Brokenbeat / Nu Jazz Recommendations June 2011

Review: Ninja Tune's resident tea enthusiast Mr Scruff returns with the synth heavy 4 x 4 bump of "Wobble Control". Unmistakably the work of Scruff, it's up there in the canon of his finest work alongside "Ug". Obviously there's a copious dollop of wobbling bass present, though it's little embellishments like handclaps on the percussion and fuzzed out analogue flutters that make you smile. The flipside brings the East Coast of England meets the East Coast of the US as TOTH dudes Nickodemus remix Scruff's collab with the first lady of broken beats, Alice Russell. In their hands "Music Takes Me Up" gets transformed into a killer mid tempo digital skank characterised by plenty of glitch.

Review: Brownswood cull the second single from Ghostpoet's critically acclaimed debut set, with the lyricist's paean to the urban struggle "Survive It" given the shake down by a suitably impressive cast of producers on this remix-centric twelve inch. Such is the distinctive nature of Ghostpoet's drawl, it's perfectly suited to any number of styles, as demonstrated here. Young Glaswegian producer Koreless adds a metallic tone to the vocal whilst introducing a typically delicate backdrop of synths. In contrast D Bridge implements a moody broody half time flex which echoes his recent deviations from the D&B template. The best remix however comes courtesy of Deep Medi's Quest who transforms "Survive It" into a deep soaring slo mo house bump which is so impressive it overshadows the Roots Manuva guesting Gang Panang mix that ends this release.

Review: Brooklyn based Bastard Jazz always come up with the goods. Classy, sophisticated and groove-fuelled breakbeat is their staple sound and the latest Basics EP from Colm K sticks firmly within that remit. "Basics" coaxes us in with a singular key piano melody, providing itself as the platform for the sensually sung vocals from Elaine Dowling. Laid back, sexy and driven by an underlying groove, simplicity is the key here and it's worked to perfection. The Uptown Dub pushes things skyward a notch with electric keys and a speedier rhythm, while Alister Johnson's remix leaves the beat to chug away in the background whilst bringing the vocals right up front. On the flip, the Part Time Heroes & Patchwork Pirates remix speeds things up with a marked BPM increase taking it into a vague drum and bass territory without losing the track's soulful dignity. Jugoe turn on "Basics" house capabilities with a deep bassline, twisted synths and drawn out strings. For the bonus, "Love To Love You" garners downtempo, ultra sexy melodies.