Music Reviews
Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations
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Mark De Clive-Lowe - Journey To The Light |
| Freedom School |
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| While Mark De Clive-Lowe isn't known as a Jazz purist, he has proven to be a wizard on the keyboards and synthesizers. His latest project, "Journey To The Light", is a snapshot of the live Freesoul sessions he has performed over the last year or so. This project is a combination of cosmic Jazz improvisation and break beats. You may find yourself wanting to dance to this one minute or simply just enjoying the live instrumentation the next. One of those tracks that will make you move is "Voices Whisper". Bembe Segue's wonderful voice and scatting towards the end graces this track and the others as well. However, it is the work of Jason Yarde on Sax, Richard Spaven on drums and percussionist Sammy Figueroa that really move this disc. Jason Yarde's solo work is powerful and a real treat while Richard Spaven's drumming pushes everyone to greater heights. "Peace Be Central" offers more of the same. Mark's rhythmic piano playing has never sounded better and the energetic playing left plenty of space for the lyricism of Bembe Segue's scorching vocals. Mark and Bembe have been making beautiful music together for some time now. This is just another major achievement of the great music these two have collaborated on. This is not easy to find but certainly worth the effort. Recommended.
Reg Dancy, 01/08 |
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Marsha Swanson - Sentient Stardust |
| Mostly Music |
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| Good thought provoking lyrics, which are delivered in catchy songs, that stand well alongside others at the top of the female singer songwriter genre with influences ranging from Kate Bush to Carol King. Graham Radley, 08/08 |
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Martyn - Great Lengths |
| 3024 |
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| The long awaited full length release from DJ/Producer Martyn is everything we expected and more. Martyn has arranged an splendid array of electronic compositions steeped in dance, techno and dub step that you will find it irresistible not to move. One of those tracks is the lead song “The Only Choice”, a pulsating track filled with catchy synths and percussion. “These Words” is a techno flavored drum n bass burner enhanced by the warm vocals of D Brdige. “Elden St” is easily my favorite track here, a dense hypnotic house gem with an infectious groove that is reminiscent of the early Detroit sound made famous by Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May and Juan Atkins. Martyn is becoming a household name in the world of electronic dance music and with this new release it’s easy to see why. He never relies on one style and keeps things interesting throughout. You owe it yourself to check this one out.
Reg Dancy, 01/10 |
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Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Calling |
| Zoe Records |
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| The Calling is Carpenter's second co-production with pianist Matt Rollings, the pair having first worked together on 2004's ''Between Here and Gone'. There's a political edge to tracks like 'Why Shouldn't We' and 'On The Song' while 'Houston' is about the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Other songs like ." "We're Alright" is a driving song of escape and freedom from the strains of life. while "Twilight" takes us into the serenity of that time of day. Excellent. Graham Radley, 05/07 |
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Maspyke - Static |
| ABB Records |
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| Already legends of the underground, Maspyke deserve to explode into the mainstream with this debut set of Soul-influenced, hardcore Hip-Hop. Roddy Rod's tough, whip-snapping beats, reminiscent of Jay Dee's Slum Village work, provide the perfect accompaniment to Hanif and Tableek's rugged poetry, which is heavy on both intelligence and attitude. Released in the US in September 2005, this album is finally available here in the UK, and fans of Benji B's Deviation radio show will already be familiar with some of the tracks. Infinitely more sophisticated than the thugged-out chart fodder that we are all bombarded with, and more energetic and dynamic than many of the independent artists out there, this trio strikes a balance that is all too rare in Hip-Hop. Tom Breslin, 04/06 |
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Massukos - Bumping |
| Poo Productions |
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| Second CD, from the Mozambique group from Niassa Province, who were formed in 1994 to preserve the traditional rhythms of the area. They've used their rise to number one band in the land to fight poverty and to bring about social change, in fact Bumping is dedicated to the memory of Massukos' percussionist Americo Miguel who died in last year aged 32 from a preventable and curable illness. He leaves his daughter and wife who has since given birth to his second child. This is African music at its infectious best, dancing music that gives that happy glow. Don't miss them at Womad and check out more info on www.massukos.org. Graham Radley, 08/07 |
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Matt Andersen - Something In Between |
| Stubby Fingers |
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| Hard working musician on the live circuit ( last seen in UK as part of a package with Jessica Rhaye and Dave Gunning), this first studio CD gives Matt the chance to explore his songwriting. This is country style blues with a terrific studio band that includes Henry Spinetti and Dave Markee. Good stuff. Graham Radley, 09/08 |
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Matthew Halsall - Colour Yes |
| Gondwana Records |
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| When trumpeter Matthew Halsall dropped his debut “Sending My Love”, his relaxed tone and superb compositions caught the ears of many by surprise. With a successful debut comes expectations but Halsall appears to be more than up to the task. “Colour You” is supreme quality modal jazz where elusive harmonies soar and the synergy that exists among Matthew and the quintet is simply marvelous. Their chemistry shines on the title track, where Matthew’s free flowing effortless playing is a thing of beauty. Also noteworthy is the work of pianist Adam Fairhall, who seamlessly fills spaces with lyrical playing reminiscent of McCoy Tyner. On the track “Together”, Matthew’s fluid solos and the playing of Rachael Gladwin on harp create the perfect balance to this hauntingly beautiful ballad. On “I’ve found joy”, Matthew and tenor saxophonist Nat Birchall engage in restraint yet adventurous rhythmic soloing that sounds as though they’ve been playing together for years. “I’ve been here before” is another beautiful ballad showcases the delicate brushwork of drummer Gaz Hughes who performs on tracks 3-6 while Marek Dorcik handles the rest. Simply stated, “Colour You” is a virtuoso performance by Matthew Halsall. Once again the bar has been raised because I can’t to hear what he does next. Highly recommended.
Reg Dancy, 02/10 |
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Mawkin Causley - The Awkward Recruit |
| Navigator Records |
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| Essex folk band Mawkin in a very successful collaboration with the wonderful singer Jim Causley from Devon. The result is inspiring with their live sets adding to the excitement and expectancy over this They’ve managed to capture the freshness of their take on traditional folk and it’s all so wonderfully topped off by that terrific voice. Recommended. Graham Radley, 08/09 |
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Max Cole - Star Charts |
| Wah Wah 45s |
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| 2006 is certainly going to be quite a year for Max Cole, with three projects being released over the following months. First we have Max's excellent debut for the ever consistent Wah Wah stable. Max has a lovely if unique voice which just gets better and better with every play. The single "Mo High" which was released in 2005 stood out to be that little bit different, but those not convinced will find a slightly different vibe here and it's a pleasure to listen to. Initially a bedroom producer who knows that it's not all about electronics he is also a dab hand at various instruments, giving this the live feel suited to Max's vocals and wonderful guest vocalists Deborah Jordan and Lucy May. The next two projects from Max are Moto Tengu and Other Worlds: can't wait.
Simon Harrison, 05/06 |
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