Madlib - Shades of Blue (2003)

Otis Jackson Jr.'s moniker is actually a wordplay on the Latin phrase: 'ad libitum' (or 'ad lib' for short) meaning 'at one's pleasure'. In a musical context, it usually is an invitation for a performer to improvise a certain passage, play it at his own discretion. And it seems that Madlib does just that - he digs up samples, fiddles with them and pairs them up with neat breakbeats thereby 'improvising' a new sound.

The 'Shades of Blue' album is even more so interesting, because the samples used throughout the entire production come from the legendary Blue Note labels' archives. Madlib surely had a lot to choose from. Actually, saying that he merely samples old recordings would be a gross understatement. Rather than that, he uses the various bits and bobs he finds as instruments and, much like the head of an orchestra, creates a musical collage with a fresh and unique sound. No wonder then, that one of Madlib's alter egos is called 'The Beat Konducta'.

The results of his invasion of the Blue Note catalog are quite impressive. Madlib remixes many classics, such as: Gene Harris' "The Book of Slim", Donald Byrd's "Distand Land" and "Stepping into Tomorrow", Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" or Bobby Hutcherson's 'Montara', giving them a new appeal. There's also a bunch of skits and interludes thrown in for good measure, which tell the story of the Blue Note label and give us an insight into Madlib's answering machine (!).

Much like the title of the album suggests, the various tracks spread across the whole emotional spectrum. You can find tunes with a real hip-hop edge ('Please Set Me At Ease' with guest MC Medaphoar); some break-heavy jams ('Stormy' or 'Funky Blue Note'); slower, moody grooves ('Andrew Hill Break'); and tracks which might as well have had a 'nu-jazz' label stuck on them ('Song For My Father' or 'Peace / Dolphin Dance'). What all these tracks have in common, however, is the delicious, ear-pleasing production quality served by Madlib. Even the most raw and simple songs are filled with carefully picked sounds - there's an almost silent horn over here, a distant cowbell on the off-beat there, some barely noticeable vocals harmonising with the strings, a swinging piano in the background, etc. That's what really makes this album sound so good and I also believe that part of the fun with it is exploring these hidden gems.

'Shades of Blue' is also special for one more reason. Madlib is so far the only hip-hop producer ever to release an album on the legendary Blue Note label, which has in its roster such prominent artists as: Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins or Cannonball Adderley. Do you think he can match his label mates? Well, just see for yourself!

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