This album can really only be described as an explosion of different sounds. Jazzanova uses everything between freshly layered piano loops, precisely patterned jazz drums, eerily sampled vocals, and electronically synthesized melodies to piece together some of the most captivating arrangements I have ever heard. This record is a powerful demonstration of how much genius can be conjured if a few masterful composers are given carte-blanche to do whatever the heck they want. And what a display it is, as one that can shatter the very pillars of certainty that support your musical foundation.

The collective is most comparable to The Avalanches in terms of technique, except that they do not create music almost exclusively through samples. Although it is hard to tell by the way they choose to execute their compositions by including many unpredictable breaks, cuts, and twists in their songs and because of this varied approach to the craft, you can tell that each song is not subjected to the same formula. You may get a track that has only a few lyrics repeated robotically like a Funk sample or you may get a fairly thorough lyrical performance with plenty of abstract messages to pick out. Furthermore, they may choose to mess with you and have repeated lyrics in the first half of the song, and just when you think that there is nothing more to the song you are blessed with some fine Jazz singing.

“LOVE and You & I” is a mind bending arrangement that may have you scratching your head on first listen, deep in contemplation on the second, and completely in love with it on the third. The way this nearly 8 minute track starts off lets you know you are about to experience something of epic proportions. This is a perfect introduction into their world as it allows you to see just the sheer degree to which they feel necessary to mold and shape a song into fruition. You are treated to an awesome beat break that has them using marimba’s and horns in ways you can’t imagine. As if this song isn’t any indication of what’s to follow, each song on this record is a meal on its own.

The ghost-like vocals flow into the second track “No Use” which is a more fleshed out lyrical performance that speaks of deep regrets and how to deal with them. The tempo drastically changes on the following track which is more of a Hip-Hop flavored offering with rapper Capitol A trying to keep up with the groups frantic beat. The tempo takes on many forms before even a third of the album is through. By the middle of the album you may think you are ready for any kind of surprises, that is until “Another New Day” comes in with its Jazz-House mixed with Downbeat production that sounds like a movie score. Another surprise for me was finding out that the Neo-Soul crooning on “Soon” was not that of Steve Spacek, which I was willing to bet anything on, but instead of a singer by the name of Victer Duplaix, a very talented singer in his own right.

“Dance The Dance” is a very easy track to like for me. If you let the groove build enough you will find it very satisfying due to its unique makeup. I particularly like Claas Brieler’s vocalization on this song as its got this wise old man feel especially when taken in context with the lyrics. Lines like “we can make a dream come true in the space of now” are hard enough to pull off but he does it gracefully while giving the song a transcendent feel.

I can talk about this album for far too long, and I have no doubt that anyone can take something off “In Between” to cherish. Staying true to their formula Jazzanova would later redefine themselves and craft an album called “Of All The Things” that melded their Acid-Jazz with Soul and RnB, which is a stellar offering as well. Whether they are in between the space that connects musical boundaries or they choose to embrace the sound of all those things, Jazzanova are truly one of the most innovative acts of the last decade.

by Abid