TuneSmith

Smith & Mudd

Blue River

When? Winter’s getting you down

Why? Get a blast of perfectly formed dreamy Balearic sunshine vibes…

Somewhere on the outer perimeters of Soho and Norway, there’s a tiny but fascinating underground disco scene that, despite its minute size, continues to bubble away beneath the surface of clubland. If you’re aware of the chuggy grooves knocked out by the Idjut Boys, Lindstrom or Prins Thomas – the scene’s star players – you’ll have an idea of what, for want of a better term, is often classed as ‘nu-disco’. Smith & Mudd’s Blue River is a good example of the sub-genre’s many merits. It’s an album made up of slo-mo house, deep dubby disco and blissful chill-out without a whiff of any cheese. It’s where the synth-scapes of Vangelis meet the Balearic soft rock of ‘Primavera (Stop Bajon)’ (see the Smith compilation Something for the Weekend Volume Three) topped up with plenty of shimmering guitar. For those who want a slower alternative to dance music, this sounds great in the car and even better on a golden beach. For those who can’t get to the beach, just put your shades on, turn up the car heating, and let Smith & Mudd do the rest. Scorching.

Solal

The Moonshine Sessions

When? You want to capture the magic of the Deep South

Why? This good old country music comes complete the hum of Tennessee crickets

Here’s a real curveball from the creative mind behind the Gotan Project: an unexpected but remarkable country music album. That’s right – not a tango in sight, but a haunting, acoustic collection of bluegrass-stained songs of lonesome regret set off against fiddle and steel pedal guitar. It even comes complete with the authentic hum of chirping Nashville crickets. That’s not to say it lacks a contemporary edge. Philippe Cohen Solal maintains the essence of the country spirit whilst filling it with well-conceived creative touches. He even playfully includes covers of the Sex Pistols’ ‘Pretty Vacant’ and Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’. But don’t be distracted by them, this album shines when left to its own devices such as on ‘Luna’s Song’ or ‘Fade Away’, which benefit from production by Bucky Baxter, who has worked with Dylan amongst others. At the end of the day if you are predisposed to the odd bit of alt.country, or bluegrass-lite à la O Brother Where Art Thou?, or even just Neil Young’s Harvest, you should find much to wallow in.

THE BLUES FESTIVAL Mustique Blues Festival, Mustique, Caribbean
Basil’s Bar is something of a local institution on the Caribbean-island hideaway of Mustique. It’s a great place for hearing local reggae bands on Jump Up Night, but it’s now also the place to enjoy the blues during this small festival featuring, among others, Felix Dennis (yes that Felix Dennis!). Quite how blue everyone will be feeling next to the ocean in Mustique is quite another thing, though…
23 January to 6 February, Basil’s Bar, Britannia Bay, Mustique (+1 784 488 8350; www.basilsmustique.com)

In-the-know tip
Chase those blues away by staying within the confines of The Cotton House’s 13 acres of beachside manicured gardens, but don’t forget to make use of its dive centre, too.


THE JAZZ CLUB Jazz@Southbridge, Singapore
It can be notoriously hard to find a decent music spot when you are in Asia. Singapore’s Jazz@Southbridge is a safe bet for live jazz six nights a week. January sees spots from vibraphonist Susan Pascal and the Iiro Rantala New Trio. Worth a gamble.
Every night except Mondays. Jazz@Southbridge, 82B Boat Quay, Singapore (+65 6327 4671; www.southbridgejazz.com.sg).

In-the-know tip
Slink back to Chinatown to the New Majestic Hotel, where you’ll find incredible artwork and jaw-dropping room designs.


THE NIGHTCLUB The Warehouse Project, Manchester
The biggest success in UK clubland in ’07 was Manchester’s Warehouse Project – a space dedicated to the best in underground club culture, in which you’d find the likes of Felix Da Housecat and 2ManyDJs playing next to veterans such as old Hacienda hand Mike Pickering.
Beneath Piccadilly Train Station, Manchester (+44 161 835 3500; www.thewarehouseproject.com)

In-the-know tip
Escape the bass at the suburban Didsbury House and opt for the loft suite, which comes with a steam room to release those toxins!

Journalist, DJ and music consultant Rob Wood is director of Music Concierge, which provides bespoke music-programming services to hotels. Email him at: rob@musicconcierge.co.uk