Lars Bartkuhn is a musician, a producer and a dj from Frankfurt who has built a strong reputation creating soulful deep house music on his own and with the group Needs. Before that group he was a jazz musician at heart, taking up the guitar as a teenager. He returns to his roots on “The New Continent”, a project based on electronic and acoustic orchestrated compositions. The opening track “Goodbye Dancing Hello God” is an ambient tune with wonderful chord changes that conjures images of long drives on lazy afternoons along the countryside. A favorite of mine is “In Harmony With The Elements”, a cinematic gem that’s filled with dreamy soundscapes. ”Prayer Dance Into The Sun” is filled with floating guitar solos and synths. I love how this track starts off in a melancholy mood then builds intensity towards the end. In summary this is a wonderful record from Lars Bartkuhn. The entire disc is a delightful listen. You can hear the influences from the likes of established artists like guitarists Marc Johnson, Pat Metheny and pianist Lyle Mays. Kudos to Sonar Kollektiv. They continue to fill their roster with exceptional artists making beautiful music.
