The fusion of house, techno and jazz found within Henrik Schwarz’s “Live” is generally pleasing and an interesting mélange of sounds. For his latest album, Schwarz made recordings in clubs across the globe then put them together in the studio. The tracks are comprised of original works with a healthy dose of remixes thrown in for good measure and many listeners are likely to find something to tickle their fancy.

The initial sounds of the album draws heavily from jazz influences, with the Schwarz remix of Kuniyuki’s ‘Earth Beats’ featuring a jaunty melody with a smooth house tempo. Things become even smoother with the sublime remix of ‘Vuoi Vuoi’ by Mari Boine, which uses deep and subtle synths in a way that’s perfect for a late night drive. The pace picks up in ‘Where we At,’ with its driving tribal rhythms bringing more energy to proceedings.

One notable reworking of the eminently funky Holland outfit Kraak & Smaak was disappointing, sounding too stripped back and minimal to be memorable. Other parts of the album suffer from an overuse of irritating samples or instruments. What could have been a slamming funky track in the form of ‘Leave my Brain Alone’ is ruined by a consistent, annoying bee-like buzzing sample that only turns into a discernable melody by the end of the track. In fact a lot of the album would benefit from fewer build ups and a more energised vibe, many tracks only reach a crescendo towards the end of the song by which time the boredom has well and truly set in. Which is a shame, as there is much gold to be found by the more patient listeners.

This is the kind of CD you would put on to chill out to, despite the sleeve artwork’s insistence to ‘play it loud’ and ‘keep on dancing,’ it’s unlikely to work as effectively in that sort of context. Having said that, there is much to enjoy here. Plenty of well made, deep, smooth jazziness to suit a more introspective mood. It’s just a shame that it often takes a bit too long to come about.

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Tracklist:
1. Sun Ra- Lullaby for Realville
2. Kuniyuki- Earth Beats (Henrik Schwarz RMX)
3. Mari Boine- Vuoi Vuoi Me (Henrik Schwarz RMX)
4. Jesse Rose Alongside Henrik Schwarz- Stop, Look & Listen (Henrik's Version)
5. Henrik Schwarz- Kalimba Dance
6. Henrik Schwarz, Ame & Dixon feat. Derrick L. Carter- Where We At (Live Version)
7. Kraak & Smaak- No Sun In The Sky (Henrik Schwarz RMX)
8. Henrik Schwarz- Leave My Head Alone Brain
9. Boundzound- Louder (Henrik Schwarz Full Vocal Mix)
10. Mandill- Mango Meat
11. Henrik Schwarz- Jimis
12. Henrik Schwarz- Imagination Limitation (DJ Kicks)
13. James Brown- It's A Man's World (The Henrik Schwarz Remix)
14. Dark Globe feat. Boy George- Atoms (Henrik Schwarz RMX)
15. Henrik Schwarz- Walk Music
16. Henrik Schwarz- Jazz Book No. 2