And just when you think you lost all the numbers and names in your mobile phone, along comes the Magician, waves her magic wand and back they all appear. How'd you do that Mel!
Okay, here we go again,
Straight off a KLM plane called a 'Fokker' (is that allowed!) at 8pm, off to the Wifi Wien to catch my good friends exhibition! Wow, all 78 pics in one venue! Then to the WUK to play a few records for another top fella in town, but hey, what's all these SMS's I'm getting asking where am I? Ooops, some 'ting' very big going on at the Dub Club tonight! Hey guys, I came to Vienna for a rest!!!!!
Before we go any further though, I gotta get you informed about Norway and the adventures of the 'Granny' crew in Stavanger and Oslo last weekend. The biggest love and the most respect to two of the coolest cats on the European scene and within our little circle of friends who be into something alternative and non conforming. Talkin' 'bout Snorre Seim (Butti 49/Whiffenpoof) and the International playboy Jazz DJ himself Eivind Olsvik (Moosjuus/ HiFi Terapi)
'Granny' on the road actually started on Thursday night and on home soil at the Point 101 bar in W1 London( not really on the road then!) Though I am only popping back once a month these days to play along side my good buddy Nippon Nik Weston, 'Granny' still happens every Thursday at the bar and expect Nik and friends to play anything & everything. All those Japanese nuggets Nippon Nik seems to get his hands on, get their first proper outings there.
Anyway, 'Granny' really took flight on board a plane to Stavanger where some nice young lady informed us about all the correct words to use and food to eat (brown cheese). Stavanger at midnight and the records go straight from the airport to the 'Sting' club in the centre of town. First thing noticed by Nik and myself is the athlete physic of your average Norwegian girl. For a moment there, I thought Nik would forget about all those ultra thin Japanese girls and get down some serious telephone numbers beginning with 0047! Anyway we're here to play some groovy old soul and funk and not get telephone numbers (believe it or not)! Butti 49 man Snorre is laying down some serious dope dance jazz (Ed Kelly, haven't heard that in yonks mate) Cuki is deciding which wine he likes the most, the red or the white! It took me many sips (glasses) to realise I should stick with the white. Snorre's girlfriend is working behind the bar (what a result)and when you see her, you know he got a result too! Nik, well Nik is being Nik, staring into space, thinking where can I get a copy of Kaidi's new twelve from. Norwegians like to drink, in fact all Scandinavians like to drink and that's probably why I was drinking (Its my excuse anyway! What about, they don't have cranberry juice! Have I used that one before?) Red wine at least looks like cranberry juice! Top Norwegian girlies bumping into the decks, Its not a problem, different if its a guy isn't it! Anyway its going off at the 'Sting' club! Much fun had by all and the most fun had by me and Nippon Nik. Thanks again to Snorre and his crew for looking after us in Stavanger. Love to all the beautiful people who danced the night away.
Oslo airport is somewhere you would like to have a holiday or vacation(honest), Terminal 3, Heathrow airport is somewhere you would like to send Osama bin Laden. Next stop then Oslo and after the flight we catch a train from the airport that looks like something out of a Thunderbirds episode. The girl who checks this bullet of a train while it is travelling looks like she just stepped off the stage at Miss World (Are there any ugly girlies in Norway?) Nik is still staring into space and has yet to get any numbers with 0047 or Kaidi's new twelve for that matter! We are met at the station by the man himself! Now if you think I come across as some playboy DJ who into European girlies, then check out my main man and leading light on how to be an International playboy jazz DJ, Mr 'Shaven' Eivind Olsvik. Don't be fooled by the fact that he has the most beautiful girlie in Oslo (Orsa), Oslo's answer to Barry White and Isaac Hayes all rolled into one has taught many a travelling DJ a thing or two. No sooner then him picking us up at the station and we get a telephone call from two London girlies who have travelled out to Oslo to see us play. Early evening and hanging out at Eivind's penthouse flat checking out the curves on his furniture, Nik is of course looking through Eivind's records to see if he has a copy of Kaidi's twelve or any worthwhile Japanese platters! The beautiful Orsa invites us to a house party (Not the four to the floor type but someone's actual house) Of course we going, we be travelling all over Norway. At this point we have to say many thanks to two lovely girls who's party this was, Gerd and Sigrid. Cuki single handed finishing off the punch drink (well, it looked like cranberry juice). Nik is of course chatting up a girl who is married and the husband is 2 metres away (what a numbty)! Cuki has pictures that tell other stories, learning all the tricks from the main man. This party was rocking, nuff Norwegians wearing black and god knows why they ever thought of invading the UK shores with those funny helmets (have you seen the girls in Newcastle?). Anyway enough of this rambling on bizniz! To the club we go. 'Head On' is the worthy joint in town, full of the more sophisticated types who enjoy old school played by old school. At this point we have to say many thanks to Morten who brought us over to 'Head On'. Nice also to meet Andre from Jazid records and off course the two girl's from London who travelled over for a weekend to enjoy this beautiful city and some worthwhile funk and soul. Why Jemma and Sherri would travel this distance to witness Nik and myself behind the decks is still a mystery but we thank them anyway for their support and friendship. If you ever get a SMS TExt MesSaGe tHat reaDS soMEthinG Like ThiS or see a girl who walks like a pigeon then you know found these two fine young lasses! Scary.
