Abstract Orchestra – Madvillain Vol 1 (Vinyl LP)

The 2025 repress of Abstract Orchestra’s Madvillain Vol. 1 brings a jazz-infused reimagining of the classic Madvillainy album by MF Doom and Madlib. Led by saxophonist Rob Mitchell, the orchestra blends traditional big band jazz instrumentation—saxes, trumpets, and trombones—with modern loop-based structures, inspired by J Dilla’s work and the orchestral arrangements of Miguel-Atwood Ferguson.

The album explores the crossover between jazz and hip-hop, with influences from Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, and TV soundtracks of the ‘70s. By sampling legends like Sun Ra, Bill Evans, and Stevie Wonder, the orchestra creates a fresh take on Madlib’s production, while focusing on improvisation and big band writing. Featuring some of the finest jazz musicians from the north of England, Madvillain Vol. 1 captures the essence of both genres, with live studio recordings and minimal overdubs, just like their previous album Dilla.

A1. ACCORDION
A2. CURLS
A3. ALL CAPS
A4. BISTRO
A5. FANCY CLOWN
A6. RAID
B1. MADMIX 1
B2. GREAT DAY
B3. MADMIX 2