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Yearly Archives: 2008
Crazy P: Stop Space Return [20:20 Vision]
Crazy P have been established in the dance music space for quite some time now (albeit with a slightly more risqué and genital inspired moniker) and, although their oeuvre undoubtedly includes some top quality 12 inches and remixes, when it comes to their albums I have, on occasion, been left a touch under whelmed. So, upon hearing the opening salvo of “Stop Space Return”, the title track of this (their fourth) album, I was convinced that the tide must have turned and that we were on to a real winner here. “Stop Space Return” is a tough, dirty, disco-squelcher with a perfectly executed vocal from Danielle Moore (now a permanent member of the band), just choc full of attitude and primed for the dance floor. This, however, is the high point and it all goes slightly weird from here on in. “Caught Up” and “Love on the Line”, for example, just seem to be a bit ‘cheesy Saturday night dance anthem’, whilst some of the other songs appear to be aiming for Scissor Sisters-esque pop territory. Granted, this is not necessarily a bad thing and the record is certainly more commercially viable as a result, but just not quite what I was expecting or hoping for.
Reel People: Seven Ways To Wonder – Remixes [Papa Records]
Okay, 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.
Various Artists: SK200 [Sonar Kollektiv]
For over ten years the collective from Berlin known as Sonar Kollektiv have been at the forefront of delivering cutting edge music by an eclectic group of artists. Their blueprint has been to place emphasis on quality recordings without dwelling on the number of units that are sold. Their latest record “SK200” marks their 200th release and serves as a testament that the formula certainly works. “SK200” contains seventeen tracks of some of their finest work this year and beyond. The disc starts off with “Sun Children” by Soulphiction, a soulful ambient tune with strings from their early 2008 release “Do You Overstand?!”. Thief contributes to the ensemble with “Somewhere”, a warm up-tempo tune with nice synth arrangements. The jazz quartet Quasimode is also featured here with “Objects In The Mirror”, which features the superb vocals of Carmen Lundy who is certainly one of our finest vocalists in jazz today. Label veteran Clara Hill sings sweet folksy melodies on “Ocean Queen”. There are also contributions from the likes of Roland Appel, Lars Bartkuhn, Benny Sings and many more. This is a wonderful record that is loaded with great performances. Just another example of why Sonar Kollektiv is one of the premier record labels around today.
Belleruche: The Express [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Belleruche serves up blues tinged soul with a touch of hip-hop for good measure. The trio builds on their warm soulful grooves that made their debut “Turntable Soul” such a success. On their latest release “The Express” vocalist Kathrin Deboer’s smooth smokey vocals complement Ricky Fabulous harmonic rhythm guitar playing. The disc starts off with the infectious “Anything You Want”. DJ Modest provides well placed sampling and electronic beats while Kathrin provides warmth to the mid-tempo soul track. “Goose Blues” has a traditional blues flavor that takes you back to the back roads of the Mississippi Delta. “Scratch My Soul” is a slow burning soul gem where Kathrin conveys enough passion to warm the coldest heart through the depth of her lyrics. “The Express” is a satisfying collection of soul and blues reminiscent of those dusty vinyl records buried in your parents basement. The production, arrangements and the trio’s diverse talents contribute to an eclectic musical experience that you shouldn’t miss.
Natural Self: The Art Of Vibration [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Nathaniel Pearl, the man also known as Natural Self caught our attention with the Broken Keys project he collaborated with Ben Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). On “The Art Of Vibration” he delivers once again with pulsating 60’s funk rhythms and 70’s break beats that evokes memories of the early hip-hop b-boy era. I definitely had a hip-hop flashback when I heard “Welcome To The Ascension”. The heavy percussion, the slick string rrangements and the well placed sampling make me wish that this track was much longer than three minutes. This is followed up with “The Rising”, this track has an afrobeat vibe and is layered with a chanting chorus and funky horns. An added bonus is the wonderful Antreya Triana on vocals. “Breathe Deep” is classic old school hip-hop. A simple mid tempo drumbeat with slick horn riffs serve as the perfect backdrop for MC Abdominal to spit over. “The Laws Of Motion” is a funky instrumental jam with sparse trumpet riffs and spacey chords. One thing is certain, Natural Self has beats galore and knows how to make funky grooves. “The Art Of Vibration” is a rewarding listening experience and further proof of his immense talents.
Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite): OST [Milan Records]
Soundtrack to the film Tropa De Elite (Elite Squad) composed by Pedro Bromfman. The film tells the story of two childhood friends who decide to join Rio de Janeiro’s Military Police Department and in turn they then try out for a Special Operations Squad whose mission is to take down the drug-lords that plague the city. The music reflects this urban scenario with a mix that features MC Junior, MC Leonardo, Bateria da Rocinha, Barbatuques and styles that range from ambient to thrash punk. Excellent.
Various Artists: Putumayo presents Acoustic Arabia [Putumayo World Music]
Great mix of artists on this collection with Jamal Porto and Rasha from the Sudan, Les Orientales, Souad Massi and Maurice El Medioni from Algeria, Zaman from Palestine, Zein Al-Jundi from Syria, Charbel Rouhana and Hani Siblini from Lebanon, Mousto Largo from Morocco and Tiris from Western Sahara. Superb traditional music, highly recommended.
Various Artists: Rough Guide To Latin Street Party [World Music Network]
15 tracks across the board from the opening track of Jesus Pagan y su Orquesta’s salsa dura to the salsa meets rap and reggaeton of Magic Juan feat. Puerto Rican Power, plenty more keeping the party flowing including Los De Abajo, Sidestepper, Ricardo Lemvo and a great take on Bill Withers ‘Use Me’ by Alex Wilson feat. Lauren Dalrymple. Great.
