Ever since he started the popular Rebirth Of Cool series a decade ago, Patrick Forge's name has been synonymous with good, "eclectic" compilations. Sticking with the same imaginative and quite personal approach that he took back then, he returns with another collection for the Obsessive label. Starting off with the mellow, tribal flavours of John Santos and The Machete Ensemble, Patrick guides us through a selection of Brazilian, Latin, jazz and dance-floor jazz tunes, using as his connecting thread simply the fact that they are all excellent records. Old classics like George Duke's "Brazilian Love Affair" sit snugly next to up-to-date material like the delightful "Pra Manha" by his own lauded Da Lata project. There are records by dance producers, such as "Wishing You Were Here" by Blaze and "Serena X" by Yennek as well as records by Japanese and Brazilian live bands such as "Resurrection" by Sleepwalker, and the beautiful "Escravos De Jo" by Friends From Rio. Like most compilations that Mr Forge turns his expert eye to, Excursions has something for the beginner and the trainspotter alike and, although slightly scattered, won't fail to hit the spot. --Paul Sullivan