dZihan & Kamien - Gran Riserva

On their second album, Gran Riserva, Dzihan & Kamien have refined and perfected the sound that made their first, Freaks and Icons, a standout. And right off the bat, they deliver “Stiff Jazz,” one of the better future jazz tracks to come down the pipeline for a while. “Basmati,” with Daniela Muller, is reminiscent of the remix they did of Billie Holiday’s “Don’t Explain” on Verve Remixed, with its cut-up bluesy vocals. The ethnic influences that pervaded their first album make reappearances, but they’re not as pronounced this time around (except on “Ford Transit” and a little bit of “Airport”). Jazz is the order of the day here, as evidenced by “Deep Kitsch” and “Gutenmorgenduft.” “Drophere” is a heavyhearted torch song, while “Dundadeova” hits the blues with a lighter touch. These guys keep getting better and better.

I especially love the cover, it's absolutely deadpan - I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it features their respective fathers, musicians in their own right. This disc became an immediate, personal favorite. A Sunday afternoon staple, dZihan & Kamien blend sophisticated beats with some very provocative themes. The genre is typically bland and uninspired whereas Gran Riserva tucks itself nicely into your background or can easily rouse the neighbors. The whole disc is multifaceted enough to suit any occasion and can move you or soothe you.

Tracks like 'Airport' and 'Basmati' get things moving along nicely. 'Drophere' (featuring Ma Dita) take it to ethereal depths with haunting vocals and a fabulous rythm. No lizard's collection should be without this, a must have. Best served chilled.
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Zero