Music Reviews
Various Artists - Freshly Composted Vol.2
Compost RecordsYes, Compost Records are finally there; 250 releases and thirteen years old, I can't believe how time flies. I don't remember seeing their first release in the shops but I remember catching onto these guys pretty early. This compromises some of their recently singles and it's the kind of compilation I like because I've been hammering most of these tracks to death. There is Moodymann's remix of Ali Tree, Carl Craig's remix of Beanfield, Todd Terje's re-work of Felix Laband and Tony Nwachukwu's remix of Karama, which are all essential. There's also the added bonus of Soil and Pimps, Ben Mono and Koop. You need this.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 01/07
Various Artists - Future Sounds Of Brazil
BBE RecordsThere 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.
Reg Dancy, 12/09
Various Artists - G.I. Disco
BBE RecordsWhat is G.I. Disco? It’s the duo of Kallie Kuts & Daniel Best, two aspiring DJ’s that resided near the US Army bases in Berlin Germany. The American GI’s brought along with them the 80”s club music that was so prominent in the clubs back in the states. Some of hottest music of that period made its way into the clubs of West Germany and West Berlin and would make an impact that is quite evident decades later. Some of the tracks on hand here like “I.O.U.” by Freeze and “Touch Me” by Fonda Rae were synth heavy club classics that came on strong after the end of the Disco era. “100%” by Caprice is typical of those tunes by a one hit wonder that stuck in your head but couldn’t identify if your life depended on it. Other notable tracks include “Another Man”, the 1984 hit by Barbara Mason, “Rumors” by The Timex Social Club and “Do It To The Music” by Raw Silk. This is a strong collection of music that captured the 80’s funk, soul and dance scene. Not to mention the musical seeds that were planted on the German music culture.
Reg Dancy, 01/11
Various Artists - Gilles Peterson Brazilika
Far Out RecordingsWe all know that Gilles Peterson loves all flavors of music but it seems as though he has a special place in his heart for the wonderful music pouring out of Brazil. His latest “Brazilika” is the latest release that focuses on the sounds of Brazil and he has assembled a impressive list of heavy hitters young and old. There are twenty three tracks here including five unreleased tracks. The disc plays out as a continuous mix and moves along at a crisp pace but what matters most is that you’re treated to seventy three minutes of scintillating heart pumping music. There are many standouts including “Os Escravos Do Jo” by Friends from Rio 2 feat. Celia Vaz. “Canto Pre Oxum” is a lovely samba by The Ipanemas. “Chegada” is a gentle peaceful acoustic song by Joyce, Nana Vasconcelos, Mauri. If that wasn’t enough, there are several notable remixes such as world renowned DJ/producer Osunlade’s rework of Na Batida Do Agogo’s “Grupo Batuque”. Arthur Verocai’s “Tudo Do Bom” receives an alternate take courtesy of DJ/producer Domu. Of course we can’t have an A list of Brazil’s musical all stars and not include Azymuth. Band leader Alex Malheiros appears with the band on “Depois Do Carnival” and once again with his daughter Sabrina on “Uno Esta”. Once again Gilles doesn’t disappoint with his compilations and this one is no exception. “Brazilika” is a terrific record that provides a sample of the burgeoning talent of musicians on the Far Out recordings roster. Be prepared to serve your musical palette to a healthy serving of some of the finest music Brazil has to offer.
Reg Dancy, 11/09
Various Artists - Gilles Peterson Digs America: Brownswood U.S.A.
Ubiquity RecordsGilles’ Brownswood Basement sessions for his Worldwide shows are essential listening for any discerning music fan. With rarity guaranteed, the quality is always impeccable, as is the case with this selection of gems from the U.S. The set opens in fine style with the Al Green influenced ‘Didn’t I’ by Darondo, before passing through Jon Lucien’s ‘Search For The Inner Self’ (released as a 7” prior to his legendary RCA albums) and on to the immaculate vocal jazz dancer ‘A Perfect Day’ from Bobby Cole. As if that wasn’t enough to wet your appetite there’s Baaska & Scavelli’s mythical ‘Get Off The Ground’, ‘The Kingdom Within You’ by Ira Sullivan and J.R. Bailey’s soul sensation, ‘Just Me ‘N’ You’. Experimental folk comes in the form of Ellen McIlwaine’s version of ‘Higher Ground’ and Caroline Peyton’s ‘Just As We’. Also pay special attention to the funky jazz of ‘Circles’ by The Ensemble Al Salaam from the Strata East stable and The World Experience Orchestra’s ‘The Prayer’, an intensely beautiful piece. This is an absolute must!
