Nujazz is arguably one of the fastest growing genres in music today. Over recent months I have been fortunate enough to review and listen to a variety of efforts from eclectic compilations composed in living rooms to professional outfits rolling out some amazing music. What is it? Arguably, it’s the jazz format infused with electronic sound and brought to life for the modern-day market. What’s in a genre, though? It’s always a tricky topic as genre is subjectively defined. However it comes as no surprise to me that ‘Saint-Germain des-Pres Café Volume 8’ manages to capture so much of what is jazz and electronic and do it incredibly well.

There are two tracks which are standouts on the disk supplied which, to me, really capture what nujazz is about. The first is ‘Push Push’, as recorded by RE:Jazz Feat OneJiru, and the second is ‘Forgetting to Remember’ by Kinny and Horne. There is almost an element of messiness or slapped together feeling about these tracks, yet it is done wonderfully with precision production. ‘Push Push’ in particular encapsulates the free-form, flowing nature of so many of the jazz classics… slightly offbeat, almost out of time but an amazing interpretation of a great soul.

The quality of tracks is reflected throughout the 16 I reviewed on this demo disk. The tracks cover a sense of fun, urgency and creativeness, whilst being well composed. Although it takes a while to tune the ear to the songs, it ultimately makes for a fascinating and addictive listening experience. I started off impartial but this disk really grew on me. The CD starts out with the playful ‘Celophane’ – kinda fun and a tremendous introduction. ‘Yo Yo Jazz’ follows up with some fat double bass – an instrument which makes many appearances throughout the tracks. There is something a little good old school in Koop’s ‘I See a Different You’ – this is real ‘Night Cat’ stuff, whilst ‘Jumbonics’ is kooky, reminding me a little of Lemon Jelly. ‘Million Ways’ by Povo and Trine feat Lisa Vaering is smoky, sexy and full of mood.

This is a CD that plays just as well in the car as it does at work or as a background track for a dinner party. Everyone who heard the CD whilst I was listening to it over the past week commented how much they liked it. It’s definitely destined for high rotation in both mine and probably my mum’s collection! Unfortunately, the demo CD does not include the second disc. I have pretty eclectic music tastes, ranging from old school rock ‘n’ roll to psy trance – this one will probably make it into the top 10 of the year. A definite!