Whilst it came out before Jamie Finlay’s double header ‘Little Trumpet’ and ‘Temperature’, it’s only fair that we go back for another listen.

Max (and Dom Servini) must be ecstatic as it’s not an obvious track by a long way. Quirky and so leftfield, it’s almost dropping off the deck.

To be honest, I prefer the remix with the added vocals and the trademark sax of John Styles (as also loved by Nostalgia 77) to the all out horn-dropping, broken-afro-beat of the Natural-Self’s recent Ghana Soundz remixes as the track swings and stutters. The additional vocals by Keno-1, sax break and added bass from The Hermit gives it a spaced-out appeal.

Natural-Self fans note there’s a new 12” on its way called ‘Let Peace Be The Ruler’ (6 track white label). We also loved last year’s 12” on Tru-thoughts, ‘I Don’t Need This Trouble’ featuring Alice Russell.

You can hear the remix and even more Natural-Self action on the all new Konnichi Wah Wah radio show (See Links below to No. 2). Nik Weston and Dom Servini serve up the usual mix of twisted hip hoppy jazzy soul funk and more (No. 2 also features loads of Domu including that remix I mentioned in the Teddy Rok 7 review).

I confess to looking forward to Max’s forthcoming album as there have been a couple of sneak previews knocking about; see the link below to Simon S’s mix that includes an as yet ‘untitled’ track. The album is pretty much ready to go although Max was in the US for a few weeks before Christmas, he’s currently making a few last minute improvements.

But before that, no doubt, one of the versions of ‘Mo High’ will appear on the first ever Wah Wah 45’s CD compilation that’s coming out next month. Entitled Wah Wah 45’s Presents Underground Hits And Exclusive Bits, I’m told them “Bits” are five exclusive tracks! Great news for the start of the year. Well done all you Wah Wah 45’s fans and a huge 2006 to enjoy (see links below and check out next Friday at Cargo for a starter!)

Reviewed: Max Cole - ‘Mo High’ (Wah Wah 45s) Cat. No. (WAH12007)

Links:
Gilles Peterson : Tracklisting 01.01.05 Worldwide Tracks of the Year
Wah Wah Live! @ Cargo, London Fri 13 January, 2006
Dom Servini, Simon Goss, DJ Jazzmate plus Vanessa Freeman with The Baker Brothers, Belleruche and Ernesto live!
Max Cole @ The Red Bull Music Academy 2005 ‘Stepping Into Tomorrow with Daz-I-Kue / Larry Heard’
www.wahwah45s.com
CDr Message Board: Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 5:28 pm: “Just wanted to give y’all the headsup on a couple of cdr regs that have got spins on GP this week.. Max Cole and Thieves Of Time..Huge thank you to Tony, Gavin and the Cd-r fam - Cd-r is where this music was first heard, loud and proud in London.. We are all very blessed and lucky to have such a unique place to share, exhibit and discuss work. Full respect every time. See you next session for more open ears, knowledge sharing, discussion and unheard pressure, and thank you lot again for the continuing inspiration.. peace, soulfulness is the only commodity that matters. Beatnik.
Gilles Peterson : Tracklisting 28/08/05 : Henrik Schwarz In The Studio (4) Max Cole - ‘Not Of This Earth’ (White)
Konnichi Wah Wah on Samurai.FM
Nik Weston www.nikweston.co.uk
Dom Servini is Speedy’s Audio Repair - even more streamed tunes from Milk Audio Radio
04. Hanne Hukkelberg - ‘Cast Anchor’ (Leaf)
06. Jamie Finlay - ‘Make It So’ (Wah Wah 45s)
Samurai FM have wisely given Abstract Blue’s Simon S a regular monthly slot to play anything he likes!! Lots of forthcoming music from Abstract Blue then!!???!! Plus all the usual Nu Soul/Jazz & beats: Check out the selection at www.samurai.fm/abstractblue