Music Reviews

Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations

	Al Kent - Secret Sounds
	BBE Records
	Without question, there are more than a handful of folks that doubted that Disco would still be relevant yet here we are thirty years later and Disco still has a home in the hearts of many. You can thank artists like Al Kent for giving it the respect it deserves. Fresh off his project with the Million Dollar Orchestra, Al pays tribute to the genre and the DJ’s that made the music so beloved by many and a lightning rod for others with “Secret Sounds”. Al starts things off with an intro for an advertisement for hustle lessons, the featured dance from the early seventies that everyone tried to master with varying degrees of success. This is followed up with the synth flavored disco track “I like it”. “Come back home” is a soulful tune due in large part to Tyrone Taylor on vocals and laced with strings that would make Vince Montana proud. This is arguably the best track on the disc. Normally I don’t get caught up with interludes but in this case it does provide a service in paying respect to the DJ’s in general and to pioneers like Jellybean Benitez and Tee Scott in particular. The impact they had would set the tone for all the prominent DJ’s of today. Other notable tracks include “Get Funky” starts out with a simple keyboard melody before sequeing into a funky disco stomper with horns. “Reverb is your friend” is a sublime mid-tempo track that isn’t quite a disco track; instead it’s a lovely reverb instrumental that could fit nicely into any lounge today. The disc concludes with the percussion laden “Tenner Rap”, a surefire disco jam floor filler. Al Kent’s love for disco is unsurpassed and if you ever loved the music, you’ll appreciate his dedication and no doubt enjoy “Secret sounds”. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 03/10
	Fat Freddy’s Drop - Dr Boondigga & The Big BW
	The Drop
	Fat Freddy’s Drop has already achieved rock star status in their native New Zealand and continues to attract large crowds throughout Europe. Now with their second full length release “Dr Boondigga and The Big BW”, the seven piece band aim for world wide recognition and based on this recording, they may be ready to pull it off. The band’s musical style is an amalgamation of reggae, dub, soul and funk and the musical acumen throughout the group is impressive considering that each member has played vital roles in various groups before merging into this band. The production and horn arrangements shine on the opening track, “Big BW”, a mid-tempo soulful number augmented by the falsetto voice of Joe Dukie, who blesses all remaining tunes as well. “Shiverman” is a ten minute jam session that starts off with a funky electric guitar riffs and features Hopepa on Trombone. “The Raft” is a reggae/dub number complete with a thumping bass line that would be just an average tune if it were performed by a lesser band. Instead the musicianship of this group and Dukie’s vocal abilities make this a bona fide winner. “The Camel” starts out with a wicked improvised electric guitar solo before settling into a funky mid-tempo groove that provides plenty of space for Joe Dukie and special guest Alice Russell to glide over. One listen of this cd will have you checking the FFD website for tour dates. As great as this record will sound coming through your speakers, the experience of hearing them live will cement your admiration for this talented band for years to come. Highly recommended. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 03/10
	Kira Neris - A Frozen Second
	Faces Records
	Kira Neris made a big splash with the 2007 release of “Behind closed doors”, sampling jazz standards and arranging them with dance and house flavored grooves. He picks up where he left off with “A frozen second”, another beautiful collection of edited nu-jazz compositions. Kira starts things off with “Judy in June”, a mid-tempo nu-jazz groover that features warm female vocals dancing over a simple yet poignant piano melody. “Shivering Waltz” is aptly named for its dreamy hush like arrangements. “Rush!” is a foot stomping dance floor gem complemented with sampled piano riffs and warm string arrangements. “Damage!” is a futuristic house track with a hypnotic groove and a funky male vocal hook that repeats the verse “take it and do whatcha wanna do”. Kira Neris’s production talents and his affection for various musical genres are evident and a boon for the listener. This is another wonderful release filled with songs that would fit nicely in a club, a lounge or in your living room. Listen and enjoy. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 03/10
