Moving Forward, the latest album from Los Angeles DJ / producer Mojo Rising, also pleasantly looks to the recent past just a bit … harking back to the heyday of downtempo music as heard on fabled imprints like Mo'Wax, Pork, and Cup Of Tea. The Cold Busted label, today's premier ambassador of smoked-out funky grooves, has given Mojo Rising the platform to release this outstanding set of fourteen tracks, each presenting a vibe at times spacey, sometimes hazy, and always downright funky. Moving Forward is an album of highlights, such as the lush and emotive breakbeat-fueled title track, the heavy boom-bap swing of "Jazzy Vapors", and the digital future funk of "MindFAQ". Special guests provide cool collaboration, including Little Planet, World View, Alex Hudish, and fellow Cold Busted artist Jenova 7. Throughout the sound is distinctive and fleshed-out, expertly mixing these dusty beats with modern production techniques. It becomes clear that if, at first, the cuts seem a throwback to downtempo's prime, Mojo Rising indeed updates the genre, Moving Forward towards a funky rhythm resurgence.
Kid Loco - "Great stuff and strong beats."
Mark Farina - "Good stuff!"
All Good Funk Alliance - "Digging 'Jazzy Vapors' … nice jam."
Quincy Jointz (Timewarp) - "Top notch release … all winners."
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - "Lovely head travel …"
Danny Massure (Spring Strut / Ticklejunk) - "Super tasty! Funky and dreamy downtempo, perfect for summer."
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch / Mega Jawns) - "Really lovely stuff here."
Hippie Torrales - "Great release … some real nice tunes."
Scrimshire (Wah Wah 45s) - "I'm really enjoying this … will be playing 'In The Pocket' for a bit."
Stereo 77 (Plimsoll Records) - "Funky stuff right here!"
Belmar Sol - "Ridiculous jazzy downtempo flavor. Mojo Rising has really killed it on this second LP!"
Morphosis (The Hong Kong Ping Pong Club) - "Straight-up good vibes throughout … I love the dirty funk of 'MindFAQ'."
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - "Some cool, twisted vibes going on … electro funk to jazz fusion and beyond."
DJ Tomas (ForwardEver) - "These beats positively snap! Just the right touch of Mo' Wax / Cup O Tea vibes, and up-to-date beatsmanship."
Available now from The Cold Busted Bandcamp Shop, Beatport, and iTunes.