Music Reviews
Orgatronics - Moonfruit
One Note RecordsOrgatronics 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.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 12/05
Orgone - Cali Fever
Ubiquity RecordsI like my share of electronica as much as anyone but eventually I have to come back home to the funk and a band that has been bringing that raw sound with each performance is the nine member group called Orgone. The LA based band opened eyes with their debut, “The Killion Floor” and they continue to lay down a fierce groove on “Cali Fever”. There is much to savor among the twelve tracks here. On “Crazy Queen”, Fanny Franklin’s soaring vocals fit perfectly with the funky upbeat groove performed by the rhythm and horn section. The title track is a rhythmic Afrobeat flavored gem that provides a snapshot of their diverse musical influences.. “The Only One” is a welcome blend of funk meets disco. The track features a steady groove that breaks down three and a half minutes deep and then is followed by a wicked percussion solo that takes it to another level. “Cali Fever” is filled with raw funky grooves that will satisfy all admirers of funk and soul and are poised to carry the torch ignited by groups like the Booker T & The MG’s and the Meters.
Reg Dancy, 10/10
Orgone - The Killion Floor
Ubiquity RecordsUbiquity 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
Orquestra Imperial - Carnaval So Ano Que Vem
TotoloBig band samba is back and oh yes it sounds sweet, the driving force is producer Alexandre Kassin, plus percussionist Domenico Lancellotti and singer/guitarist Moreno Veloso (son of Caetano) who started Orquestra Imperial as a side project, Listen out too for veteran samba star Wilson das Neves, cool tasty and vibrant.
Graham Radley, 02/08
Osunlade - Aquarian Moon
Yoruba/BBE RecordsI was rather excited to get this album mainly due to it being the return of Osunlade. He's been hammering out remixes ten to the dozen and all of them of supreme quality and of the 4/4 variety. This is the second opportunity to see where the well known DJ and producer is at musically and yes we already know it's going to be deep. What I didn't realise before was that Osunlade plays just about every instrument and produces all the tracks. He may have done that on his previous album "Paradigm" but I never checked the sleeve notes. All the tracks are beautifully structured and vary from deep percussion house, to funk and tracks that are more downbeat than you might expect. Osunlade now lives in Greece which may well explain the slight change in direction and I hope this change will be reflected in his next remixes.
Simon Harrison, 05/06
Osunlade - Elements Beyond
Strictly RhythmIn less than a decade Osunlade's become something of a phenomena to those that resolutely support the underground house scene. To be frank before 1999 I didn't really know anything about the deep house, Afro, broken beat, soul spirited producer, DJ and musician native of New York. Setting up Yoruba Records over seven years ago, opened up many doors for him, namely acquiring himself a record and distribution deal with UK independent Soul Jazz records, which definitely helped to put him on the map following his 'Paradigm' debut offering for the said label. Offloading many LP, DJ mix compilations and singles for any credible label worth its salt both in England, Japan and Europe, it's a wonder how the Nigerian ordained priest of his Ifa faith, who lived for a while in Puerto Rico and now presently resides in Greece manages to find the time come up with any fresh material as he has done on his latest 'Elements Beyond' magnificent project. Its shortly due for release on the new repackaged, rebranded Strictly Rhythm label - thanks to Simon Dunmore of Defected. For fans of his work expect no real surprises in terms of genres; from the minimalist approaches of dreamy techno on "139th Street", the rather hauntingly demure ripplings of "A Monk's Tale", the middle eastern subtleties of "Frequencies" to the appealing disco funk homage of the seventies on "Momma's Groove" which sit alongside each other with the greatest of ease. Other highlights include the rap timing monologue of Lotus A on the "Cream" love ballad, whereas the beats per minute drive full throttle but not manically on the Afro house musing called "April". The one and only disappointing feature "Queen's Battle" has a horde of foul language that totally ruins the track's production of what could have been adopted by today's funk devotees. As far a comebacks go Strictly have made a good move showing that they have moved with the times in the sounds of house. Kicking off with a class name as Osunlade should prove a solid investment on all sides, be you a DJ or a collector, you'll dig this for sure.
Marcia Carr, 06/07
Osunlade - Rebirth
Yoruba RecordsWhen you think of Osunlade, you think of spiritual house music of the highest order. You will find nothing of the sort on his latest release “Rebirth”, instead you’re treated to an assortment of down tempo nusoul compositions written and produced by the man himself. Each song packs plenty of lyrical depth and has a personal feel overall. “Paint Me A Picture” is a warm atmospheric gem driven by a gorgeous piano melody that will take your mind to a peaceful place. “The Dating Game”, the first single released has an easy going uptempo groove that captures that signature Osunlade sound. “Complacent” is a pretty acoustic tune with strings about a person pursuing their passions once and for all instead of years of pursuing the dreams of others. Overall “Rebirth” is a nice laidback record to relax to on lazy afternoons. It also demonstrates an artist with immeasurable talent who continues to grow and expand his music in all directions.
Reg Dancy, 07/10
Oum Kalsoum - The Legend
MantecaThe Voice of Egypt and indeed a legend, whose recording career began in the 1920's and by the 1940's had elevated her to true stardom. Her "Thursday Night is Oum Kalsoum Night" radio show was a huge success which lasted until shortly before her death in 1975. This double CD contains 18 tracks over two CDs covering two hours of superb music.
Graham Radley, 03/07
Oumou Sangare - Seya
World CircuitBrilliant release (first in 6 years although 1996 was her last full international release ) for the Malian star, this really is a superb collection of 11 tracks which leave you wanting more and more. A more mature, harder edge, than previous releases, with a positive flow to the groove and a respect for the tradition which reflects a woman happy in her skin and riding the crest of a musical wave. Superb.
Graham Radley, 05/09
Outkast - Idlewild
La FaceIf you're reading this expecting me to tell you that it's no where near as good as Speakerboxx/Love Below, then I'll apologise in advance. Those of you who thought Outkast would carry on where that double album left off will be bitterly disappointed. This Outkast CD is more like the whole Outkast package rolled into one mighty fine album. Back writing and producing as a duo, Big Boi and Andre 3000 push all the right buttons in the funked up hippity hopperty style that we've come to respect them for. The usual Outkast format sees tracks separated by interludes, with most of the tracks being of more of a mellow tempo with emphasis on the lyrics and the tightest production you're gonna hear anywhere. Outkast never fail to be original with their songs, and you'll be jigging along to this album if you give it time. The only thing I can criticise Outkast for with this album is that they invited Macy Gray to sing on one of the tracks. Oh well, I suppose that's why they invented the skip button.
Jax, 10/06