Newcomers to Nicola Conte should think of the following concepts - high style, serious talent and retro chic... all put together by one of the most pedantic perfections I have ever met. The result is obviously impeccable music.



People who remember Conte's Jet Sounds will understand why he could count on Thievery Corporation as fans. They subsequently signed him to their ESL imprint in the US. However, this record is different, it moves on from the chilled electronic bossa tinged music of Bossa Per Due and Arabesque, it moves into a territory defined as jazz. This is pure jazz, no samples and electronic trickery, just Nicola at the centre of the band calling the shots, deciding on a 1950's and 1960's direction. As a result it has found its rightful home with the most famous jazz record label of all time, Blue Note.



For those over familiar with the Italian scene, the cast list is one of stellar players (although it would be tedious to go in to the details). One of the UK's most hyped vocalists Bembe Segue even gets a look in on the action. Conte only picks the best and we should be grateful he counts her amongst The Illuminate.



So far this record sounds like it is in the same vein as Paolo Fedreghini and Marco Bianchi's Several People (also reviewed here). Its feel is similar but while in jazz terms Fedreghini's records thump, Conte's just swing.