Klay D-C is the winner of the 1998 MOBO for Best Jazz Act. He has unleashed his musical genius on us with his current album, "Ritmo" (translated from Spanish to mean rhythm). Each musical piece builds on itself and feeds into the next. He plays the piano, Fender-Rhodes and synthesizer with flawless execution. The final product is brilliant with full saturated color. His arrangements are performed with a depth and range that few can easily match.

The slow introduction of “Mungabunga” ushers you in its intended direction. Step lively, you will have to be quick to keep up with this dance. The keyboards are the lead and the melody is the teacher.

Caliente! Sums up “Ritmo” and describes the intensity of the music.

“Wadyawant” is a question that can be answered as you listen to the music that is full of verve. The Asian inspired beginning explodes into tumbling keyboard strokes. There is nothing held back as every ounce of energy is poured into producing the strongly choreographed keyboard composition. So “Wadyawant”?

Tracks that give the album balance are: “Azure,” “Future Proof,” “Coast Road,” “Dune Tune,” “The Muse” and “Thoughts of You.” “Somethin’ Else” and “Bounce” are the middle of the road pieces that teases the listener with playful compositions.

This album could have been titled the two faces of “Ritmo” because there are two albums masquerading as one. Klay’s “Ritmo” album is 500 degrees of heat with a flip side of -30. One personality is the molten lava from an erupting volcano and the other is smooth, cool sophistication.

“Ritmo” gives you enough to take what you want and get what you need. All the twists and turns force the listener to interpret the music in their own way. In sharp contrast the volume turned down is soft and inviting while turning the volume up pushes every note beyond any volume level.

Klay is in his musical element when he pushes the envelope of the conventional music experience. This master composer is not afraid of layering tracks with opposing instruments; as if he deliberately wanted them to compete head-to-head. You do not know what is coming next and it keeps you wanting more of the unknown. “Ritmo” is a demonstration of fusion music done without compromise.