I'm sure Nik along with myself would like thank everyone who made this trip so special. All the crews in Stavanger and Oslo, the Swedish girl in a Norwegian coffee house OUCH, Camilla with THAT dress, the rest of the house party folks, all the people who's hand I shaken but forgot their name 30 seconds later (so hard to pronounce), Nik also, you my bro! My face is sore with smiling and laughing so much. Anyway you know what's coming next, of course you do..........
........ I elskede din boots!
Tee shirts! Many thanks again to Eivind for the 'Moos' tee and to Sampsa and the Leftside Ensemble Helsinki for the very limited 'Coming from the left' tee
While in London! To Felix for the upfront biz (awesome)! To Gabor, catch ya in Budapest bro.
Look out Kati, I'll be checking you and the rest of your Cukibaba's at 'Rigoletto' in Budapest on the 31st and the 'Cinetrip' the next day too
Reka & Anna once again for house space in London
Out of towners, Chad in NYC at Redbud. Cheers bro and I'll get copies to all the main men in Wien
All dem Xmas cards from aboard, ta.
We say goodbye to Lea aka secret agent 'Maybe Blue' who heads home to Zagreb, Watch out Croatian boys! Gonna miss ya Maybe Blue! Well Maybe!
Starbucks! Ouch, what a response! I've tried to mail as many peeps as I could remember regarding my little tale. If I missed ya please get back to me. Thanks for all the SMS's asking to meet me later for a coffee at yes, you guessed it.... Starb$$k's. Not quite sure how Speedy missed this opportunity but he did. We actually think Speedy is a closet Starbucks drinker cause he doesn't drink coffee or hang out in coffee shops or eat Viennese swirls! Exactly!
And whats a Viennese swirl, its not Marks & bloody Spencers here you know!
Do any of my readers get Speedy's weekly dribbles into London lowlife?
Dub Club. Blimey, Cuki was real tired after a day travelling, playing and attending parties. But ta for the tip off's from the Dub Club crews. Afrodelics doing it live, Rodney H behind the decks. Then Gue-mix drops all those Stereotyp exclusives on the best sound system in Europe! Wait till ya hear the other track with Tikiman. Thanks especially to
Gue-mix who was determined not to let me go home(and he succeded)! All the crew, Stefen, Gerald, Peter, Roses, Richard, Colee, Ceasar, Liz, Martin, Susie, Nadia, Vincent, Amanda, Flow and crew, even Tanja turned up. The Dub Club is home for the Cuki
Well next week is Christmas and I'm pretty sure I won't get a another circular out before then! So I'll wish you peace and happiness this coming holiday and catch ya middle of next week. 24th, Peter Kruder rips up the Dub club, Vienna massive know where to be
The Cuki choice....... Nu bitz this week* (I've had enough of giving them numbers and positions!)
