Mystic Bill - Chicago School Of Jazz Vol 1 [Chiwax]

Mystic Bill (real name William Torres) has been making music in Chicago since the late 80s, although it wasn't until the mid-90s that his records started appearing in stores. Now he debuts on Rawax's ChiWax sub-label with a series of cuts loosely inspired by the Windy City's old tradition of fusing elements of jackin' house with jazz. He kicks off strongly with Pitmaster Ritual, where acid kick drums and jackin' percussion intertwine with spatial synth solos and jazzy-flavored electronic arrangements, then unfurls the denser, more compact groove of We Play Jazz, sustained by an enveloping organ. On the B-side, 4 Paul is a heartfelt tribute to the beloved late Chicago house pioneer, Paul Johnson, while This Side of the Tracks delves into deeper, warmer, and delightfully stranger territory.