Music Reviews
Katalyst - Deep Impressions
BBEAshley Anderson, aka Katalyst takes a break from his Space Invadas gig to create a collection of hip-hop beat treats with some futuristic grooves but doesn’t stop there. Indeed, “Deep Impressions” goes in several directions, laying down reggae inspired grooves like “Day into Night” featuring Stephanie McKay to the synth heavy nu wave feel of “The Popcorns” seamlessly. There is also a definite old school hip-hop influence with gems like “Number 1” and “It’s a Blast” that would make a veteran hip-hop enthusiast smile with admiration. He doesn’t stop there for one of the strongest cuts is “Ready to Drop” and not just because it conjures great memories of the Pharcyde classic “Drop”. Katalyst creates a high energy groove with rapper KweenG’s rapid fire lyrics that will have you yearning for the days of shelltop Addidas and Kangols. “Dreaming of You” is a mellow chopped up soul groove that makes for a fitting ending to an entertaining lp. Katalyst proves once again that he is in the upper echelon of producers and beat makers. He’s so adept at utilizing the right samples in the right places, resulting in irresistible head nodding beat treats.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 01/12
Gary Reader - Moja
Superfically Deep Recordings“Moja”, the release from Saxophonist Gary Reader is an elegant seven track collection of contemporary jazz numbers that harken memories of classic mid-sixties Blue Note releases. Reader has surrounded himself with top shelf musicians who perform together seamlessly as if they’ve working as a unit for years. This is apparent on the opening track “Who’s Playing?”, a warm and richly melodic tune pairs Reader with the acclaimed Corey Mwamba on vibes. Pianist Mark D’Inverno gorgeous playing serves as the perfect compliment. “Delta” is a lovely ballad that is smooth and vibrant. Reader displays his acumen for compositions that are moving and heartfelt. “My No.1 Fan” has a Latin flavor that also features bassist Andy Hamill and tasty drumming from Joshua Blackmore. Overall “Moja” is an impressive debut that swings and showcases Reader as a formidable reed player whom we hope is just getting started arranging impressive recordings like this.
Reg Dancy, 01/12
Lack Of Afro - Time This
FreestyleAdam “Lack of Afro” Gibbons has been quite busy since his last album in 2009. He has lent his talents to projects like label mate Frootful and Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds. “This Time”, his latest release features an array of talented vocalists to shine upon a myriad of musical styles. Prime cuts include the ethereal “Holding My Breath” featuring Jake Morley. “A Time For” is a gritty mid-tempo soul tune balanced out by Wayne Giddens warm falsetto. “Contusions” sparkles with a mélange of horns and African rhythms. Wayne Giddens appears again evoking comparisons to Eddie Kendricks on the soulful burner “What The Hell”. This is a progressive step forward from “My Groove Your Move” and a move that showcases the growth in Gibbon’s talents. Overall this is a superb record that captures many moods. Whether you want to groove or simply need to chill, this record has what it takes to help you do it.
Reg Dancy, 01/12
Randa and The Soul Knigdom - What You Need
FreestyleFreestyle records, home of the funk bands delivers another winner with Randa & The Soul Kingdom. Their second lp is filled with gritty funk grooves highlighted by the vocal prowess of Australian resident Randa Khamis. “What You Need” begins with the aptly titled “Power In Me”. Guitarist/Producer Lance Ferguson lays down a scorching groove to complement Randa’s soaring vocals. The horns are funky and the lyrics keep you interested. “The Things” is a bubbly disco tune filled with infectious percussion. “Cold” is a dim the lights slow funk grinder that is solid but it’s the high energy burners sprinkled throughout that will keep you pressing repeat. This is one tight record that delivers on all levels. If you like your funk raw and uncut then this is the record for you.
Reg Dancy, 12/11
Colman Brothers - Colman Brothers
Wah Wah 45sThe debut by the duo known as the Coleman Brothers is a melting pot of bossa, bebop and Latin jazz that harkens back to days when dancing shoes were required and folks would shake their hips and work up a sweat in a jazz club. Brothers Mat (trombone) and Andrew (trumpet) capture the big band sound with superb production, mixing tasty beats combined with their own strong performances with impressive results. This album is a result of the ascension of the single “El Nino”, originally released in 2007. The single received rave reviews and was given proper spins by DJ’s worldwide. This isn’t just a one hit album however; there are other gems like the bossa flavored “Mr DG”, which is dedicated to Dizzy Gillespie is filled with vibrant horns and tasty percussion. In addition the spirited samba tracks “Sem Amor” featuring their sister Sara and “Another Brother”, are floor burners that would add spice to any party. The brothers slow things down with help once again from Sara on the slow burning elegant bossa “Some Other Wonder”. Overall this is a superb disc where each of the ten tracks is worthy and a satisfying listening experience. Mat and Andrew can expect their services to increase mightily based on this quality recording.
