Breaking rules is never something that Madlib has shied away from, but rather something he embraces. As a hip-hop producer, his catalogue speaks for itself. However, as a jazz musician, we encounter new Madlib personalities that do  not necessarily adhere to modern expectations of jazz-fusion. To detail each of his aliases would be extensive, so for now the focus simply rests on his latest, The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble, which evolved from Yesterday’s Universe.

As a jazz album, Miles Away excels. It boasts a sprawling set of sounds and textures that reinforce the creative genius that is Madlib. Without question, it is an album that requires listeners to break out the good headphones, because Madlib has laced each song with intricate and finite layers. Flutes and bells chime in over liquid basslines. Improvised piano tracks float over lazy sitars (a testament to the world music elements that come into play), but rather than blending into one dense soundscape, the individual instruments all stand in their own element, perfectly audible and clear.

The freeform nature of Miles Away, as with many jazz albums, pushes the music forward, with unpredictable turns in nearly every track. However, it is the influence of world music that really ties the album together thematically. In that sense, the title of the group (as Madlib would like you to call it) is a rather accurate portrayal of the sounds present here. There are both electronic and acoustic foundations, just as there is an airy ambience (space). Obviously it is a jazz album, but the percussion plays a key role. The presence of afrobeat and polyrhythm is a key factor in the overall theme of the album. This is evident from the very first track, named after and dedicated to afrobeat and world jazz musician Derf Reklaw. In fact, most of the tracks are dedicated to esteemed jazz and world musicians such as Roy Ayers, Horace Tapscott and Harry Whitaker.

It’s quite possible that listeners will recognize a few of the songs, as they have been circulating for quite some time now. “One for the Monica Lingas Band” even appeared on Yesterdays Universe: Prepare for a New Yesterday (Volume One) in a slightly condensed form. Nonetheless, to have all the tracks compiled into such a tightly knit collection is refreshing and rewarding. Miles Away is a strange amalgam that pays homage to the music’s pioneers, with a modern twist. Ultimately it should stand as one of Madlib’s finest jazz projects.

4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5

Download: The Last Electro Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble – “Tones for Larry” [Right Click Save-As]