26. Mr. Fingers - Cerebral Hemispheres
Genre(s): Deep House, Downtempo
Sounds Like: Frankie Knuckles, Herbie Hancock, Sade, early Massive Attack, Aphex Twin
Mr. Fingers, AKA Larry Heard, is for all intents and purposes one of the progenitors of Deep House music...specifically the Chicago scene. He's been sampled countless times, produced and wrote for many throughout the 80's, 90's and beyond, etc. In other words, by this point in 2018 he is very well traveled. Which is why even though Cerebral Hemispheres isn't going to reinvent the wheel for those familiar with his approach to electronic music, there is a fluidity and melodic sensibility to every aspect of the programming and arrangements that gives one pause. He's a deft hand at soundscapes, but he knows how to lay on the melody without devolving into anonymous club noise. He's the epitome of class without the ego, with no gimmicks: just keen insight in knowing how to relax the listener, particularly on the accordion laced 'Sands Of Aruba' and the excellent Tangerine Dream-ish 'Electron'.