This release comes from Japan born, Brooklyn based producer Hiro Awanohara aka Yellowtail. With previous releases on Compost, Irma, Head to Toe and his recent collaborations with vocalists Alison Crockett, Eska and Monday Michiru, Yellowtail’s sound reflects influences from a wide musical spectrum including future jazz and broken beats. As the 12�s on Amalgama and Groovement Records are on their way, we see him drop yet another collection of soulful joints geared as much towards the dance floor as it would for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive.

As the name suggests, think of a California 5 tracker as a journey through sounds of a ’63 Hollywood picture that kicks off with a big title track alerting the chase for the bad guys with a “James Bond but better� like theme, heavy handed beats and moody jazz of saxophone bits. One track flows into the other and the guitar licks of Foogaloo’s Journey finds us cruising in sixth gear, sub bass shaking the back of a seat. There are no remixes here, but a 100% authentic beats, driving bass lines and addictive synths. The mood shifts slightly with the broken house beats of Pacific Blu as a combination of bass heavy rhythm and melodic keys carries you away. Relax now… Adjust your seatbelt, spark that spliff… You forget to notice the pause between songs… Purple Daze is a wake up call for all drivers to remind them it’s not the end of a ride just yet. Funky synth stabs create a melody hard to resist. This is what you will end up humming after Phantoms in the Mist – a closing piece of a compilation – is over. The beats are broken – hopefully your ride is not. Whatever it is – this is a great collection of tracks for your bagpak. You’ll see.

Release Date March, 2006