I don't usually review releases (I've only reviewed 1 and the other reviews I've made are for artists), but when I do, it's mostly the attention towards the release rather than the release itself that captures my attention. In this case, it seems to be what I perceive as the possible overlooking and underrating of a release. Despite a well known artist like Jazzie B of the legendary group Soul II Soul doing this compilation, this 2nd installment in the Masterpiece series and successor to the Francois K release has been rarely mentioned or referred to. In my opinion I found it awkward that a release in a "prestigious" series made by an otherwise commercial label would get such a treatment. To understand whether this release was a letdown to the series or just underrated, I decided to get myself a copy and have a listen.
The first disc, titled "Pre Africa Centre", is a predominantly disco mix filled with lots of beauties. Personal favorites on the disc include I'll Be Your Pleasure by Esther Williams and Good Loving Is Good Living by Creative Source. One thing that I have to criticize about the disc, though I won't make it a grading factor, is the presence of surface noise on a couple tracks. What caught my attention specifically is the track Cocomotion by El Coco, which starts off with a lot of crackling and pops. Somehow I see this also as a positive feature because it indicates that this DJ Mix was recorded with vinyl rather than CDs or digital format as is common nowadays, though maybe it would have been wiser that Jazzie B could have found better copies of the tracks.
Next comes the second disc titled "Africa Centre / Rare Groove", which is composed of songs that encompass a wide range of styles in the funk/soul genre. Calling this disc "Rare Groove" is a bit debatable since popular tracks like Brick House by Commodores and I Know You Got Soul by Eric B. & Rakim make a feature, however the rareness of other tracks do make up for the loss. Rest assured if I never bought this compilation I probably would never have heard most of these songs in my life. Another factor to criticize but not be graded upon is the fact that at only 55 minutes this disc is the shortest DJ mix in my collection as of writing. Although I feel like Jazzie B could have added more tracks to this disc, somehow the way it is with its current tracklisting is just right.
Ending this compilation is the third disc "Africa Centre / Fridge", encompassing the electronic side of this compilation. The disc starts off with 80s house classics such as Can You Feel It by Mr. Fingers and Baby Wants To Ride by Frankie Knuckles Feat. Jamie Principle. After the house comes a "break with breaks" which includes some hip-hop and 2-step UK garage. After these tracks the house music resume but with some modern tracks composed of music by Jazzie B and the Soul II Soul gang. Favorites of mine from this disc include Do What You Want by 2 In A Room and After All (S2S Special) by Wookie Feat. Lain.
After listening to this compilation, I have come to the conclusion that it is indeed underrated and overlooked. But why is it, did this release not sell too well (which makes sense because the Masterpiece series did not resume until 2010 with the Fabio & Grooverider release) or is it because there was a focus on a genre not too familiar with Ministry Of Sound (which doesn't make sense because of the release of the 80s Groove series in 2010)? Now that I've asked that question to the reader, I shall ask myself questions and answer them. Does this compilation live up to the title of Masterpiece, does it deserve more attention? My answer to those questions is a big ABSOLUTELY!
