All Things Deep - Reviews - Various Artists: Love From The Sun

Various - Love From the Sun

Ubiquity has built their reputation by reissuing classic funk albums that had fallen victim to obscurity. Lately, though, they have worked at developing a roster of original artists, and the results are showcased on this disc.

Label executive Andrew Jervis provides a smooth and understated mix, complementing the nature of the music, which is best described as a modern take on the soul-jazz fusion of the early 70s. Three acts that form the foundation of Ubiquity's future, Kirk Degiorgio (under the pseudonym As One), Beatless, and Interfearence, dominate the proceedings with the groovy title tune, "Undefeated," and "The Circle Suite," songs that are club-friendly and musically adventurous. Greyboy, who helped launch the label with the groundbreaking Freestylin' in the early 90s, checks in with a tight single from his newest album, "Hold It Down."

The hidden treasure here is from new signee John Beltran, who has previously recorded for Peacefrog and Carl Craig's Retroactive Records. In an artistic turn from his techno roots, "Heaven and Earth" is a strident jazz jam unlike anything he's done, making his upcoming album definitely one to look forward to - like most releases on Ubiquity.

Released 2001 on Ubiquity

Selected Tracks:

John Beltran - Heaven and Earth
Beatlesss - Love From the Sun
As One - The Circle Suite