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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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Watts Happening / Ohmega Watts Ohmega Watts - Watts Happening
Ubiquity Records
While listening to parts of Ohmega Watts new CD "Watt's Happening", you may feel as if you've gone back to the era of hip-hop when dudes carried boom boxes everywhere they went and everyone was rocking shell toe adidas. Indeed, Ohmega prooves that you can create hip-hop that is uplifting and thought provoking while keeping your body rockin'. What's even more refreshing is the diverse collaborations, which broadens the album's appeal. On "Eyes And Ears", Philly based rapper Jneiro Jarel comes through and rocks over a funky old school beat. "Are You Satisfied" finds Ohmega giving praise to his mom and features Sugarpie DeSanto, a west coast legend and a former vocalist with James Brown. Brazilian songbird "Tita Lima" provides soothing vocals for "Adaptacao". The laid back "Few and Far Between" finds Ohmega reminiscing about a former companion and the different stages of their relationship. Throughout this disc you'll not only gain an appreciation for Ohmega's rhyming skills but also the live instrumentation by some of the hottest musicians on the west coast. For example, "Work for Wealth" features Barry Hampton of the Portland based raw funk group Triple Grip is an enjoyable slice of cosmic funk. "The Playpus Strut" features Myles Tackett of the L.A. based Breakestra on bass and guitar. Indeed, the drums on this cut will remind you of how you once enjoyed your music before mpc's existed. My only gripe was with twenty songs I felt the disc carried on a bit too long. Ohmega could've trimmed off about three songs. However this is a minor quibble of what is a very strong sophomore project for Mr. Watts. After debuting with the impressive "The Find", Ohmega shows what a talented MC can do when he performs outside the box. Recommended.

Reg Dancy, 01/08
Aocana / Ojos de Brujo Ojos de Brujo - Aocana
Warner Bros
Follow up to the brilliant debut ‘Bari’ and superb second release ‘Techari’ this new release delivers more of that eclectic and vibrant mix. Expect tango, salsa, tabla, scratching, bolero and more all fired up with the passion and spirit which is Ojos de Brujo. Irresistable.

Graham Radley, 05/09
Techari Live / Ojos de Brujo Ojos de Brujo - Techari Live
Play It Again Sam
Recorded on the last date of the band's 2006 tour at the Barcelona Teatre Musical, the band was augmented on the night by guests from the original CD, Roberto Carcasses on piano, Raúl Rodriguez on tres, Faada Freddy from Daara J, a full Cuban horn section and Gyan Singh on tabla. Everyone is firing on all cylinders and the DVD fully demonstrates what a brilliant band they are. They also include a live and studio version of 'Get Up, Stand Up' what more could you want?

Graham Radley, 11/07
Wings Of Spring / Olivier Peters Quartet feat. Joan Johnson Olivier Peters Quartet feat. Joan Johnson - Wings Of Spring
Celeste
Recorded in 1980 but not released until 2001, Olivier Peter's 'Wings Of Spring' now gets a welcome repress. Olivier's sax takes the lead on this consistent set with the title track being one of the standouts. It's the tracks featuring the captivating vocals of Joan Johnson which really shine though such as the Latin tinged 'Full Moon' and the supreme jazz dancer 'Kekay' on which Johnson lets rip in scat mode.

Andy Allen, 10/07
Sing (If You Want It) / Omar Omar - Sing (If You Want It)
Ether Music
At the end of 2004 the four track limited 12" sampler was released and all the tracks blew me away, proving Omar had not lost his touch. Two of those tracks are included here and still sound as good as ever. "It's So" became a massive broken Beat anthem and is still heard here, there and everywhere. What we have here are fourteen tracks and proof that Omar is at the top of his game. He's covered all the bases with heavy Hiphop beats featuring Common and Rodney P, hints of R&B with Sing and "Stylin", Latin Jazz on "Be A Man" and of course "Feeling You" with Stevie Wonder back on top form. The quality never lets up and to finish the album off is the simply brilliant "Ghana Emotion", which I just can't get enough of. The standard has been set for album of 2006.

Simon Harrison, 05/06
Gracias / Omara Omara - Gracias
World Village Music
Now 78 but still delivering rich music from the soul, that celebrates her status as Cuba’s musical diva. ‘Nuestro gran amor with Cachaito and Chucho Valdes is wonderful as is her duet with Richard Bono but I think my favourite has to be the track with Chico Buarque ‘O que sera’. Superb.

Graham Radley, 11/08
Children Of Possibility / One Self One Self - Children Of Possibility
Ninja Tune Records
Here we have the new project from DJ Vadim featuring MCS Blu Rum 13 and Yarah Bravo. The first taster of this new project was "Be Your Own" featuring the rather splendid Amp Fiddler remix. As you'd expect from Vadmin's previous albums, there are plenty of head nodding beats, so much so, your neck with aching by the end of this lp. Both MCs are new names to me but both are certainly names I'll be on the look out for for future releases because they sound marvellous. Just had a quick search on the net and it seems like I've missed rather a lot of Blu Rum 13 previous projects, better get the credit card out. This proves once again that if you're after pure underground music Ninja Tune is still at the top of their game. Have you checked their forthcoming releases today?

Simon Harrison, 06/05
The Vodoun Effect / Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou - The Vodoun Effect
Analog Africa
Covering 1973-1975 this is funk & sato from Benin’s obscure labels often recorded in the most basic of ways. This is music for the people, people who want to dance to this raw mix of horns, guitar, organ on a driving bedrock of bass and drums. It’s amazing where all this brilliant music keeps coming from but you end up wondering how you’ve not come across it before. Thanks Analog Africa - keep them coming.

Graham Radley, 12/08
Moonfruit / Orgatronics Orgatronics - Moonfruit
One Note Records
Orgatronics is the debut album from producers Sam Bell and Rich Arthurs, who've made quite a name for themselves on the Latin Jazz scene with bands such as The New Mastersounds and Saudade. Here they mix electronica with Latin and Flamenco instrumentals to create some really classy and catchy numbers. There is definitely some Zero 7 and Air influences mixed in the pot, which is certainly no bad thing.

Simon Harrison, 12/05
The Killion Floor / Orgone Orgone - The Killion Floor
Ubiquity Records
Ubiquity records has become one of my favorite labels over the last few years. Their commitment to releasing quality music by independent artists has resulted in some outstanding projects. One of those standout projects was the Rewind compilations, specifically Rewind 4. It was on Rewind 4 that I was introduced to the band known as Orgone. Their cover of “Funky Nassau” is every bit as funky as the original. Now Orgone finally blesses us with their debut cd, The Killion Floor. Armed with eighteen tracks, Orgone takes us on a journey through the sounds of soul, funk and boogaloo with a laid-back California vibe. On the track “It’s What You Do”, the band demonstrates it’s robust horn and gritty organ playing on this medium tempo funk pleaser . On “Dialed Up”, the band steps out of their easy going vibe by delivering this refreshing uptempo sophisticated soul gem. As the weather begins to heat up, “The Killion Floor” would make a great companion for your barbecue. As a multi-instrumentalist band, Orgone, has laid down the groove for several hip hop acts in the game today. Now it’s their time to show they can rightfully stand out on their own.

Reg Dancy, 06/08
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