waajeed: memoirs of high-tech jazz
Francisco Espregueira
Detroit-native Waajeed is one of those special producers that makes the city’s music so appreciated by so many different sectors of the independent music scene worldwide. His new album, Memoirs of High-Tech Jazz is a work of art for present times and future times, inspired by the unique heritage of Detroit and the revolutionary efforts against oppressive hegemonies in his city, and in Black locales around the world. Comprised by 12 tracks, the record ends up being a mesmerizing sound score that evoques that resistance.
Memoirs of High-Tech Jazz also celebrates Black leisure and play; mundane joys, moments of groove, peace in sound and contemplation. Timed perfectly to match the duration of a round trip drive from Underground Music Academy in the North End, to Detroit’s island park, Belle Isle, the album can be best experienced in while driving. From work, from struggle, from constriction to where all that Detroit good music is. Available on vinyl, courtesy of Tresor Records, Memoirs of Hi-Tech Jazz embodies feelings like this, becoming an essential record for electronic/deep house music in 2022. Waajed is the master, driving us through Detroit.