Bargrooves: The Autumn Collection (2007)

Nov 06, 2008
by Mr. Nau

In this version of the iconic Bargrooves collection, DJ Ben Sowton mixes both CDs of this fist-pumping set of house tracks. The first CD is full of deep, funky soulful grooves. The second disk steps into electro and tech house territory with an amazing set of thumping crowd pleasers.

Grade: [...]

Jim Croce - Have You Heard (2006)

Jul 31, 2008
by Mr. Nau

Jim Croce was a one-of-a-kind songwriter whose unforgettable craftsmanship makes his music transcend the decades. This album features thirteen of his most enduring classics, along with his short anecdotes about how they came into being. This wonderful set is essential listening for all connoisseurs of good music.

Grade: A+.

AllMusic: Jim [...]

Troublemakers - Doubts & Convictions (2001)

Jul 30, 2008
by Mr. Nau

This debut album from a French ensemble of producers feels like the soundtrack to a very dark, yet deliciously colorful, avant-garde film. It is reminiscent of the downtempo instrumental tracks of Zero 7. The orchestration is lush and the imagery of the music makes this an interestingly listenable album.

Grade: [...]

Bill Evans - Waltz for Debby (1961)

Jul 22, 2008
by Mr. Nau

Bill Evans leads a legendary trio in this spectacular live set of standards, recorded at the Village Vanguard. In the CD release, the grateful listener is treated to multiple distinct takes of three of the tunes and a bonus favorite. Every note of this amazing recording delivers an unforgettable [...]

Afterdark: Chicago (2005)

Jul 21, 2008
by Mr. Nau

This solid collection of house grooves delivers twenty-five tracks that show off the deep house sound. The punchy Chicago sound is evidenced here a little, but it’s primarily a jazzy deep sound that feels very San Franciscan. Many of the artists here live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Grade: [...]

Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um (1959)

Jun 30, 2008
by Mr. Nau

Bassist Charles Mingus leads an unbelievably talented ensemble in this classic work that displays the composition, arranging, and improvisation genius of a great artist. Several of the tunes on this outstanding record are instant jazz classics and the whole work stands as a monument of creativity and astonishing musical achievement.

Grade: [...]

Om: Summer Sessions (2006)

Jun 20, 2008
by Mr. Nau

This three-disk set from Om Records features three of its most recognizable acts—Chuck Love, DJ Fluid, and the Groove Junkies—in fist-pumping house mixes that certainly keep the party going. All these sets are memorable and can serve as a perfect introduction to Om’s unique signature sound.

Grade: A.

AllMusic: Various Artists — [...]

Bargrooves: Terrazza (2004)

Jun 11, 2008
by Mr. Nau

Ben Sowton welcomes Milan’s Lele Sacchi in this double disk set that features a laid-back soulful house groove and a deep sexy vibe that stays right on track until the last bar. Sowton’s mix has a West Coast feel to it and Sacchi’s CD is aloof, rich, and beautiful.

Grade: A-.

AllMusic: [...]

Bargrooves: Mimosa (2004)

Jun 09, 2008
by Mr. Nau

Ben Sowton joins Groove Junkies on this double-disk set of soulful deep house music. Sowton’s track selection flows smoothly from one song to the next and gives a delicious late-night vibe. The Groove Junkies serve up gospel-tinged vocal tracks that seem a just little bit preachy sometimes.

Grade: B-.

AllMusic: Various [...]

Bargrooves: Espace Privé (2003)

Jun 02, 2008
by Mr. Nau

DJ Ben Sowton welcomes guest Frédéric Messent in a lush mix of deep house that delivers a laid-back groove and a sophisticated ambience without getting overbearing with hard attitude. Messent’s session gets a little trudgy at times, but this wonderful double-disk set is still good for many spins.

Grade: B.

AllMusic: Various [...]

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