Music Reviews
K'naan - The Dusty Foot on the Road
Wrasse RecordsSomali rapper K'Naan's debut album has never been officially released here, so it's good to see this live set getting released, recorded on his recent World tour. K'Naan grew up in Mogadishu where he fired his first gun aged 8 and saw many of the horrors of the civil war there before thankfully escaping when he was 13, to America. His lyrics address the realities of life in Somalia in a thought provoking way, this is hip hop on the sensitive side, indeed hip-hop itself comes under close scrutiny. Rap and Somali melodies with those intelligent lyrics make for an original and compelling package. A star, no mistake.
PermalinkGraham Radley, 08/07
Kaki King - Until We Felt Red
Velour RecordingsAn amazing guitarist who Dave Grohl has rightly been championing, her voice is lighter and by nature takes the tracks in a different direction but there’s a diversity going on that’s refreshing and honest. Also includes full length CD of her debut ‘Everybody Loves You’.
Graham Radley, 02/08
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Kalyanji : Ananji - The Bollywood Brothers
Saregama RecordsYou’ll likely recognise samples from the brothers 60’s and 70’s Hindi soundtracks and cult exploitation movies with Black Eyed Peas (CD One kicks off with Asha Bosle with Aye Naujawan Sab Kuchh Yahan’ which formed the basis for ‘Don’t Phunk With My Heart’) and Danger Mouse two of the more ‘high profile users. This is music of it’s time but also way beyond its time, creatively mixing new instrumentation of the time like the claviolin to create a mix of funky, jazzed up psychedelia. Great collection.
Graham Radley, 06/08
Kanda Bongo Man - Soukous Time
GalloSometimes you forget how uplifting soukous is but just a few seconds of those twinkling guitar ripples soon brings a smile and the need to dance. Over the years KBM has brought in a few other subtle and related influences like zouk but it’s when he hits the groove of ‘Amani’ that troubles can take a back seat and the musical sun shines. Very good.
Graham Radley, 08/08
Karl Hector & The Malcouns - Sahara Swing
Now-Again RecordsKarl Hector and The Malcouns are a ten piece group making their Stones Throw records debut. Karl teams up with Jay Whitefield, who has worked with respected funk groups like the Poets Of Rhythm and The Whitefield Brothers. Together they fuse a unique blend of hard driving funk and afrobeat rhythms. If the JB’s and Fela Kuti had ever been in a studio together, the results would be similar to what we have here. The track “Nyx” is full of syncopated funk, a thumping bass and lively rhythm guitars. “Koloko Pt. 1” offers more of the same only the horn section makes their presence felt here. “Mystical Brotherhood” is a downtempo gem with a funky rhythm guitar and searing organ riffs. There’s very little vocals sung here but that doesn’t matter, the Malcouns keep you locked in with an assortment of funky polyrhythmic gems that will keep your head nodding non-stop. This is Karl’s first known record in about twelve years, let’s hope that he plans to perform much more often this time around.
Reg Dancy, 07/08
Kassin + 2 - Futurismo
Luaka Bop RecordsFinal instalment in this +2 series, which has given three Brazilian artists the chance to showcase their musical adventures. The title is slightly misleading as this is very melodic and safe in many ways but it has that added sparkle which takes it into a different sphere albeit in a subtle way. Kassin has played bass with Caetono Veloso and there are comparisons in their approach to music, there's a lot going on but it's not crowded, the music has space to grow. Pick of the tracks for me is 'Samba Machine' a 70's style mish mash. Very good.
Graham Radley, 04/07
Katalyst - Deep Impressions
BBEAshley Anderson, aka Katalyst takes a break from his Space Invadas gig to create a collection of hip-hop beat treats with some futuristic grooves but doesn’t stop there. Indeed, “Deep Impressions” goes in several directions, laying down reggae inspired grooves like “Day into Night” featuring Stephanie McKay to the synth heavy nu wave feel of “The Popcorns” seamlessly. There is also a definite old school hip-hop influence with gems like “Number 1” and “It’s a Blast” that would make a veteran hip-hop enthusiast smile with admiration. He doesn’t stop there for one of the strongest cuts is “Ready to Drop” and not just because it conjures great memories of the Pharcyde classic “Drop”. Katalyst creates a high energy groove with rapper KweenG’s rapid fire lyrics that will have you yearning for the days of shelltop Addidas and Kangols. “Dreaming of You” is a mellow chopped up soul groove that makes for a fitting ending to an entertaining lp. Katalyst proves once again that he is in the upper echelon of producers and beat makers. He’s so adept at utilizing the right samples in the right places, resulting in irresistible head nodding beat treats.
Reg Dancy, 01/12
Katalyst - What's Happening
BBEAustralia's own Ashley Anderson, aka Katalyst returns with his second album. "What's Happening" is a old school hip hop inspired affair with elements of classic soul. Katalyst has recruited some of the most cutting edge rappers and singers from around the globe and blesses everyone with head nodding soulful beats to work with. Steve Spacek, whose voice may remind you of Billy Paul recreates some 70's soul on "How Bout' Us". The slept on Diverse from Chicago shows off his superb flow and word play over the piano laden track "Dedicated". "May Have Been James Brown" is a heavy hitting break beat track with well placed turntable cutting and scratching that gives a nod to the formative years of hip hop. With other notable appearances by Ru C.L, yungun and Stephanie McKay, Katalyst captures the spirit of hip hop's past and brings it up to date with slick production and loads of funky beats to make it feel fresh and new. Definitely worth checking out.
Reg Dancy, 09/08
Kate Doubleday - Belonging - Where are you?
Cooper RecordsGreat new CD from Kate with production from Joe Broughton and a fine collection of material which draws influences from nature (‘Wild Poppies, Eucalyptus, My Sweet Dandelion and Watch The Flowers- with some lovely kora from Daniel Wilkins) using it to invoke imagery of a wider view of life. My pick is probably ‘In Full View’ a loving view of a growing child.
Graham Radley, 06/08
Kay Suzuki - Consciousness
Round In MotionJapanese born and London based DJ/producer Kay Suzuki was raised on soul, jazz and funk. It’s quite obvious that he has learned well during those years based on the superb 12 inch recordings he has released since hitting the scene in 2004. “Consciousness” is his first full length release and with the quality of beats, instrumentation and guest vocalists assembled, we hope it’s not his last. There’s much to admire here starting with the global inspired “Music”. The traditional West African vibes presented by Babacarr Dieng’s vocals and percussion work plus Jally Susso’s playing of the Kora, a West African harp are transformed by Kay’s production and remixing. The result is a spirited global dance infused gem that has international appeal. The aptly titled “Journey Sublime” is exactly that, 13 minutes of subliminal funk augmented by the unmistakable sultry voice of Colonel Red. “Move On” is one the highlights, which is saying something. A wicked funky broken beat kicks off for a solid three minutes before the soulful vocals of Duchy takes it to another level. It’s hard not to press repeat for this one. “Something To Say” is another up-tempo beat driven delight enhanced by the vocals of Fatima. I normally would feel short changed when a disc only delivers nine tracks but this one is so enjoyable that it doesn’t matter. This is a very strong debut that will provide immediate satisfaction.
Reg Dancy, 09/10