Wonderland

Wonderland is credited to Jeff Mills & the Zanza 22, though Mills is listed as the sole composer, performer, and producer of the album. Regardless of whether other musicians are involved, the release sounds like the work of a full ensemble, as it incorporates several layers of acoustic and electronic percussion with soulful keyboard melodies and organ chords. It also sounds live and improvised rather than pre-programmed, recalling Mills live collaborations with the late drummer Tony Allen and synth player Jean-Phi Dary, as well as Mills and Darys subsequent work as the Paradox. The tracks on Wonderland are somewhere in between Mills spaciest solo work and the joyous, housey side of Underground Resistance, with moments that reflect the influence of Latin music traditions, jazz fusion, and even gospel. "Sunset Lovers" is like Mills unplugged, with shakers and bongo rhythms keeping time with glistening organs and samba chords. "When the Time Is Right" translates the same vibe into a late-night floorfiller. The bongo-heavy "The Main Contender" is an overt nod to houses disco roots, but as a whole, this isnt necessarily an album created with clubs in mind. "Wonderland" is a complex, mesmerizing display of interlocked polyrhythms, with a juicy bassline snaking underneath. "Like Paradise" has slower drums that hint at industrial rhythms, but theyre smoothed out with layers of foamy keyboards. Demonstrating the techno legends stylistic range as well as his gift for spontaneous creation, Wonderland is one of Mills most accessible, inviting releases. ~ Paul Simpson