Eric Hilton explores the pattern of notes having characteristic intervals, rhythms and embellishments as a base of improvisations that he's called, 'Midnight Ragas', but he's never too far from that Thievery Corporation / Eighteen Street Lounge Music!
Ever since we heard Hlton's single with singers Natalia Clavier and Puma Ptah, ('Je ne t’aime plus (feat. Natalia Clavier)' / 'Leave It All' (feat. Puma Ptah - see review HERE) we've been excited about the new album (which follows 'Sound Vagabond' and 'Corazón Kintsugi', again with Natalia - see review HERE).
We know Eric loves the downtempo trip-hop jazz side and 'Life (In The Deep End)' is the slo-mo Balearic disco space synth mission statement for the album and and the 'tribute' track, 'Madame Asha' (see Asha Puthli review HERE) along with, indo-jazz flute gang / "70s crime flick meets ambient drum & bass", 'Behind My Eyes' (featuring The Infinite Daisy Chains).
'Burkina Faso' takes on an Afrobeat vibe, 'Galactic Shine' has a touch of a BiggaBush and if anyone mentions Michael "my name is" Caine and "Ipcress File/John Barry twinkle", 'Sol Interior' you know you're on a winner.
Even with three different vocalists and lyrics sung in French, Spanish and English, the instrumental title track, 'Midnight Ragas' sets a groove that the rest of the 12 track album follows and it's so cool, it's a 'Beautiful Moment'.
Not only will this be on your 'Wants List', there's a new album coming out by 'Visions Of Light' (that's like the warm-up to this so stay tuned) and Urbs & Cutex album 'On Our Way' (see review HERE).
Artist: Eric Hilton with Natalia Clavier & Puma Ptah
Title: Midnight Ragas
Release date: 20th June, 2025
Label : Montserrat House
Catalog Number : MH029
Format: VINYL / CD / Digital / Bandcamp
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