This Japanese group have certainly grown up a lot – and this beautiful album is their most mature in years! The combo is fronted by singer Ann Sally – whose English language vocals add a tremendous amount of sophistication to the record – snaking forth in a cool jazzy style that goes way past the easy bossa remake mode of earlier albums. Sally's voice is incredible, and it's mixed with a well-constructed set of backings by the group, music that is especially heavy in its use of Fender Rhodes! The track list is great, too – with wonderful remakes of Fred Neil's "The Dolphins", Flora Purim's "Light As A Feather", Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance", and Coltrane's "Naima". Sweet, mellow, jazzy, and wonderfully rich – the group's best album in years! Italian version of the album features 2 tracks not on the Japanese one – "Butterfly (Incognito rmx)" and "Sky (Soul Bossa Trio blue rmx)". CD

Excellent work from one of the most important production teams of recent times! Jazzanova have sharply defined the modern European taste for Brazilian and Latin-inflected grooves on the dancefloor – beginning in the mid 90s with work for the (then) new Compost Records imprint, and working up to present days with countless remix efforts for other artists. Sadly, Jazzanova have yet to cut an album of their own work – and this double-length set is probably the best full way to experience their rich talents. It features 20 tracks in all, many with a strong Brazilian or bossa flavor, and most with a tight dancefloor approach to jazz. Titles include "We Who Are Not As Others" by 4 Hero, "Soul Power" by Marcshmellows, "Carajillo" by Truby Trio, "Get Into My Groove" by Incognito, "Amazon Adventure" by Azymuth, "Words Of Love" by Soul Bossa Trio, "Welcome To The Party" by Har-You Percussion Group, "Planet Of Breaks" by Visit Venus, "Burnin" by Tate's Place, "Toda Tersafeira" by Soul Quality Quartet, "Circe" by Ursula Rucker, "Fifths" by Ski, and "Complete Life" by Liquid Lounge – all remixed by Jazzanova! CD

Beautiful stuff! This is a sparkling collection of modern lounge material – compiled by the folks at Stereo Deluxe from a host of different labels, all put together with a perfect vibe that's sure to satisfy fans of the old stuff as much as the new. Although most of this music was created in the past few years, it's filled with oodles of older elements – like bubbling Hammond organ, sweet Fender Rhodes piano, washes of soulful strings, and touches of bossa beats. More than just a slap-dash licensing effort, this is a wickedly conceived set with a strong feel throughout. Includes "Return Of The Coconut Groove" by Trio Eletrico, "Dis Poem" by Mutabaruka, "2ter Tag" by Siedg Der Liebe, "Reincarnation" by Pablo, "Elevator" by Jaffa, "Papdam" by Yonderboi, "Stories" by Airfix, "Ambrosia" by A Reminiscent Drive, and "Maria Quiet" by Astrud Gilberto. 15 tracks in all! CD