Andy Allen, 11/05
Various Artists - Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura: Remixed
Brownswood RecordingsWhen you take a record that already has an assortment of quality recordings and you lay down some equally burnin’ remixes, it’s comparable to taking your favorite dish and adding a few new spices to them. Indeed, “Havana Cultura” captured the spirit of traditional Cuban music and introduced the masses to a bunch of musicians we might not have otherwise heard from. Now “Havana Cultura Remixed” receives the blessings of some of the foremost dj’s and producers in the game today. For starters, there’s Louie Vega’s rework of “Reforefo Fight”, a nine minute mélange of swirling horns, energetic percussion and crisp vocals by Mayra. “Rezendo” is an infectious piano driven groover courtesy of Michel Cleis. A surefire favorite will be the Donald Byrd classic “Think Twice”. Remixed by 4Hero, this alternate take gives the track a breath of fresh air. Not that was needed but it’s certainly welcome. The same can be said for the entire disc, there are quite a number of appealing remixes here that will have you adoring these songs for the first time all over again.
Reg Dancy, 09/10
Various Artists - Gilles Peterson: Back In Brazil
Ether MusicMr Peterson is currently churning out compilations at an alarming rate but you've got to give it to him, they are always quality selections. Here is the second instalment of all things Brazilian and it keeps with the same formula as the first. CD1 is old school from the 60's and 70's, and CD2 features tracks from the last few years and of course includes various big name remixers. My preference is CD1 but I'm not convinced we needed to hear another version of 'California Soul'. The other thirteen tracks are an excellent mix up with sprinklings of funk, samba and jazz. My current faves from CD2 are tracks by Bugz in the Attic, Zero Db, Bruno E Sexteto and some ace drum & bass from Drumagick.
Gilles is recording 6 podcasts to cover the different aspect of Brazil's music culture. Check them out here: www.brahma.com/gillespeterson
Simon Harrison, 05/06
Various Artists - Good Things: The Story Of Saadia Records
Jazzman RecordsJazzman is one of my favourite re-issue labels and has been responsible for me spending hours trying to get more information on the artists that have been released on their collectable 7" and 12" series. The albums Gerald has put together over the years have always been well thought out with informative sleeve notes and saved us a fortune because some of the rarities featured are well out of my price bracket. Good Things: The Story Of Saadia Records continues with more quality selections and includes all the information you would want to know. Saadia was based in Miami in the 60s and released many rare, one-offs but the most important thing being that the music is top quality which shines through on tracks by Pearl Dowell, Robert Moore and Little Beaver.
Simon Harrison, 01/07
Various Artists - Groove On Down 2
Soul Brother RecordsMore boogie business this month from Soul Brother and their 2nd volume of 'Groove On Down'. Classics of the genre are present and correct; Cheryl Lynn's 'Got To Be Real', the Larry Levan remix of 'Seventh Heaven' by Gwen Guthrie and Carol Williams' 'Can't Get Away (From Your Love)' which was recently covered by Only Freak on Freerange Records. Also included are Brooklyn Express' version of Eddie Kendricks' 'You Need A Change Of Mind' and 'Help Is On The Way' by The Whatnauts which Fat Larry's Band lifted the groove from for their 'Act Like You Know' a year later (1982). The real winners here though are Mandrill's intoxicating 'Stay Tonite', 'Bizzaar' by Rhyze which has more than a hint of the Spinners' 'Ill Be Around' and the super slick production of 'Our Hearts Will Always Shine' from Ozone.
Andy Allen, 07/06
Various Artists - Here Comes Treble O
Treble OTreble O began life as a digital label back in 2006, with the intention being that it would provide a kind of general outlet for Domu’s multifarious musical projects and monikers. Things soon evolved though, and the label quickly became a home to other artists and producers, covering a broad range of styles and sounds. ‘Here Comes Treble O’ then is effectively a showcase of their output to date, with contributions coming from the likes of Simbad (with Philly’s Rich Medina), Daedelus, Probe DMS and, of course, the tireless Domu himself. The music comes in the form of some excellent Detroit House (Rondenion’s mix of DJ Marin’s ‘Love Fantasy’ is quite superb), some high quality Hip Hop, Broken Beat and Nu-Jazz, and a smattering of soul, which lets the side down a little by sounding somewhat dated.
Tom Breslin, 05/08