Classic Jazz-Funk Mastercuts Vol.6

The Mastercuts label's great Classic Jazz-Funk series kicked off in 1991, and like the other volumes released throughout the '90s, the sixth volume more or less concentrates on the '70s end of jazz-funk as opposed to the form's beginnings during the '60s. Jazz artists were incorporating more potent and often easily danceable backbeats and were also allowing for the R&B of the time to infiltrate their sound, causing purists to shriek in horror at the break from tradition and -- just as importantly -- the crossover appeal. Though this series was aimed at the rare groove crowd in the U.K. that was at full boil during the '90s, many of these cuts have always been valued in the underground clubs of the U.S. -- from David Mancuso's earliest New York Loft parties in the '70s and on through the gatherings that have featured roots-conscious house DJs from Chicago, Detroit, New York, and New Jersey. Not only that, but rap DJs have constantly visited the jazz-funk well for prime sample material. The sixth volume of Classic Jazz-Funk shifts gears on the series and focuses on Japanese artists. Featured here are selections from saxophonist Toshiyuki Honda ("Lament"), shakuhachi master Kazu Matsui ("Music Inside You"), prolific saxman Sadao Watanabe ("Nice Shot"), fusion guitarist Ryo Kawasaki ("Trinkets and Things"), and guitarist Katsutoghi Morizono ("Cadillac Kid"). Other selections from Dave Grusin ("Friends and Strangers") and Lee Ritenour ("Rio Funk") have less-significant ties to the theme of the disc, but they were released by Japan's JVC label and executive produced by Toshio Endo. This volume isn't one of the strongest in the series, but it doubles as both a slight tangent and a fine member of the pack. ~ Andy Kellman|