Reg Dancy, 12/11
Sabrina Malheiros - Dreaming
Far Out RecordingsSabrina Malheiros has been one of the new Ambassadors of Brazilian music for a minute now. Her third full length release “Dreaming” seamlessly blends the classical Brazilian rhythms with the soulful electronica grooves that were featured on her debut lp “Eqilibria”. “Dreaming” is filled with sunny chilled out rhythms will have you dreaming of warm beaches instantly. Once again she surrounded by an all-star list of Brazil’s finest musicians including her father, Alex Melheiros of Asymuth fame. In addition, Daniel “Venom” Maurick, son of Bluey (Incognito) who collaborated on her debut shares writing and production duties here as well. Among the highlights are “Bobeira”, a samba flavored tune augmented by the rhythmic guitar and flute arrangements. “Fragil“ is another favorite where Sabrina’s vocals float over this breezy tune bursting with warm melodies and percussion. “Paranoia” is one of more soul oriented tracks here but is no less enjoyable. In fact, there is hardly a weak track among this gorgeous selection. This is a wonderful record that should jettison Sabrina as a premiere vocalist whose star shines brighter with every release.
Reg Dancy, 12/11
Various Artists - Real Sound of Chicago and beyond
BBEThis compilation of lost and now found Chicago musicians is the product of vinyl connoisseurs Mark Grusane and Mike Cole. Together they have compiled some hidden gems from the late seventies to the early eighties that captures the Chicago dance music era before house music took off. There are a number of treats that you’ll enjoy such as “It Ain’t Easy”, a polished yet smoothed out disco tune by Crystal Wind. “Play that funky music” is one of the stronger tunes here; an aptly titled instrumental soul jazz tune filled with scorching horns. “Lover” by Lily Fields is another highlight, a disco tune reminiscent of Vince Montana’s Salsoul Orchestra’s compositions. There are a few that needed to stay on the shelf like “She’s Hot” by Sun Sect, an up-tempo boogie tune with a recycled bass guitar groove made worse by the corny dialogue. Aside from a couple of duds, there are plenty of tunes here that will have you commending Mark and Mike for all their heavy lifting and crate digging. This is just another sampling of the rich musical history of Chicago dance music that is certainly worth checking out.
Reg Dancy, 11/11
Miquel Migs - Outside The Skyline
OmOn his third studio album, DJ/producer Miguel Migs not only delivers his customary deep dishes of house music but also blends elements of lounge and reggae with sterling results. Migs superb production is highlighted with contributions from Meshell Ndegeocello, Capleton and Evelyn “Champagne” King just to name a few. Meshell sets the mood with the chilled out hip shaking “Tonight” with her husky vocals over a thumping bass groove. This is followed up with the soulful disco groove of “Everybody”, aided by dance diva Evelyn “Champagne” King. “They don’t know” is a reggae inspired drum n bass groover that features pioneer Freddie McGregor. “Changin” and “Getaway” are samplings of the infectious soulful house grooves we’ve come to expect, the former is a irresistible foot stomper with vocals courtesy of Sonny J Mason. This is one of the best full length DJ recordings you’ll find this year. Few will top this combination of soulful dance grooves and great vocalists and arrange a record as strong as this one.
Reg Dancy, 11/11
Zara MacFarlane - Until Tomorrow
Brownswood RecordingsOne listen of “Until Tomorrow”, the full length debut of London songstress Zara MacFarlane and you would think this is the voice of a seasoned veteran. The fact is Zara’s lovely soprano exudes power and tenderness that belies her twenty eight years. Equally impressive is her resume that list working with heavyweights like Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch and Hugh Masekela among others. Zara’s debut lp includes originals such as “Blossom Tree” and Chiaroscuro”, the former is a warm and gentle tune that demonstrates her superb songwriting ability combined with the rhythmic playing of pianist Peter Edwards. “Feed the Spirit” is another standout, originally penned by Harry Whitaker (Roy Ayers) Zara sets this track off with a simmering intro augmented by the double bass work of Nick Walsh and then explodes with her voice floating over spirited tenor sax phrasings. Other favorites include the title track and “Waking Sleep”. If you weren’t aware of Zara before then you definitely need to get familiar. This is a gorgeous record and Zara certainly belongs in the discussion with Jose James and Gretchen Parlato for new Jazz vocalists marking their mark on the scene today.
