Coolmixes

Jack Johnson is one talented man. When he's not surfing or recording laid-back, rootsy rock jams like those on his debut, Brushfire Fairytales, he's filming award-winning movies about surfing like the September Sessions. Oh, and naturally, he has a hand in its soundtrack, an eclectic and relaxing array of jam-band improvisation, bluesy licks, and jazz-flecked rhythms. Johnson's solo contributions, including a cover of Jimmy Buffett's "Pirate Looks at 40," are stripped-down acoustic numbers with as much understated grace as Jeff Buckley. Other artists opt for more adornment, like Ozomatli's percussive reggae/hip-hip fusion, the Bollywood funk horn rave-up "Ganges a Go-Go," and the hands-down highlight, Greyboy and Karl Denson collaborating on a hypnotic bite of modern jazz driven by funky, spring-fresh flute loops. Sublime may have been the forbearer of breezy oceanside atmosphere, but this fantastic soundtrack takes laissez faire vibes to new levels--and emerges as yet another building block in the foundation of Jack Johnson's rapidly emerging chill-out empire. --Annie Zaleski

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