Stellar mix of Black Jazz rarities from Detroit house visionary Theo Parrish! Black Jazz Signature is the latest in a series of mixes from Japan's Snow Dog label (whose previous installments came from highly regarded digger/djs Gilles Peterson and DJ Muro) and finds the influential Detroit producer giving shine to some of his favorite cuts from the label circa 1971-75. If you've ever had the pleasure of seeing Theo Parrish DJ live, then you already know how deep he can take it in the mix (especially with the EQs!). Expect the same level of deepness here, but without the crazy EQing he's infamous for. Instead, Theo keeps the transitions as smooth as possible, with no effects or trickery - just expert selection and placement, track after track. Parrish's own music is steeped in jazz and soul influence, so it really comes as no surprise that his mix is a revelation for both jazz heads and noobs alike. Trust, Theo won't steer you wrong! 12 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Snow Dog Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 09/2013