	Dam Funk - Toeachizown
	Stones Throw Records
	After sprinkling several singles over the past year, LA’s Dam Funk releases his much anticipated debut “Toeachizown”. Dam Funk has crafted a funk album that features 80’s synth arrangements reminiscent of pioneers like Zapp, Cameo and a little touch of Prince. The difference is that he has successfully composed his own signature modern funk sound that he can call his own. “Toeachizown” takes on many different moods, from earthy mid-tempo grooves to up-tempo in your face funk. There’s many tracks to savor such as the ambient “Come on Outside” which displays his wizardry with drum programming. “Brookside Park” is a near 10 minute instrumental that would be the perfect leisurely drive jam on a lazy afternoon. “Searchin’ 4 funk’s future” gives a nod to Dam’s love house music. Just imagine Mr Fingers laying down some G-funk and this might be the result. Like past funkateers before him, Dam Funk also proves to be a very capable balladeer, as evidenced on the track “I wanna thank you for”. Overall, “Toeachizown” succeeds by revitalizing a piece of the boogie funk grooves of the past and making it sound relevant today. This is very enjoyable and refreshing debut by an artist poised to make a lot of noise in 2010. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 03/10
	Collage - Fifty Four Minutes Twenty Seconds
	Wool Recordings
	The meaning behind the name Collage is exactly what you might expect, a diverse collection of musical elements. In the case of Collage the group hailing from Estonia , they have assembled an infusion of pop, folk and classical music aptly called Estonian Folk, a nod to the group’s homeland roots. The amazing thing here is that this is a reissue, a recording from the late 60’s that would easily fit in with any current recording of today. Estonia is located on the outskirts of the Soviet Union and is also the location of the Talinn Conservatory School of music, where a group of students was recruited by Ravio Dikson. The results are a peaceful blend of world music. Some of the standout tracks are “Petis Peiu”, a Brazilian flavored tune. “Vastalaul” begins with collective harmonies that would make the Manhattan Transfer proud and then glides into a folk flavored samba. “Ehted Kadunud” is a mid-tempo soul groover with funky rhythm guitar licks. ”Tutar Nubab Ema” is a warm modal jazz ballad that features superb flute playing over a seductive piano melody. Never mind that the tracks here are sung in Finnish. The melodies of the music and the vocal harmonies provide a pleasant listening experience no matter language barriers may exist, not to mention an insight into the musical Estonian musical history. This is certainly worth checking out. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 03/10
	Various Artists - John Morales - The M&M Mixes
	BBE Records
	It’s easy to lose sight of all the quality remixes that emerged during the eighties. After all, a new 12” inch seemingly dropped daily or whenever we frequented our favorite clubs from back in the day. We would rush to our local record shop humming a tune we heard the night before as the top DJ’s were making their mark remixing future dance classics. Thanks to John Morales, we have an opportunity to relive some of those moments with “The M&M Mixes. It’s only fitting since many of those dance classics were mixed by John himself. The “M&M Mixes” is an excellent collection of some of his greatest remixes that were beloved by the dance music community. The disc starts out with “Weekend” a huge club hit mixed by John and also produced by the legendary producer Patrick Adams. Another pleasant surprise and no doubt a worthy addition to this disc is “I want you all tonight” by the late Curtis Hairston. And any compilation that highlights classic club tracks would be shamed if it didn’t include Inner Life’s “Ain’t No Mountain High enough”, which features the great Jocelyn Brown. The ten minute dance floor filler still sounds superb twenty years later. The M&M mixes is a tremendous time travel through a important period in the culture of dance music. The dance music that you love today owes a debt of gratitude to John Morales and the rest of the pioneers that laid it down before them. This compilation will enhance your appreciation as well as keep your body moving. After a self-imposed exile that has lasted nearly ten years, it’s great to have John back blessing us with his timeless music. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 02/10
	Various Artists - DUCK
	M8MC Music
