The second annual compilation from Germany’s Connaisseur label under the Grand Cru banner is a stunning double set, CD1 showcasing the roster [French newcomer Art Bleek, Wareika, Andres Garcia, Ripperton, Estroe, Daso, ZoeXenia, Patrick Chardronner, Sebastian Roya and Kollektiv Turmstrasse] and CD2 a selection of upcoming tackle and past highlights by label supreme Alex Flitsch. Every track offers something provocatively different, starting with the building strings and ethereal keyboards of Bleek’s deep house diamond ‘Modern Spaces’. This sets the tone as the next nine tracks steer highlights like through Wareika’s dubbed-out vocal excursion ‘Fantasy’, a fair smattering of classy minimal, Estroe’s gorgeously orchestral ‘Does it Ring A Bell’ and ZoeXenia sublime vocal on ‘Forever’. It’s impossible to categorise but here jazz, house and minimal all weave around each other with respect for space and insidious subtlety. CD2 weaves establishes its own inner momentum turning into something of a magical journey, showing that there is that essential spiritual bond here which elevates a label into the realms of greatness. One of the best for a while in the heavily-subscribed label compilation field.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
