Angles Without Edges

Review

Only a mind as eccentric as Madlib’s could invent not one, but five new alter egos to inhabit. Yesterday’s New Quintet finds the producer behind the Lootpack and Quasimoto masquerading as Malik Flavors, Monk Hughes, Ahmad Miller, Joe McDuffrey and his true namesake, Otis Jackson Jr. Together, the five introduce one of the most unusual jazz/hip-hop fusion LPs ever as Madlib plays all the instruments included on the 19-track album. Programming from behind a trusty SP1200, he lays down percussion, bass and an army of different keyboards to craft the classic soul jazz record no beat digger has ever heard before.

Unlike the sonic wallpaper laid down by Pete Rock and Jay Dee on recent albums, Angles Without Edges offers complete songs rather than glorified loops. The compositions include such classics as covers of Roy Ayers’ “Daylight” and Ramsey Lewis’ “Sun Goddess,” as well as more obscure fare like Walter Bishop Jr.’s “Keeper of My Soul,” plus several originals like “The One Who Knows” and “Broken Dreams.”

Though the album is intriguing, it’s not for everyone as Madlib invokes ambiance somewhere between the improvisational freedom of jazz and the rhythmic anchor of hip-hop. His songs are neither balanced in both worlds nor completely thrown onto one side. But like his well-received Quasimoto persona, Yesterday’s New Quintet is another dimension (or five) of Madlib’s persona. And the experiment proves equally provocative as he slathers you in the funky warmth of Angles‘ soft, gilded folds.

Lefty Banks — From URB Magazine