After the success of the frankly awesome “Samurai’ single on Pantone and licensed to Chez comes LP number 7 from Japanese Jazz pianist Ryota Nozaki. After a first showing on the bank balance busting Flower Records F.E.E.L. Compilation, Ryota has applied his black belt ivory tickling skills to fashion this diverse selection. Messrs Krivit and Peterson, Louie Vega, Derrick May, Jazzy Jeff and DJ Spinna have all been seduced by the smooth jazz juice and broken beatmongery of “Samurai’, with the LP providing plenty more fine moments. Nozaki takes in the full range of soulful influences, from the Afro beat of ‘Froro’ and the tropical Bossa of ‘Muddy Muddy’ to the Detroit tech of ‘Phoenix’ and the lounge hip hop of ‘The Piano’. It’s not just about ‘Samurai’ – anyone after a heavy dose of musicality with their beats and a broad minded outlook should look no further.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Alex Moran