Christina's current "Funky" summer addictions: (No specific order)
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1. Organic Grooves / Memory Pool / (Codek)
My favorite song on Organic Grooves 4 Live in NY - Subtle romantic
strings lay a soft bed for this sophisticated groove. Contemporary jazzy
brass flows in and out led by a balanced blend of organic percussions
that this NY collective is know so well for. Following in is a funky
guitar taking this piece to another level of sexy-sophisticated funk.
One of the best acts happening states side.
2. Monta / Exposed in Novosibirsk / (Crater Technology)
These cats are straight out of the psychedelic story book. This song
starts off with my favorite instrument, the bass, and though this bass
line is quiet basic it's absolutely the perfect fit for this psychedelic
trip. Super tight live drums and fills. I don't think there is a key in
this groove that doesn't have funk written all over it. Can not wait to
hear more from these guys.
3. DRM / Shaeed / Canton remix / (Citrona)
One of the best remixes Greg has done to date: The combination of Aaron
Schultz's (DRM) gorgeous melodies and Greg Long's (Canton) style has
made this beautiful song Shaeed, a truly super tight mix. Strong
midtempo beats, serious dubbed out melodies, with that perfect touch of
dirty funk that leaves you wondering what's next.and that's just it!!!
It gets better as the song plays through, all the way to an ending that
you truly don't want to end. Release July 2002 CIT02 Citrona Recordings.
(A1 Shaeed Courtsey of Bastard Jazz)
4. Quantic / Apricot Morning / (Tru Thoughts)
I had heard so much about this song and I believe it may of sold out
here in the states. I'm new to the Quantic sound, starting with "Life in
the Rain" but it's never too late to find a diamond in the rough. This
young man obviously has been gifted with natural talent. The intro in
"Apricot Morning" brings out the artist in me in every way imaginable.
The word "inspired" is an understatement. Wil knows how to take
something soft, combine a funky little bass line, jazzy elements of
suprise and those ever so groovy damn beats causing even the stiffest of
folks standing by the wall to shake what their thing. The creative
transitions in this song are also a very warm welcome in world of
repetitious loops.
5. Erik Sumo / Just A Woman / Crate Soul Brothers Slice it remix /
(Pulver)
There are so many reasons I adore this song. The very obvious, the bass,
do I hear a fretless maybe? Either way who ever is playing the bass are
showing quite few magic tricks. This is a groovy tune that has a
freestyle feel as if played live. Another reason I love this track so
much is this duded out synthesizer that comes in then goes away leaving
me wanting more, when it does come back it's not the same melody but
something totally fresh. But that's not all, then comes this sassy
little trumpet as if the player just walked into a jam session and
joined right in.
6. Greg Long / Economic Freedom / Blend remix / (Shadow)
Economic Freedom is one of my favorite songs on Balance. Since a child I
have had a very strong love for the organ and it's undying sound of
soul. George Mandas (Blend) must of felt the same when he choose to
remix this piece as the stronger elements, the organ and funky guitar
are the highlights of this remix. Blend is by far one of the best
remixers I know today, not to mention his debut album Echo Warrior is
flat out dope, as you guys would say. Blend has taken Economic Freedom
to another level of dub and psychedelic soul, by perfectly cutting up
rearranging and adding elements of desiring surprises all over the
place. (rumor has it this will be on Hed Sessions vol 2 not yet
confirmed)
7. DSP (Fish go Deep) / Sins I've Lost / One / (Imperial DUB)
Some may know these guys for there tight deep and tech house sound, well
they also have another side. One that is extremely classy and stylish
and when it comes to this mix that side is all over the place. I guess
you can say this song has a hip hop / jazz thing going. I'm assuming
that based on the beat which reminds me of Massive Attack. Though all
the keys are played as straight up jazz cords. Part way through the mix,
this beautiful, I mean absolutely beautiful, vocal comes in. Sounds of a
mature black man singing his song in obviously the most romantically
passionate of ways, damn this kind of thing can make any girl weak.
8. Erik Sumo / Just A Woman / Original mix / (Pulver)
Already a HUGE fan of this label and "very" thankful their music is
dropping in my mail box, Erik Sumo does not let the rope loosen up on
just how tight Pulver is. Just when I thought Dublex Inc. was Pulver's
backbone, it has hit me that this label is truly all about one thing:
"The best that they've got" Just a Woman is definitely another funky
groove that can replace my morning coffee day. Again, soulful mature
vocal sample threads in a song lead mostly by jazzy funky percussions
and cords that stay consistent throughout. I'd say this song is meant
for the dance floor and some. (note: all remixes of this are tight)
9. Blend / All that Dub / Greg Long remix / (Shadow)
Still have this in my car I love it so much and it's yet to be released.
(rumor also has this coming out on Hed Session vol 2 not yet confirmed)
Again, two of my favorite producers merge their styles in one. Greg
choose one of Blend's stand out tracks from his debut "Echo Warrior"
This is a "heavy" bass lead - dubbed- out mid-downtempo groove. Another
song with a Massive Attack feel guided by dark and moody organ stabs and
very strong bass lines. An additional key element which adds to the vibe
is the dubbed out sample of Blend himself saying "all that dub" in
Greece.
10. Organic Grooves / Slim-Fast in Reverse / (Codek)
Again a midtempo song where the bass and beats are the lead players of
this heavy head- journey. Ever so slightly and subtle jazz keys play
along side a canvas full of sounds and feathered textures ranging from a
sitar, electro keys to a funky guitar. This song is another dubbed out,
synthesized and at times even spacey groove. Just the way I like it.
citrona.net / softartstudios.com
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