Reg Dancy, 11/11
Sarah Linhares - Messages From The Future
Public Transit RecordingsAfter releasing an EP of the same name in 2009, Montreal resident Sarah Linhares finally releases her full length lp. “Messages from the Future” is filled with soulful electronic bottom heavy beats mixed and produced by some of the most cutting edge producers on the Canadian underground music scene. The most prominent of this group is label mate/Public Transit Record exec Moonstarr. He produced four tracks on the album including “Step Up”, laced with edgy synths and progressive beats. “No Question”, produced by Akilmitize is another bouncy track with a wicked groove, catchy synths and neck snappin’ beats. Fellow Montreal resident Kenlo Craqnuques also contributed four tracks including the mellow “Move Along” and the hip-hop drum heavy “I Get Scared”. Sarah’s warm vocals are the perfect complement to these tracks. Her voice isn’t overpowering but her warm tones and lyrics will resonate with you. From top to bottom this is a futuristic soul gem that is definitely enjoyable and certainly worth checking out.
Reg Dancy, 11/11
Jill Scott - From The Vault
Hidden BeachWhenever someone releases a collection of songs from their musical archive one has to wonder whether these are hidden gems or songs not worthy to see the light of day. In the case of Jill Scott’s “From The Vault”, these are definitely songs that merit your attention, not a small feat considering that she has recently “Light Of The Sun”. “From The Vault” features songs from her tenure at Hidden Beach and there are a bunch of quality recordings like “Wake up Baby”, s bluesy tune with tasty rhythm guitar and organ riffs. “Running Away” is another winner, a mid-tempo Rhodes inspired groover. “Comes to Light” might be the strongest track here, a gentle ballad with a gorgeous melody. Overall this isn’t an album I would listen to from start to finish but there are four or five songs that are worthy of repeated listens. If you’re a die-hard Jill fan you may even add a few more.
Reg Dancy, 10/11
Jill Scott - Light of the Sun
Warner BrosBy all accounts, “Light Of The Sun” feels like a breath of fresh air for Jill Scott and that is good news for us. After all this is her first record on her new label, Blues Babe (Warner Bros), and the opening track “Blessed” is evidence that she is in good spirits. Jill opens up with “Blessed” a smooth foot stomper with strings in which she gives thanks for the blessings of her family, particularly her newborn son. “So In Love” featuring Anthony Hamilton is a lush feel good up-tempo tune with an infectious groove. “Missing You” is a slow grinding ballad that is the kind of tune one plays repeatedly when they’re yearning for that special someone. “When I Wake Up” has a nice jazz fusion vibe and is warm and sublime. Overall “Light of the Sun” is a much stronger record than her previous release though not quite on the level of her first two albums. Then again, those two are classics by my definition. That said there is plenty here to keep you engaged. This is certainly a strong disc filled throughout with stellar production, heartfelt lyrical content and quality recordings to satisfy longtime fans and encourage newcomers.
Reg Dancy, 10/11
Various Artists - Americana-Rock Your Soul
BBEBBE has been very busy dropping a number of quality compilations and there are many that demand your immediate attention, “Blued Eyed Soul and Sounds from The Land of The Free” however isn’t one of them. This compilation of soft rock and soulful grooves courtesy of Zafar Chowdhry and Mark Taylor provides a few moments of enjoyment starting with Eric Tagg’s “Living off the Love” and Tender Leaf’s “Coast to Coast” which features a nice falsetto voice floating over a nice rhythm guitar and keys. In addition, Midnight Flyer’s “I Just Want To Love You” is a nice soft rock soul tune would’ve been spiced up if left in the hands of, say Shuggie Otis, of whom it reminded me of. Instead it starts out with a little fire and fades with a fizzle. After that you’re left with tunes like “Can’t Hide Love” by Jaye P. Morgan that will make no one forget the EWF original. “I Got the Feelin’” is symbolic of most of the tracks here: a mediocre soulful pop tune with good intentions but doesn’t have the grooves that will make you want to play it again. I got the feeling that if you’re looking for quality soulful sounds you will find plenty of alternatives within the BBE catalogue that will live up to the billing.
