Greg Foat & Gigi Masin

Born from a mutual admiration for one another, the duo’s collaborative album Dolphin marks respected Jazz pianist Greg Foat and ambient legend Gigi Masin’s first landmark recording collaboration together. An exquisitely crafted, silky blend of kosmische, jazz, vintage soundtrack vibes and ambient, guiding you to a balmy sundown place of peace.

Utilizing “an electric piano, sounds from my digital library and an old iPad2” (Masin) and “grand Piano, Vibraphone and lots of vintage synthesisers” (Foat), the former’s melancholy melodies meet the latter’s laid back, slo-mo grooves, which pour out like honey. Herbert’s huge unfurling basslines, and taught Pistorius-style fretless are paired with Boyd’s sturdy but swinging drums, whilst warm synths create pastel-colour clouds, through which emerge smokey keys, flute and piano.

Both artist’s signature styles are here, but blended with such smooth liquidity that the pairing seems like the most natural no-brainer ever. The record is predominantly a group effort, but due to Foat’s sensitive handling, certain points were left largely unadorned, sans rhythm section, letting Masin’s essence take centre stage.