dusty: as above so below
Francisco Espregueira
Dusty returns to the Jazz & Milk roster with As Above So Below, a vibrant EP that seamlessly blends deep house grooves with soulful warmth and boundary-pushing sounds. Crafted using his beloved MPC, this release is a heady mix of influences, featuring the raw vocal power and percussive rhythms of Ghanaian artist King Owusu (Jembaa Groove), who has shared stages with legends like Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas. Adding to the EP's eclectic flavor is Henrique Gomide from Brazil's Caixa Cubo, whose jazz finesse on the Rhodes piano elevates the sonic landscape. As Above So Below arrives at a significant moment for Jazz & Milk as the label prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, a testament to its enduring impact on the global music scene.
Rooted in the ancient wisdom of its title, As Above So Below sees Dusty uniting genres in a way that feels both natural and innovative. This record blurs the lines between jazz, dub, West African rhythms, and house, creating a sound that is as introspective as it is designed to move you. Chris 'Dusty' Doepke, a quiet force in the scene through his curatorial work on the Community compilation, the Twelve Inch Jams series, his production on Caixa Cubo’s Agôra album, and his global DJing, now steps forward with a project that is a deep nod to his love for sample-driven production, enriched with live instrumentation and forward-thinking sounds. From the captivating deep house of "Visions" to the afro-cosmic spirit of "Emashin" (featuring King Owusu), the dreamy atmosphere of "Nebula," the jazzy energy of "Vibrate Higher" (featuring Henrique Gomide), and the dub-infused tribal vibes of "Ayalolo" (again featuring King Owusu), As Above So Below is a huge statement from the Cologne-based producer and DJ. He delivers music that doesn't just hit the dancefloor; it lingers, with layers of meaning, groove, and soul that invite listeners to delve deeper. Available on vinyl.