V7 Future Sounds Of Jazz [Audio CD] Various

Germany's Compost Records have been reinventing jazz for the best part of the last decade. The Munich-based label has been instrumental in the development of what's becoming known as "nu-jazz"--a dancefloor-orientated hybrid of breakbeat, jazz and house. The label's Future Sounds of Jazz compilations have played an important role, too, giving underground dance artists the opportunity to experiment with traditional jazz sounds. Volume 7 is no exception, with artists such as Peter Kruder, Burnt Friedman, AtJazz and the Amalgamation of Soundz turning their attentions to nu-jazz, often with startling results. The majority choose to take the jazz-breaks route, lacing deep keys and subtle horns over frantic breakbeats and loping double bass. The deep house contingent do themselves proud, too, with Solar House's tribal "Universal Part 1" standing out. If Future Sound Of Jazz Vol.7 proves anything, it's that nu-jazz is one of the most vibrant and exciting new genres of the 21st century.--Matt Anniss