Mathias Stuba At Juno Download

Review: 18-year-old Norwegian producer/multi-instrumentalist Mathias Stubo may be a relative newcomer, but he's got some pedigree. Both his parents studied at the Norwegian Jazz Academy, and on this debut full-length for BBE, it shows. While there's little in the way of full-on jazz here, the genre's footprints are all over Stubo's wonderfully produced, expertly played disco, funk, soul and boogie-influenced instrumentals. It helps give 1979 (thus titled because most of Stubo's influences dervive from this 'golden year' in black music) a more mature, sophisticated and, critically, musically complex feel than you'd perhaps expect. Coupled with Stubo's clear sense of fun and an 18 year old's love of life, it makes for a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable listen.