74: Out of Time (Instrumentals) [Vinyl]

Ol’ Burger Beats’ phenomenal 2024 album, 74: Out of Time, takes on a new life with this fully instrumental release that puts the spotlight on the Norwegian producer and his crew of acclaimed local jazz composers and musicians. Stripped of its vocal guests, the album transforms into a beat tape-meets-jazz LP that’s bursting with musicality.

74: Out of Time was created out of a multifaceted hit of inspiration. In addition to recalling the vibes and sounds of the year 1974, every track was produced at 74 beats per minute. As for the “Out of Time” element, it fast forwards the music to the present, when we’re all living through a time of such tension—and when release is something we all need. That release can arrive in many forms, but it’s perhaps most potent when you can hear and feel it, like with this album. Tension also plays a major role in jazz music. Players often build towards a moment of dissonance with the goal of hitting a release and, often, blowing the minds of anyone listening. There’s bits of that on 74: Out of Time as well, thanks to Burger and the incredible crew he assembled.

Bandcamp was quick to recognize the talents on display here in their write-up of the album. “Ol’ Burger Beats’s sample-centric production is enhanced by select infusions of live instruments, including saxophone, flute, and trombone,” wrote Philip Mlynar.

Specifically, the record features trumpeter Kristoffer Eikrem, trombonist Sigurd Draagen, saxophonist Guy Sion, and vocalist/flutist Née Pauline. You can get a stunning dose of how well they play together on opening track “Free Form,” which features Draagen, Pauline and Eikrem. They also appear on the gorgeous title track, while Eikrem, Sion and Draagen complement the Erik Andresen Quartet jazz sample on “The Last of Us.” Equally beautiful is standout track “For You,” which centers on a sample of previous collaborator and spiritual jazz legend Wendell Harrison.

Just like with the original release, there is so much to love on this instrumental version of 74: Out of Time. It also proves that we’re witnessing something really special from Ol’ Burger Beats, who’s easily one of the most gifted producers in the game today.

• Format: Vinyl
• Label: Coalmine Records
• Genre: Rap/Hip Hop