD] JAZZANOVA

Product Description Out-of-print in the US. Highly anticipated debut album from the six-man DJ/producer collective known as Jazzanova. In Between features Philly neo-soul artist Vikter Duplaix, poet Ursula Rucker, MC 900 Ft. Jesus rapper Hawkeye Fanatic, Detroit jazz legend Doug Hammond and a host of others. 2002. In Between is an apposite title for a Jazzanova LP: if there's one thing we've learned about this six-man team from Berlin since they emerged on the scene five years ago, its that their music occupies those nether regions that exist between and beyond established genres. This debut has taken a while to arrive and follows a modest amount of original productions and a plethora of remixes (check Remixes 1996-2000 for a comprehensive view). Ostensibly, it's been worth the wait. In Between is exactly what you'd expect from Jazzanova, a collection of soulful, funky records, old at heart but updated with a modern dancefloor twist. From the opening salvo--a neatly segueing blend of intro "Something's Missing" and first track "L.O.V.E And You And I"--it's obvious we're about to hear an exercise in quality control and style-straddling dynamics. Jazz and soul and hip-hop nuzzle cosily into bed together via samples and live bass and vibes, making a classy and typical future/retro hybrid. The LP continues in the same sophisticated and sassy manner, with different vibes flowing mellifluously together to make swirling, quasi-nebulous phuture soul. Live players merge with computers, rappers (Capitol A, Hawkeye Phanatic), poets (surprise, surprise it's Ursula Rucker), singers (Clara Hill, Vikter Duplaix, Valerie Etienne, Doug Hammond, Desney Bailey) to make a warm, organic album, shot through with intricate programming and well-arranged songs. In Between isn't quite a modern classic but it is brilliant--which still isn't bad for a first outing.-- Paul Sullivan