Late Night Tales

For the latest installment of the renowned Late Night Tales series, Bonobo takes a crack at a compilation that is traditionally rooted in downtempo. The album’s success lies in Bonobo’s ability to shift genres just when you’re getting used to one, never hinging on a single sound longer than necessary. The subtlety with which he transitions into new material is a feat. Late Night Tales weaves through a brass renegade with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, flows to instrumental funk with Menahan Street Band, and melds brilliantly with a condensed version of Andrew Ashong’s soulful pop piece “Flowers.” The muted tuba gives way to echoed claps and perfectly drops into the bass heavy “Down the Line (It Takes a Number)” by Romare. The grit and disconnect of Lapalux nestles nicely between experimental hip-hop and instrumental jazz, while the acoustic, mournful rendition of Amerie’s “One Thing” by collaborators Peter and Kerry is a beautiful addition. It’s an impeccable compilation.