Oh how 2017 is coming in like a freight train, and First Word Records is leading the charge with this 28 track release from Eric Lau. For those not in the know, Eric Lau is a producer and DJ based out of London. His is respected and applauded by cats like Gilles Peterson, Ali Shaheed Muhammad (ATCQ), James Poysner (The Roots), Dam Funk, Bobbito, Rich Medina, and more. Touring as a DJ with the likes of Erykah Badu and Robert Glasper, as well as a slew of other notables, you might want to get him on your radar. This release is his third instrumental album, and it covers a variety of different vibes and moods that include soul, jazz, hip hop, funk, and Brazilian beats. A peek into the mind of the genius Eric Lau is exactly what you get wit this one folks. The first listen to five of the 28 tracks is quite enjoyable. From the uplifting “New Speed” to the Dilla-eque “Lift Off”, with it’s tough drums and spacey synths, to our fave track “Harmonics” (who is Coltrane?), a delightful romp into funky jazz, to the sunny “Myo Shuffle”, Brazil right to the core, and finally finishing up with “Lau’s Lament”, a DJ Cam meets Creed Taylor type jam that we can definitely get behind. Lau has been a busy man, doing projects with everyone from Lupe Fiasco to label mate Tall Black Guy, so it’s great to hear some of his solo stuff just crush it. This record, available January 13th, will be possible on digital and analog channels. Limited pressing to 500 pieces of the yellow vinyl Lp, this is a funky introduction of how nice Eric Lau is. Check out the tracks below, and bravo to Lau and the chaps at First Word, making the world a better place one record at a time.

Order the record here.

Check out the First Word site as well.

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