Last Cuki news for three weeks...... 'Hooray'
Yep, I will be away from Vienna and in particular this keyboard from the 14th of February until the 4th of March.
Anything of any importance, telephone/SMS 0043 1260 4000. Off to Kitzbuhl for 5 days and then London and Oslo for two weeks. Wish me luck on a snowboard! Wish me even more luck on the Hahnenkamm! Wish me the most luck though on the Central line! Thinking about it, this could actually be Cuki's very last newsletter! Even bigger 'Hooray'!
If I make it, I'll respond to all the mail, electronic and otherwise on my return.
The Sacher torte saga continues! Its true, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis back in 1965, when the rest of the world was on the edge of their seats wondering if globe was about to be plummeted into a new world war and probable nuclear destruction, Austrians were more concerned about who got the rights to call their chocolate cake 'the original' Sacher torte. Yes, Austrian newspapers took precedence with the chocolate quarrel over the near ending of the world! It may only be a chocolate cake to some but its pretty damn important over here! Another reason why this place is so special. Just gotta luv their boots!
No recipe for Nadia at Far Out recordings either, as the staff at both Demel and Sacher are sworn to secrecy over the recipe. God, they even have to sign a declaration not to give the recipe out. 'Hush hush' with cake recipes? Believe. You'll have to do with a Black Forest gateau out of Marks and Spencer's Nadia.
Yeap, this town so sweet. Chocolate by day, honey by night! Well at least at the Flex last Saturday night! More than enough Honeys in the house. The choice track from the Tosca long player gets plenty different flavours on the new 4x12" 1xCD remix package. We got to taste this first hand (excuse the pun) at the monthly G-Stone bash at the Flex Club last weekend. Faze Action, Supatone, Funky Lowlives, Only Child, Markus Kienzl to name just a few, drop new and extremly funky licks to this, one of Vienna's finest musical moments. Check the video out if you get the chance, especially if you haven't got a girlfriend. It's real honey apparently!
Respect to Florian Keller 'Intosomethin' www.intosomethin.com resident for mashing up 'Soulsugar' Sunday night bizniz this weekend. Get ready also for remix pressure from Florian for the Compost label. Love to the Tomstar for helping out when Cuki's wallet went AWOL this weekend. We in Vienna looking forwards to Messer's Reinboth and Rutten for a Compost bash at the Dub Club on the 4th of March.
That man Nathan Haines, he of the awesome 'Sound Travels' LP has a new night in London. Its called 'Lushlife' and will be at the all new 'Cherry Jam' venue on the west side of town. The very first gig will be on the 26th of February. Original Bemsha vibe. Check it.
This weekend we had a little piece of eastern Europe staying at Bootsville! Tibi Mozsik aka DJ Keyser from Budapest & Alen S aka Jesus of Zagreb from Croatia. Thought I'd write a column (not a pillar Alen?) on what I call downtown Europe and a few of the main protagonists who represent the nu jazz and future funk thing here.
One of the nicest things about living in Austria and Vienna in particular is not just the awesome chocolate cakes. Being set in a location that is a gateway to the other territories in middle and downtown Europe is pretty cool for this out of towner too. Car and train journeys to Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Serbia are the norm for regular citizens of this land. My choice map guide is from those wonderful people at the CIA http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/ Its actually a really interesting page. Have a read at some of the statistics on certain countries!
RADIO3 is the deepest underground radio station in Sarajevo which of course is the Bosnian capitol Nik. Check the weekly HiFi Hotel radio show at www.radio3.ba running between the hours of 22.00, till whenever they decide to go home, which is never before 2 in the morning. Check out about life in the city from the presenters of the show Emir and Enes Haracic on a FM4 page http://fm4.orf.at/enes/ For me, it is a big thrill that these fella's inquire when the Bugz remix of 4 Hero's 'Hold it down' is coming out. Yes Dego, they know all about Dollis Hill in little ol' Bosnia & Herzegovina. I have a interesting car journey with these guys stretching from Trieste in north eastern Italy, through to Ljubljana, Sarajevo and then on to Zagreb coming up next month too.
