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Originally Posted by noisereductions
oh and I"m listening to
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Yesterdays New Universe
Yesterdays New Universe
2007, This self-titled album by Yesterdays New Universe is really more of a compilation of various incarnations of its members. Confusingly, most of the groups are Otis "Madlib" Jackson, Jr. but now he's got Karriem Riggins and the great Ivan Conti of Azymuth along for the ride as well. And maybe some other players as well. Who knows? Blurred reality and a confusing mythology have always been part of Yesterdays New Quintet's allure and charm. What is clear however is that while YNQ at least started as a solo project, it morphed into some kind of vague collective over the years. Thus the Quintet exploded into an entire Universe introduced here. As a compilation, this collection is incredible. It boils down to this: Madlib loves jazz - all jazz. And so with the freedom of creating as many new ensembles as he wishes, he also grants himself to investigate whatever facet of jazz that he wants to. The freer and more challenging work of the New Jazz Rebels rubs elbows with the more far-out and atmospheric Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble. Jackson Conti's borderline exotica sounds comfortable next to Otis Jackson, Jr. Trio's taut take on Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew." Indeed Madlib along with Riggins and Conti have created something of a survey of modern jazz that has been filtered through lifetimes of turntable spins. It is a truly excellent collection that serves as introduction to the many sides of YNQ and its offshoots old (Sound Directions, Otis Jackson Jr. Trio, Ahmad Miller) and new, as well as introducing those who are interested in many jazz sub-genres from across the globe all while paying close attention to the importance of album sequencing so as never to feel jarring or intimidating. Highly recommended!