Fabriclive.46

by Rick Anderson In 2009 it's easy to forget how refreshing it was when, at the height of the acid house scene, producers like LTJ Bukem began moving away from house music's four thuds to the bar and creating something new, based more firmly on breakbeats and jazz influences. Soon jungle and drum'n'bass began to emerge as distinct musical genres, and Bukem was one of the visionaries giving the music its shape. If today his music seems less boundary-pushing than it once did, that's in part due to the amazing degree to which breakbeats have become a part of the everyday aural landscape. There's no question that on his contribution to the Fabriclive series, Bukem is still showing all of his strengths: not only the technical turntable chops needed to mix a great hour-plus DJ set live in the studio, but also the ability to detect and attract top-notch talent -- all 18 tracks on this fine collection are taken from the catalog of his own Good Looking label. Highlights include the tight and smoothly funky "Impressions" by Tidal, the darker and harder "Madcaps Remix" of "Inflated Tear" by Villem, and Paul SG's crisp but coolly dubwise "Sweet and Fresh." If there is a theme running through Bukem's productions and mixes, it seems to be the resolution of musically contrary elements: cool and energetic, sharp and spacy, contemplative and hard. That's one mark of a genius.