igaxx, dj dreamboy, jarren, hanna, zopelar: the jazz avengers
Francisco Espregueira
Last week the tasteful people from the Vibes & Pepper imprint presented a superb compilation entitled The Jazz Avengers, featuring Igaxx, DJ Dreamboy, Jarren, Hanna, and Zopelar. This five-track collection showcases elegance in different approaches to deep, moody and modern-funk-jazz electronic music, focusing (successfully) more on atmosphere and feeling than on overt concepts.
On Side A, Igaxx and DJ Dreamboy recipes move at similar tempos. The two tracks, while sharing a similar tempo, explore different sonic territories. The former track leans towards a more atmospheric and melodic approach, incorporating elements of cowbell and pads, while the latter focuses on a raw and energetic groove. Driving us hard through his usual funky moods, Jarren's "Summertime In The 323" adds a touch of surrealism with his trademark sound design. Opening up Side B, Hanna's "Prayin'" offers a soulful and introspective moment, the type he delivered so many times. Again, over and over, with immense taste - a true master at work. Closing up, one of guys of the moment: Pedro Zopelar’s infinite pockets for musical tricks and surprises produces an irresistible blend of raw drums and deep chords. The type that could play indefinitely through the night.
We don’t like to say it like this, but if you’re into the high standards of electronic music, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something here. We can speak about ourselves, ‘tho: this is a must-listen for us, and a mandatory record from 2024. To play and replay. Available on vinyl.