A classic from 95 North repressed onto vinyl that is well received by any of us who missed the wax the first time round on Large Music.
There are certain House records that instantly transport you back to a particular era of dance music. Not through nostalgia alone, but through atmosphere, groove and feeling. 95 North’s Jazz Ascension is one of those records.
Originally released in 1998, the track became one of the standout releases in the Large Music catalogue, blending deep house, jazz instrumentation and spoken word in a way that felt both sophisticated and completely dancefloor focused. More than two decades later, the record still carries the same warmth and spiritual energy that made it so enduring the first time around.
Formed by Doug Smith and Richard Payton, 95 North were always masters at creating House music that balanced musicality with movement. Jazz Ascension remains one of the clearest examples of that approach.
The Red Soul Mix leads the release with an uplifting jazz-infused groove driven by rolling drums, classic piano stabs and elegant flute lines. Baba Lukas’ spoken vocal drifts naturally across the top of the arrangement, adding depth without overwhelming the music beneath it. There is a looseness and confidence to the production that captures the late 90s soulful house sound perfectly.
The Red Dub strips things back into something tougher and more rhythm-led. Focusing more heavily on the percussion and swinging drum patterns, it retains the jazzy atmosphere of the original whilst pushing deeper into late-night territory. Less vocal-driven and more hypnotic in execution, it offers a darker counterpart to the fuller Soul Mix.
Closing things out, the Washapella isolates Baba Lukas’ spoken vocal, allowing the poetry and cadence of the performance to stand completely on its own. Even detached from the groove, the vocal still carries presence and emotion.
What makes Jazz Ascension endure is how naturally everything fits together. The jazz elements never feel forced, the spoken word never feels overworked and the groove itself remains timeless. It is House music rooted in musicianship, soul and patience rather than quick dancefloor payoff.
A welcome return for one of Large Music’s defining releases and another reminder of how powerful deep house can be when it is built with genuine feeling.
Available now via Large Music. Get it here.
