Music Reviews
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Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - Anthology [Messages]
Soul Brother RecordsGil Scott-Heron along with his long time musical partner Brian Jackson have committed to vinyl some of the most important politically and socially conscious music ever recorded. This compilation focuses on the period between 1973 and 1980 and includes tracks from 7 albums. The timeless classic, "The Bottle"; kicks off proceedings before moving into the uplifting "It's Your World", "Johannesburg" and the haunting "Winter In America", a track I have never tired of since first hearing it 16 years ago when I was just starting out on this crazy collecting journey. "Angel Dust", "Shut Um Down", "Alien (Hold On To Your Dreams)" along with "The Liberation (Red, Black & Green)" and a storming live version of "Home Is Where The Hatred Is" are all here. However, I'm currently hammering the tracks taken from the 1977 album "Bridges", mainly because I've never heard them before. "Delta Man (Where I'm Coming From)" and "We Almost Lost Detroit" are amazing low slung gritty grooves but even better is "Racetrack In France" which starts with a happy clappy rhythm and blues intro before slipping into a driving synth bass lead electro groove. Pure perfection!
PermalinkAndy Allen, 09/05
Gilberto Gil - Banda Larga Cordel
WarnerBrazil’s ex Minister of Culture is back now concentrating on his music and it’s a joy to have him back. His laid back vocals are given a wide range of musical settings to wow us with, from the beats of ‘Le Renaissance Africaine’ to the simplicity of an acoustic guitar on ‘Outros Viram’. Magic.
Graham Radley, 11/08
Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge present - Sunday Afternoon At Dingwalls
Ether MusicVenues that capture the spirit and soul of a time and place and style of music are few and far between but Dingwalls in its day was a shrine to the jazz dancers and here's a 25 track sample of why. Aptly starting off with Janet Lawson's 'Sunday Afternoon', there's tracks from the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Mark Murphy, Airto, Tribe Called Quest, Roy Ayers, and Norman Connors. A great collection reflecting a special time.
Graham Radley, 11/06
Gilles Peterson Presents - Havana Cultura
Brownswood RecordingsListening 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.
Reg Dancy, 11/09
Goldie - Sine Tempus
MetalheadzHoly cow! That’s right folks, stop rubbing your eyes, it’s a new album from Goldie. That part-time Bond villain, original metal head and all round Drum ‘n’ Bass don is back. And with some vengeance too! You might expect that he has mellowed in his slightly older age, turning away from kidney-bursting bass and ear-drum-shattering high hats, but not so. Oh no, Sine Tempus revives the iconic, industrial Metalheadz sound without reservation and tracks like ‘Something About You’, ‘Inside Your Soul’ and ‘Say You Love Me’ will render junglists old and new positively bugging in their bass bins. Of course, Goldie’s penchant for meandering orchestral moments is also indulged, but this is not necessarily to be sniffed at. For me, the true joys on this album (originally produced in 2004) come when a more melodic, happy medium is achieved, and ‘Invisible’ and ‘Chances’ are two perfect examples of that uplifting and jazzy, yet still tough and rolling D’n’B sound that is all too rare these days. Note, this album is a digital release, available through the Metalheadz website only.
Tom Breslin, 10/08
Gonzalo Rubalcaba - Avatar
Blue Note RecordsSince emerging as a teenage prodigy in his native Cuba during the 1980s, Gonzalo Rubalcaba has, once settled in the United States, released a series of critically acclaimed albums in a variety of formats including solo, trio, quartet and quintet. One of his best, 'Supernova' from 2001 comprised an all-Cuban rhythm section and a wonderful reworking of the old chestnut 'El Manisero'. For his latest offering, 'Avatar' Rubalcaba again teams up with a Cuban compatriot in composer and saxophonist Yosvany Terry, but this time with a contemporary American feel and little or no Cuban influence. If anything this harks back to the abstract sounds of Steve Coleman's M-Base collective from the mid-1980s. Thus a groove-oriented feel pervades proceedings with use of electronic keyboards. The quintet are at their best on the more reflective pieces such as 'Preludo Corto no. 2' and Horace Silver's 'Peace'. However, contemporary post-bop listeners will find much to enjoy in the more uptempo numbers. Not necessarily the ideal surroundings in which to showcase Rubalcaba's pianistic virtuosity, but an accomplished set nonetheless and one that cements his already excellent reputation.
