Description
2020, 12″ LP, Ne’Astra Music Group/Barak Records. Red vinyl.
Having previously offered live, orchestral style interpretations of works by Madvillain (AKA Madlib and MF Doom) and J Dilla, Leeds collective Abstract Orchestra has decided to tackle the early works of Slum Village, and specifically their “Fan-Tas-Tic Volume 2” album from the late 90s. The resultant set is inspired, delivering warm, soulful and jazzy interpretations of Dilla’s brilliant beats and layered backing tracks that makes extensive use of strings, woodwind, brass and some suitably soulful singers. Excitingly, the remaining members of Slum Village add their distinctive flows to a number of key cuts, too, adding an air of legitimacy to a project rooted in love for one of hip-hop’s greatest albums. – Juno