JIMPSTER Vinyl & CDs

Review: It's been a while since Freerange boss Jamie Odell (better known, of course, as Jimpster) delivered an album; in fact, his last full-length dropped way back in 2006. Seven years is a long time between drinks, but the rest seems to have done Odell good; Porchlight & Rocking Chairs is arguably his strongest album to date. While deep house remains his focus (see the intricate "Glowing Embers", Detroit influenced "Cracks In The Pavement" and Moodymann-ish "High Wire"), there's a soulful bagginess and barely concealed jazziness throughout. More impressively, many tracks hark back to his pre-house days as a producer of lovingly crafted downtempo gems (see "Jasmine Dragon", "Wanting You" and previous single "These Times".

Review: Freerange marks its 300th release in style with a collaboration between label boss Jimpster and Philippa, delivering three cuts that encapsulate the label's legacy. Philippa, a New Zealand-born Berliner, is quickly making a name for herself with releases on Slothboogie and Razor n Tape, plus a debut at Panorama Bar. Her organic, deep, and musical approach has won her admirers across the scene, from DJ Spen to Terry Farley. 'All I Wanted' opens the EP with chunky, driving drums and a bassline that hits hard, paired with MON's looped vocal, which adds a hypnotic momentum to the pulsing synths. Both producers' styles are unmistakable, creating a track that's as groovy as it is atmospheric. 'Dreaming', featuring Care, shifts gears into more ethereal territory. Chiming synths and Rhodes keys build layers of rich texture, producing a floating vibe that's both deep and refined. It works just as well on a chilled house playlist as it does in the early morning hours on a discerning dancefloor. Finally, 'Say What' brings a jazz-inflected, UK garage feel. Shuffling beats and a square wave bassline keep things moving, while bold synth chords straddle the line between retro and contemporary. It's a playful, groovy closer that ties together this milestone release, showing Freerange's enduring ability to push forward while nodding to its roots.