Umpteen musicians have paid tribute to J Dilla’s 2006 masterpiece Donuts. The Science of Superstition, Logan Richardson’s homage to the influential collection of beats crafted by the late producer, is an important addition to the crowded subgenre.
As with J Dilla, the Kansas City saxophonist follows a distinctive muse. Richardson’s signature attack- aggressive post-bop paired contemporary wall-of-sound production- receives several new twists on The Science of Superstition.
“Birth of the Machine” is racked with industrial noise while “Sarah Conner” is possessed by apocalyptic robotics. “Economics” contains elements of Chicago footwork. European electro-folk propels “Post Lullabye”.
Not all of Richardson’s experiments work, but none of his undertakings are routine. The innovations of The Science of Superstition cements Richardson’s reputation as Kansas City’s most iconoclastic artist.