DJ KAWASAKI レコード& CD

Review: Acclaimed DJ, singer, remixer and songwriter DJ KAWASAKI shows another side to himself on this new double album for his own label. On it, he serves up instrumental tracks inspired by Afro, jazz, and funk. Every single sound you hear is played live and guests include artists like Sauce81, who you will know from labels like Eglo, and jazz vocalist Ayana. A host of musicians have helped to realise this most lively and upbeat album including Kyoto Jazz Sextet, Kenichi Ikeda of ROOT SOUL and Venue Vincent, Hiderow Nishioka of CENTRAL. It is a real triumph that comes 11 years after his equally acclaimed Paradise album from 2010.

Review: Japan's DJ Kawasaki links up with Monday Michuru for a new house come disco tune that is full of big vocal delights. The funky riffs are knotted and infectious, the rickety rhythm section nice and loose and the synth motifs all filled with charm and colour, It's a perfectly feel good tune that will make you dance any woes away. On the flip, New York legend and Kind of the Edits, Danny Krivit steps up with an extended edit that is jam packed with noodling piano solos and a more bristling, Latin tinged percussive element.