Debut studio album from Italy's Jolly Mare. The former champion turntablist (still looking for the evidence of this) is now getting tagged as the new face of Italian disco. Jolly Mare (aka Fabrizio Martina) has worked with Soul Clap and Thundercat, and his music is as varied as those collaborations might hint at. Martina draws influence from funk, disco, house, easy listening and a host of other areas to create his own unique brew of soulful material. Some of the brightest moments on Mechanics are when he teams up with vocalists. The Lucia Manca featuring "Hotel Riviera" comes on with a hint of Italo disco before settling into some Ennio Morricone inspired grooves. Then we get some 80s soft rock Jan Hammer vibes on "Broken Ceilings." He saves some of the best for last with the chill wave stylings of "Want You Bad." Eleven tracks in all. Released by Bastard Jazz Recordings on double vinyl.

• double vinyl pressing
• music label: Bastard Jazz Recordings 2016

reviewed by Le Haim 05/2016