I heard the "Ascension" cut on the radio and was very intrigued-definitely
has a kind of Acid Jazzy/ almost Maze kinda feel. Then a D.J. on KBLX
(SF Bay area) said he couldn't find one bad track on it, so off I was
to buy it the LP.
The first Track "The Urban Theme," is a fat instrumental. Makes me want to
ride my
bike a couple of miles while kicking to it. Almost a BNH kind of
instrumental feel at first,
but definitely develops it's own character.
The second track "Welcome," is also groovy. He gets off to a great start on
his lyrics.
No stock lingo (what a relief). Classic 70's slower funk feel. Almost Al-Greeny.
The Third Track "Sumthin' Sumthin'," gets up into a more early 80's feel.
Provacative
without being gratuitous. Like back before women were compared to automobiles.
Then "Ascension," just grooves you. Mellow strings over the laid back Bass.
This is
where homeboy reveals his great vocal range. I can imagine this song will
have lasting
power.
I wish I could review the rest, but they're all more of a "slow jam" R&B
feel, and basically
I'm sick of slow jams. They're good songs, all very well put together, but
the lyrics border
on stock-slow jam catch phrases here and there. Luckily he doesn't sink into
the pit we're
stuck with these days.
It has a very "produced" feel to it at times, almost too perfect. BTW,
speakinfg of producers,
I see the name Musze in the list of producers, and I coulda' sworn I've seen
that name on
some late 80's house cuts.
Anyway. Get the CD, it's a keeper...
Paul
plavigne