Various Artists: No Ritmo Da Bossa Nova [Warner Music]
A celebration of 50 years of bossa nova, this 14 track compilation has a well rounded selection with Elis Regina, Carlos Lyra and Joao Donato among the artists helping to flex those limbs. Nostalgia for all the right reasons.
Mike Whellans: Fired Up & Ready [Temple Records]
Terrific one man blues band who is a fine singer, guitarist and blues harpist. He’s not against inviting some classy friends to join him either including David Bromberg and Mike Katz with my pick going to to his take on Rory Gallagher’s ‘Going To My Home town’ joined by Brian Miller on mandolin. Great stuff.
Kris Drever, John McCusker & Roddy Womble: Before the Ruin [Navigator1]
Love this, there’s a nice raw feel to the production so the music and songs can shine centre stage and they do superbly. The feel is folk meets singer songwriter meets subtle rock but it’s the songs and their delivery (Roddy Womble takes most lead vocals) that make this enchanting and moreish. Guests include Norman Blake and Francis MacDonald of Teenage Fanclub, Philip Selway of Radiohead, Heidi Talbot, Donald Shaw of Capercaille, Andy Cutting (BBC folk musician of the year) and Michael McGoldrick. Have a listen to ‘Into The Blue’ or ‘Moments Last Forever’ – magic.
Bennson: Let The Love [Raw Fusion Records]
On his debut “Let The Love”, Australian born Bennson delivers a disc filled with 80’s style boogie tunes, modern soulful stompers and a few instrumental groovers mixed in for good measure. Bennson is a multi-talented artist who has performed with heavyweights like Alice Russell, Quantic and is also a member of the Bamboos. “Let The Love” has several standout tracks like “Whatever It Is”, an energetic foot stompin dance track. “Can’t Get Enough” is a downtempo soul track with smooth keys that float over Bennson’s voice. “Incredible” is another soulful gem that has a sound reminiscent of the Brand New Heavies. Fellow Aussies Gary Pinto and Christin Deralas perform a lovely duet on the mellow “One Minute Left”. There are many more selections here to enjoy so you’ll just have to check them out for yourself. Overall “Let The Love” is a well conceived feel good record that is certain to make you move. Bennson has emerged from the background and based on this project there’s no way he’s going back. Listen and enjoy.
Jaleel Shaw: Optimism [Changu Records]
Philadelphia continues to crank out jazz musicians at a frenetic pace. The alumni can boast of luminaries such as McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Smith and Christian McBride just to name a few. It’s time to get familiar with Tenor saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Jaleel’s first record, “Perspective” was a solid debut but his new release “Optimism” blows the doors off the hinges. Jaleel and his band come out swinging on “Flipside”, displaying fierce soloing and tender exchanges. “In 3” is a easy going melodic piece that showcases the wonderful playing of guitarist Lage Lund. “Muna’s Sleeping” is a beautiful ballad that reveals Jaleel’s sense of harmony. When you hear Jaleel’s tone, it’s never forced but a tone that is sings over the melody. Add to the mix a stellar band in Robert Glasper on piano, Joe Martin on bass, Jonathan Blake on drums and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on two tracks and you have one superb record by an emerging voice on the scene today. “Optimism” is certainly one of the most impressive releases this year. Highly Recommended.
Rinse The Algorithm: Locutions [rinsethealgorithm]
Rinse The Algorithm is a seven member unit lead by bassist Rich Brown. Rich has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand electric bassists on the scene today, especially in his hometown of Toronto. “Locutions” is an eleven track debut that is equal parts contemporary jazz, funk and fusion wrapped together to provide a harmonic soulful experience. There are some sparkling moments when each member pushes one another and in the process create some stimulating music. Let’s start with the opening track “Urban Nocturnal”, a mellow quiet storm type track that is a solid introduction to the group’s work. Things get interesting on “Constellation 149”, a contemporary jazz tune that starts with a simmer at the onset but starts to burn after that. Pianist Robi Botos displays impressive chops but plays with grace and passion. “Black Nimbus” is a slow funky number with Rich out front laying down bass lines that would make Stanley Clarke proud. Luis Deniz matches Rich with some inspired playing on alto sax. “Soothe The Machinery” is a fusion flavored track that sizzles thanks in part to the beautiful voice of Yvette Tollar. Overall “Locutions” is a delightful listen and serves as a coming out party not only for Rich Brown but the talented musicians he has surrounded himself with. His ability as a bass player and a composer should form the foundation for a bright future and the recognition he truly deserves.
The Perceptions: Introducing…. [Freestyle Records]
The Perceptions are an ensemble of some of the UK’s finest musicians displaying their affection for the 60’s soul-jazz era. Among the members are Gary Crockett on bass, John Wilma on sax and the dynamic Snowboy on percussion who also serves as the band leader. When you reflect on that era you can’t ignore the presence of the Hammond B-3 Organ and the role it played in the music. Sam Gambarini’s organ playing evokes memories of Richard “Groove” Holmes and Jack McDuff and takes the music to another level. The band comes out swinging hard on “Right Or Wrong”, a funky tune that finds John Wilma out front on Tenor with a sound that is rich and provides plenty of depth. “Nick’s Knack” is another funky number that features the crisp guitar playing of Leigh Gracie. John Wilma and Sam Gambarini also take turns strutting their stuff on this neck snapping, finger popping track. “Running The Risk” is a mid-tempo groover that delivers funk so thick you need a knife to cut through it. For a minute I thought I was listening to the JB’s in the middle of one of their jam sessions. The Perceptions aren’t fooling around here. They swing hard and often and sound right at home making soulful funky music. If you dug the sounds of Jack McDuff, Stanley Turrentine and the countless other artists that were laying down the groove then record is definitely for you.