Title: James Hardway - Moors + Christians
Review: Quite the change -- James Hardway's fourth album, Moors and Christians, completely abandons the jazz drum `n' bass that were the basis of his earlier albums and instead explores some world-beat infused downtempo. "Wari Wah," for example, almost sounds like some of Frederic Galliano's African works, while "Los Locos Inglis" has some speedy Latin jazz. Not all of the tracks are winners, however: "Crystal Ball" is dub that doesn't quite sound right; for a better dub track, check out the darkly humorous "Snipers," instead. Hardway also embraces more vocals too: witness the contrapuntal falsetto and tenor on "Choco Blanco" or the happy-go-lucky sier on "Sunshine Moonshine." An interesting change of direction from a varied and talented artist.
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