Music Reviews
J Dilla - Ruff Draft Deluxe
Stones Throw RecordsIn 2003 Dilla's "Ruff Draft" was released and I remember a lot of the hiphop heads, beat makes and shop assistants getting rather excited over the delivery of this EP. As it was only released on vinyl, it didn't seem to get the mass attention that everyone expected and of course deserved. I'm certain all the people who picked it up at the release will be informing all their friends that they bought the first pressing but of course that's common with all record collectors. Thankfully Stones Throw have given us a second chance, rather than bid for the high prices of the original on Ebay. There are a few added extras included in the "Deluxe" version and one cover version you may not expect: Slade "Come Feel The Noise" but of course in Dilla's inevitable style. His legacy continues to inspire, educate and entertain.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 03/07
J*S*T*A*R*S - Put Me On A Planet
Steel Tiger RecordsFresh debut release from J*S*T*A*R*S on the Steel Tiger Records label. This 12 track album is written and produced by Steve Cobby and Sim Lister. Cobby is one half of Hull's very own Fila Brazillia and it sure shows throughout this whole long player. Hard to describe what style of music this album is, so I'm not gonna. Instead, I'll tell you that the album is for listening anywhere and the tracks could be played on most open minded dancefloors. Think Mr Scruff! If you're into Fila then this album will definitely be your taste. If you've never heard any Fila Brazillia stuff and therefore have nothing to compare then far be it from me to tell you that you should listen to some of their productions right now. Go on, do it! Now, I said.
Jax, 10/06
Jackie Leven - Oh What A Blow That Phantom Dealt Me
Cooking Vinyl RecordsOh this is a cracker! Things start with the driving blues of 'Vox Humana' and some glorious banjo from Leon Hunt and with excellent production from Jackie and David Wrench. Johnny Dowd adds vocals to 'One Man One Guitar' and a great version of 'I've Been Everywhere' plus he narrates a horror story 'The Skaters' about a man killing a woman by a river. There's a couple of tracks too in homage to Judee Sill and Kevin Coyne. Superb.
Graham Radley, 04/07
Jackson Conti - Sunjinho
Kindred SpiritsOh yes, now this is a project worth getting excited about! A collaboration between Hip-Hop’s most prolific producer and all-round beat junkie, Madlib (Otis Jackson, Jr.) and Ivan "Mamão" Conti, percussionist with much-loved Brazilian band, Azymuth. The music consists of new interpretations of classics by artists like Chico Buarque, Joao Donato, Baden and Vinicius, Marcos Valle, Dom Um Romao and Airto, as well as some original material from Madlib himself, and the fruits of this creative labour are, as could be expected, meandering, Jazz-heavy workouts, in a Yesterday’s New Quintet style, beefed-up with some seriously funky percussion. And, basically, that’s it! What more is there to say? If you like the idea, then you’ll like the results, and if you don’t like the idea, then…well, you know.
Tom Breslin, 05/08
Jafrosax - New Standard Of The Future
Pantone MusicHere we have the debut album from Tokyo's saxophonist Kaz Katuta aka Jafrosax which is produced by Yukihiro Fukutomi and Jazztronik. First thing you should know was that Vikter Duplaix features on "In The Morning" which was released as a single in 2005, with excellent remixes from Orto aka Faze Action and Jazztronik. Also featured are quality Japanese rapper Gaggle and the wonderful Yukimi Nagano who sounds as good as ever on "Drawn 2 You" and "Wait and See". Katuta has got the right balance between old and new here, and has even dared to re-work Underground Resistance's classic 2Hi Tech Jazz". Another fine selection from Pantone.
Simon Harrison, 02/06
Jah Wobble and the Chinese Dub Orchestra - Chinese Dub
30 Hertz RecordsDeveloped from the Liverpool 08 Capital Of Culture commission and with strong input from Jah Wobble’s wife Zi Lan Liao (Guzheng) and the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra plus on ‘Dragon & Phoenix’ an appearance of Wobble’s sons. They were joined by visiting Chinese dancers and vocalists (the wonderful Gu Yinji and Wang Jinqi) plus Wobble’s regular touring band. I had the pleasure of seeing them at Womad and every part of this East/West union came together brilliantly in a way which was both inspiring and magical. Highly recommended.
