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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Paco Pena - His Essential Recordings |
| Manteca Records |
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| Two CDs which showcase this virtuosa guitarist in a range of solo, duo and group performances. Tracks include: Madrid Flamenco, Cordero De Dios: Bulerias, Tango Mayor Y Menor and De La Prima a la Bordona (one of seven tracks featuring Eduardo Falu). Master at work.
Graham Radley, 05/07 |
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Panacea - The Scenic Route |
| Rawkus Records |
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| If you're like me, you look back at the mid-nineties as the golden age of hip-hop. This was a time where the music was at it's creative peak. There was such diversity that even the groups you didn't like, at least you respected them for what they brought to the table. When I listened to the Washington D.C. based duo Panacea's latest cd, it reminded me of the early days of the Native Tongues when they regularly put out quality work. The aptly named "The Scenic Route" their third disc, is a blissful ride of soulful grooves from start to finish. Producer Kyle Murdock does a masterful job of fusing jazz with funk and soul atmospheres. While Jason Moore takes the music to another level with his thought provoking and witty rhymes. On the track "Pops Said", Jason kicks rhymes of the some of the advice his pops imparted on him. "Square 1" is another banger that will have your heading nodding for sure. Raheem DeVaughn stops by to assist on "Flashback to Stardom". Raheem's falsetto fits in perfectly between Kyle Murdock's beat and Jason's Rhymes. "Katana" is has a lazy laidback groove accompanied by a soothing rhythm guitar throughout. Jason spits a rhyme about a girl that stays on his mind. "Drop me a line, you're all in my mind". Kyle has created a sound that is soulful and euphoric. I can't get enough of listening to this disc. The kind of hip-hop that springs positive vibes and takes your mind to other places. Having enjoyed their last release "Ink Is My Drink", I'm simply loving the "Scenic Route" I know you will too. Highly recommended.
Reg Dancy, 12/07 |
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Paolo Fedreghini & Marco Bianchi - Several Additional Waves |
| Schema Records |
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| Fedreghini & Bianchi released 'Several People' to great acclaim in 2005 and they've now revisited the album to create 'Several Additional Waves' with new reworks rather than remixes. From the original recording only the vocals have been maintained and everything else has been re-programmed and played again, giving the tracks a more electronic feel. Some of the purists may prefer the original but for me it highlights their talent and proves they are in tune with modern clubs and classic compositions. Go on, buy both versions. Simon Harrison, 02/06 |
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Part 2 - Live From The Breadline |
| Big Dada Records |
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| Part 2 of New Flesh fame unleashes his first solo album on the Big Dada label. This album has been work in progress for a few years now as he is been kept busy with New flesh and various other side projects. The album is rammer-jammed with superb guest vocalists entwinded with very fat sounds ranging from Grime to Reggae to Detroit fuelled rhythms.The double A-side of 'Get Square feat. Fallacy' and 'Will It Ever feat. Sandra Melody is already getting some great response in the press and on the floor - and i'm sure the full deal will receive the same praise on its release at the end of Sept '05. The beats are fully loaded and he's really gotten the most from his vocalist side-kicks. Well worth checking out.
