Dusty is back with As Above So Below, a new vinyl EP on Jazz & Milk that delves into vibrant deep house grooves crafted through his beloved MPC, fusing soulful warmth with boundary-pushing sounds. This release is a heady blend, featuring the raw vocal power and percussive rhythms of Ghanaian artist King Owusu (Jembaa Groove), who has shared stages with legends like Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas. Henrique Gomide, from Brazil’s Caixa Cubo, brings a touch of jazz finesse on the Rhodes piano, adding to the EP’s eclectic flavor. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of “As Above So Below,” Dusty unites genres in ways that feel natural, as though these disparate sounds have always spoken the same language. It’s an EP that blurs the lines – where jazz, dub, West African rhythms, and house intertwine, creating a sound that’s as introspective as it is designed to make you move.
This release also comes at a significant moment for Jazz & Milk, as the label gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025 – a testament to its enduring impact on the global music scene.
In recent years, Dusty has been quietly shaping the scene, whether through curating the standout Community compilation, dropping the Twelve Inch Jams series, or producing Caixa Cubo‘s album Agôra. As a passionate DJ on the global circuit, he brings his sound to audiences around the world – from Johannesburg to Istanbul, Manila to London – while also running the Jazz & Milk label nights in Munich and Cologne, collaborating with Sam Irl, and hosting a radio show on dublab.de. Now, with As Above So Below, he steps forward with a project that’s a deep nod to his love for sample-driven production, enriched with live instrumentation and sounds that feel rooted yet forward-thinking.
The record opens with “Visions,” a captivating deep house cut. Warm Rhodes chords and lush synths intertwine over a rolling bassline, creating the kind of vibe that recalls classic late nights in packed warehouses, all while pulsing with a fresh, modern bounce. Next up is “Emashin,” where King Owusu’s Ghanaian vocals weave seamlessly into percussive house rhythms, delivering an afro-cosmic spirit that feels lively and grounded. Dusty ventures into introspective territory with “Nebula,” crafting a dreamy atmosphere through looped melodies and swirling effects. The heavy rhythm section grounds the track with a Detroit-inspired bounce, bridging the vibrant pulses of underground dance music from the past and present.
On the flip side, “Vibrate Higher” amps things up with jazzy energy, as Henrique Gomide’s Rhodes solo dances over tight, rolling drums, creating a perfect balance of groove and soul. The EP concludes with “Ayalolo,” a standout track that sees King Owusu return, blending rich dub textures with tribal percussion and soulful African vocals. This fusion creates an organic vibe within the deep house framework, highlighting Dusty’s talent for merging traditional sounds with contemporary club influences.
As Above So Below reaffirms why Dusty continues to be a driving force both behind and in the scene. It’s music that doesn’t just hit the dancefloor – it lingers, with layers of meaning, groove, and soul that invite listeners to go deeper.
