Modaji – Modaji

My first encounter with Modaji was in 2002, when I bought a compilation that had 'Sanctuary' as Track 2. It was quite refreshing to hear that jazz and house aren't that far apart. The beauty of the song, for me, is in the arrangement. It's like he knew what each note will trigger in the listener, if it's placed there! The bass, the keys and those strings, man! This man knows how to make music!! I just wish there'd be more of his music available in hard copy in ZA!

Modaji leaves behind a long line of superb broken beat releases for their self-titled debut album, where they embrace a more R&B vibe. Though it might seem like a shock to those expecting more killer future jazz, fear not, the same careful attention to rhythm and craft are plainly evident. More than anything, the addition of vocals helps give the tracks focus so that they come across as actual songs. The romantic and sensual “Shook Up” is a slow burning groove; “Rush” slinks along in a similar vein. The tempos vary as well, so the house heads can shake to “Into Something” while the head-nodding jazz enthusiasts can turn to “Outside from the Inside,” “Sanctuary,” or “Shocka’s t” for their fix. Just the thing you need for putting your feet up after a long day.