When it comes to producing music, Madlib's been there done that. In fact, I don't know any other producer with such an insatiable appetite for musical exploration. Whether he's working with MCs, producers, musicians, or hitting the mic / playing music himself, it's safe to say he graduated "making beats" a long time ago and is on to bigger things. Jackson Conti is his newest project, which combines the efforts of himself (Otis Jackson Jr.) and Mamao Conti, drummer of the legendary Brazilian group Azymuth. The result is an epic full length Latin jazz album as real as they come. Mamao and Madlib hooked up when the Keepintime crew visited Brazil. Mamao layed down an hour and a half of drums and after Mad had flipped them, his hero proceeded to vibe and form the potential of the songs. The result is this 13 track album beautifully pressed on double vinyl. The music is bright like bottled sunshine and feels like a vacation waiting to happen. Check the signature Madlib swing on instrumentation "Berumba," the breezy jazz sounds on "Papaya," the warm vibes on "Brasilian Sugar," the insane drum patterns and piano on "Upa Neguinho," samba on "Casa Forte," and Mamao's singing on "Segura Esta Onda." To the average western ear, these won't be very recognizable, but many are re-interpreted covers of artists such as Chico Buarque, Joao Donato, Marcos Valle, Dom Um Romao, even George Duke. Truly a future classic (Note: I can't find any credits for musicians on the back of this, which makes me assume it's all Madlib. If it is, why isn't he playing at Yoshi's?) Highly recommended.

• 2008 collaboration between Otis Jackson Jr. (Madlib) and Ivan 'Mamao' Conti (Azymuth)
• black double vinyl pressing
  
• first time on vinyl since 2008
• limited edition of 4500
• music label: Madlib Invazion 2021

reviewed by C'mish 05/2008