Koop - Waltz for Koop (JCR) 1xLP
Some things are just worth waiting for. Like the summer! This though really is worth the wait and what seems like quite a few summers. It really did seem like an eternity for this dream to be realized. First time I heard 'Waltz for Koop'! Man, it's so long ago I can't remember! Anyway, we're here, November 27th 2001, and a nice parcel from Compost delivers a long player that will surely pass the test of time. It already has in CD-R form. Congratulations to Magnus and Oscar and all concerned for this excellent album. The perfect combination of new meeting old. Respect also to JCR/Compost who should change their name to 'International rescue' records.
* Meikbar - Feelings (Rushhour) 12"
Moodymann meets Patrice Rushen? Absolutely no info on the artist, its where about's and release, but boy is this solid. If this ain't Moodymann then it is sure one helluva of impostor! Pure Detroit house bizniz outta my favourite label at the mo, the Dutch 'Rushhour' imprint. Clocked at just over 112 bpm's but maximum wastage on the soles of your shoes guaranteed.
* Snorre Seim - Brassespark/ Stokka Boogie (HiFi Terapi) 12"
Our favourite Stavanger resident collaborates with our favourite Oslo playboy. Number two in the HiFi Terapi series and setting the standard for the fine releases outta Scandinavia in general. Throbbing bass, strings, horns, scats, twisted keys and south American flavoured percussion all add to another monster, and thats just the A side! The Butti 49 boy on a roll.
4 Hero - Creating Patterns (Talkin Loud) 3xLP
Album of the year! I said that about IG's joint! I said that about Nathan's long player! This time I'm sticking. Did I tell ya about the time my promo CD got stuck in the CD player and I jumped for joy. It was the only thing I could play for days! Yeah, like I was real unhappy about this ;) I'm missing Murphs vocal on the vinyl but the three slabs of vinyl are stuck in the box till next great event from 4 Hero. Respect to Dollis Hill
Bebel Gilberto - Tanto Tempo (Peter Kruder remixes)(Ziriguiboom) 12"
And just when you thought it was safe to pigeon hole another certain producer! See, It's not all about smoked out affairs in the G-Stone campus! So many musical sides to the P_EACE man, and he takes this track on a completely different journey. A brave move turning a beautiful Brazilian ballad into some psyched out 80's electro monster but somehow PK manages to pull it off. Hold tight for the monster outta Paris
* Ne Grove feat Marcus Begg - Movements in Space (Pure Filth) 12"
The warmer side of West London! Leroy and Co deliver another soulful excursion into the 21st century. The sublime vocal talent of Marcus Begg as always leading and taking the groove into the spiritual zone.
* Trouble Man - Were we stand/Lullaby (Far Out) 12"
The ruffest beats right now are coming from Mark Pritchard! Another great two sided twelve forthcoming in February. Trouble Man music bordering on so many genres yet the essence is always fire fuelled funk with a capitol F. Trying to think the last time Mr Pritchard let me down with a release! Long time ago
Stereotyp - Gazzui Matter (Ecco Chamber) 12"
There's a mad car chase going around the 18th district! Dinner at Puglia's but quickly back in the car! We have to catch the man! We drive with the Scheibosan but follow the protégé in his custom built speedstar! His car has more knobs then ours so we never catch up! We enjoy the chase though! He has no mix tapes in his car either as the mentor informs me! No distractions! The spookiest soundtrack of the year just found it's way onto a slice of vinyl & the best record Kraftwork never made!
V/A - Family Sampler (Versatile)12"
And when was the last time you heard a dodgy release from Paris? Long time ago baby and this label is one for reasons for the unprecedented quality that now comes out of Paris week in week out. Gilb-r and company just know who's hot and who's not! New rubs from the slickest house producer around Osunlade and the ever consistent I:Cube adds a sick broken beat excursion. Respect
Kabuki - Tempest (Head to Toe) 12"
Look out for number 2 on the new imprint from Italy. If you enjoyed the west london remixes from Seiji, G Force and the likes for the Dom um Romao remix project then you'll sure to dig this. Nu Jazz pressure from the Kabuki crew with a solid AtJazz remix included. Look out for this label in the 02. Cuki happy to get a twelve too.
