Saracen

Jef Stott's first full-length builds on his debut EP (and offers re-recorded and reworked tracks from it) to offer a powerhouse mix of electronic and Middle Eastern music that hits on all cylinders. He's a talent oud player, and also does a credible job on several other instruments from the region, mixing them with his beats and programming to create a whole that, if not organic, sounds natural. There are some standouts, like "Medina Stepper," whose bassline borrows heavily from the Moroccan gnawa tradition, dry and funky, or "Faqir," with its sweeping strings. The more uptempo tracks work best, with "Aegean Dub" a chilled ending that seems tacked on rather than part of the album. That aside, there's a lot to recommend this disc. Not only does Stott know his Middle Eastern music, he's an outstanding producer and musician, with respect for what's before him. Recommended.