WAAJEED Vinyl & CDs

Review: Motor City earned its name thanks to the increased mobility bestowed unto black Americans thanks to the invention of the car, and the centrality of the car industry on Detroit. On his latest LP, house maestro Waajeed pays homage to the joys of black leisure and play in the city, which came about in large part thanks to technological advancements such as this. In his own words, 'Memoirs Of Hi Tech Jazz' signifies the 'transition from labor to pleasure', a transition we can all but dream of in today's age. Laid-back, frivolous, decadent house tones blend effortlessly with super-swirly jazz motifs.

Review: Wajeed maybe doesn't get the credit or attention of many of his Detroit peers, but he surely deserves it. His take on his hometown's house sound pairs gorgeous synths with steely drum work and new one 'Motor City Madness' backs that up. It's got the nice raw drums, the elastic bass and is smothered with synth goodness while incidental sax and trumpet pads bring the romance. A People Mover remix goes heavy on the jazz vibes with a broken beat workout, Underground Resistance take it deep and SHE Spells Doom jacks up those drums into something close to a UK funky take on Detroit house.