Album Review: St Germain - St Germain

French producer Ludovic Navarre confronts hiatus with this self-titled album, his first album in 15 years.

An influence on a sound that is now regarded as French touch, St Germain takes us back to the late '90s with a deep house sound that works sedate jazz lounge groove. The mix blends a greater proportion of live instrumentation with subtle electronica. There's a strong Afro influence across much of this album. It works up a certain funk but the exotic influences are seamlessly blended into understated urbane jazz contexts that ooze sophistication. This is a record of light summery vibes that will surely soundtrack many dinner parties.