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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

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Essential Tango / Astor Piazzolla Astor Piazzolla - Essential Tango
Manteca
Another great double CD from Manteca which covers recorded and live recordings from in the 1970's and 1980's. Astor Piazzolla revolutionised Argentinean tango but in the process made himself a lot of enemies within his own country, it wasn't until later in his career that his work was honoured there. It's estimated he wrote over 3,000 pieces of this new tango (tango nuevo) with jazz and classical mixing into the traditional tango 'a music for the head – as well as for the soul'. Magic.

Graham Radley, 03/07
Full Circle / Atjazz Atjazz - Full Circle
Mantis Recordings
Martin Iveson AKA Atjazz has always been right on point with his productions and 'Full Circle' is no different. Released on his own Mantis label it combines elements of deep house, broken-beat and digital soul and features a variety of guest vocalists including Robert Owens and Ernesto. There's also Vancouver's finest Amalia who graces the head-nodder 'One', Mr J of Phuturistix who appears on 'Together', Dawne B on the techy 'Parralels', Clara Hill on the bass heavy groove 'Before' and Sarah Jane Morris who fronts the feel-good vibe of 'Fantasy', all of which are nothing short of brilliant. Do not miss this one!

Andy Allen, 02/08
En Trance / Atmosfear Atmosfear - En Trance
Sanctuary Records
Atmosfear’s rare debut album ‘En Trance’, originally released in 1981 on Elite Records, gets a welcome reissue via Sanctuary. This is British jazz funk at its best and features delights such as ‘Free Tonight’, Interplay’ and ‘Invasion’ along with the Latin flavored ‘Duende’ and ‘Return Of LB’. This package also includes 4 bonus tracks, ‘Extract’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Outer Space’ and the classic ‘Dancing In Outer Space’ which were previously only released on 12”. Essential!

Andy Allen, 09/05
Barefoot In The Sand / Atongo Zimba Atongo Zimba - Barefoot In The Sand
Hippo Records
Atongo Zimba’s new studio album sees him give a stripped back Fra Fra acoustic reworking to some of his older songs, in a collaboration with guitarist and producer Niels Brouwer.  There’s a peaceful fluidity to the mixture of his lovely voice with calabash and percussion. Excellent.

Graham Radley, 06/08
East Oakland Space Program / Aybee Aybee - East Oakland Space Program
Deepblak Recordings
Aybee’s 2008 release “Blacktropolis” was one of the most pleasant surprises to blare out of my speakers. “East Oakland Space Program” builds on the soulful futuristic sound that has made Aybee a visionary to be reckoned with. “EOSP” contains thirteen heart pounding tracks that will dive deep into your body and force you move to the hypnotic rhythms. The disc begins with “Hidden Treasures”, a deep pulsating groove reminiscent of the early Detroit techno sound. “Windows” is a warm, atmospheric deep dish that’s anchored by the earthy arrangements by Aybee and the vocals of Karen Paige. Another winner is “No Mystery” featuring Paul Randolph, whose deep vocals are a perfect match for Aybee’s spacey compositions. “Love Of” and “Ozzie Davis” are the kind of deep house jazz tracks you’ll love whether you’re on the dance floor or just lounging. “EOSP” is full of funky beats, hip vocals and gorgeous rhythms. This is another quality recording from the Deepblak label that will provide definite satisfaction.

Reg Dancy, 06/09
The Exotic Delight Bay / Azaxx Azaxx - The Exotic Delight Bay
Tru Thoughts Recordings
The roster of Tru-Thoughts is filled with an eclectic group of talented musicians. So say hello to Azaxx. The French producer’s full length debut, “The Exotic Delight Bay” is an appropriate title because his compositions consist of exotic rhythms that bridge influences from Brazil and Latin America combined with the electronic grooves and the fresh beats of today. Azaxx’s skills of a top notch DJ and a producer shine through on “Zorbanissimo”, a funky mid-tempo track enriched by the tasty percussion and vibes. “Beach Mambo” is another tasty treat rich with Cuban heritage. For those more partial to the dance floor beats, there’s “Autumn Dreamy, an energetic ambient groover. “Smoothly Morning” is another funky gem filled with soothing chords. “Wild Strawberry Jelly” features a funky bassline and the beats to keep the dance floor crowded. All in all, “The Exotic Delight Bay” is indeed a tropical delight and a crowning achievement. Let’s hope there’s more where this came from.

Reg Dancy, 07/09
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