Music Reviews
Tupiniquin - Made In Sao Paulo
Curve MusicDebut CD from Tupiniquin and already he’s credited with helping restart the tropicália movement, one of the most important styles in Brazilian music from the late 60’s and 70’s. You get here the sounds of the city of San Paulo and all its influences so we get afro-samba, tropicalia, bossa with beats and rock to stir the mix. Superb.
PermalinkGraham Radley, 09/08
Two Banks Of Four - Junkyard Gods
Sonar KollektivRob Gallagher (Earl Zinger/Galliano), Dillip Harris (Demus) and the crew are back with their third album as Two Banks Of Four. As with previous releases ‘Junkyard Gods’ fuses deep jazz sensibilities with modern production techniques to create a twisted yet beautiful soundscape. Valerie Etienne is on hand to provide her gorgeous vocal tones on delights such as ‘Queen Of Crows’, the spiritual ‘Shadowlands’ and the waltz ‘Dead Afternoon’. With other strong moments including ‘Go’ and ‘Flags & Words’ this makes for an unmissable and innovative album.
Andy Allen, 03/08
TY - Special Kind Of Fool
BBE RecordsIn many ways, Ty is a throwback. He is a rapper who is comfortable in his own skin without feeding into the hype of being someone he’s not. Nor is he interested in being trendy, instead he moves you with intelligent yet engaging lyrics, not to mention unlimited energy. As he states, “I’m old school, I can rock a party all night”. His latest release, “Special Kind Of Fool” provides all the proof you need. Filled throughout with top shelf production, “Special Kind Of Fool” may be Ty’s best work to date..The first single “Emotions feat Shaun Escoffery” has a irresistible groove. “Get 2 the Sky feat, Vula Malinga and Terri Walker” is easily one of the strongest tracks on the disc. Ty waxes poetic about elevating from the hardships surrounding us to getting to a better place. On “Happiness” Ty utilizes a Hubert Laws hidden gem to fulfill his wish for peace and unity for everyone. If Ty set out to entertain, enlighten and inspire then his mission was accomplished. “Special Kind Of Fool” provides all of that plus beats galore that will have your head nodding throughout. This is a very strong record that will certainly satisfy long time admirers and will no doubt appeal to newcomers as well.
Reg Dancy, 07/10