Compiled by Casbah 73 this first rate compilation shines the light on some lesser-known jazz gems from around the world and covers a variety of styles. It opens with the sweeping strings and bossa rhythm of ‘Consolacao’ from Luiz Eca & Orquesta Da Cordas before moving into Salena Jones’ rip roaring take on ‘Right Now’ and the bright and breezy ‘Don’t Kill Your Fantasy’ by Chinchilla. Esther Phillips’ northern soul favourite, ‘Just Say Goodbye’ also takes it’s rightful place, as do the mad fusion dancers ‘Snowflake’ from Ronnie April’s Positive Energy and Gerardo Batiz’ ‘En Fa’. The one I’m currently hooked on though is Archie Whitewater’s psychedelic soul-jazz masterpiece ‘Cross Country’, which isn’t unlike Chicago’s early work.
