Mixed Bag

During the past decade, jazz has been used as a flavor in a variety of different styles. Acid Jazz, which was originated in British dance clubs, mixes together funk, electronic rhythms and pop sensibilities with some jazz soloing to create an infectious brand of dance music. Its influence has been felt both in the dance world and in jazz.

The ensemble that goes under the name of THUG (The House of Urban Grooves) includes such fine jazz players as keyboardist Patrice Rushen, tenor-saxophonist Louis Von Taylor and violinists Karen Briggs and Trey Duncan. While there are some jazz solos, the emphasis is not on improvising but on the grooves. The electronic rhythms make this a CD that works well as dance music and as backgrounds at parties while the many different types of colors should make this of strong interest for listeners who enjoy a strong dose of funk with their jazz.

O'2L is an unusual group co-led by keyboardist Jane Mangini (who is also a jingle composer) and heavy metal guitarist Al Pitrelli. While Pitrelli's guitar is used for color and occasional outbursts, the episodic music is mostly run by Mangini, whether on keyboards or on stretches where she explores the acoustic piano. The music is consistently funky, covers a variety of moods and is open to a wide variety of sounds. In addition to the co-leaders, a few background singers (Aunt Jane, Raychel O'Shea and Mary McClain), bassist Danny Miranda and trombonist Josh Rabinowitz help out. The influences of classical music, New Age, pop, rock and exotic electronics are mixed together to create a danceable but unpredictable record.

—Scott Yanow