DJ Mark Farina - Mushroom Jazz 3 (2001)

With a clever twist on the term "acid jazz," Mark Farina returns with Mushroom Jazz, Vol. 3. Lining up all the editions of the series, the upward growth of Farina's mixing skills and track selection is evident. Farina also shows evidence that he's comfortable with the mixer as a tool, as he tweaks and hollows out songs without abusing the power. This installation has a strong concentration in hip-hop twisted with jazz and rainy-day, down-tempo house. Farina's mixing is smooth as he goes from one genre to the next, creating a mellow mood without putting the listener to sleep. Tracks that stand out are "Do It" (Daddy's Favorite) and "Schooled in the Trade" (People Under the Stars). The Unspoken Heard's smooth rhymes flow nicely into the soulful funky vibe of Jaffa's "Sneakin." Though he is more popular for his discofied house mixes, Farina still remains strongly creditable for the Seasons tone that broke him into the forefront of DJs. -- Diana Potts