Any DJ can sample jazz, but few effectively and even fewer with respect for the original recording in all its snap-crackle-popping, vinyl glory. The particular altar Flying Lotus worships at is that of John Coltrane, and the L.A.- based spinner is particularly unabashed in his adoration for the bebop legend. (His late great aunt was, after all, the wife of the jazz great himself!) But don’t let that scare you non-aficionados; the Lotus isn’t afraid to stray from being a giddy fanboy/devoted great nephew, and venture into a denser, proggier epic-dom– at least with his drum loops and samples. It’s enough to make up for the insipid freestyling he sometimes does live, which is often little else than a stream of expletives; fortunately Flying Lotus has a knack for the ethereal atmosphere and film-noirish imagery often synonymous with mid-20th century jazz, which also sometimes verges on the Getz/Gilberto-esque (think more bossa nova/samba). Coltrane was often proclaimed to be among the more ‘spiritual’ of jazz players; it’s a similar sensibility which tugs at the cerebral and spins on Lotus’ tables.  At the end, it’s the principle of the thing, and FL sums it up in a simple and succinct credo: “Out on the streets, you won’t survive with whack-ass beats.” Easier said than done, but Flying Lotus seems to be fending for himself in a pretty competitive scene fairly well. Here’s a couple of clips from the DJ available on The Red Bull Music Academy Site.