	There are compilations that come and go and then there are some where the heat just keeps coming, track after track after track. The DUCK compilation falls under the latter. DUCK is a concept album that features producers from Derby , UK such as Atjazz, Clyde and Bleep District. This disc also serves a dual purpose not only by delivering quality music but by making charitable contributions. The proceeds from this project go to MacMillan cancer research and QUAD, Derby ’s visual arts studio. Each track contains a musical or lyrical element relating to the unassuming town that resides in the midland of England as well some live instrumentation. The disc starts out with the Brazilian mid-tempo “Teu Sorriso” (Your Smile) by YSE, ripe with wonderful guitar work by Carlos and vocals by Nego. Things heat up right after that with “I Got Soul” by Supalouisa, a energetic dance floor filler. Former Mantis recordings member and Derby native Clyde contributes to the cause with the funky “Swedish Blue”. Atjazz’s “Kidnapped in Kathmandu-rby” is a chilled out dance floor gem that has strong appeal. Make no mistake, a disc full of thumping beats like this and a worthy cause to match easily makes this purchase money well spent. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 02/10
	Deep Jazz - Heaven & Earth
	Perfect Toy Records
	Hailing from Germany , Jerker Kluge and his Deep Jazz ensemble deliver a spirited collection of 60’s inspired jazz that would fit nicely in the Impulse or Blue Note library. Kluge, shifting between double bass and upright bass wrote two of the compositions and co-wrote another (Starlings Talk). The opening title track is a mellow modal number that is driven by Florian Riedl on flute and Julia Fehenberger on vocals. “Black Tiger” is a riveting number that showcases superb soloing by Martin Fredebeul on Soprano sax, followed by Ulrich Wangenheim on bass clarinet and Till Martin on Tenor. The up-tempo bop “Red Smoke” also features the three horn players but it’s the work of pianist Jo Junghanss that steals the show. His inspired playing here and on the other tracks is simply breathtaking. Jerker doesn’t break any new ground here but he succeeds by breathing new life into the genre and the result is timeless music that any jazz enthusiast will enjoy. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 02/10
	Matthew Halsall - Colour Yes
	Gondwana Records
	When trumpeter Matthew Halsall dropped his debut “Sending My Love”, his relaxed tone and superb compositions caught the ears of many by surprise. With a successful debut comes expectations but Halsall appears to be more than up to the task. “Colour You” is supreme quality modal jazz where elusive harmonies soar and the synergy that exists among Matthew and the quintet is simply marvelous. Their chemistry shines on the title track, where Matthew’s free flowing effortless playing is a thing of beauty. Also noteworthy is the work of pianist Adam Fairhall, who seamlessly fills spaces with lyrical playing reminiscent of McCoy Tyner. On the track “Together”, Matthew’s fluid solos and the playing of Rachael Gladwin on harp create the perfect balance to this hauntingly beautiful ballad. On “I’ve found joy”, Matthew and tenor saxophonist Nat Birchall engage in restraint yet adventurous rhythmic soloing that sounds as though they’ve been playing together for years. “I’ve been here before” is another beautiful ballad showcases the delicate brushwork of drummer Gaz Hughes who performs on tracks 3-6 while Marek Dorcik handles the rest. Simply stated, “Colour You” is a virtuoso performance by Matthew Halsall. Once again the bar has been raised because I can’t to hear what he does next. Highly recommended. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 02/10
	Various Artists - Kings Of Drum & Bass compiled by 4Hero & DJ Marky
	BBE Records
	You would be hard pressed to find 2 more influential contributors to the world of drum n bass than Dego and DJ Marky. Obviously the good folks at BBE had similar thoughts and decided to combine their talents in one package. “The Kings of drum n bass” is really two cd’s in one with Dego and MJ Marky each delivering over 60 minutes of uninterrupted music. Dego, known for his ground breaking work as one half of 4Hero brings along that soulful element that is so prevalent in their musical catalogue while Marky’s signature hardcore edgy style is a nice change of pace and is sure to keep your body moving. This is essential listening for drum n bass lovers (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 02/10
	Build An Ark - Love Pt.1
	Kindred Spirits