Reg Dancy, 10/11
The Baker Brothers - Time To Testify
Record KicksOver the course of six full length albums, The Baker Brothers have demonstrated that they can pack a solid one two punch with a killer rhythm section and a hip winding funky horn section. On their seventh full length release “Time To Testify”, they continue to keep the pedal to the metal with an assortment of stripped down soulful grooves. The group starts out with a bang with the revved up “Statement Of Intent”, with the band contributing backing vocals as well. “Make Your Move” finds them slowing down the tempo into a sizzling laidback groover that displays impeccable rhythm guitar playing. Collectively the band displays strong vocal harmonies on several cuts but it is the instrumentals that really stand out for me. For instance “Roll It” kicks off with some irresistible rhythm guitar strumming followed up with some serious funky drumming. And there is the silky soulful “The Young Patter”, which was featured on “The Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” compilation, the band lays down a nice groove and horn section gets down and dirty with the funk. “Snap B” is a definite keeper that has a catchy vocal chorus but also displays some greasy Hammond B3 organ playing. This is another strong effort from one of the tightest bands in the modern soul movement that is certainly worth checking out.
Reg Dancy, 10/11
Eric Roberson - Mr Nice Guy
Eric Roberson musicThere are many male soul singers out there whose vocals can make your heart melt but few possess the lyrical ability and the vocal dexterity like Eric Roberson. “Mr Nice Guy’s” songwriting skills have served many artists well such as Jill Scott and Musiq, just to name a few and his latest release is filled with a few tracks to groove to but more so to romance to. For starters, the title track is a mid-tempo gem with a thick bassline that speaks to all the good guys out there who seem to wind up with all the wrong women. “Summertime Anthem” is exactly that, good vibe dance happy tune aided by hip-hop pioneer Chubb Rock. “Picture Perfect” is the highlight however, a warm and mellow tune that expresses the love in his heart for the lady in his life, with a little help from rapper/vocalist Phonte. “At The Same Time” is another winner, a melancholy groove with heartwarming chords. Overall Eric delivers a strong soul record filled with heartfelt lyrics that is cool enough for the fellas to rock and endearing to the ladies as well. This could very well be the record that grants him the recognition he truly deserves.
Reg Dancy, 10/11
BBE 15 - 15 Years Of Real Music For Real People
BBESince 1996, BBE has released a whopping 160 compilations and in the process they have cemented their status as a groundbreaking record label that spans the musical landscape of quality music. Whether its funk, soul, house or hip-hop, you can always count on them to do it proper. This latest release highlights some of the prime cuts that only serious music lovers would be hip to over that period of time. Mixed by Chris Reed, “15 Years Of Real Music For Real People” starts out as a journey through early hip-hop with quality joints from Marly Marl’s “Spazz” to Pete Rock’s “Nothin Lesser”. There’s an assortment of soulful gems to savor in the form of Slakah The Beatchild’s “Enjoy Yo Self” and Katalyst’s “How Bout Us” feat. Steve Spacek. Vintage soul classics like “Funk In The Hole” and “Mystic Voyage”, courtesy of Roy Ayers fit nicely among these treats as well as the sorely underrated house track “Music In Me”, sung by Shaun Escoffery, mixed by DJ Spinna. Tracks of honorable mention are “I See The Sun” by Vikter Duplaix and “Dancing Girl” by Aaron Jerome. With well over fifty tracks included here it would be easy to dismiss many as simply filler but that’s not the case here. With BBE 15, you’re treated to nothing but simply good music and this is a compilation that can rock a party on its own or simply quench your musical thirst to get you through the day. Either way you won’t be disappointed once you add this impressive disc to your collection.
Reg Dancy, 10/11
Orakel - When Time Doesn't Know Itself
4Lux RecordingsOrakel, the Austrian collective’s debut is a cosmic groove odyssey surrounded with delicious nuggets of electronica and hip-hop samplings. Their hypnotic melodies will have you locked in immediately with the opener “The Gate” a spacey synth flavored intro filled with astral soundscapes and the wordless phrases of Dwight Trible. Trible appears again with uplifting vocal melodies on “Recreation Song”, a mellow jazz-funk slow burner. “Suo Do Futuro” finds them shifting gears from a jazz fusion vibe to a down-tempo electronic gem that features vocals from Vilja Larjosto. Dorian Concept stops by to provide additional keys to the dreamy “After All”. Overall this is a stunning release filled with impressive compositions reminiscent of the seventies jazz-funk period as well as future electro grooves that will certainly provide immediate satisfaction. This is the kind of release that already has me wondering, what will these guys do for an encore? This is sure to get plenty of burn until then.
