Kings of Jazz documents Jazz pre and post the 90’ies on 2 discs. Giles Peterson takes on the responsibility of the older offerings, and Jazzanova tackle the more modern plastic. Disc 1 works its way through gems such as Bill Evans ‘Peace Piece’, Coltrane’s ‘Equinox’ and Rashaan Roland Kirk's ‘Spirits up Above’. Disc 2 is equally as interesting, and boasts some special rhythms such as 4 Hero’s ‘Spirits in transit’ which combines a traditional feel amongst a modern innovative arrangement. ‘Inner City Life’ offers more of the same, and Goldie’s classic gets remixed on an extremely Jazzy tip. Other tracks worth a listen are Two Banks of Four’s ‘One Day’, The Matthew Herbert Big Band ‘Everything’s Changed’ and for those in search of something a little more lively Bembe Segue's ‘Mother of the future’ Kings of Jazz definitely succeeds in its goal to educate the listener on just how Jazz has progressed through the years. Many connoisseurs will disagree on the selection of music here, offering informed alternatives. Ignore them, be open minded and you might enjoy this!
Release Date: 20th March 2006
Record Label: BBE/Rapster Records
Words By: Peter Litchfield
