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It's fair to say those who have followed the Late Night Tales series since its humble beginnings have probably been crying out for Bonobo to put forward his contribution for years.
An accomplished master of the dusk-ridden groove, Simon Green has become the Jewel in the crown of Ninja Tune - and his compilation does not disappoint.
It sounds both together and vibrant at the same time. A slightly eerie piano intro blends seamlessly into the psychedelia of Khruang Bin's 'A Calf is Born in Winter'.
Bonobo's own recording for the album - a cover of Donovan's 'Get Thy Barings' - is majestic. Even on paper, it sounds intriguing and the cocktail of smooth jazz, break-beat percussion and soulful vocals is enough to make the listener desperate for a follow-up to The North Borders already.
Listen to 'Get Thy Bearings' below
The soul theme continues and a guaranteed stand-out comes in the shape of Nina Simone's 'Baltimore'. Although musically it could resemble the soundtrack to a sun-kissed beach, the dark lyrical content brings us right back into the early hours of the city.
It's impressive how cohesive the selection remains throughout - Jazz moves into electronica in the blink of an eye. It may be the dark of night, but the listener is compelled to party rather than sleep when Romare's 'Down the Line (It Takes a Number)' turns the record into an afrobeat paradise.
The wispy electronics that follow the euphoria of Romare bring the album back down to earth gently. Then things are slowed a notch with a marriage of orchestral minimalism and oriental-style experimentation on Dorothy Ashby's 'Essence of Sapphire'.
A cover of Amerie's R&B hit 'One Thing' courtesy of Peter and Kerry is the closest it gets to pop, but in never poses too greater risk of dislodging the serenity.
An ending that sets us up perfectly to sail off into dreamland cements Bonobo's status as a more than able remedy for the depths of winter.