Eddy, Dus and Alen need no introduction. They hang out in the city of Zagreb, Croatia These guys run one of the best club nights in Europe, the Kontrapunkt night at the Aquarius club http://kontrapunkt.aquarius.hr/blitz_eng.html The festival in the summer is not to be missed either. Ask Tom Wieland, Karl Injex, Lil Tony, Paolo Scotti, Seiji, Domu etc. Last years festival had Da Lata, Mark de Clive Lowe and the Boys from Brazil live. Some say this was the best gig of last year. Get ready also for some serious, serious remix pressure from Messer's Edward and Dus for Les Gammas and Sun Ra. Worth venturing into Zagreb to catch glimpses of female Croatian spies too!
And of course our dear friends DJ's Keyser and Shuriken in Budapest, Hungary. Tibi and Gabor on the infamous 'Tilos Radio' http://tilos.hu Lo-fi: http://tilos.hu/mp3/24/Tuesday/2300.m3u Hi-fi: http://tilos.hu/mp3/96/Tuesday/2300.m3u Mind you, Gabor is apparently looked up in his studying and listening to Fluid Ounce exlusives over in London so top Gorilla Tibi handles things on his own these days. Crate soul brothers still deliver the wackiest playlist on the small blue planet. Respect.
Shouts to Martin and Ozren in Ljubljana, Slovenia who look after the 'Loungebox session' at the Club K4, check http://www.loungebox.com/ I'll be checking out this crew and their lovely looking ladies (thanks for the pics;) early next month. Expect a full report in second or third week in March. They too knowing all about things on the west side of London as well as the 110 bpm groove attacks that come out of Vienna.
There is a hardcore fraternity in Belgrade too. Not met these guys yet but the Belgradeyard sound system guys who say "don't give people what they want, give them what they need!" can be checked at www.belgradeyard.co.yu Hopefully we'll get to check this city out very soon too.
Have I witnessed the best DJ in Vienna? Is his name is Vale Hackl? Yeah, he's the man ;)
Talking about Valentines! Thanks to two, who I have no idea who you are but hey that's the best thing about Valentines day. The anonymous mail and cards. Luv ya boots who ever you are.
A special Valentines to the original Cukibaba RF ;) Big hug coming on Tuesday.
Dr Boots prescribes the following for your forthcoming aural pleasure.
*Nu Bitz this week
Gotan Project - Triptico (Peter Kruder 'Trip De Luxe' remix) CD-R
This back in Fall! Secret rendezvous at the Wirr! Dr Boots undercover bizniz with his big mac on. Man dressed in black walks in with a package. Dr Boots unnoticed, slips this package into his raincoat. Thankfully the raincoat is heat resident cause this package is hot. So hot, he needed oven gloves to put it into the CD player when he got home. Aiight, the best record of the new century gets the Viennese treatment. And oh my god, what a treatment it is. P_EACE ,man delivers what Dr Boots thinks is his finest and most respectful remix ever. A tough job to remix the Triptico track. Its just so f**king awesome as it is. But Mr Kruder comes through with flags, horns, bells, flying colours and a big smile on Cuki's face!
Jazzanova - In Between (JCR/Compost) CD-R
Well, if you need oven gloves for the 'Trip De luxe' mix then you need full asbestos lining to protect you from the heat with this 13 tracker. Jazznaova come through with the first of what we hope will be many long players. 'In Between' is everything Jazzonva promised to be. All the other tracks they did before, all the remixes! They were just the paving the way for this baby. And you know how good the tracks before were! Hold your horses for April release, because thats when it arrives. The flowers are blowing already. It's big
*Plej - V/T (?) CD-R
My exclusive CD-R just got better and I'm not kidding when I say this is the best unsigned music out there. The Plej consortium come through with a 14 track CD for the Cuki and selected friends (Mr K, Oli, check it out!). New cuts, tighter mixes. Its the best soft electronica I've heard in ages folks and has been recorded to my minidisc for my two and a half week venture out of town. Arvid, Jabo and Eerik (Plej) also get this sound out live. Two weeks ago they backed up the mighty Koop at the Nef and we hear both Magnus and Oscar were suitable impressed by what they heard.
