Tim Deluxe-The Radicle: Album Review

Tim Deluxe has given us a good dose of “Jazztronica” with his latest Strictly Rhythm release ‘The Radicle.’ Recuiting jazz musicians: Jim Mullen (guitar); Rod Youngs; Enzo Zirilli (drums); Pete Wareham (sax); Jay Phelps (trumpet); John Donaldson (piano) and Ben Hazleton (bass) all feature on the 10 track ode to the Giants of Jazz.

Fusing jazz with electronica is nothing new. We all know that and there is certainly no shortage of “Jazztronica” recordings out there. But, what happens when you actually take a some very talented musicians playing acoustic and electric instruments in a live setting and create something fresh? Deluxe shows how to do this expertly. The feel and vibe of ‘The Radicle’ is what “Jazztronica” and “Acid Jazz” should sound like. Swinging instrumentation above shuffling dance beats and lush soundscapes. Similar, yet different, of what you would hear from the likes of Ronny Jordan, James Taylor Quartet, and St. Germain, all very fine contemporaries to be compared with. What Deluxe brings with his new album that stands above most “Jazztronica” and “Acid Jazz” currently being released, is the how the usage of electronic beats and soundscapes integrates in the song, while keeping the jazz out front. It is a unique quality in the genre.

What is happening on the album is pretty cool. Live jazz improvisation on most of the traditional instruments, spoken word vocal performances, skillfully placed electronica in background keeping the jazz out front. Deluxe and company invoke Miles Davis’ signature trumpet sound on several tracks, plus swinging guitar, rhythm section of piano, bass and drums. As the minutes go by, Deluxe reinvents Miles’ ‘classic ‘So What’ with guitar and lightning quick drums out front and a frenetic bass walk. Interestingly, the famous trumpet line features subtly in the background and interfaces with vocals and single note keyboard sound. Well done. Another track to pay attention to is ‘Shanti.’ It is beautifully constructed with Indian styled vocals, searing saxophone solos, vibraphones, deep bass, violin, and piano. Get it here.

—Leo Weaver

The Radicle

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