It’s good to report that Walter Gibbons is finally getting the recognition he deserves for his pioneering work in the 1970s, and Strut’s use of the ‘jungle music’ title refers to the tribal sound his work became known for. A few years back Salsoul’s ‘Mixed With Love’ compilation put Gibbons back on the map, but now comes this fine collection of remixes and re-edits. Unmixed, the double pack gives just seven tracks per disc – but scores highly on the quality front, as each piece has the room it needs to breathe. Chiefe among Gibbons’ triumphs are a 12″ mix of Sandy Mercer’s ‘You Are My Love’, an outstanding funked-up take on Gladys Knight’s ‘It’s Better Than Good Time’ and Arts & Craft’s ‘I’ve Been Searching’. What really shines through here is Gibbons’ brilliantly natural way with orchestration, even when he’s deconstructing a complicated track like the Salsoul Orchestra’s ‘Magic Bird Of Fire’, with its crafty thieving from Stravinsky’s Firebird ballet. A lesson in remixing, beautifully compiled.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood