‘Projections’, Romare’s debut album, is rooted in the past but aimed at the future. The producer is deeply immersed in African-American culture in the USA, and expresses this through a number of choice samples and reworkings, bringing his older source material closer to today with a set of cleverly chosen styles and riffs. In the wrong hands this could sound contrived, but in reality it works well and is rather haunting, often looking beyond the horizon. In ‘Work Song’ he marries a slow, classic piano riff with steel drums and echoey drums, while ‘Roots’ lays down a four to the floor groove and distorted riff – which could be vocal, or could be bass. This record brings forward memories of the collaboration between Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie X, as it has the same warmth and affection for its heritage. Because of that, and some continued yet understated invention through a number of different styles, it works well.
