Music Reviews
Various Artists - Elaste Vol 2: Space Disco Compiled By Tom Wieland
Compost RecordsThis is a collection of spaced out post disco rarities hand picked by Tom Wieland, best known for his work as one half of 7 Samurai and Panoptikum, Tom has uncovered some cool electronic European gems. Some of the highlights are "Rebel On The Run" by Selection, a funk injected disco track, fueled by lively guitar work and a tight bass line. A nice boogie tune, "Take Time" by Jagg, that would easily fit into the Prelude catalogue. This was one of my favorites because of the soulful vocals, funky rhythm guitar and clever synths. "Feeling Love" by LEB Harmony has that electronic disco sound reminiscent of Cerrone from the late seventies. Not all the tracks measure up however, "Blow You Out Tonight" was just average and the vocals don’t do the track any justice. Out of place here is "Nepa Dance Dub." but it’s still a nice dub tune that provides a change of pace. All in all this is a nice foray into a collection of forgotten dance tracks that get a second life with new fans.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 08/08
Various Artists - Excursions
Record BreakinCompiled by Philadelphia's DJ Junior 'Excursions' shines the spot light on some of the hottest broken-soul tracks of recent times. It opens with DJ Day's gorgeous 'A Place To Go' before touching down on gems such as 'Talking Me Down' (Domu Remix) by The Rebirth, Electric Conversation's 'Dancing', 'You Don't Know' by Part Time Heroes & Monday Michiru, Black Pocket's (Steve Spacek) 'Thank You And Credits', 'Rise' from Kamara featuring Deborah Jordan and ending with Malena Perez' 'What Do I Do'. Also included are some tasty moments which were previously un-issued or only available as down loads. Of which I'm pleased to see the stunning cuts 'Blue Skies from OK_MA featuring Nanar Vorperian and Donn's 'All The Beauty' plus Jonny Miller's killer broken-beat excursion 'Starz' included.
Andy Allen, 08/07
Various Artists - Fabric 24 - Mixed By Rob Da Bank
FabricNow what a daunting proposition Rob had about a year ago. Radio 1 wanted him to take over from the mighty John Peel – the greatest radio DJ who has ever lived. I think Rob’s done a stern job and now Fabric have come knocking so he can interpret his diverse taste onto one of their highly respected compilations. Those familiar with Rob Da Bank’s radio shows or DJ sets will know that his taste is very broad and in a good way, all over the shop. This Fabric CD is pretty much in the same vein, except it’s mixed and mixed very well indeed. He selects some belters from Nathan Fake and Michael Mayer before dropping in the timeless DJ friend ‘Spastik’ by yer man Richie Hawtin. In the latter stages of the mix he flips to some great indie dance (urggggh awful phrase) in the form of the Futureheads and The Fiery Furnaces before finalising the mix with 2 of house music’s seminal masterpieces from Mr Fingers and Frankie Knuckles. This is good stuff from fabric – may they continue to treat us to quality compilations.
Jax, 10/05
Various Artists - Faith Presents House Ain't Dead!
BBEIt’s safe to say that house music isn’t going anywhere. It may never achieve the status of other genres but the underground support is strong and has been for years. Besides, there’s nothing like the sound of a soulful dance track with deep grooves getting inside your body. That’s the feeling you certain to have when you listen to “House Ain’t Dead” by Faith. A collection of classic house tracks and future classics by some of the premier dj’s on the scene today. One of those classics is “The Craze” by Prosumer, a Chicago inspired soulful track with a light but effective percussions and a funky bass line that is sure to lure you onto dance floor. Henrik Schwarz, with the help of Dixon does a fierce remix on Ane Brun’s Headphone Silence. Ane’s melancholy voice works well in contrast to the electronic deep house grooves at work here. I especially loved Pepe Bradock’s “Intriguing Feathered Creative”. The exotic synths and syncopated rhythms just add to the ambient feel of this wonderful track. “House Ain’t Dead” offers some traditional house moments and some twisted moments but overall the results are deeply satisfying.
Reg Dancy, 09/08
![Fantastic Freeriding [The Next Chapter] / Various Artists](http://pic1.basic-soul.co.uk/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=/reviews/Various_Artists-Fantastic_Freeriding-The_Next_Chapter.jpg&w=100&iar=1)
Various Artists - Fantastic Freeriding [The Next Chapter]
Switchstance RecordingsOut of Moers, Germany comes the third in the compilation series 'Fantastic Freeriding' which showcases music from Kabanjak, Protassov, Deela, Subrok Mission and Ancient Astronauts. The beats are heavy throughout with touches of soul, funk, hip-hop, dub and electronica all thrown in along the way. The set's opener, 'The Rain' and 'Night People', both from Kabanjak along with Ancient Astronauts' 'Until The Stars Go Out' all beautiful atmospheric outings but also check out the funky fusion sound of 'Makulu' by Deela. This one could go massive if given the right exposure.
