Photo via Jimel Primm
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Itâs little surprise that Jahari Massaba Unit are artfully obliterating the lines between jazz, hip-hop, rock, and soul. After all, Madlib, and Karriem Riggins have been doing it for decades. And once again, with their latest album, YHWH is LOVE, the duo have delivered one of the yearâs early contenders for funkiest jazz album of 2024.
The process for JMU is relatively simple. Riggins sends drum beats to Madlib to craft into more fully realized tracks. But the results are richly complex. On their debut album, Pardon My French, the two production legends suffused their grooves with xylophones and a smoky cafe feel. It had a, well, French vibe that outlined the contours of their sound and vision. Released earlier this month, YHWH is LOVE feels less constrained by theme, allowing for wider exploration and experimentation. From the Ray Manzerak-style keys on the funky groove âOtisâ Tambourineâ to the late night lull of âAll Things,â the album flows across myriad styles, all underpinned by Rigginsâ lush percussion. Madlib takes care of everything else, including bass, keys, horns and probably some kitchen sink strumming for good measure. His sensibilities as an extraordinary crate digger serve him and the listener well.
No sound is left unexplored. Quiet storm over twinkling keys and crisp percussion? Why not? (âAnointed Soulâ and âWith YHWH Loveâ)? Bumping basslines? Everywhere (âBoppinâ is a prime example). 70s stylings steeped in slinky keys? You bet (âJMUâs Voyageâ). Marriage of African grooves and ballroom? Sure thing (âMassamba Afundanceâ). Thumping outro? Yessir (âSeven Mile to Oxnardâ). More xylophones? Hell, JMU has you covered there, too (âStomping Gamayâ). If your desire is to find yourself awash in jazzy funkification, YHWH is LOVE should be in your library.
To get a better feel for the magic behind the music, I recently spoke with Karriem Riggins to discuss the creative process between the musical madmen. How did the two men meet and make this phenomenal music together? Itâs one thing to jam out in person, but how does the JMU back-and-forth-but-not-in-person dynamic differ? How does a duo do its duo-thing under those circumstances? Is it due to the individual playerâs dynamic bond? Actual telepathy? Whatâs the meaning behind YHWH is LOVE?
With SEVEN albums slated for release in 2024, itâs fair to assume that the longtime Dilla collaborator, percussionist and storied producer likely doesnât get his full eight hours of shut-eye each night, but still Riggins took time out from a super-busy schedule â that also included attending the funeral of Joseph âAmpâ Fiddler, which he wanted me to share, because as he pointed out, âwe want to keep celebrating our geniuses â to fill in the details. Oh, and while itâs not here, he also has great travel suggestions if youâre visiting Paisley Park and want to impress the docent. Read on to find out more.