Music Reviews
Recloose - Hiatus On The Horizon
Peacefrog RecordsThis has to be one of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2005, ever since 'Dust' was heard last year. It is of course the follow up to the excellent 'Cardiology'. Things kick off with another anthem in the making, 'Landed', but it's not all about the big dancefloor tunes. There's a proper mix up of styles and influences, which of course you would expect from a man of this talent. It may not grab you on first play but give it a few listens and you'll be hooked for the rest of 2005.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 07/05
Recloose - Perfect Timing
Sonar KollektivFolks outside of Detroit and New Zealand may not be familiar with Matt Chicone aka Recloose but ever since his debut "This Is The Dining Room" on Carl Craig’s Planet E records, his talents as a DJ and producer have been in much demand. That was followed up with two outstanding records, "Cardiology" and "Hiatus On The Horizon”" His fourth lp, "Perfect Timing" is a lot more funkier than some of his previous releases but in many ways it is an extension of Matt Chicone’s burgeoning talents. It’s apparent that the objective of this record is to make you dance and there are several selections worthy of that goal. There is also the usual assortment of talented vocalists here as well. "Catch A Leaf" is a nice piece of broken soul that features newcomer Rachel Frasier. "Can It Be" is a rousing electronic funk stomper that should find it’s way to many dance floors. Joe Dukie has worked with Recloose before and on “Deeper Waters” he is in top form. This is easily one of the best dub tracks I’ve heard in a while and should become a big hit. Recloose may have caught us by surprise when he first came on the scene but we’re well aware of his skills now. This is another fine release and a great signing for Sonar Kollektiv.
Reg Dancy, 08/08
Recluse Crew & Synoptic Pressure - The Art Of Raw Sound
Kool Kat RecordsIt's always a pleasure when an album comes along that you weren't expecting and completely blows you away. It was hip-hop bands like Public Enemy that got me into electronic music and it's been very interesting over the years to see how things have progressed and gone wider afield. The Recluse Crew are from Helsinki and produce some of the funkiest heavy bassline beats you'll hear. Perfectly suited lyrics are from Dirty Smarts and LLC. It sounds like these guys have been honing their skills for years and getting tips from the masters. Finnish hip-hop may not have sprung to mind previously but this is heavy weight stuff. I'll be keeping an eye on Kool Kat in the future.
Simon Harrison, 09/06
Reel People - Seven Ways To Wonder
Papa RecordsIf you are only just coming down from the happy heights their "Second Guess" album elevated you to, then rest assure this new offering is going to catapult you back there. Reel People have collaborated with the likes of Omar, Vanessa Freeman, Imaani, Tony Momrelle, Joy Rose and Dyanna Fearon to keep you in the happy zone both on this release and the forthcoming concert. An early summer sounding soul album, due to hit the shops the back end of February, and presented live for you at The Jazz Cafe on Thursday 7th February 2008 www.jazzcafe.co.uk, is destined for acceptance across the board from the soul jazz that is "Ordinary Man" through the Neo Soul that is "Anything You Want" to the jumpy "It will Be" and "High" that the broken soul lovers will adore and no album fillers here folks, just pure quality! This is Britain at its best, an album stamped with longevity and oozing passion, inhaling the best possible soulful oxygen and exhaling a progressive masterpiece with the album"s anthem tracks "Outta Love" and "Upside" destined for greatness at Southport while "Love Is Where You Are" and "Amazing" hitting every Modern Soul dance floor throughout the North. Don"t let this slip you by, make the space on your shelf now and insert a card that says "Insert Reel Music Here" and get your best dancing shoes polished ready for the live album launch at The Jazz Cafe, London and bring your banner "OMAR FOR MAYOR OF LONDON". "Seven Ways To Wonder": Just what ears were put on your head for.
Steve Williams, 01/08
Reel People - Seven Ways To Wonder - Remixes
Papa RecordsOkay, so this album requires fairly little conceptual explanation. Reel People consists of London’s Oli Lazarus and Mike Patto and this is a collection of remixes of tracks from their second album, “Seven Ways to Wonder”, released earlier this year. These boys are at the top of the soulful house music production pecking order, and specialise in turning out big room tunes with uncompromising 4:4 beats, warm chords and keys, and catchy garage vocals, regularly featuring in DJ sets from the likes of Louie Vega, Kenny Dope and Aaron Ross. The retouch treatment here comes from an armoury of pretty big guns, with impressive remix pedigree, including 4 Hero, Bugz in the Attic, Dennis Ferrer, Karizma, Domu and Kyoto Jazz Massive. If this all sounds good to you, then you’re going to love this collection. If it doesn’t, then don’t buy it! It’s as simple as that. Two notable highlights are Karizma’s take on “Upside” and Dennis F’s Out on Bail remix of “Alibi”, both guaranteed to raise the roof at Southport and Soulheaven.
