If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume one which focuses on Brazilian music. He starts the mix with standards by Sergio Mendes, Cal Tjader, and Jorge Ben. Then with a track labeled simply "Hype Shit" he gets deeper into his collection with Kenyatta, Que 2, Tempo 70, Azymuth, and a track labeled "Classic Shit." The 16 track selection ends with a unlisted 17th track, a belly rumbling boogaloo ending.  Dictated by the music style (and probably the rareness of these records), there's no Beat Junkie trick mixing or blends on this volume, just simple mixes. 60 minutes.

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2006