Like a family tree, Ambient has expanded in so many different ways that it's easy to confuse the various hyphenates that have since spawned from such an innocuous genre.
Acid Jazz seemed to have revolutionized the landscape but didn't turn many heads, let alone setting aural lobes ablaze. In the case of Ambient Soul, a relatively new genre that is personified by The Dining Rooms' "Experiments In Ambient Soul," TDR interlaces a collection of encompassing and emotive Jazz and Funk-infused elements courtesy of Italian's Stefano Ghittoni, a resident DJ in Milan, and Cesare Malfatti, a talented musician in his own right.
Mr. Ghittoni's DJ residency shines through on the CD as he maintains a lounge atmosphere, while Mr. Malfatti's involvement in various Blues side projects further adds a consistency towards unfurling a diverse and satisfying soulful Jazz addition to any collection.
Stand-out selections include the second track, "Diamonds & Comforts." The song begins with a rap intro that I was hoping wouldn't continue and thankfully doesn't and instead gives way to Stefania Giarlotta's strong backing vocals.
The third track, "Afrolicious," could easily accompany any of the 'Ocean's 11' sequels. The track is fun and definitely funky and also reminiscent of the Acid Jazz group, Down To The Bone.
On the fourth track, "Driving," the driving vocals of Sean Martin is one of those feel-good songs that resonated with me, combining a vibrant guitar, laid back bass groove and an old school organ making this one of several favorite songs...