Reg Dancy, 09/11
Push - Retrospective 1987-2004
PushbandWhen the acid jazz movement emerged during the late eighties you had groups like The Brand New Heavies and the Young Disciples, among others leading the way. While those groups have either been on hiatus or simply disbanded there is one group that is still carrying the torch and that is the collective known as Push. Their latest record is filled with rhythmic soul and tasty grooves that only a cohesive band can deliver. Their disc starts out on an energetic note with the organ grinding horn blaring “Stomp”, an instrumental crowd mover rounded out by a tight rhythm section. “It’s Over” a mid-tempo tune with mellow Rhodes is a nice cool down track to recharge before from burning up the dance floor. “Lay It On The Line”, perhaps the strongest tune here is another scorcher aided by sparkling electric guitars riffs and the unmistakable vocals of Seal. While there aren’t any tracks that will do knock you off your feet but “Retrospective” is a solid recording throughout from a band that knows how to lay down a groove.
Reg Dancy, 09/11
Tom Trago - Iris
Rush HourAmsterdam’s Tom Trego picks up from where he started with his debut; the disco flavored “Voyage Direct”. With his latest release “Iris”, he has enlisted an array of likeminded artists to enhance his eclectic soulful dance infused arrangements. On “Being With You” Tom flips the Smokey Robinson classic into a futuristic synth flavored club jam. “What You Do” is an electro soul gem with a wicked groove and fellow DJ Tyree Cooper fills in as the official hype man mid-way through the track. Om’Mas lends his vocals to the eighties inspired euro dance tune “So Cold”. With other notable appearances like Oliver Day Soul and Meikbar, “Iris” will certainly quench your thirst for twisted synth flavored dance tracks.
Reg Dancy, 08/11
Various - Mad Styles And Crazy Vision 2 - Compiled & Mixed By Louie Vega
BBEWith so many compilations dropping week after week it’s easy to dismiss a number of them but when the name Louie Vega graces one you have to take notice, for good reason. For “Mad Styles & Crazy Vision 2” spans the wonderful world of House music of the various styles of the last thirty years. Few people thought that House music would stand the test of time but not only has it shown staying power it has continued to evolve, thanks to the growing number of talented DJ’s and artists who stay committed to the music. There are tracks that take you back to the early days like Todd Terry’s “I’m Your DJ”, representative of the raw underground deep dish sound that filled many clubs back in the late eighties. There’s the pulsating disco flavored sound of Peven Everett’s “Inspiration” that will surely get your heart racing. Black Coffee’s “We Are One” is filled with bombastic percussions and uplifting lyrics. If you’re feigning for some tribal house you can’t go wrong with Phil Asher’s “Textya”. Josh Milan’s “Your Body” is a delicious slice of soulful rhythmic vocal house with tasty horns and percussion. With Forty two songs plus a continuous mix of all songs you be hard pressed to pass this up. This is a must have if you’ve ever felt or wish to experience the spirit of house.
Reg Dancy, 08/11
Hawa - My Little Green Box
Favorite RecordingsMacon, France native Jennifer Zonou, aka Hawa has steadily built an impressive resume since starting her career in 2000. After working with local acts around France she eventually connected with Pascal Rioux of Favorite Recordings where she released her first single “D.A.N.C.E.”. A chance meeting with Bruno Howart of Patchworks would ultimately evolved into her debut lp. That is good news since “My Little Green Box” is earthy striped down soul that fits neatly within the Patchworks funk soul roster that includes The Dynamics and Mr. President. Among the highlights are “Never Give Up”, a mellow groover that brims with yearning intensity. “Lost Girl” is a good vibes up-tempo gem ignited by infectious rhythm guitar playing. “Spin Me Around” is another keeper about someone who lifts your spirits when you have those days when everything goes wrong. Hawa’s sun drenched vocals are surrounded beautifully by an irresistible groove, highlighted by the Hammond B3 organ and funky horns. Hawa scores with an impressive debut that certifies her as someone to keep an eye on. This is an enjoyable lp that will harken memories to old soul analog classics that you wish you held onto. This spirited recording will make you think they never left.
