Kicking off Stones Throw's 15-year anniversary Direct To Disc events is modern soul frontrunner Mayer Hawthrone, who alongside Rick and the County threw down a flawless 10-track set in front of an audience at Capsule Labs studio/pressing plant in Los Angeles. Experience favorites like "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out," "No Strings," "Green Eyed Love," and "Make Her Mine" as well as Mayer's cover of Snoop's "Gangsta Love" with all the intimate details - usually only reserved for live shows - at the comfort of your home. No computers, tapes, or digital gear of any sort used for this release, which was mixed and mastered as the show was happening in April. Very limited pressing (we're hearing around 500 only), and the album, which comes in plain white jackets with a hand-stamped title on front, will NOT be released on digital or cd formats. Highly recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw / 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 07/2011