Jazzanova - That night/ Days to come (JCR) 12"
So its all good on Haggar street then! Another outstanding release from JCR/Compost records. Jazzanova get deeper then they ever have before. Vikter gives us the warm & loved up vocals that he is so blessed to deliver. Some records have good A sides and OK B sides, this has two epic sides to satisfy the masses.
Karime Kendra - Lovely brown skin (Score) 12"
I missed the little red hat. I missed the voice that came with this beautiful head piece. Lovely brown skin, dark soothing tones, what else could I ever need. She sent me to sleep for many a moon with 'Too Much'! So she's back. KK my favourite singer from out west. She doesn't sing as often as I would like but when she does, goosebumps get goosebumps. No sleeping this time though, a Landslide production see's to that. Feel a chemical imbalance coming on! A good one. I miss ya boots KK
* Beatless - The Truth (King Britt Scuba mix)(Ubiquity) 12"
The King goes deep once again as only he knows how! 2001 once again showed why Philli's finest delivers on all fronts. Sylk 130 album, the multitude of remixes and every one coming through and killa. Scuba productions as always adding atmosphere and suspense to the occasion. If this was played at Plastic People last Friday then I missed out big time. 2002, maybe we'll get a Scuba album?
* Aromabar - Milk & Honey (INFRACom) 2xLP
Andi, Roland & Karin reshape their sound and this long player is all the better for it. Watching a band develop musically is half the beauty and the soulful approach to the two step & nu jazz thing is a joy to behold when songs are involved. Yeah, remember them, Songs! This album has plenty of them. Thoughtful lyrics and educated music for grown ups.
Funky Lowlives - Inside (Dorfmeister vs Uptight dub) 12"
Classic Viennese stylee this time via Oli and the crew at Stereo Deluxe. Just a warm and non offensive track that hooks you in keeps there in the groove. Solid all round but thats what you except from Lowlives, Stereo Deluxe and Richard Dorfmeister and freinds. Look out in January
Fauna Flash - The Viennese mixes (Compost) 12"
Maybe it's Puglia's! Maybe! Dem boys bouncing off each other for sure. The Stereotyp and his mentor ripping up the rule book along the way! Those of the faint heart beware! Those with open minds about producers and genres, take note! And then we still gotta wait for Sugar B's awesome intro for the other crew!
Fat Jon as Maurice Galactica - Humanoid Erotica (Counterflow) 2xLP
Hot heeling YNQ as this years best instrumental hip hopper. Cincinnati's ample soul physician enlightens us to the world of Maurice Galactica, a twisted and disturbed break beater of gigantic proportions. . 'I Dee' a classic! A little late night music for the headz.
* V/A - V/T (Emoticon) 12"
Boys at Rushhour/Emoticon hear this! You gotta write on the sleeves in larger letters bros. Man I had to buy a set of spectacles so I can read this! Well, anyway after buying these specs I can tell Cuki subscribers that 4 tracks from Russ Gabriel, Total Science, Tom Churchill and Hal Varian deliver more nu jazz, broken beat shenanigans infused with a large doses of Detroitness. Outta Holland as usual with these things!
* Passport - V/T (Remixes)(WEA) 12"
Remixes from Truby Trio & Fauna Flash with the nu jazz lick to some old school fusion bizniz. Other mixes from Bobby Pleasure & Marsmobil on slightly other musical journeys make worthy outings too.
* Cuica - Trommel Monster (Ubiquity) 12"
Pete 'Atlas' Herbert & Simone 'Big Bang' Serritella are Cuica! Monster percussive outing via San Fran and sure to be big in the boxes of all your favourite house hold DJ names including Nippon Nik, DJ Shuriken and Cuki P! Er, household names in my house anyway.
* Aardvarck - Re Spoken (Domu mix)(Delsin) 12"
Finally I get the Dominic Stanton rub after months of rewinds with the two Nubian Mindz edits on the original Re Spoken promo. Think you guys know what to expect from the Bradford bomber
Geb El - From a distant point of view (Moles) CD-R
Strong long player with plenty of alternative grooves to all sorts of feet happy. Another nice cover of 'Love from the sun', broken beat stylee in 'Movin' On' and straight NYC house in 'Wait a long time'. Best tracks though are the totally chill your boots 'The killer & the chicken', 'Blue' & 'Moon over nightmare'. Many thanks to BTO Spider for the tip off regarding this rock steady piece of music.