Yukihiro Fukutomi - Play back (Forma) 12"
Thanks Wesley! My ol' mucker Nik Weston been teasing me with this for too long! I didn't have a CD-R. But my bros far east come through wit readies and I get slam this in my toolbox with a big grin :) Just to show there is truth in the old saying, ''good things come to those who wait''! Or that you have the right contacts! Limited Japanese pressing and guess what? Some big boy American label got twitchy enough to sign it up. Expect Nitegroove bizniz and a release for the UK soon.
Sun Ra - The Satellites are spinning (Zero dB mix)(Mo Smog) CD-R
6 in the am. Flex regulars leaving the very first party of December 01. But wait, the P_EACE man has one more tune to drop. In the back ground crashing drums and horns introduce an exclusive. Someone too is calling planet Earth. Could that really be June Tyson? Er, it's at this time that we totally lose control of our boots! Neil and Chris watch on in amusement. So here it is, the maddest, the craziest remix of the year already. Zero dB excel themselves with this, their most outrageous remix. Some how and in some place far from this planet, the Ra is dancing his cosmic boots to the Z dB! Respect to the Ra, respect to the dB.
Joseph Malik - Diverse (Compost) 2xLP
I'm getting lost with how many great albums coming out of Haggar St. The first, second and thrid are all on Compost. Every damn track hitting Cuki's neurological, biological and physiological systems. Wow, upbeat, downbeat, nubeat, even beats with drum n bass in it. All songs too. Yep it's all here and it's all very very good. Totally awesome album, it really is. Start saving your local currency now brothers and sisters!
*Seelenluft - Album sampler (Klein) CD-R
A mad capper from somewhere else! They tell me Switzerland and if its true then Switzerland got a lot to answer for. No really, this total loon on pure class pills as the next level of eccentric mood making and sonic soundscaping gets ready to be released at the end of April. Even those who enjoyed the excellent Synchronschwimmer EP last year in for a shock and a treat.
*Sun Ra - Sunset on the Nile (Eddy & Dus remix) (Mo Smog) CD-R
Think the boys from Zagreb must have been pushing a supermarket trolley with a wonky wheel when they conceived this remix. It really does go all over the place. Sun Ra gets to go all broken beat. Right now, Eddy & Dus are two of the most exciting producers around and this adventurous remix shows how fearless they are with it. Two Sun Ra tracks in Cuki's chart. Maybe we should give Saturn a call and get him over for a gig?
John Kong & Moonstar - Future Visions (Zero dB remix)(Fluid Ounce) 12"
This time Chris and Neil give Toronto the treatment. The ZdB take their imperial measurements to the 'Movement' man and last years dance floor secret weaponry Moonstar and deliver another top form remix for the true nu jazz collective. The vinyl sounds fat and immediately makes it's way into Cuki's toolbox for more excursions into Europe. Check the orignial rub too.
4 Hero - Hold it down (West London mixes)(Talkin' Loud) CD-R
Dollis Hill gets the Bitasweet treatment. The favourite track from the awesome 'Creating Patterns' album in clubland gets two excellnet Minerva Road rubs. Bugz as a collective and by the free spirited Kaidi Tatham.
Amma - On my own (Landslide & Spectre mixes)(Inspirit) CD-R
Didn't I tell ya to watch this label! Real two step for the educated sorts. Magic Tim Landslide as usual coming through with the lick, nothing new there. The guys just on it! But check the new kid in town. Spectre trading blows head on with Mr Land and you guys gonna have to be the Judges. We digging the dub Mr Haynes.
