Bastard Jazz once again returns with a delicious, extra value 12″ platter featuring six exclusive, unreleased tracks from our friends + family around the world. Entitled “Hear No Evil: Volume 1″ – the release is special not simply because of the stellar talent involved, but because it’s the milestone tenth 12″ (not counting countless bootleg releases and their popular 7” series) from this Brooklyn based label started in 2001 by partners DJ DRM and Mr. Marley. Over these last six years Bastard Jazz has slowly and steadily evolved into a stylized boutique label that’s known world-wide for tasteful and eclectic vinyl selections that straddle the line between the dancefloor and the headphone set.
Starting out Hear No Evil is “I Can Hear The Clock” by Bastard Jazz / Tru Thoughts artist Mawglee, who starts the record on a quirky tip with an easy skanking, lo-fi dub sound, a big downtempo drum break, and Mawglee’s signature golden era vocal chops. Skittery!
Next up is longtime Bastard Jazz artist Jugoe, with “Twiddle”, a tune that’s been garnering rave reviews and much dancefloor action coast-to-coast for a number of years in live sets. “Twiddle” is a massive 95BPM dancefloor killer with a heavy dub-infected bassline, monster drums, and an insanely catchy hook to it. Next up is “Left Coast Skank” from San Francisco’s Double Identity (of Voltage Music fame) – turning the heat up with a reggae-oriented midtempo breakbeat tune with cabinet shattering bass, rugged!
Rounding out the EP is a tune from Bastard Jazz founder DJ DRM – “Chin Up” is a funky, choppy sample driven boomin’ instrumental hip-hop joint that flips into psychedelia midway through.