The Open Door - What's behind door #1 (Sole) CD & 12"
There's this cat that lives in Brixton. Probably the coolest cat south of the river! Whiskers that reach out for ever. Big grin on the cat cause he know where the creamiest milk is! I reckon this cat listens to music like this. Now, some people getting high on a track called 'Breathe' and they have ever right to cause it's shockingly good. Do though get ready for the long player that will soon follow. Non conforming music for non conforming adults like me! Respect to the cat.
Zero 7 - In the waiting line (Koop remix)(Ultimate Dilemma) CD-R
Serious numbtyness going on at Ultimate Dilemma! Now, Cuki not known for charting things that ain't gonna happen or not ready to happen. I'm still holding down my Zero 7 remix of 'Umi Says' or the one year old bitz from the wonder kid from Detroit. But this little gem gotta get some attention and some peeps asking why? A match made in heaven, Eccentric Stockholm meets mean and moody London. The result, another excellent little waltzing groove from Koop. And GP played it too so now you know just how numbty record labels can be.
Dalunartikz - Higher (Arthrob) 12"
Daz-I-Kue, the hardest working man on the west side, the knob twiddler for the boys in north Acton, the funkiest boogie man ever born, the main man basically! Drop this track and watch what happens. Some liken this to 'Transcend me' and I ain't gonna disagree. A totally inspirational groove.
Uschi Classen feat Kimra - Now illuminate (Earth Project) 12"
Back to the cat in Brixton for this one! This cat also runs a record label. One of the most exciting labels in Catland for sure. No dogs in 5 previous releases! Do get ready to check out this choice piece from the forthcoming Uschi album! And what an album! House music that will rock 'Body & Soul' as much as it rocks 'Bootsville' here in Vienna. You need reinforced rubber on your soles! You've been warned.
Needs - Worlds (Ozone mix)(Needs) CD-R
Where west meets west! All this new music, all these hybrid sounds coming at me like sand in a desert storm! You would have to really think what this is and where is it coming from. Broken beats, nu jazz, east coast house music, Japanese bossa beats. It's all there! Included too some serious string and piano arrangements.
The Secret Waltz on tonight (Red Egyptian) 1xLP
Waltzing for the generation who don't know how to waltz! The summer of 2001, a strange but beautiful club appears in the Kingsland road. No flyers, no posters lining the derelicts of EC1 and 2, for this is truly a secret waltz. Listen to this and you get a reality check in the form of twelve amazing and moving tracks. More late night music.
Agent K - Ladies (Laws of Motion) 12"
Agent K aka Kaidi Tatham. A wandering genius from west London gives us a taster from his forthcoming album. Kaidi could be likened to a modern day George Duke. Full of energies that others have never experienced. Madslinky, the other great two stepper in town joins in the west London vibe with a superb and respectful remix. We hoping Nik gets a copy real soon
Jol - V/T (?) CD-R
In my bros chart but in Cuki's 'hush hush' collection for too long now! Someone needs to sign this baby! Outta Sweden so you know it got the right credentials. Actually, can someone tell me what the Swedes are taking at the mo? Whatever it is, it's working. Another selection of diverse tracks that are truly electronicia. Some mad late night listening included.
Bazille Noir - S/T (Jubilee) 2xLP
Do I have the Nussschwarzer today or maybe the Einspanner? Maybe I'll stick with the tried & trusted Fiaker! Whatever, I've found the perfect soundtrack to the coffee cosmos that I now find myself in! New outfit, new album, newish label, all deliver the goods with extraordinary ease.
V/A - All our Eggs in one basket (Freerange) CD
Jamie Jimpster and friends gather a fine selection of honest and sincere music from the Freerange stable. Driving through Vienna, this time with the Tomster and 'Deep Down' introducing the CD. Where was the kid from Gothenburg? I was thinking of him, I missed him! Organic music for intellectuals and music lovers alike. It's playing right now.