Agent K - Kaidi Tatham is Agent K (Laws of Motion) CD-R
Bugz boy wonder Kaidi Tatham with the long awaited album. I remember all those years ago Chris Fleming at Laws of Motion telling me that he wanted to sign Kaidi for an album. Well, here it is and both Chris and Kaidi can be extremly proud of the result. Always spiritual, Its the way of the Agent K, always moving forward, the natural way of Laws of Motion records. 12 awesome tracks that include Betcha, Ladies, Armz R Deh and nuff tracks about cats.
*Carmel - NuJazzKilla (Fluid Ounce) 12"
The bomb from Budapest, and this the top tune for the Crate Soul Brothers for many a moon finally finds its way into the mucky hands of those lovely chummies at Floz. Expect girls to take their clothes off to this as you wipe out all competition with the killa track of the night! Yep, another out there party tune that makes any DJ look good. The ZdB and the Floz know how to rock the house.
*? - Fast lane (?) 12"
Talking about girls! Sometimes you need a bit of sexy house to get them on their feet and this is a tune for the baba's no doubt. Thanks to my bro on Brick lane for this slick one sided twelve with no info on. Hope it finds a home soon matey. Yep, pretty good bagles, and now house music outta Brick lane. Another top tune to blow your blues away ;)
Mum - The Fishing (Klein) 2xLP
No, not my mum but the Mum on Klein records! And Mum mix it up like no other outfit on the Klein label either. Mind you, my mum could mix it if she knew what I spent on records each month. Expect thunderstorms and lightning strikes along side the sweetest slices of melancholy in the forthcoming 'Szabotnik 15 mission' album. The Fishing track though spooking out Bootsville tenants and guests alike. Lights off here in the 15th Bezirk.
Microfish - Keen/Its me (Stereotyp mix)(Dialog) 12"
Excellent moody music from the Sonar Kollecktiv group including that man from the 18th district Mr S/Typ on remix duty. In fact both sides kill ya with Stefen's mix and a beautiful ballad featuring Mr Meitz on keyboard duties and Onna on the vocals.
Art Konik - Vendetta Society (Comet) CD-R
Excellent long player from Parisian based drummer and percussionist Nicolas Gorge. He's giving us a bundle of awesome twelve's these last few years on the ever consistent Comet label and now 10 tracks sit nicely in the CD player. More educated nu jazz for the headz!
*Total Science - Sugar Sweet (Hidden Agenda remix)(Head to Toe) 12"
3rd instalment from the nu jazz collective of Italy. This label not letting up it seems. T.Science and H. Agenda no strangers to the future funk scene get it on with a large dosage of thick and chunky groovyness. More then enough bottom end to break a few bassbins.
*Precyz - Comanche (Nylon) 12"
A favourite with DJ Morpheus and the Straight no Chaser crew for a long time. Fresh music out of sunny Lisbon and that's just what we need mid February in chilly Vienna. Howie B (remember him) turns out one of his best remixes for ages and the original makes me wanna fly to warmer climates. Those who enjoy the sound of Nina Miranda and Smoke City, then this is essential.
*Dom Um Romao - Groovystation (Ian O'Brien remix)(Irma) 12"
OB the master of combination. Old and new, fusion and funk, techno and house. Excellent tribal remix from the Essex boy and time spent in Brazil obviously paying off as the ride of this rhythm feels as authentic as any Brazilian producer.
*Sepia - Last Tango in Paris (Hammock remix)(Irma) 12"
Gato Barbieri is the man! Robert Grillo and the Chicago crew know this and give one of the classics the 21st century house treatment. Chicago was the birth place of house music and believe it or not, some good house music still comes out of there. I hear many complaining that what happened to Chicago? Check this out then with it's warm and loving cello's and strings. Those who enjoyed the MKL vs Soy Sos stuff need to get alarm bells set for this.
