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04 April 2004
Jazzhole, Circle of the Sun (Beave)
This is a nice album folks. And I mean the word nice with all it's precise and non-descript connotations. Listening to this album again and again makes me think of nice things, nice thoughts, nice people. Now, maybe it doesn't sound like a compliment, but it's intended as such. Marlon Saunders and Warren Rosenstein, the veteran core behind this jazz/neo soul/acid jazz ensemble know how to craft a smooth tune with many a nice sonic layer that will undoubtedly conjure comparisons to the Brand New Heavies. Cool horns, laid back guitar, mellow bass, lovely lilting vocals, lulling piano textures and some kick butt tables. The mix is even, not too slick; the lyrics tasteful and suggestive. Furthermore, vocalist Kaissa Doumbe' is lullaby incarnate. These guys have been in the biz for 10 years with this, their fourth album, perhaps their best effort yet. Less hip hop than previous releases, many of the songs here would fit in chill out rooms, on airplanes before take off, in Starbucks or in your bedroom. Check it out.
— Matt Rogers
.: posted by Editor 9:44 AM
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