Axis US レコード& CD

Review: Blake Reyes is an alias for Italian artist Luca Vertulli and on this release for Jeff Mills' Axis Jazz collection he presents an extended double pack of hi-tech soul of the highest calibre. Recorded between Bologna, Milan and Rome overseen by Mills himself, Vernacular takes us deep into the heart of Reyes' vision, leading with the standout track 'At Night'. Anna Bassy's vocal sits front and centre on the original version of the track, but the B-side offers up alternative versions which let Reyes' assembled players shine through. Sides C and D offer up further excursions into hidden possibilities from the project such as the epic synth symphony of 'Sound Manifesto', mirroring the warm, instrumental charm of Mills' own Millsart releases and recent collaborations with Jean-Phi Dary.