HinweiseSometimes its easy to feel spoiled by the depth some compilations go into. Labels like Dig the Fuzz and Goldmine Soul Supply continually unearth rare and often unissued songs from obscure and unknown artists whose acetates got thrown into the trash with unequalled skill. Ace/Kent and Rhino have a long-standing reputation for very well researched compilations spanning all genres. So then, when two of America's most stylish DJs are let loose in the vaults of Verve, what's the result? Before answering this question, let's take a step back. If you've been watching the European Blue Note compilations of the past few years, you'll notice that Blue Note is a relatively loose term now and these comps encompass anything falling under the EMI umbrella, such as Capitol, Pacific Jazz, Veep, Roulette, United Artists, etc. Likewise, The Verve Group now includes A&M, CTI, Impulse and more. With that in mind, just imagine what The Thievery Corporation had available to them. Then, realistically, imagine the limitations that The Verve Group may have placed on our heroic duo, to the tune of only choosing songs currently available on CD. After all, what is a compilation to a label like Verve if not an avenue to further CD sales? This may be a cynical viewpoint, but it may ring more true than Eric Hilton and Rob Garza would be willing to let onto publicly. Cynicism and the possibility of enforced limitations notwithstanding, The Thievery Corporation had more than enough material sitting at their fingertips to span several volumes in a series of "Sounds From the Verve Hi-Fi". What makes the Thievery Corporation's involvement in this compilation significant when compared to other compilations - including those previously put forth by Verve - is that The Thievery Corporation specializes in creating moods. With a Latin backdrop serving as the common thread, Hilton and Garza very effectively pull both well-known and somewhat more obscure songs together to create a fluid playing soundtrack to any well-heeled gathering. Among the more obvious selections found on this CD are Sergio Mendes' "Constant Rain (Chove Chuva)", Cal Tjader's "Cuchy Frito Man", Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery's "OGD (Road Song)", and Astrud Gilberto's "Light My Fire". However, there are also some enjoyable surprises. Those "in the know" will doubtlessly appreciate and smile at the inclusion of Chico Hamilton's "For Mods Only". Smart, yet unexpected choices include Cal Tjader's Asian-influenced "The Fakir" (record hounds should keep your eyes open for the 45 - it's a treat and not too difficult to score), Richie Havens' "Something Else Again", and "Hard Latin" by Kenyon Hopkins. "Sounds From the Verve Hi-Fi" begins at a nice loungey pace and builds up to the Chico Hamilton track as it's danceable peak, before coming back down with Wynton Kelly's "Escapade" and finishing with the wonderful smokey vocal "Do It the Hard Way" to sip your nightcap to. Forget Steve White and Alan Barnes, the real story of The Jazz Renegades was vocalist Sarah Jane-Morris. There's no denying the value of a compilation choc-full of killer obscurities, but "Soundtracks From the Verve Hi-Fi" should serve as a strong reminder that we shouldn't take for granted the wonderful records that are either collecting the heavy dust of sinful neglect on our shelves at home, or sit right under our noses as we continually flip right by them with each visit to our favorite record stores. More importantly this compilation is, most simply put, a great listen. And somehow, I have a feeling you'll be hearing this one playing in every swank clothing store in the Metro D.C. area within weeks if not days.
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