Luz Interpretations (Crystal Top, 2007)

Luz (pronounced "loose") Mob (pronounced "mob") is the dubby brainchild of American musician Luz Fleming, and this aptly titled album presents his  "loose" instrumental interpretations of some of his favorite musical pieces.  The variety is unexpected and refreshingly adept: roots reggae, ska, hip-hop, jazz, and salsa, all done in a cohesive dub stylee. I can't say that Latin numbers like "La Subienda" and "Tabaco y Ron" are my cup of tea, but in this musical stewpot, they work...or at least, they don't not work.  Horn lovers should get their fill with this album, regardless of style, from the uber-cool ska track "The Selecter" (originally performed by -- you guessed it -- The Selecter) to the dark, subtle hip-hop tune "The S.F.C." (from JT the Bigga Figga) to the regal roots of "Blackman Land" (Prince Far I).  Even though all of the songs on Luz Interpretations are covers, most are obscure enough that they won't be too familiar, unless your tastes run as eclectic as Fleming's.  It'll be interesting to see if he can maintain this quality in the future on original recordings.  In the meantime, this album is an impressive feat of musical dexterity.