Music Reviews
Shuya Okino - United Legends replayed by Sleep Walker
Geneon RecordsModal. Jazz. Unbelievable. Sleep Walker are brought on board to remake the "United Legends" album from this time last year and for all but a few notable vocals by way of Carleen Anderson, Clara Hill, Navasha Days, Yukimi Nagano and Josh Milan you would think this was a brand new Sleep Walker release. Full on jazz encased by the now expected perfect packaging only the Japanese seem to provide us. Just good music. Oh, I nearly forgot.... CD 2 is instrumentals... now that's cleaver.
PermalinkSteve Williams, 01/08
Si Tew - When The Clouds Ran Away
Atjazz Record CompanySi Tew is the latest member of the Atjazz recording family and his full length debut is an assortment of down-tempo electronic beats and experimental soundscapes. Si’s production skills caught the ear of Martin Iveson and it wasn’t long before the two started working together under the MIST alias. After several remixes (most notably Atjazz’s “For Real”) and most recently the Soul Evidence ep, the time was right for an album and he doesn’t disappoint at all. Si starts things off with “Silhouette”, a warm and melodic down-tempo gem aided by the vocals of Shanade. “Hard Look” is an up-tempo ambient beat treat with clever synth arrangements. “Need To Grow” is a definite highlight filled with soothing chords and the soulful vocals of Pete Simpson. “Why Answer?” is a dreamy instrumental sprinkled with gorgeous keys. Overall this is an impressive debut for the talented producer whose services will be in high demand with superb recordings like this.
Reg Dancy, 05/11
Sidestepper - The Buena Vibra Sound System
Palm PicturesA CD that came about after Richard Blair aka Sidestepper went to Colombia to meet up with Toto La Momposina, he was soon recording local Afro-Colombian artists which in turn developed into this pumping dance floor mix of Colombian, Nigerian and Jamaican styles. Great tracks with my pick probably the 12” mix of La Paloma. Brilliant
Graham Radley, 05/09
Silent Poets - Sun
Nocturne RecordsI cannot believe it's six years since the release of the excellent "To Come", which was a typical example of me purchasing a top dollar Japanese import to see it released a few months later released in Europe for a third of the price: hey, that's the way it is nowadays. Japanese producer Michiharu Shimoda utilizes the talents of Shawn Lee, Alain Ho and Everton Nelson to create an ace downtempo - electronica - abstract hiphop piece of work. Recorded with a string orchestra conducted by Everton Nelson with haunting vocals from Shawn Lee, this is one album you should take note of. Just because it's been released in France rather than Japan doesn't mean that it shouldn't be investigated, so make the effort.
Simon Harrison, 07/06
Silhouette Brown - Silhouette Brown
Ether RecordsThis is the first full vocal album produced by Dego, who has also brought in second in command Kaidi Tatham in on the act. This is the kind of album that will become a true classic in years to come and that is not just because of the two names already mentioned. This is also due to the incredible soulful vocals of Deborah Jordon, which fit the productions perfectly, and if that isn't enough Bembe Segue is on backing vocals. Perfect for home listening and also for any club set. That should be enough reasons for you to spend your hard earned cash.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Simbad - Supersonic Revelation
Raw FusionThere are DJ’s/producers dropping albums everywhere but few can boast to have an album as strong as this one. Simbad’s “Supersonic Revelation has been a couple years in the making but the wait has been well worth it. Simbad has assembled a little bit of funk, house, rnb and dancehall and the result is a soulful uplifting disc that will move your body. The immensely successful “Soul Fever” needs no introduction. This electronic funk track with the wicked synth lines was one of the biggest records of 2006.The legendary Robert Owens adds his signature vocals to the atmospheric “Someone for Me”. There’s also the title track, which has also become a huge hit, and why not? The killer organ riff and Abdul Shyllon’s lush vocals gives this the feel of a simmering downtempo house track that never builds momentum but it's bangin’ nonetheless. There are many other great selections worth mentioning so you owe it to yourself to invest in what is definitely one of the hottest releases of 2008.
Reg Dancy, 06/08
Simone Moreno - Samba Makossa
Soul Dog RecordsVocalist, Simone Moreno has steadily been releasing material in her native Brazil since her self-titled debut in 1994. This, her fifth set is the first to be released outside of Brazil and was recorded in Stockholm, Sweden where she now resides. 'Samba Makossa' draws together a variety of influences from bossa nova and samba to Afro-beat and reggae. Although the album overall fails to capture my interest it does include pleasurable moments such as the funked up 'Umbabarauma' and the breezy 'Meio De Campo'. Well worth investigating for these tracks alone.
Andy Allen, 03/07
SK Radicals - Urban Eclectiks
Freestyle RecordsThere have been many groups that have presented projects as diverse as SK Radicals full length release “Urban Electriks”. Very few however have succeeded in creating a project that grooves and swings as well as this one. Sean Khan, the producer and driving force behind the group has crafted an album that weaves seamlessly between jazz and funk while demonstrating that they’re equally adept at both. Take for example the lead single “Troubled Times”, a laidback deep funk tune that speaks to the stressful climate that we’re all living under today. The following track “My Story” is a swinging jazz tune features superb piano melodies from Sean and the gorgeous vocals of Susan Allotey. “Free Yourself” is an up-tempo acid jazz flavored funk groover. Although “Urban Eclectiks” presented only ten tracks in all, each selection is quality and allows the disc to flow at steady pace while maintaining the groove throughout. It has taken Sean several years to deliver a full length project after several successful singles. Let’s hope that this is the first of many albums in the group’s future. Highly recommended.
Reg Dancy, 08/10
Ski Oakenfull - Rising Son
BBE RecordsThose in the know will have noticed that this was released first in Japan a few months ago but those top people at BBE have signed it for UK release. Ski had been around on the scene for years and it's always great to hear the solo productions. For this his second album he's brought in some heavy weight vocalists aka Amp Fiddler, Valerie Etienne, Earl Zinger and Chi Turner and they all sound fantastic. Most of the attention has been on the Amp Fiddler tracks which are ace but make sure you listen to the other vocal tracks because they are outstanding. BBE roll out another classic.
Simon Harrison, 07/05
Skream - Skream!
TempaThose of you familiar with the Dub-Step scene will agree with me that this kid is the don dada of the land of Dub-Step. 'Midnight Request Line' is arguably the biggest tune in Dub-Step history and definitely the most requested. This album simply gets better by the listen, it's draws you in with it's dubbed out sub bass and musically it's up there for being one of the best albums of 2006. From the haunting opening vibe of 'Tortured Soul' it moves into dancehall and Grime territory thanks to some sweet additions from vocalists Warrior Queen and JME. These are so many influences to be felt in this album that it would be hard to pidgeonhole the album as Dub-Step. For such a young producer Skream has so much talent, like an old head on young shoulders. This didn't come off my player for weeks after I'd got it, I reckon it'll be the same for almost everyone. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Jax, 12/06