Solo performer: Alex Cortiz.
Alex Cortiz, the former Aad de Mooy, continues with his chilled electric grooves on his third album, Mesmerising. This 13-song set finds the Dutch dance maestro tweaking jazz and world beats and massaging them for a sophisticated mind trip, hence the album title. Cortiz's work as a DJ reflects an artistic side. It's both abstract and fine, for each song on Mesmerising arrives with its own desire and mood. From the shimmy of "Run Baby Run" to the safari-like rhythms of "Sexy B." and "Lemon Sunrise," Cortiz presents a casual vibe. Other tantalizing tracks like "Ambiophonic Odyssey" and edgy funk of "Beau's Theme" capture Cortiz's ever-changing musical frame of mind. He's not caught with one particular dance groove, and Mesmerising is confident in its presentation. Cortiz is fashionable to what's hot in the club scene; however, he adds a dash of swagger to the mix, and everything's classy. ~ MacKenzie Wilson minimize