	When you listen to the music of Build An Ark, you are truly convinced that music can inspire those who are in need of spiritual healing. It is their mission to spread peace and unity through the music. It is because of tragic events such as the Rodney King beating and riots that took place in band leader Carlos Nino’s hometown of Los Angeles and 9/11 that moved him to deliver the fantastic “Peace with every step” and that follow that one up with “Dawn”. As impressive as those releases were “Love Pt. 1” is without a doubt their best yet. Carlos and the ensemble blend elements of 60’s soul, jazz and even a little folk that captures the spirit of John Coltrane’s latter work, as well as Pharoah Sanders and Joni Mitchell. One of the many reasons that make this record so enjoyable is the musical arrangements are a thing of beauty, considering that the collective membership has grown to more than 40. As a result the live instrumentation reaches symphony proportions. It doesn’t hurt that most of the songs were recorded live and it evident upon the first listen. There are many songs here to savor but standouts include “Celebrate”, featuring long time contributor and baritone vocalist Dwight Trible. “Sunflowers in my Garden” is simply a beautiful tune is written and sung by Waberi Jordan . Waberi, whose voice may remind you of Roberta Flack brings tenderness to this serene recording. Another long time contributor is Miquel Atwood-Ferguson and on “World Peace Now” he sits in the piano chair, provides Flute arrangements as well as playing the violin and Viola to this warm and peaceful instrumental. If you’re spirits aren’t lifted after listening to “Love” check your pulse. This is one record you shouldn’t miss. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 02/10
	DJ Bootsie - Holidays in the Shade
	BBE Records
	On his second full length release, DJ Bootsie taps into his Hungarian roots and delivers an impressive album steeped with cinematic soundscapes with classical and folk influences. One listen and it’s clear that Bootsie is adept at creating beats for hip-hop heads as well as composing potential film scores. Among the standouts is the haunting “Lieutenant Chrome”. “Ballad of the Space Ship Rigger Pt.1”, complete with searing electric guitar riffs is another banger. “Neil And Vincent” is a peaceful atmospheric down-tempo gem. As impressive as Bootsie’s debut “The Silent Partner” was, this new release has a bolder and more refined sound. This should be the record that propels Bootsie to the recognition his talents deserve. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 01/10
	Doom - Born Like This
	Lex Records
	Hip Hop’s favorite villain returns with his first solo project since 2004’s “MM..Food?”. “Born like This” doesn’t quite measure up to “Food” but there are several standout tracks that are well worth checking out. Highlights include “Gazillian Ear” where Doom’s unconventional rhyme style combined with his abstract production makes this one a clear cut winner. “Yessir” is also impressive, thanks in part to special guest Raekwon, whose dense delivery is the complement to Doom’s gritty beats. “Still Dope feat. Empress Sharhh” is another banger and further proof why many respected rappers yearn to lay down rhymes to a Doom produced track. If you’ve been a supporter of Doom’s work over the years then you’ll no doubt enjoy this release. For those who tire of watered down hip-hop, prepare to be enlightened to Doom’s dark tales and you’ll see why he’s one of the most respected underground rapper/producer on the scene today. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 01/10
	Martyn - Great Lengths
	3024
	The long awaited full length release from DJ/Producer Martyn is everything we expected and more. Martyn has arranged an splendid array of electronic compositions steeped in dance, techno and dub step that you will find it irresistible not to move. One of those tracks is the lead song “The Only Choice”, a pulsating track filled with catchy synths and percussion. “These Words” is a techno flavored drum n bass burner enhanced by the warm vocals of D Brdige. “Elden St” is easily my favorite track here, a dense hypnotic house gem with an infectious groove that is reminiscent of the early Detroit sound made famous by Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May and Juan Atkins. Martyn is becoming a household name in the world of electronic dance music and with this new release it’s easy to see why. He never relies on one style and keeps things interesting throughout. You owe it yourself to check this one out. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 01/10
	Shapeshifter - Soulstice
	Inertia Records
