This four-CD, one-DVD box set anthologizes the London-based Acid Jazz label -- founded by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson -- and the same-named scene that birthed it. The term was jokingly coined in 1987 by DJ/producer Chris Bangs as a way to contend with the emergence of acid house. Unlikely as it was, acid jazz stuck and denominated a club scene that devoured rare soul, jazz, and funk (and hybrids thereof), as well as the then-current music that drew from and sampled it. The scene produced groups that put their own -- if sometimes reverential to a fault -- spin on it, and the label eventually extended its reach across continents by releasing music from the likes of the ...
This four-CD, one-DVD box set anthologizes the London-based Acid Jazz label -- founded by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson -- and the same-named scene that birthed it. The term was jokingly coined in 1987 by DJ/producer Chris Bangs as a way to contend with the emergence of acid house. Unlikely as it was, acid jazz stuck and denominated a club scene that devoured rare soul, jazz, and funk (and hybrids thereof), as well as the then-current music that drew from and sampled it. The scene produced groups that put their own -- if sometimes reverential to a fault -- spin on it, and the label eventually extended its reach across continents by releasing music from the likes of the Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai. Disc one reflects the foundation -- the cult favorites and classics spun by the club and warehouse party DJs, ranging chronologically and stylistically from bop (Mark Murphy's 1961 version of Miles Davis' "Milestones") to post-disco funk (Dinosaur L's "Go Bang! #5," released in 1982, mixed by François K). Discs two and three switch between proper Acid Jazz releases and selections championed by the scene. The above-mentioned groups are represented with key cuts, and so are James Taylor Quartet (in contemporary and full-on throwback modes), the Isley Brothers-referencing Night Trains, the seemingly kitschy but storming Snowboy, and tranquil rockers Mother Earth. Among the highlights not issued on the label: Gang Starr's "Jazz Thing" (a history lesson and fresh DJ Premier production at once), Soho's "Hot Music" (a sample cut-up classic), and Young Disciples' "Get Yourself Together" (contemporary soul released on Talkin' Loud, another Peterson venture). Incognito, a U.K. jazz-funk group established half a decade prior to the scene, are acknowledged with the inclusion of their Jocelyn Brown-led version of Ronnie Laws' "Always There." Disc four is devoted to stoned grooves from the likes of Paul Weller, Cypress Hill, and Jhelisa. The box itself is sturdy and contains a booklet of track information and excellent liner notes (from the label's Dean Rudland), as well as a 50-page hardcover book that showcases the label's artwork, and a Brand New Heavies 7" single. Done with the high level of care expected from the Harmless label, it should be a delight for anyone familiar or new to acid jazz and Acid Jazz.
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
Welcome, penname
You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.
Editorial Reviews
All Music Guide - Andy Kellman
This four-CD, one-DVD box set anthologizes the London-based Acid Jazz label -- founded by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson -- and the same-named scene that birthed it. The term was jokingly coined in 1987 by DJ/producer Chris Bangs as a way to contend with the emergence of acid house. Unlikely as it was, acid jazz stuck and denominated a club scene that devoured rare soul, jazz, and funk (and hybrids thereof), as well as the then-current music that drew from and sampled it. The scene produced groups that put their own -- if sometimes reverential to a fault -- spin on it, and the label eventually extended its reach across continents by releasing music from the likes of the ...