Tom Breslin, 11/08
Reel People Presents - Golden Lady
Reel People MusicOli Lazarus, founder of Papa Records and Reel People return with their third release. Once again they deliver that customary soulful house sound that you’ve come to expect from them, albeit with a twist. Take for example the title track; Oli and singer Tony Momrelle flip the Stevie Wonder classic into a blissful Brazilian foot stomper. “Sure” featuring singer Darien continues along this theme blending a touch of samba and rhythm guitar into this soaring dance number. “It’s Hard” appears on the disc courtesy of Phil Asher and his Restless Soul Fun Band. This is a straight up soulful floor burner with sexy vocals and well placed horns. “Nights In Africa” rounds out the disc and is arguably the highlight as well. Produced by Toni Economides and Kaidi Tatham, they create an uplifting afro-soul burner that is augmented by the vocals of newcomer Renn. With additional appearances from Choklate and Simon Grey, Oli and the crew have ensured that “Golden Lady” will receive plenty of burn throughout the year. I can’t emphasize the word burn enough, this is one hot record.
Reg Dancy, 03/11
Rep Life - The Unclosed Mind
Futuristica MusicSimon S of Futuristica has shown to be on the cutting edge of soul music with releases by Electric Conversation and Low Budget Soul, just to name a few. It appears that he has a good ear for quality hip hop as well because “The Unclosed Mind” by Cleveland native Replife is easily one of the biggest releases this year. With an all star production team featuring Dego, Kaidi Tatham, Mark De Clive Lowe and Atjazz, Replife takes chances on this disc that few rappers dare to take. On “Elevation”, Replife is joined by Deborah Jordan and Noni Limar on this mellow soul jazz flavored track. The Dego produced “Spirit” is a funky synth laden tribute to the late J Dilla. “Out Of Soul”, produced by Don Ray is a wonderful slice of broken soul with a touch of jazz thanks to the trumpet playing of Sean Winters and the scatting of Ki Allen. Some of you may remember Replife from The Politik release last year. The promise he displayed on that project is fulfilled beyond expectations here. Replife sounds wise beyond his years in his delivery and his lyrics offer insight to the depth of knowledge and intelligence the man brings to the table. It all adds up to an outstanding record that delivers quality hip hop and progressive beats from start to finish. There’s no doubt that this disc will remain in the cd rotation for quite some time.
Reg Dancy, 06/08
Rich Medina - Connecting The Dots
Kindred SpiritsDemonstrating that he is not only a superlative spoken-word artist and skilled DJ, but a gifted producer to boot, Philadelphia's Rich Medina draws from a vast pool of influences here to deliver a work that takes us from Philly to Detroit via Nigeria and West-London. With an impressive array of guest-vocalists and musicians, and stylish, original melodies, we are treated to head-nodding Hip-Hop, mid-tempo soulful House, the finest Soul, and other boundary-defying grooves. 1xtra's Benji B is a fan, and so should you be!
Tom Breslin, 11/05
Richard Galliano - Luz Negra
Warner JazzRecorded in Sao Paulo last year this is Richard Galliano's first studio album since 2001's 'Face To Face'. There is of course a very strong Latin American influence but the jazz (he's played with Chet Baker, Michel Petrucciani and Jan Garbarek amongst many top jazz names) and classical references that have featured so prominently in his evolving career are woven within too by this excellent musician. Re-released at the same time is a remastered version of 1992's 'Solo' a tribute to Astor Piazzolla who was in a coma at the time of the recording. Both are full of textures, passion and superb music.
Graham Radley, 03/07
Richard Galliano & Tangaria Quartet - Live In Marciac 2006
Milan RecordsExcellent live recording, at this jazz festival, from accordionist Richard Galliano which was the first appearance of this new group made up of Alexis Cardenas, Rafaël Mejitas and Philippe Aerts. The concert also features Hamilton De Holanda on mandolin. Very good.
Graham Radley, 09/07