	On their fourth album, the New Zealand based band continues to build on their unique brand of alternative drum n bass music. “Soulstice” combines elements of soul, dub step and folk to create their most ambitious project yet. The disc kicks off “New Day Come”, an energetic track that is enhanced by the melody from the Norman Connors classic “You are my starship”. “In The Rain” starts out as an acoustic gem that simmers, thanks in part to the vocals of Ladi6. “One” is a blissful track with uplifting lyrics and a gorgeous piano loop. You can’t help but feel good after listening to this one, thanks in part to the vocals of Paora Apera (aka P Digsss). “Soulstice” is an enjoyable record that will have you listening to drum n bass in a different light. This is groundbreaking work that should propel this group to greater heights. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 01/10
	Various Artists - 12 inches of Pleasure
	BBE Records
	BBE strikes again with 12 inches of pleasure, the compilation featuring previously unreleased remixed vinyl records that you probably wanted but was unable to get before now. The third installment in this series is a diverse collection that includes some soulful grooves and blazing house tracks that are certain to move your feet and lift your spirits. The disc jumps off with Nick Van Gelder’s “Brighter Star”, an organic jazz flavored soulful beauty that features the underrated Marcia Arnold on vocals. J-Live comes out fired up on the Katalyst track “Killing Ya Self”. In addition to that we have the Abicah Soul remix of ultra talented percussionist Luisito Quintero’s “Music for Gong Gong”. Roy Ayers “Brand New Feeling” continues to receive new life after sitting in the vaults for almost twenty years. It re-emerged on the BBE Ubiquity Remixed album a few years ago and has become a favorite of many ever since. The sting international controversy mix transforms what was a sexy seductive slow burner into a percolating house track. It can’t be overstated the tremendous work that BBE has done in reviving not only the obscure 12” vinyl but the other compilations released this year as well. Don’t sleep, you’re going to really enjoy this one. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 12/09
	DJ Devastate - Movement-Silence
	BBE Records
	A veteran on the UK scene for over fifteen years, DJ Devastate has been a student as well as a pioneer in the hip-hop game. Devastate has followed the likes of Marly Marl, DJ Premier and Pete Rock and in the process cultivated his own sound. With his debut, Devastate has created a laidback hip-hop gem with jazzy rhythms that would make followers of the native tongues period proud. The entire disc takes you back to a time when all was well in the world of hip-hop. It’s clear that Devastate has been sharpening his production skills during his hiatus because the compositions throughout are flawless. With no mc’s on board, “Movement-Silence” is comprised sunny instrumental beat gems combined with well placed sampling. Some of the highlights include “The Motion”, a funky track with a wicked kick snare drum beat. “Don’t Sop” is a jazzy number that features a popular Common sample. “Taken it slow” is a hazy mid-tempo banger that has a simple beat but provides the right amount of samples and catchy hooks to make it shine. Kudos to DJ Devastate for crafting a soulful hip-hop treat you can chill to. While he doesn’t break any new ground here his attention to detail towards crafting quality beats will force you to add this to your cd rotation. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 12/09
	Various Artists - Future Sounds Of Brazil
	BBE Records
	There has been an avalanche of amazing Brazilian music this year and with the BBE release of “Future Sounds of Brazil ”, the heat continues. This sparkling compilation has enlisted some of Brazil’s hottest Dj’s like DJ Marky, Gui Boratto, Anderson Noise and much more. Renato Cohen. Everyone on board brings the heat while supplying their unique blend of mixing and arranging. For instance there’s the pulsating house track “Hossomaki” from Kids from Japan that starts off the disc. Marcelinho’s “Oceano” is an infectious slice of techno house. No else does it quite like DJ Marky and the track “Days go slow”, he’s joined by S.P.Y. to create a blissful high octane broken beat gem. Bulldozer Media has been instrumental in expanding the landscape for the enomous amount of new Brazilian grooves. Future Sounds of Brazil is evidence of that and sure to put a charge into any party. This is yet another example of the progressive rhythms flowing from South America and I’m loving every minute of it. Rest assured that you will too. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 12/09
	Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
	Honest Jon's Records
