Description:

“A spiritual quest for higher sound.”

Which means?

The compilation’s curator, Philadelphia-based DJ and producer King Britt, explains. “Jazz exists on a personal and spiritual plane for me, ” he reveals, possibly assuming the Lotus meditation pose as he does so. “There's something cosmic about the genre's deeply African-American heritage. As an original musical form rooted in instrumental improvisation, jazz is a musical conversation between creative individuals.”

Is it much cop?

If you have the discipline to stick with this collection of rare jazz tracks from the likes of Don Cherry, Flura Purim, and Phil Ranelin, you’ll find this a most arresting listen.
How many good tracks?
7/11.

And the worst?

The opener: Herbie Hancock’s ‘Kawaida’. Featuring a recitation of the principles of Kwanzaa, an African-American civil rights movement, over synths and hellishly discordant flute, it’s the musical equivalent of the driest lecture ever. Definitely one to skip.

Biggest disappointment?

Although it would have been entirely out of keeping with the ethos of this compilation, the fact KB didn’t go with Hancock’s far more accessible ‘Rockit” instead.

Verdict:

Embrace your spiritual self. Annoy your neighbours. Simultaneously. 

(3½/5)