Graham Radley, 05/09
Jaleel Shaw - Optimism
Changu RecordsPhiladelphia continues to crank out jazz musicians at a frenetic pace. The alumni can boast of luminaries such as McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Smith and Christian McBride just to name a few. It’s time to get familiar with Tenor saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Jaleel’s first record, “Perspective” was a solid debut but his new release “Optimism” blows the doors off the hinges. Jaleel and his band come out swinging on “Flipside”, displaying fierce soloing and tender exchanges. “In 3” is a easy going melodic piece that showcases the wonderful playing of guitarist Lage Lund. “Muna’s Sleeping” is a beautiful ballad that reveals Jaleel’s sense of harmony. When you hear Jaleel’s tone, it’s never forced but a tone that is sings over the melody. Add to the mix a stellar band in Robert Glasper on piano, Joe Martin on bass, Jonathan Blake on drums and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on two tracks and you have one superb record by an emerging voice on the scene today. “Optimism” is certainly one of the most impressive releases this year. Highly Recommended.
Reg Dancy, 10/08
James Blake - James Blake
AtlasThe buzz surrounding James Blake started in early 2010 with a simmer before it ascended into a boil. Now with the release of his self-titled debut, the twenty two year old pianist is poised to build on that momentum. Blake’s beautiful compositions are hypnotic melodic textures built over dub step rhythms and thick bass lines. That’s quite evident on the huge down-tempo hit “Limit To Your Love”, with its haunting piano melody and vibrato drum patterns. “The Wilhelm Scream” is another standout that merges blues and electronica while Blake’s falsetto captures the emotion of a lost love. The only problem is his songwriting isn’t his strength and some of the other tracks like “I Never Learnt to Share” leave you feeling like he had more to say but couldn’t quite find the words to say it. That’s not the case on “Why Don’t You Call Me”, a tune that taps into his classical roots and his love of the blues. Blake is certainly onto something by seamlessly fusing dissimilar musical styles together. In addition, his production talents and his voice manipulations make his debut a fascinating listen.
Reg Dancy, 04/11
James Pants - Welcome
Stones Throw RecordsUpon listening to James Pants debut, I felt as though I stepped into a time machine. When I stepped out, it was 1980 and boogie music was filling the airwaves. Indeed, “Welcome” has a bit of a retro feel to it with the heavy use of synths and percussions. Somehow, he manages to make it sound fresh and current. “Ka$h Feat. Deon Davis” is a mid-tempo electronic soulful track that has an irresistible groove. “We’re Through” is a classic 80’s boogie tune that reminds you of all the jams you loved dancing to in the clubs back in the day. This disc has more to offer however. “Good Things” is a funky hip-hop track that demands to be turned up and is woefully too short. James is really on to something here. He has managed to tap into a multitude of musical styles from boogie to punk and hip-hop and has molded them into a fun and entertaining debut. Kudos to Stones Throw for recognizing his talents.
Reg Dancy, 04/08
Jamie Lidell - Jim
Warp Records‘Jim’, Jamie Lidell’s follow up to his hugely successful 2005 set ‘Multiply’ sees him journey further into soul territory. He’s ditched much of the electronics in favour of a full backing band, resulting in a real 60s inspired sound. This is particularly evident on the uplifting cuts ‘Another Day’ and ‘A Little Bit Of Feel Good’, both of which could well see some pop chart action, the Sam Cooke influenced ‘All I Wanna Do’ and ‘Green Light’ which is reminiscent of Al Green. The highlight though is ‘Figured Me Out’, a wonderful 80s electro-boogie styled outing which is destined to be huge on the underground dance floors.
Andy Allen, 06/08