Wax Tailor – ‘In the Mood for Life’

I would by no means consider myself a connoisseur of French Hip-Hop, the majority I have found aggressive and on a gangster ilk apart form the likes of Saian Super Crew or the Belgian group Starflam, which certainly align closer to the True School.

A nice, safe compliment to my middle class, white British heritage I suppose. Recently I was introduced to Wax Tailor and from what I heard assumed he was an American furthering to the likes of J5 or Dilated Peoples.

But no.

Wax Tailor is an alias for French super producer Jean Christophe Le Saout. His recent album ‘In the Mood for Life’ was released in late September on Le Plan Music, a French Indie.

While the record has lacked in sales, it is currently ranked No. 53608 in the charts, it has received critical acclaim in the Hip-Hop community. The sales will come I’m sure, his last two albums have a combined total of over 25,000.

In a move from his previous albums which evoked the likes of Dj Shadow in it’s almost electronic qualities this album has a grounding in string arrangements and features appearances from Charlie Winston, a UK singer / songwriter famed for his almost Western approach to blues and country. One to watch I’d say.

From across the pond, where much of the album was recorded in New York, the delicious Ali Harter and Sara Green make an appearance. The combined effect of these collaborations brings an all together soulful and funk evocation to the album.

All rather nice really.

Having toured for much of last year Wax is back on the road, making appearances in most of the U.S and pretty much anywhere in you could in France. Unfortunately there are no UK dates at present. Maybe we should do something about this?

Thoughts on postcards please.