Ultra Nate - Twisted (Giant Step) 12"
Well, this record was charted well over a year ago. CD-R bizniz, then we got to chart it courtesy of Mr Ruttens' last 'Tribes' comp and one year later we get to give it another honour. Simply too good to resist and those who missed out should seek this one of the best downtempo moody 4 Hero productions ever. The diva of despair gets the most respected broken beats to complement her soothing voice. This twelve will be limited so seek out early
Waldeck - Rears running dry (Herbert's level dub)(Dope Noir) 2x12"
Waldeck, one of the true ambassadors of the Viennese scene gets that man Matty Herbert on his new double pack. And you know what to expect with the man. House music for those who got slightly feed up with house music. Expect lots of noises from the kitchen, the Amazon jungle maybe even a few car crashes. He sure don't get his samples from records!
Henri Salvador - Jazz Mediterranee (Koop & Readymade mixes)(Source) 12"
Koop doing what they do best. Mixing up the old with the new, turning out another soft and sensual summer song. The flip gets a little tougher but only just, Readymade do their best interpretation of Herbert which is no bad thing really. Been after this for yonks so you guys probably know about this already but hey.
Vikter Duplaix - Sensuality (K7) CD-R
Taken from Vikter's forthcoming comp for the DJ kicks series with this the exclusive track stealing the limelight. We though have to wait for a twelve as it didn't hit the finished version of the vinyl album. Without doubt Philli's finest ladiez man in ridiculous form. If 01 was big for Vikter then 02 gonna be even bigger. Check this for the start of it.
Nuspirt Helsinki - Album (Guidance) CD-R
It's been a long time coming but Thomas, Kasio, Lil Tony and the crew finally finnish (no pun intended) this their first long player. Anybody that got off on the Compost twelve or the excellent releases for Guidance surely in need of this. Cuki getting excited by the nice down tempo tracks too.
Kasar - The Newcomer (Crippled Dick) 2xLP
Monster remix track from the 'Iron Curtain' revisited remix album project. Other tracks on the album (including Les Gammas & Kabuki) cut the mustard but this one the Cuki choice for moving the floor with minimal amount of ease and maximum amount of wastage on the footwear.
Koichi Ozaki & Hiro Nakamura - In the mood (Eurasian Suite) CD-R
We diggin a little left field music outta Hiroshima. Subtlety for sure as gentle tribal rhythms and drums lead you into a conscious move. Bottom and mid notes from the piano hypnotize you into a state of air and freeness. Yes, we getting airborne with this little groove.
Partial Arts - Canopy (Out of the Loop) 12"
Great little label getting stronger with every single release. This maybe the finest yet. Is this really Russ Gabriels label? Anyway check this for a infectious groover with all the right ingredients to shuffle dem boots.
Frederic Galliano & The African Divas - Super Boujueor (F Comm) CD-R
Murderous groove that bangs on in the carnival spirit. It dosen't do much in the way of changing direction but it sure does move feet. The divas take a rest on this one but can be found in other areas of the album.
This weeks Java Joint.
Lesette Wilson - 'Now that I've got your attention'
Headfirst HF 9708 (1981)
Simply one of the best fusion albums ever! When Lesette played such awesome keys on Tom Browne's 'Funkin for Jamaica', Headfirst the label decided to give her a bash at a solo album. And she didn't disappoint. Classic fusion funk in the form of 'Caveman Boogie', 'Saturday nite groovin' being the monstrous tracks to those who know. My favourite track the less obvious though deeper 'Travelling Song'. As far as I know, Lesette only did one album at about this time. Real shame because she was a real star to many a quality musician including Roy Ayers and Fela Kuti.
Bussi babba's, stay lovely and luv ya boots
Till the next time
The one sweet daddy
Mail to Alan Brown/Cukipapa
Pillergasse 7/20
1150
Vienna
Austria
Mobile/SMS 0043 699 1260 4000
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Those wishing to continue mailing me in London
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