Reg Dancy, 07/11
Freddie Cruger and Anthony Cruger are Wildcookie - Cookie Dough
Tru ThoughtsWhat do you get when you put together a veteran producer and an underrated vocalist? You have “Cookie Dough”, the debut from Wildcookie aka producer Freddie Cruger and vocalist Anthony Mills. Together they have crafted an album filled with wicked bass grooves laced with warm mid to down-tempo soul rhythms. Cruger’s compositions range from chilled out jazz to mellow slow burning funk and hip-hop. Top that off with Mills varying vocal styling’s and you have an ambitious yet seductive recording that you’ll find hard to resist. Among the highlights are “Heroine”, previously released on “The Drugs EP” deals with the influence the drug had over some of our legendary artist’s in order to reach their musical heights. Cruger lays down a jazzy mid-tempo groove with a simple drum snare beat while Mills falsetto elevates to the upper register. “Touchy Touchy” has a bossa nova inspired groove with a subtle piano melody that features Mills making his move on a honey and breaking down protocol on what to do on ladies night. On the mellow funk flavored “Come Closer” Mills comes across as a mixture of Curtis Mayfield meets D’Angelo as he croons about the woman who has got him hooked and between the two of them are feigning for each other at a moment’s notice. Much like the title, “Cookie Dough” is kind of like that triple chocolate Devil’s food cake you have no business indulging in. You try to fight it but it’s no use. Just give in and enjoy it over and over. Although the disc at various moments has a dark mood to it, you won’t be able to resist the funky rhythms, the vocals and the production. Superb work by Wildcookie in delivering a disc that merely scratches the surface of their musical chemistry.
Reg Dancy, 07/11
Idrissa Diop & Cheikh Tidiane Tall - Diamonoye Tiopite
Tarangabeat“Cheikh Tidiane” is the first of several releases from the Senegal based label “Terangabeat” which features the music of Idrissa Diop. Diop is the man largely responsible for the music known as Mbalax, which merges Senegalese with Latin rhythms and paved the way for artists like Youssou N’Dour and Omar Pene . This release covers some of his strongest recordings from 1969-76 with the band Sahel. The latin flavor is evident on tracks like “Yaye Boye”, a warm laidback tune highlighted by Idrissa’s tenor flavored vocals and Cheikh Tidianne Tall’s rhythmic guitar playing. “Caridad” is another winner filled with sparkling percussions and soaring keys. Sahel’s harmonious horn section figures prominently on “Fonkale Garape” as well as Tidiane Tall’s guitar soloing. Their spirited playing elevates the compositions to another level. The sound quality on the recording is the only drawback as several tracks have an analog sound and you wonder how much better this would if it was digitally remastered. That said, “Diamonoye Tiopite” is a hidden treasure that brims with emotion, energy and is filled with heartfelt lyrics. Kudos to Terangabeat for allowing this disc to see the light of day.
Reg Dancy, 07/11
Pete Rock - Petestrumentals
BBEI wondered what it would be like if I were a rapper and I was given free rein to select some beats from the vault of all-star hip-hop producer Pete Rock. After all his production talents has been the backbone for numerous rappers for years.” Petestrumentals Ten year anniversary” celebrates the 2001 release and the great fact about these joints is that they haven’t aged at all. For instance, “A Little Soul” packed with deep grooves and thick beats is the kind of funk that never gets old. “For The People” still is hypnotic thanks in part to the wicked fender Rhodes arrangement layered nicely over more heart pounding beats. And while the focus is mainly on instrumentals, the disc is hardly devoid of vocals. Rapper Nature spits fire on “To My Advantage” as well as Freddie Foxx on “Mind Frame”. For old time sake we’re treated to a CL Smooth collaboration as he waxes poetic on how a true hustler handles his business on “Back On Da Block”. “Ten Anniversay” also arrives with additional bonus tracks and alternate takes to certify that a strong release is even better. For all hip-hop enthusiasts and beat aficionados this definitely belongs in your collection.
Reg Dancy, 07/11
Tipper - Broken Soul Jamboree
Tippermusic“Broken Soul Jamboree” is the creation of British producer Dave Tipper, who is no stranger to composing brilliant electronic music. With this release, he has arranged a batch of dreamy down-tempo gems that meshes elements of Indian, classical and electronica into a cinematic odyssey that is tailor made for late night lounge sessions. Some of the highlights are “Big Question Small Head”, a head nodder filled with infectious beats, a wicked bassline and clever use of the mandolin instrument. “Class 5 Roaming Vapor” is an ambient down-tempo gem due to the multi layered chord arrangements. “Royal Dragon Sire” is filled with dreamy cinematic soundscapes and is simply chill out music at its best. Tipper’s orchestral arrangements and live instrumentation make “Broken Soul Jamboree” essential listening. For those looking for electronic music that pushes the boundaries, you’ve come to the right place.
Reg Dancy, 07/11