Music Reviews
Steve Austin - The Cyborg Chronicles
Uprock RecordingsUprock Recordings started back in 2000 with the merging of some serious heads. One of the seven original members is Steve Austin and here is his latest album. He has worked with some of the big names in hip hop, the broken beat scene, and is a regular MC and DJ at CO-OP, which has certainly given him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Steve has gone back to his roots and turned out an album which displays UK hiphop at its best. Even though there are some obvious samples used, especially in 'Rapper Have No Style', they are worked to perfection with Steve's lyrics, timing and production. Fans of Roots Manuva and TY need this.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 03/06
Steve Reid Ensemble - Daxaar
Domino RecordingSteve Reid has some track record, his recording debut at 19 was playing on Martha and the Vandellas' 'Dancing in the Streetâ€. From there he played with a range of top jazz and soul legends including Miles Davis, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra James Brown and Dionne Warwick. This new CD sees him on his first visit to Africa for 40 years and once again working with Kieran Hebden (Four Tet). Recorded in Senegal the guests are Khadim Badji (percussion) Dambel Diop ( bass) Roger Ongolo ( trumpet) Jimi Mbaye ( guitar) and Boris Netsvetaev (keyboards). The opening track 'Welcome' is probably my favourite and sees the band joined by Isa Kouyate on kora and vocal . Well worth checking out.
Graham Radley, 09/07
Steve Reid Ensemble - Spirit Walk
Soul JazzDrummer Steve Reid's musical career stretches back to the 60s. Not only has he played with such greats as Sun Ra, Archie Shepp, Miles Davis and Gary Bartz to name but a few, but recorded a handful of much sought after deep jazz albums under his own name for his Mustevic label. 'Spirit Walk' is a welcome return for Steve and sees him team up with Kieran Hebden (Four Tet), who respectfully brings electronic elements to the mix. The renowned 'Lions Of Judah' is revisited but my advise is to touch down on 'Lugano' and 'For Coltrane' for some truly exceptional timeless music.
Andy Allen, 11/05
Steve Spacek - Space Shift
Sound In ColorFor those of you who have been in hiding for the last few years, Spacek have released two excellent albums 'Eve' and 'Vintage Hi-Tech'. Back when 'Eve' was released they upset the applecart by mixing a fusion of Steve's unique yet stunning vocals and beats that will shake your house. In 2005 it's time for Steve, the voice behind Spacek to go solo. There has been a lot of hype about the single 'Dollar' and quite rightly so: It was produced by the beatmaster J. Dilla. 'Spacek Shift' continues in that formula as did the previous albums and still sounds as fresh as ever. This is soul music for the twenty first century and beyond.
Simon Harrison, 10/05
Strange Fruit Project - The Healing
OM Hip HopThe first thing that stands out in the tracklistings for this album is that "Get Live" features Erykah Badu. It's as good as you would expect and the perfect selling point for those who reside behind record counters. The Strange Fruit Project have been missed in the past and judging by both their previous albums there's just no explanation. They've stuck to their guns and kept their effective sample-based beats and basslines. There is only one slight difference to their previous long players in that they have brought in a few guests: these include Little Brother, Bavu Blakes, Darien Brockington, DeLoach and of course the lady of soul mentioned above. I really hope this gets them the attention they thoroughly deserve, but only time will tell.
Simon Harrison, 07/06
Sugar Beats - Search for Peace
Calm Beast RecordsBack in 2004 Steve Williams from UKvibe gave me a copy of a four track cd from a new Birmingham band called the Sugar Beats. This featured a cracking version of Stevie Wonder's "As", a live version of the "Balcon Hotstep" and the excellent "French Girl from Luton". I've been hooked ever since. The Sugar Beats were formed by Chris Mapp and Leo Altarelli, and then became a seven piece band for "Search for Peace". The foundation here is jazz, which not only works on dancefloors but also when pottering around the house. Leo's vocal works a treat whether scatting or in a full vocal workout. Top marks to these guys for persisting and getting their music out there, now all you've got to do is support!
Simon Harrison, 09/06
Sun Circle - Reborn
Futuristica MusicSimon S’s soulful electronic compositions and Deborah’s angelic vocals have given birth to many wonderful Futuristica recordings. With “Reborn” the duo has crafted a canvas filled with sublime down tempo music that will paint pictures of peace and serenity. Among the highlights are “If You Speak”, a jazz influenced soulful tune enhanced by a lovely melody and warm yet subtle keyboard arrangements. “My Story” is a lush arrangement that features Deborah supported by lush strings These compositions would sound great with anyone but when Deborah lays her vocals down, they turn to gold. Simon’s catalogue continues to grow with high quality music and is firmly established as one of the leaders of electronic soul filled with melodic jazzy soundscapes and this record is further proof of that.
Reg Dancy, 08/10
Super Smoky Soul - Cycling
CirculationsI'm not sure if it was the sad loss of J Dilla aka Jay Dee (R.I.P) in 2006 that sparked a new interest in beats but over the last few months we've seen quality albums from the likes Flying Lotus, Dr. Who Dat aka Jnerio Jarel, Hudson Mohawke and many more, with of course re-issues and new releases of Dilla material. Super Smoky Soul take the gauntlet and produce twenty heavy weight beats, that have had many beat junkies drooling. I don't know much about these guys but once you get your ears around the likes of "After Smoke", "Every", "Simply", "Smile" or "Classius Clay", just to name a few, you'll be hooked. The vinyl sampler will be in limited quantites, so be warned.
Simon Harrison, 02/07
Swollen Members - Black Magic
Battle Axe RecordsSwollen Members return with their 5th studio album packed to the hilt with fat beats and smart rhymes, returning once again on Battle axe records.
This album flows along nicely and has some top notch guest appearances from the in form Ghostface Killah, DJ Swamp, DJ Babu and the dancehall master Mr Vegas.
Stand out tracks include 'Pressure', 'Grind' and the title track 'Black Magic'. The whole album is as expected, fully sample driven, but there is a heavy emphasis on piano's and guitar licks. Its production is executively taken care of by Mad Child and it's produced very tight. Fans of previous Swollen Members long players will no doubt dig this. It by no means delves into adventurous territory buts it's a solid album that should be checked!
Jax, 03/07