Jax, 08/05 |
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Part Time Heroes - Meanwhile... |
| Wah Wah 45s |
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| The Part Time Heroes are two guys who have been consistently delivering high quality singles and remixes for an assortment of artists on the Wah Wah 45’s label over the years. So there has been much anticipation for their full length debut. With “Meanwhile”, they have created a near flawless nu-soul classic filled with great vocalists, crisp production and lush arrangements. The wonderful display of music and lyrics here will linger in your ears the way your favorite meal lingers in your mouth. Where do I begin? For starters there’s the opening track “Ready For Change”, the inspiring soulful dance number that features the gospel tinged voice of Pete Simpson. We also have the smash hit “Realize”, the jazzy number featuring soul-folk singer Jono McCleery. “Sun Will Shine” is a wonderful record that includes fine piano play by Ross Wakefield. Bridgette Amofah’s serene voice is so soothing and simply soars over this downtempo melodic track. Every track here is supported by warm string arrangements and a core of musicians who add multiple colors to a impressive canvas. I literally drove myself crazy trying to pick a standout track here. Don't bother, just purchase it, let it play and treat yourself to what is easily one of the best records released this year. Reg Dancy, 09/08 |
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Pat D - Take A Little Time |
| A Bridge Too Far Recordings |
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| Beatmaker Patrick Dooner, aka Pat D returns with the impressive "Take A Little Time". Pat D was last heard from with his 2007 album “Kind Of Peace”. That disc offered a glimpse of Pat D’s production talents. Then further proof came when he remixed Common’s "The 6th Sense" last year. It’s clear that he has been a student of hip hop’s true school producers like DJ Premier and Prince Paul. His debut cd "Take A Little Time" is a collection of laidback soulful hip hop inspired beats to chill to. Pat D has assembled an eclectic collection of underground rappers and vocalists from the UK to New York to take his tracks to another level. One of those rappers would be Melodiq. His easygoing style fits perfectly on "Relax Your Mind." The underappreciated "Voice" lays down her customary lyrical brilliance on "Fly Away". Lauren Jade serves up some sweet soulful vocals on “Need Me Around”. Pat D doesn’t break any new ground here but his beat making prowess has allowed him to create a disc that breathes old school hip hop with a breezy feel good vibe. This is a very enjoyable record that is definitely worth a listen. Reg Dancy, 07/08 |
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Patrick Briscoe - Colours Will Fly |
| Cypress Grove |
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| Fourteen tracks on this second CD from the Manchester based singer songwriter. Patrick is a bit special on the acoustic guitar with his songs having a folk heritage and dealing with intimate and concerning issues. Nick Drake will spring to mind but only as a pointer as Patrick has his own niche. Good stuff.
Graham Radley, 09/07 |
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Paul Anka - Rock Swings |
| Verve |
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| Old time crooner Paul Anka is back with a unique take on a selection of well known rock and pop songs set to big band swing arrangements. He visits the likes of Van Halen's 'Jump', 'True' by Spandau Ballet, The Cure's 'Love Cats', Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and the infamous 'Eye Of The Tiger' from Survivor. I know it sounds like an absolute disaster but it works in a cheeky kind of way. Trust me, touch down on his version of Oasis's 'Wonderwall' or Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and you'll be convinced, I kid you not!
Andy Allen, 12/05 |
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Paul Bryan - Listen Of |
| Sonar Kollektiv |
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| Upon its original release back in 1973, ‘Listen Of’ sold more than 150,000 copies in Bryan’s native Brazil alone, but as time passed the record’s status became that of a hidden treasure, buried away in the depths of dusty emporiums and known only to the most astute of diggers. It is therefore with a justified air of excitement and anticipation that music lovers are greeting its glorious release back into the wild, courtesy of a reissue on Jazzanova’s Sonar Kollektiv label. As befits a man who went onto work with Roberto Carlos, Gilberto Gil and Tim Maia, as well as fellow blind musician Stevie Wonder, Paul Bryan (real name Sérgio Sá) has a style that is clearly influenced by both golden era Motown soul and classic Brazilian song writing, and what we have here is a beautiful collection of calming, softly-spoken Folk ballads, full of understated guitar plucks and breezy, Jobim-inspired string arrangements, that has truly stood the test of time. What greater commendation is there than that? Tom Breslin, 05/08 |
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Paul Murphy - The Trip |
| Afro Art Records |
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| Paul Murphy has been on the scene since the beginning and it's only in recent years, that outside of London he's been recognised and received the press and attention that's years overdue. Paul has been producing for a number of years and it's so good to finally hear his debut. "The Trip" features the previous singles "Jazz Room", "Seven Samurai", "Budapest Chachacha", "Soul Call" and some corking new tracks. The wonderful fitting tribute to Herbie Mann and the title track is certain to find a home with nu-jazz and house heads to become a late summer anthem. Ensure you seek out and support a true legend!
Simon Harrison, 09/06 |
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