Various Artists mixed by Jay Haze - fabric 47

Former Fuckpony-ist and Contexterrior and Tuningspork boss Jay Haze continues fabric’s good run of form with this eclectic selection of warm grooves, showcasing the quality and diversity of his label amongst some other gems
 
There’s no 4/4 standardness to kick things off, instead a quirky, attention-grabbing intro and the dubby loveliness of Haze’s own Awakening, It’s a delightfully easy-going start, continuing the laidback vibes with the salacious Phreaky Motherfucker by Mike Dunn. His own gently skanking remix of Catrat’s Freedom is a sublime balance of electronic and roots, and with beauties like this you’re in no rush to see the mix get to more full-on climbs.
 
We’re slowly drawn to the dancefloor, with Mr. Haze teaming up with Ricardo Villalobos for the woozy, stoned jazz-infused throb of Mellow Dee, and more teasing until Pheek’s Soundscape injects a bit of manic energy into the mix. Michal Ho’s Ain’t Going Out Like That really steps things up a gear with its sexy sub bass blasts and taut percussion grooves, and all of a sudden we’re in the filthy, buzzing bass of Dirty Bee’s Work For Me – a million miles away from the dubby mellowness of earlier. Hugo’s massive stompfest Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy takes the mix to a peak with its commanding bass tones and infectious beats, and it’s a shame that this high doesn’t last for long.
 
The finale is as subdued and pretty – the twinkling, delicate synths of Haze’s own Burning in his Fuckpony guise recalls Chymera at his most succinct, and then finally the conscious, soulful hip-hop of Rockey’s Something To Say. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable listen that builds at just the right pace and delivers energy just when you really want a change in mood, with Haze’s mixing and programming prowess evident for all to see. Buy it and you won’t regret it – plus he’s donating all the proceeds to aid agencies in the Congo.
 
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. Jay Haze - Awakening
03. Lil Dirrty Ghetto Bastard - An Hour To Fly
04. Mike Dunn Presents MR. 69 - Phreaky MF (Mike Dunn's Original Phreak Mixx)
05. Lump feat. Lerato - Confusion
06. Catrat feat. Yah Meek - Freedom (Jay Haze Main Mix)
07. Alex Celler - Trapped In Dub
08. Miss Fitz - Dementia
09. Jay Haze feat. Ricardo Villalobos - Mellow Dee
10. DIY - Pimp My Saw
11. Jay Haze feat. D:exter - I Can't Forget (Fuckpony Discotech Dub)
12. Chicago Wasted Youth - Mars Or Bust
13. The Last Poets - When The Revolution Comes / Pheek - Soundscape
14. Michael Ho - Ain't Going Out Like That
15. Dirty Bee - Work For Me
16. Johnny Fiasco - Conduction
17. Hugo - Pimpin' Ain't Easy
18. Ms. Minelli - Ancient Blessing
19. Fuckpony - Burning
20. Rockey - Something to Say