ALBUM OF THE MONTH
James Hardway Collective Over Easy (Lunatic Works)

This is one of these cases of an artist so talented and so ahead of his time, a sort of urban Mozart of his time, who has never really received the kind of attention and praise his efforts and music has warranted. In the early ’90s, David Harrow found his jazzy drum-and-bass sound while playing Charlie Parker records over double-timed hip hop beats, and thus James Hardway was born. Album after album, David grew from sophisticated drum-and-bass producer, utilizing funky wicked jazz samples and reggae rhythms, to a seasoned jazz veteran. Eventually his albums went from drum loops and programming to live instrumentation and live session players. Now, nine albums later, his newest endeavour, Over Easy, is filled with Fela Kuti’s afro-rock jams, plus funky and soulful jazz arrangements that would fill Prince’s shoes while performing with Sheila E. and Maceo Parker. David uses all vocals this time, as the sweet and sultry voice of D Booker (daughter of Brazilian jazz legends Flora Purim and Airto Moreira), sings siren-esque poetry while husband Krishna Booker’s Michael Franti-like voice provides wisdom and flow.

—Rusty