JJ Whitefield maintains a vibrant relationship with music — one that keeps evolving through his stylistic openness. The Munich-based guitarist and sound architect played a key role in the rediscovery of Ghanaian Afro-funk legend Ebo Taylor and has collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres in recent years. Most recently, he contributed to the Madlib Invazion Music Library, played guitar for Web Web’s Plexus Plexus, and appeared on Quantic’s DJ-Kicks compilation.
Now, with Off The Grid, Whitefield presents a new solo album that blends his psychedelic funk and rock influences into a breezy set of instrumentals. The tracks lean toward easy listening without ever becoming shallow — and they make for a perfect musical backdrop to daily life or a mellow summer evening. At the same time, there’s plenty to uncover beneath the surface: Taped Together subtly nods to the cowbell pattern from the Sugarhill Gang’s »Rapper’s Delight,« while Fuzzy Dumplings kicks off with a boom-bap beat strongly reminiscent of Stetsasonic’s »Talkin’ All That Jazz« — just a touch slower. Off The Grid plays with historical references without ever lapsing into retro imitation. Instead, everything remains in motion — much like Whitefield himself.
Off The Grid
