Jamie Jones - Fabric 59 (2011)

8/10

House's own Welsh wizard provides a top set for home grooving

Jamie Jones had an excellent 2011, being crowned Resident Advisor’s top DJ of the year in addition to his Hot Creations label putting out several successful records. As if that wasn’t enough, Jones also put together one of the mixes of the year in the form of this Fabric CD.

While it’s smooth, funky house that Jones has been making waves with recently, he initially made a name for himself with more of a tech-house sound. This manifests itself early on in the mix with tracks such as his edit of “Is This Something” by Coat Of Arms as well as Felix Da Housecat and Miss Kittin’s infamous “Madame Hollywood”. However, it’s clear to see where things are headed as groovy basslines slip into the mix.

Thre’s much to love about the growing old-school vibe of the second half. The delightful soulfulness of Crazy P’s “Open For Service” gives way to Holy Ghost!’s remix of “Goblin City” by Panthers, a disco dream made of electric guitar.

The inclusion of Jones’ own track “The Lows” perhaps kills this vibe, but it could just be that he was looking to lower the tempo for an ending. He closes superbly, with the sinister “Fear Of Numbers” by Footprintz, with the sort of synthy gloom that screams Depeche Mode (hell, the singer even sounds like Dave Gahan).

Jones strings together a satisfying variety of tracks masterfully; taking house, disco and funk on an outing and showing them what they have in common. Even when transitioning between different types of music, he marries grooves and melodies superbly, showing just why he’s the most in-demand man in dance music right now.


This mix CD was released on 22 August 2011 by Fabric, available from the Fabric Store or Amazon.