Flight Plan

Southern California engineer/producer J. Bizness is a master at setting the tone. His 2012 album *Flight Plan* is the first installment of an instrumental series. The conceptual album imagines MMG Airlines, owned and operated by Mellow Music Group. Following a funny announcement from the captain (“Take Off”), “Late” properly opens this 24-track collection of relaxing compositions with synthy ambience and subtle infusions of old-school funk. “Ascension” follows, with laid-back hip-hop beats. “Nonstop” matches sweeping keyboard tones with wonky analog synth patches before “Cabin Pressure” chills with spaced-out high-hat beats and a low rumbling bass line. Though *Flight Plan* is an instrumental album, more than a few songs are hinged to flight-related stories by the likes of Jansport J, Willie B, Dynas, Aliso Black, FWMJ, and Haseeb, a.k.a. Futuristic. “Turbulence” is a brilliant standout, making good on its name with a rising and dropping bass. Throughout *Flight Plan*, J. Bizness peppers some hilarious airline-related soundbites from the late George Carlin.

MMG Instrumental Series Volume One: Issue One Welcome aboard MMG Air. Your captain J Bizness welcomes you. This particular flight is about an hour from takeoff to landing. We ask that you observe our smoking sign and roll 'em if you got 'em, light up, and get as high as your captain. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip. 24 instrumental joints soar through airy melodies, backed by crisp drums, and electronic abstractions. Introspective and ambitious, Flight Plan is a sonic metaphor for our everyday dreams.