Tim Stenhouse, 04/08
Grand Union - Through The Green Fuse
People Tree RecordsWhat's more of a challenge - to be given an album you enjoy to review or to be logical and constructive about something you are not that all too sure about? For most, music is good music to somebody, if only the creator of the music. Let's therefore try to be constructive about an album I love, about a band that when playing live are exciting and maybe even about a band that shines above many in this year's bombardment of quality releases as, dare I say it, the year end is neigh.
The jazz critic: 'Morning Brings The Light' comes at you like some unearthed Gilles Peterson discovery. Flute and vocals with amazing rhythm, with complex yet almost basic ideas associated with labels like MPS and Impulse. How have they managed to create this familiarity in today's age of technology? Perhaps, no, simply the best piece of jazz for me this year.
A world music perspective: 'I Remember My Life like A Story' blasts you with Balkan violin madness, gypsy almost but somewhere before you reach Tango.and for 'John Riley' an invoking Irish love song only to clear the way for 'One Bright Day', a folk up-tempo groove with sparks of almost Senegalese undertones. Clever and enjoyable.
So why all the excitement? The band stepped on stage to the words "welcome to a night of folk music".. And that is where the balance of the album sits you - smack in the middle of some outstanding jazz orientated folk. 'Jane Jane' is an impressive composition, so too 'Wonderful World', aired on the aforementioned Mr. Peterson's Worldwide programme. Add to that the fact that our very own Sammy Goulbourn's The Other Side show has featured several offerings from the album too should be a clear guide to its standing.
This studio album is a must and I implore the reader to see the band perform live for they are truly a strong part of our ever changing movement with all things jazz in this country.
Steve Williams, 11/06
Grandmaster Flash - The Bridge
BBEOne day there will be a hip-hop hall of fame to showcase the achievements of the past thirty years. When that day comes and you walk through those doors, the first sight in your tour should be a mural of Grandmaster Flash. His status as one of hip-hop’s pioneers is undeniable. “The Bridge” is his first studio release in nearly twenty years and contains an assortment of rappers to bless the tracks. There are some moments that are quite enjoyable such as the opening track “Shine all day” feat. Q-tip. “Bounce back” which features Busta Rhymes provides some heat. “What if” is also a solid track that features KRS-One who still remains relevant after all these years. However there are some cuts that sound dated, as though they were recorded years ago like “Here comes my DJ” and “Those Chix”. Overall, it's good to have Flash back in the studio and “The Bridge” is a solid comeback. Let's hope that he doesn't wait another twenty to deliver another album.
Reg Dancy, 03/09
Gregor Treshor - Lights From The Inside
Break New Soil RecordingsFrankfurt’s own Gregor Treshor has been at the forefront of the techno scene ever since his 2005 hit “Still EP”. Based on his latest release, “Lights From The Inside” the thirty year old DJ appears poised to build on that success. Treshor’s thirteen track release features tunes that are more groove influenced than his previous release but the results are more than satisfying. Among the highlights is the title track, led by a hypnotizing yet gorgeous melody. “Black To Zero” stands out in part due to its wicked bass line and “Echelon”, complete with warped out chords will be a definite crowd pleaser for rave audiences. With quality production and well written tracks, “Lights From The Inside” will no doubt please his fans and solidify Gregor’s status as a first rate techno DJ/producer.
Reg Dancy, 05/11
Gregory Charles Royal - Dream Come True
CelesteOriginally released in 1979 jazz trombonist Gregory Charles Royal’s super rare ‘Dream Come True‘ finally gets a reissue. The in-demand up-tempo waltz ‘Dancer’ did make an appearance over ten years ago on the dubious looking compilation ‘A Good Example Of What It Is’ on Higher Learning Records but it’s great to have it again on a quality pressing. The said track is nothing short of exquisite and definitely the standout here, but not to be overlooked is the funky title track and the melancholy ‘For You’ on which Gregory provides some fragile vocals.
Andy Allen, 09/08