Acid Jazz And Other Illicit Grooves

Acid Jazz And Other Illicit Grooves

Released in 1988 on Urban Records, Acid Jazz And Other Illicit Grooves is an important document of the emerging British acid jazz and jazz-dance movement. Compiled by influential DJs and musical tastemakers Gilles Peterson and Simon Booth, the album brings together a selection of adventurous UK jazz-funk outfits alongside spoken-word contributions from Jalal of pioneering American group The Last Poets.

Rather than focusing on established commercial artists, the collection shines a light on a new generation of musicians exploring the meeting point between jazz improvisation, funk, soul, hip-hop and underground club culture. It offers a fascinating snapshot of the London jazz-dance scene just as acid jazz was beginning to establish its identity.

The album opens with an introduction from Jalal, whose involvement provides a direct connection to the politically charged spoken-word and jazz poetry traditions of The Last Poets. His short interludes appear throughout the record, giving the compilation a distinctive personality and helping connect its musical selections.

Among the featured groups is Ace Of Clubs, whose self-titled contribution showcases the sophisticated instrumental funk and jazz influences at the heart of the emerging movement. Push contribute 'Traffic', while Acid Jazz Alliance (AJA) deliver the wonderfully titled 'Shaft In Acton', a playful nod to the classic blaxploitation soundtrack tradition and the British jazz-funk scene.

Side B features Galliano alongside The Jazz Renegades on 'Six Sharp Fists'. Led by vocalist Rob Gallagher, Galliano would become one of the most recognisable names associated with the British acid jazz movement, combining jazz, funk, hip-hop and spoken-word influences into a distinctive urban sound. The Jazz Renegades were another important part of this developing musical community, with their work helping bridge the gap between the British jazz-funk tradition and the new generation of club-oriented musicians.

Night Trains contribute 'And Now We Have Rhythm', while Rhythm Blades close the main musical programme with 'Doin' It Naturally', another excellent example of the groove-led, jazz-influenced sound that defined this underground movement. An additional spoken-word contribution, 'A Refreshing Interlude', provides another moment of Jalal-inspired character.

The compilation also has an interesting place in the history of Urban Records, the label established as a home for emerging British dance and jazz talent. Its wider significance lies in documenting the musical foundations of a scene that would go on to produce influential artists including Galliano, The Brand New Heavies and The James Taylor Quartet.

An essential listen for fans of acid jazz, rare groove, jazz-funk, broken-beat influences and late-1980s British underground club culture. Acid Jazz And Other Illicit Grooves is particularly appealing to collectors interested in the roots of the acid jazz movement and the musicians who helped shape its early sound.

Tracklist

Side A

• Jalal From The Last Poets – Introduction

1. Ace Of Clubs – Ace Of Clubs

• Jalal – Untitled

2. Push – Traffic

3. AJA (Acid Jazz Alliance) – Shaft In Acton

• Jalal – Untitled

Side B

1. Galliano And The Jazz Renegades – Six Sharp Fists

2. Night Trains – And Now We Have Rhythm

• Unknown Artist – A Refreshing Interlude

3. Rhythm Blades – Doin' It Naturally