Andy Allen, 08/06
Various Artists - Far Out Strictly Samba
Far Out RecordingsThe folks at Far Out recordings have routinely turned out quality Brazilian music and this project is no exception. Strictly Samba features exceptional work from some of Brazil’s most talented artists to have recorded for the label. These musicians are already stars back home but Far Out aims to showcase them to a wider audience. There are several here who have already achieved that status. For starters there is the immensely talented Seu Jorge on the track “Carolina” a laidback mid-tempo samba. Azymuth has represented Brazil as arguably their most successful jazz groups for many years and for good reason. “Depois do Caranaval” is a warm, spacey harmonic gem. The Ipanemas serenade us with their trademark afro-samba sound on the track “Era Bom”. A pleasant surprise amongst this collection is the work of guitarist Arthur Verocai. The tune “Tudo de Bom”, features lively horn arrangements and the guitar skills that have people buzzing about him. Joyce and Elza Soares have been performing for over forty years. Together on “Samba da Silva”, they create a warm and blissful samba that will conjure visions of sunny afternoons on the beach and other tropical delights. This is just an example of the sixteen quality recordings presented here that will provide immediate satisfaction. This is essential listening for Samba enthusiasts.
Reg Dancy, 01/09
Various Artists - Folk Is Not A Four Letter Word Vol.2
Delay 68 RecordsAndy Votel again delves into the world of tripped-out acid-folk and unearths another mighty fine selection of obscurities for the second volume of 'Folk Is Not A Four Letter Word'. As with volume one, Carol Batton kicks off proceedings with an enchanted poetry intro entitled 'Winter' before we're treated to delights such as the Indian influenced 'Son Of God' from Parchment, Pentangle's 'I Saw An Angel', Alexis Korner & CCS' 'Sunrise' which is reminiscent of David Axelrod in places, and the beautiful simplicity of Woody Simmons' 'Grey Today'. Kick back, relax and let the tranquil waves wash over you.
Andy Allen, 01/07
Various Artists - Free Spirits Vol. II - For JC, Love Is Supreme
Kindred SpiritsFollowing last months' 10" release Kindred Spirits deliver the full album in celebration of what would have been John Coltrane's 80th birthday (23rd September 2006). The tracks from the 10", 'A Love Supreme' by Dwight Trible and 'John Coltrane' from Our Cry For Peace featuring Dwight are included along with Clifford Jordan's original of the latter and Rufus Harley's outstanding take on the former. Pharoah Sanders' 'Prince Of Peace' takes its rightful place as do the two versions of 'Naima' from 4Hero and Mark De Clive-Lowe featuring the voice of Bembe Segue. There's also Karin Krog & Nils Lindberg's haunting 'John Coltrane's A Love Supreme', Billy Gaunt's 'Mode For Trane', the incredible spoken word outing, 'Liberation Of The Spirit' from Kamau Daaood and the epic 'Duke And Trane' by Heikki Samarto Ensemble, Gregg Smith Vocal Quartet & Long Island Symphonic Choral Association. This is a truly stunning collection and a fitting tribute to jazz's number one son. My only criticism would be the lack of information in the sleeve notes about some of the more obscure tracks.
Andy Allen, 11/06
Various Artists - Freedom Jazz Dance Book II
Schema RecordsSchema records have been digging in the vaults to give us some unreleased tracks and remixes for this second in the series of Freedom Jazz Dance compilations. Here you have the wonderful Nicola Conte Remix of Gerardo Frisina's 'Giga's Dance', Paolo Fedreghini and Marco Bianchi's unreleased 'Stars', S-Tone Inc's "Some Kind Of Blues" and Quintetto Lo Greco "Yes and No". Let's hope there's more to be unleashed from the Schema archives.
Simon Harrison, 10/05
Various Artists - Freedom Jazz Dance III
Schema RecordsYep it's the third instalment from the successful series on the ever consistent Schema Records. There are unreleased gems here from Gerardo Frisina, Soulstance, Quintetto Lo Greco and Luis Ferri. Some of you may have picked up the ace Five Corners Quintet's remix of Sunaga T Experience: if not it's here in all its glory. Plus there is the first glimpse of the project by Mario Biondi & High Five Quintet, with an album dropping in 2007. Excited? - well, I am. They also dig back and highlight some classics from the past by Kenny Clarke-Frency Boland Sextet and Sahib Shiab. The best thing is all the tracks are on vinyl and cd... Whooohooo!
Simon Harrison, 11/06