CTI occupies a liminal space in the world of jazz – funky enough for the listener who may see straight-ahead as unapproachable, yet refined and technical enough to earn a nod of respect from world-class jazz musicians. Few labels with as consistent and signature a sound have been able to bridge generational gaps with such ease, attracting both wizened jazz hipsters and sample-heads alike.
Julien Lourau’s new lp, Power of Soul, treats these selections from CTI’s catalogue in a similar, straddling manner.