Nicola Conte

Nicola Conte � Umoja (Joaquin Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythm Music & Cosmic Arts Remixes) on Far Out Recordings (FARO245) is a deep, spiritual house odyssey spread across a heavyweight double LP. Joaquin �Joe� Claussell takes Conte�s Afro-jazz and soul-infused originals and stretches them into long, hypnotic journeys: Sacred Rhythm versions and dubs of �Life Forces�, �Umoja�, �Into The Light� and others unfold over ten-plus minutes, carried by live percussion, warm Rhodes, meditative basslines and slowly evolving vocal and horn phrases. It�s the sweet spot where spiritual jazz, Afro-Brazilian rhythms and New York deep house meet, with arrangements that are fully DJ-functional but rich enough for pure home listening. On vinyl, the swing of the drums and the tonal detail of the congas and cymbals really open up, giving the record a ceremonial, ritual feel. Essential for deep-house selectors, spiritual jazz devotees and Far Out completists.