	There aren't many notable brass bands to compare the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble to other than the festive party bands in New Orleans but the Hypnotic Brass ensemble isn't your typical brass band. For starters there roots are steeped in jazz, considering that each of the band's seven members are sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran, once a member of Sun Ra Arkestra. Clearly the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. Once you add the jazz aesthetic to their hip-hop rhythms you have yourself a collective whose energy is relentless and never lets up. The band drives through tunes like "Alyo", complete with a tight rhythm section and a synergy among the horn players not often heard. On "Ballicki Bone" they bring down the tempo and create a soulful mid-tempo groove. "Jupiter" is a mellow number where the trumpet player and trombonist trade phrases with each other. The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have succeeded in creating compositions that are rousing and engaging. You won't find many records this year with a band performing as well as this. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 12/09
	Minus 8 - Slow Motion
	Compost Records
	Robert Jan Mayer, the architect behind Minus 8 is well established as a producer of quality drum n bass and down-tempo music. On his latest release, “Slow Motion” he delivers his usual assortment of gorgeous lounge flavored down-tempo grooves but he has also crafted some delicious dance tracks as well. Let’s start with “Letting Go”, where Virag’s blissful vocals are layered with an acoustic guitar strumming that feels like a cool breeze on an autumn afternoon. “Soverato” is a warm and seductive instrumental that is augmented by the sultry saxophone playing. “Enigma of a summer afternoon” is a mellow synthesized mid-tempo groover. Robert has exercised his ability to stretch out into different genres on previous releases with uneven results. Here he does a nice job infusing blissful dance tunes like “Wonderland”, which features Mirian S. “Make your Day” is an 80’s style boogie tune that is delightful and fun. “Hustler” sounds a little out of place here and the vocals are uninspiring but that is the only hiccup here on this otherwise enjoyable record. Overall “Slow Motion” will satisfy long time fans and will make new listeners feel right at home. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 12/09
	1000 Names - Toys Room Combat
	Eklektik Records
	Casio Blaster and 99 Mistakes, better known as 1000 Names take you on an adventure in experimental breakbeats and instrumental hip-hop on their full length debut, “Toys Room Combat”. The duo has been a favorite of underground artists for their ability to mash up modern day and futuristic hip-hop beats as well as expanding their wizardry on rare undiscovered grooves. Their inventive producing skills are evident on tracks like the funky hip-hop driven “It started as a remix”. “Cloudride” features the rap duo 215 The freshest Kidz and is one of only four tracks with a guest appearance. Other highlights are “Ant on my bottom” and “Simmer down” which features C Mont. The majority of the cuts are barely exceeding three minutes but the idea is not to settle into one groove for too long. If you’re a fan of Madlib or J Dilla then you’ll certainly enjoy this. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 12/09
	Gilles Peterson Presents - Havana Cultura
	Brownswood Recordings
	Listening to “Havana Cultura” for the first time is like tasting a succulent plate of Paella; all the flavors are dancing in your mouth and you just lean back and enjoy every bite. Like all great meals require the right amount of seasoning, “Havana Cultura” contains the right mix of diverse musicians that will appeal to generations young and old. Right from the onset, Cultura heats up with Pa Gozar, a percolating piano driven track by the nine piece Havana Cultura Band who performs on all tracks on disc 1. “Ipacuba” features singer Danay, who emerges as talent to keep an eye on. Her lovely voice and the amazing percussionist on board make this track a keeper. Danay appears several cuts but one particular favorite is “Think Twice”. A tune that starts out soft and sublime and then shifts into a funky hip hop jam that pays homage to the late great J Dilla. “Chereke Son” is another winner that features the amazing Mayra Caridad Valdes on vocals. On disc 2 you are treated to a showcase of up and coming hip-hop artists like Doble Filo, an experimental hip-hop group who are very impressive on “Amor Internacional”. Telmary Diaz is a rapper/poetess and displays remarkable ability on “Spiritual Sin Egoismo”. Los Aldeanos is already one of Cuba’s most respected hip-hop groups and provide plenty evidence on the fiery “Pasa El Borrador”. There are so many performances to applaud and for that we must give kudos to Gilles Peterson for giving these musicians the exposure they deserve. “Havana Cultura” provides a glimpse into the evolution of Cuban music and it’s wealth of talented musicians. Listen and enjoy. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 11/09
