After a few self-released beat tapes, Devonne Harris aka DJ Harrison lands on the mighty Stones Throw Records. Harrison honed his chops by learning to replay funk and jazz samples on piano, drums and bass; the computer and the sampler came much later. This creative auteur methodology carries throughout HazyMoods, with Harrison in full control, yielding a decidedly whoozy, muscular batch of tracks rooted in soul and jazz that are simple yet highly potent. The best moments recall the off-kilter sophisticated boogie of Dam-Funk, Flying Lotus’ headnod factor, the playful naïveté of SamiYam, and of course J Dilla. Check the suave jazz-funk of “CandleLit,” or Pharrell-meets-AFX wigflip of “SpaceModulator” for proof. Recorded directly to tape at Richmond, VA’s Jellowstone, a communal living / working / recording space that Harris shares with his friends and collaborators. Other highlights: “ProcessFresh,” “Drunk808,” “BonusLevel.”

• music label: Stones Throw 2017

reviewed by mayor of hounslow 08/2017