En Route

Released in 1999 on the influential Schema label, En Route is a definitive statement from Soulstance, the project led by brothers Enzo and Gianni Lo Greco. Positioned at the intersection of the burgeoning nu-jazz and lounge movements of the late 90s, the album helped define the 'Italian sound' - a blend of bossa nova, acid jazz, and cinematic soul. Unlike their more house-oriented contemporaries, Soulstance focused on the interplay between live jazz musicianship and subtle electronic textures. The album features a rich array of instrumentation, including prominent upright bass, flute, and Rhodes piano, all processed with a high-fidelity studio sheen that remains timeless. Critically, it is regarded as a cornerstone of the European lounge aesthetic, often cited alongside artists like Nicola Conte and Gerardo Frisina. The track 'Uma Estrela Cadente' highlights their ability to integrate Brazilian influences without falling into pastiche, while the title track serves as a masterclass in mid-tempo nu-jazz arrangement.