	4Hero Presents - Extensions
	Raw Canvas Records
	4Hero receives the ultimate compliment when various artists provide alternate takes on their rich catalogue of timeless music. “Extensions” features an acclaimed list of musicians who transform their tunes into an elegant acoustic jazz ensemble. The Sonar Kollektiv Orchester starts things off with “Universal Love”, which becomes a symphonic beauty that is augmented by the vocals of Clara Hill, Esther Cowens and Wilson Michaels. The Robert Mitchell Trio does a masterful job by turning “Third Stream” into an acoustic gem. With so many superb performances it’s difficult to select a standout but Ayanna Witter-Johnson’s cover of “Give In” certainly deserves honorable mention. Ayanna, who has performed with Courtney Pine’s Jazz Warriors has such a beautiful voice that it’s a crime she doesn’t have her own album to listen to. Other highlights include the Sub Ensemble’s version of “Humans” and “Star Chasers” gets flipped into an acoustic folk jazz. This marvelous collection will not only satisfy 4Hero fans but will invite an entire new audience to the legacy that Marc Mac and Dego have built. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 11/09
	The Clonious - Between The Dots
	Ubiquity Records
	Twenty three year Paul Movahedi, aka the Clonious is more than just a beatmaker. He is a musician with an affinity for straight ahead jazz and ability to improvise with various genres. On his fantastic debut “Between the dots”, he blends his jazz influences with hip-hop samples and creates a sonic mix of adventurous electronic music with subtle insertions of live instrumentation. The Clonious abstract compositions works wonders on songs like “One at a time”, where Muhsinah’s soulful eclectic phrasings are the perfect compliment to his spacey arrangements. “Bugs n’ fools” features lush vocals on the chorus and a funky stinging rhythm guitar. “Dataflow” strikes a delicate balance between tripped out fusion and hip-hop with satisfying results. “Lovelights” is a spaced out funk gem that features Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow. “Between the dots” is a triumphant debut that will excite listeners who are open to a hybrid of electronic beats with a hip-hop jazz esthetic. The Clonious ability to create sounds that venture out of the comfort zone will make him a household name in short time. Get familiar. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 11/09
	Mos Def - The Ecstatic
	Downtown
	There are few rappers in the game that can release just two albums over a ten year span and remain prominent, let alone relevant. Mos Def is one of those few rappers who keeps us yearning for more because of his undeniable talent and the body of work he has attained thus far. With two critically acclaimed albums under his belt (one as a member of Black Star alongside Talib Qweli), the level of expectations can be enormous. To his credit Mos hasn’t taken the easy route and simply make “Black on both Sides part 2”. The challenge of expanding the musical boundaries while maintaining creditability can be daunting (the new danger comes to mind). With “The Ecstatic” it appears that Mos has finally found the happy medium. “The Ecstatic” features all star production from Madlib, Chad Hugo and the late J-Dilla and succeeds in creating head nod music as well as providing thought provoking lyrics. The album starts out with “Supermagic”, armed with hard hitting beats, crackling electric guitar riffs and a Middle Eastern flavor. It’s not your typical boom bap record but it definitely works. Other highlights include “Quiet Dog”, the beats and percussion played on here are infectious. If you don’t move to this then check your pulse. “Roses” featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow is easily one of the best tracks on the album. Mos is in top form spitting verses while Ms Muldrow’s lyrics and blissful voice caresses the chorus over a piano laden beat. “History” finds Mos teamed up once again with Talib Qweli. Playing off each other over a J-Dilla beat, the two prove why they make up one of the best one two punches in hip-hop. This is the album that fans of Mos Def have been waiting for. The “Ecstatic” proves that Mos hasn’t lost his touch and in fact sounds better than ever. (Permalink) Reg Dancy, 11/09