Sunday 14 June 2015

Marini's on 57 'Sunset Hours Vol Two' Review



Artist: Various




Title: Marini's on 57:

Sunset Hours vol Two




Label: Secret Life Music




Released: 8th June







Marini's on 57 is a restaurant and bar situated on the 57th floor of a skyscraper situated next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers that dominates Kuala Lumpas skyline. Volume one of the series was compiled by the legendary Cafe Del Mar dj Jose Padilla and the second in the series has kept up the high standard with a selection of after dinner jazz and sun soaked Balearica from Chris Coco and Steve Miller (Afterlife). The result of the pairs crate digging from the past to the present for this release has a wonderful ambience and if the truth be told the newer releases have a flavour of the past about them. This could easily be a Cafe Del Mar compilation from the late 90's that was never released.

The opening track the Club Des Belugas remix of Les Baxters 'Jungle Flower' has a distinct Henri Mancini feel to it with some lovely crisp drumwork. While Christian Prommer takes Mr Fingers classic chicago house anthem 'Can You Feel It' into the realms of jazz where the piano set me in mind of Francesco Tristano's classical piano take on Derrick May's techno classic 'Strings of Life' (which co-incidently Christian has also covered). Jose Padilla makes a re-apperance in the series with his brand new single 'Mojame' a laid back acoustic number that conjures up visions of yacht filled harbours and beach bars. While Chris and Steve also feature on the release with the Marini's mix of 'Sunset Hours' a mellow house piece dedicated to the venue while my personal favourite the Nicola Conte remix of Suba's 'Tantos Desojos add's a little bossa nova to the menu.

Overall this compilation delivers as it's labelled and will definitely appeal to fans of the Cafe Del Mar series and of course Chris and Steve themselves. My only disapointment with the release is it has a distinctly French and Spanish feel to it, which is by no means a bad thing. However, it would be interesting to have heard some Maylasian releases that could slot into the general ambience.

The album is available digitally now with the cd release in July with launch parties in the venue itself and the Jockey Club on Salinas beach in Ibiza.

Review by Woodzee.

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