DJ Chart: Cobblestone Jazz
Tyger Dhula, the DJ arm of cerebral live outfit Cobblestone Jazz, runs us through a list of the trio's all-time choice tracks
Nuages – No Work Today [F Communications]
Soulful French techno/house from the early 90s. This is one of the early incarnations of Ludovic Navarre and, along with Shazz, this record still stands the test of time. Warped grooviness wrapped in soulful strings and pads, it hits all the right notes, and to be fair most of the music coming out of France in the early 90s was a huge inspiration. Merci, Monsieur Garnier.
Jeff Mills – A1 Untitled [Something in the Sky 11]
Really any of Jeff Mills' productions could be on this list, but we've chosen this one. I remember one of our collective best memories on tour as a group was perching behind Mr Mills at the UAF festival in Weisen, Austria after we had finished our set. 'Innovator' is a dangerous title, but I can think of no more deserving artist than Jeff Mills. His ability to play with time, swing and signatures transforms machine music into the realm of nature, and the organic feel that results is thoroughly inspirational.
Terekke – Damn EP [L.I.E.S.]
Smoked-out goodness. A good example of how some of the best electronic music lives outside of the peak times and large throngs. Cinematic, lo-fi and about as far away from overbearing as can be. The kind of music that makes you listen harder to it, and normally in that case there is enough in the layers that it seems as if you hear different elements every pass.
Linkwood – Nectarine [Prime Numbers]
Super cool diverse album [System], with enough redeeming qualities to warrant a selection on this list. A bit all over the place, but that's not a bad thing at all and shows the different sides to this project. Always a bold move, but refreshing when enough of the tunes hit you in the gut. Nectarine, in particular, is an extremely musical synth groove, void of drums and driven only by the keys. I've always liked music where you have to strain to hear the kick, but better yet when you can pick out the groove in the envelopes on their own.
Heiko Laux – Dedicated 2 All Believers [Kanzleramt/Yoshitoshi]
Probably my favourite techno record of all time, although, if pressed, I would find it impossible to commit to that statement. The kind of record where you put on the headphones, close your eyes and 11 minutes later open them feeling as if you spent half an hour at the spa on a massage table. The subtle textures and layers create a meditative and expansive soundscape to enjoy in a number of environments.
Benjamin Wild – Kronberg [Kompakt]
Not so many bells and whistles here, just a damn solid groove that keeps reaching forward and churning. Small subtle percussive sounds creating interesting patterns, and a harmonic element that gives it just enough to keep your mind wandering. It achieves the purpose of dancing, while not shoving it down your throat, and that is an important quality in mature dance music.
Nu Era – Marz 2010 [Archive]
Soulful techno at its finest. Pounding drums and synths, yet somehow the overall first impression is beauty, and not the driving and tough-as-nails basis beneath it. That kind of audio deception is where the most beautiful music lives. Contrast and balance blur to become an unwavering certainty that won't let you not appreciate it! As a Mark Mac production, another thank you has to go out to his 4Hero project, whose diverse output has inspired us all.
Osunlade – Beloved (Paradigm LP Version) [Soul Jazz]
Probably my favourite house record of all time, another bold statement though. The soul, truth and honesty just ooze out of this recording, but to be fair the whole album is wonderful, particularly Beloved and 2thousandcowries. Organic and musical, and pretty much impossible not to love.
Tranquility Bass – They Came in Peace [Exist Dance]
West Coast is as West Coast does. This was a staple at the numerous outdoor parties on the West Coast. I'm pretty sure, as a band, we have all listened to this in the wilderness of British Columbia, and the nature soundscapes along with the gorgeous stand up bassline make this a classic.