Blueprint Ruby

• Words: Derek Grey
• Label: Exceptional
• XLR8R Rating: /10

As soul-jazz evolved from its ‘70s origins with artists like Lonnie Liston Smith and Roy Ayers to ‘80s quiet storm and ‘90s acid jazz forms, it further incorporated a wealth of melodic chords and ambient synth pads. The aftershocks are felt today in projects like Blueprint, whose "Ruby" has a warm sheen similar to Coldcut‘s Balearic classic "Autumn Leaves," mixed with producer Jimpster‘s snug beats. Blueprint plays all their instruments live and the Gerd remix here is as club-friendly as it gets.