Nothing like a little Captain Planet to brighten up the day. The New York based producer returns to Bastard Jazz with Esperanto Slang, the follow up full length to his wildly popular Cookin' Gumbo debut. With each cut he builds on his Gumbo Funk style, bridging genres from hip hop to latin and even a little dancehall. From the opener, "Enter The Esperanto" you know you're in for a good time. The break heavy track eases you in to the Captain's singular style. The album features a myriad of guests, many on vocal duties. Chico Mann contributes to the latin house jam, "Un Poquito Mas," one that's sure to please. Then there's the melancholic reggae vibes of "In The Gray" which features vocals from Los Angeles soul singer Brit Laurén and the horns of supergroup, The Lions. Elsewhere he gets vocals from Argentina's La Yegros ("Que Quiero Volver") and Sudanese vocalist Alsarah ("Safaru"). The dueling guitar and oud of Leo Mintek and Arian Saleh add a Middle Eastern vibe to "S.S. Esfahan." Throughout Esperanto Slang Captain Planet blends a wide range styles from NY hip hop, UK bass and Turkish psychedelic, to Nigerian afrobeat and Amazonian funk. His productions seem to get better with every release.

• music label: Bastard Jazz Recordings 2014

reviewed by Le Haim 10/2014