V/A - 12 cuts of the Pie (Humble) CD-R
The filling for this particular pie is, KV5, Kadmon, Rockstone, Yenara, Pael Black, Rio Collective, Brownman Greenman. Ingredients that make this particular dish very very tasty. I'm having this pie for breakfast, lunch and supper! What kinda restaurant would serve this? I have no idea! Where you can buy Humble pie? Again I have no idea! Then again, and as daft as it sounds, you may buy this dish in a record shop very soon. Wouldn't that be cool.
V/A - People make the world go round 3 (People) 2xLP
Part 3 from a place in west London. Exclusive instalments from Quango (IG Culture), Sci Clone (Nathan Haines), Da Altive Natives (Danny). Some tried and trusted tracks also from Ne Grove (Leroy & Marcus). Restless Soul (Phil Asher), Fini Dolo (Noel Watson). Don't you just love all these different guises.
Wah-cHU-kU - You know what (Surplus) 12"
You know what you are supposed to do, you know what you need to do? Find this infectious bit of Detroit influenced envelope pushing music! Attica Blues of course. It's the beats that give it away. The hardest, ruffest, toughest around. 'A' takes you there, the 'B' takes you back, you could go back before you go but that's your decision. Which ever way you, decide to travel, enjoy the ride.
Stephane Attias - Travellers (Visions) 12"
Vanessa Freeman adds her golden vocals to a little bro Attias production. Future jazz as always from the Visions camp. Crisp clean drums a trademark of both Alex & Stephane.
Deep uplifting vocals, a trademark of Miss Freeman. A quality partnership
Mark Force - Gypo (Bitasweet) 12"
Total madness outta Bitasweet! You'll find yourself losing the plot to this one. Like when your football team has just scored in injury time and you and your company jump up and down like you just don't care. Musically, it don't say much, energy wise, it talks masses! What you play after this record is anyone's guess! Maybe you'll play it again.
This weeks Java Joint.
Mixed Bag's first album
Tribe TRCD 4010 1975
One of those very big bucks and very difficult to track down albums I'm afraid. Think someone offered me an obscene amount of money for my copy a few years ago. Maybe even 150 UK pounds. Mixed Bag was a collective out of Detroit, Michigan and sometimes fronted by Eddie Russ who has two compositions on this album. 'La Margartita' & 'Zaius', in fact the two stand out tracks on the album. Other tracks shed much light to the sound of Detroit at that time. Not the happiest place to be as Motown went west to LA and the car peeps didn't make the automobile the peeps wanted to drive! Tribe was actually a label that was run by the musicians themselves hence the limited amount of pressings available. If ya find one, hang on to it!
'Head On' playlist
1. Joao Donato - Nao Se Acabou (RCA Victor)
2. Filo - Perfume de Cebola (Pointer)
3. Quartette Tres Bein - Boss Tres Bein (Decca)
4. Johnny Guitar Watson - I need it (DJM)
5. Bobby Byrd - I know you got soul (Urban)
6. James Brown - I got ants in my pants (Polydor)
7. Herbie Hancock - Wiggle Waggle (Warner Bros)
8. Reuben Wilson - Got to get your own (Cadet)
9. The Fatback band - Do the Bus stop (Event)
10. One Way - Didn't you know (MCA)
11. Fantastic Four - Got to have your love (Westbound)
12. Alfredo de la Fe - Hot to trot (Criollo)
13. Phillip & Lloyd - Keep on moving (Konduko)
14. NYPA - I got it (Invictus)
15. Dennis Coffey - Wings of Fire (Westbound)
16. Lonnie Smith - Funk reaction (TK Disco)
17. Morning, Noon & Night - Bite your Granny (Roadshow)
Bussi Babba
Till the next time
The one sweet daddy
Mail to Alan Brown
Pillergasse 7/20
1150
Vienna
Austria
Mobile/SMS 0043 699 1260 4000
Home/Fax 0043 1971 2439
cukipapa@chello.at
cukipapa@hotmail.com
Those wishing to continue mailing me in London
c/o Reka Fabian
75 Salsbury Road
London NW6 6NH
UK
807 peeps get this circular direct, a whole heap of internet sites and forums also subscribe. If you don't want it, its not a problem!
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Thu Dec 20 2001 - 03:11:16 CET