WAAJEED レコード& CD

Review: Waajeed's Memoirs Of Hi-Tech Jazz came out on Tresor in late 2022 as a definitive statement from a true Detroit original. Following the Motor City Madness remixes 12" which accompanied the album drop, here comes a follow up single shining fresh light on the project via a whole new set of remixes. There's no need to introduce a legend like Mark Broom - a stalwart of UK techno who brings his decades of experience to 'Right Now' as he remains in an enduring purple patch. Staying in the UK but coming from a whole different angle, Yazzus brings her upfront flair to one of the most compelling, emotionally charged pieces on the album, 'The Ballad Of Richard O'Bryant'. Then it's left to Jensen Interceptor and Assembler Code to link up for a remix of 'Memoirs Of Hi-Tech Jazz', complete with some of Black Nix's original poetic flow over the top.

Review: Motor City earned its name thanks to the increased mobility bestowed unto black Americans thanks to the invention of the car, and the centrality of the car industry on Detroit. On his latest LP, house maestro Waajeed pays homage to the joys of black leisure and play in the city, which came about in large part thanks to technological advancements such as this. In his own words, 'Memoirs Of Hi Tech Jazz' signifies the 'transition from labor to pleasure', a transition we can all but dream of in today's age. Laid-back, frivolous, decadent house tones blend effortlessly with super-swirly jazz motifs.

Review: Wajeed maybe doesn't get the credit or attention of many of his Detroit peers, but he surely deserves it. His take on his hometown's house sound pairs gorgeous synths with steely drum work and new one 'Motor City Madness' backs that up. It's got the nice raw drums, the elastic bass and is smothered with synth goodness while incidental sax and trumpet pads bring the romance. A People Mover remix goes heavy on the jazz vibes with a broken beat workout, Underground Resistance take it deep and SHE Spells Doom jacks up those drums into something close to a UK funky take on Detroit house.

Review: Wajeed's tasteful Dirt Tech Rack welcomes Church Boy Lou for some more of that authentic house flavour. 'The Night Is Coming' opens up with funky drum loops and twisted metallic synth lines that swerve in and out of the grooves. 'Keep On Prayin' has a more urgent feel with busier percussive lines and some subtle vocals adding the soul in a gospel fashion then 'Push Em In The Face' is another gospel tinged house looper a la Floorplan which really makes a mark and also comes as an instrumental.