Garrett: Private Life II Vinyl LP

So nice he did it twice! Not sure how much of a secret the identity of Garrett is these days, but we’re contractually obligated to cheekily dance around the issue, and will continue to keep it zipped until we get the okay from the man himself. D. Riddick’s work as Garrett continues to satisfy our craving for the syrupy instrumental side of modern funk, while his main guise seems to be reserved for more inspired vocal material these days. So while he humbly chips away at a new D**-***k album, these Garrett LPs itch our scratch for Rhythm Trax IV, the more contemplative sides of Toeachizown, et al. Unhurried, understated beats and lush minor-key synthscapes are the name of the game here, and from the first hit of those Pasadena-fried chords on “Gotta Get Through It,” you know what time it is. The soulful Rhodes tinkling and extraterrestrial pads are enough to sell us on “Change,” but Garrett does us one better and hooks up a beat that wouldn’t sound out of place on Sound Signature (maybe it's all the time he's been spending street racing with Omar-S in the D). “Sitting At The Bar Waiting” (an apt descriptor for the entire LP) is another highlight, with heavily-swung rhythm and signature bassline finely tuned for enjoying a solo chill sesh before your gig in Anytown, Europe. 7 tracks in total, all killa no filla, sounds right at home on Music From Memory. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• music label: Music From Memory 2018

reviewed by tom violence 01/2019