From: Velanche Stewart (vstewart_at_calpoly.edu)
Date: 2003-04-12 04:12:11
U R B A N L A N D S C A P E S
Global Club Culture...
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---- NEW ADDRESS FOR MUSICAL SUBMISSIONS To jump right to the mailing address for musical submissions, please scroll toward the bottom of this circular for more information. ---- NEWS Been a crazy few weeks on my end, but a sense of normalcy (whatever that is) is close to being at hand. GUEST MIX FROM ERNESTO This evening on the show is an exclusive Urban Landscapes Guest Mix from Hollow Recordings artist Ernesto. He also goes by several other aliases, including Ernesto's (for his trio), Tantan, and Pinku Vaaty among others. One of the members of the young and talented Gonkyburg crew, his dead-on soulful vocal work has been getting plenty of notice from tastemakers and music fans worldwide. He's due with a full-length album later this year. Hear his dope mix set during the second hour. And of course, loads of new music to keep you satiated. So tune in! ECLECTIC GROOVES GIG THIS MONDAY Are you local? Then be sure to catch "Eclectic Grooves," a night of different sounds and different beats. I will be spinning, along with four other KCPR DJs, for what we hope will be a night of fresh sounds to enrich your body and soul. The event will happen this Monday at Club SLO Brew downtown. Doors open at 9pm. In many ways, this is a first for San Luis Obispo. We are optimistic that this will be just the beginning. WHERE'S LAST WEEK'S SHOW?? Looking for last week's show? I've had to recreate it since I wasn't able to record the show last Friday. The show is almost complete and should be online by the end of this weekend. If all goes well, I should have tonight's show online at the same time. You can check the playlist for last week's show below while you wait. NEW REVIEWS I haven't done reviews in quite awhile. And as I sit here, I have received numerous albums and singles during the last week or so...many of which will be reviewed later but you can hear on this week's show. Hard to keep up, but will keep up the good fight. Also know that the music reviews for 2003 thus far will soon be on the Urban Landscapes web site. THIS WEEK’S REVIEWS Break Reform—Fractures (Abstract Blue/UK) Bristol, baby! The trio known as Break Reform actually hail out of London, but one listen to this album took me back to the dark, moody sounds of Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines” and Portishead’s “Dummy” (both hail out of Bristol and were influential in the so-called "Bristol Sound"). This outstanding album belongs right next to these classics, because the album just oozes of melancholic soundscapes and lush, soulful feelings. Upon releasing a few singles that has been championed by Gilles Peterson and other luminaries, this full length debut from Break Reform on its own Abstract Blue label is a fulfilling experience to listen through--from the first track to the last note. This is late-night moodiness is in the best tradition. Don’t sleep on this one, or you’ll miss out on one of the best releases this year so far. Freaks—The Man Who Lives Underground (Music For Freaks/UK) A few years ago, the record buyer at Boo Boo Records here in town gave me several promo CDs to peruse through. One of the acts that caught my ears was music from an outfit called Freaks, who apparently were doing some deliciously crazy house bizness on their own UK-based label Music For Freaks. The label has been well-regarded for its inventive takes on tired, reused house formulas. So it was a pleasant surprise to listen to the Freaks’ long-player “The Man Who Lived Underground.” Part house, part p-funkish (if there's such a word), and all fun, the tunes are strong and playful through and through without sounding the least bit trite. Though Justin Harris and Luke Solomon are the main core behind Freaks, it’s actually a six-member collective doing some mad things. I bet that smiles will come across unsuspecting listeners and dancing fools who fall under the spell of these terrific tunes. You really must check this out and find out for yourself. Various Artists—Suite For Weldon EP 12” (Stones Throw) With talent from California-based Stones Throw Records such as Mr. Dibbs, Madlib (aka Yesterday’s New Quintet), and Peanut Butter Wolf (aka Jay Dee), one can count on quality music. This new EP keeps the quality tradition in check, paying tribute to the late Weldon Irvine. And a nice tribute, at that. It’s strong on the funk and rare-groove end of things, as Madlib (under his “Quintet” umbrella), Mr. Dibbs, and Breakestra all contribute their talents quite capably. The track “Suite For Weldon” is a definitely epic standout, clocking at 10 minute plus...not a moment wasted. Though the other two tracks, Mr. Dibbs's "Divine Spirit" and Breakestra's "Sister Sanctified" are markedly shorter tracks, they are no less effective in its impact. Can Stones Throw get any better? With the slate of quality releases in the wild, one can feel all but assured. Les Nubians—One Step Forward (Omtown) I’m going to tell you right now; if you only hear Les Nubians’s “Temperature Rising” single, then you will have absolutely no idea of the sheer joy in listening to this duo. The French sisters and the rich musical variety of this collection has made “One Step Forward” a positive footnote in 2002. The sisters’ vocal talents are complimented very well by all of the players involved on their debut, now released stateside after receiving critical praise in Europe. Two of the tunes on the album are produced by IG Culture, with one of them, the spirited "La Guerre, " being quite the favorite of mine on the album. I can only hope that future works by Les Nubians can stand up to the quality of this album. Seek it out now. Funky Lowlives—Cartouche (Stereo Deluxe) After a long time of having to find releases via import, Studio Distribution is now ensuring that Germany’s Stereo Deluxe makes its way to the masses here stateside. Originally released in Europe last year, “Cartouche” is an album that’s been a long time coming. The Funky Lowlives have been well-respected for the quality remix work and its own original compositions. So this is very much their due, and surely up there in terms of the kind of quality that Stereo Deluxe is known for. The Bobby Hughes Combination—Nhu Golden Era (Stereo Deluxe) Continuing the domestic releases of the current Stereo Deluxe roster is that of Finnish-based artist Espen Horne, the mastermind behind the project known as the Bobby Hughes Combination. “Nhu Golden Era” has been a favorite of mine since its original release last October, so it’s nice to know that more folks are going to get to know what all of the fuss has been about. It's perfect Urban Landscapes music, doing the jazzy/soulful business rather handedly. Les Voleurs—Starlight (Schiffo Disko UK/CD-R) Got a surprise in the mail a few weeks ago…a CD-R sent from Les Voleurs. I can’t say that I know much about them, but I do like the two tunes on the CD-R—soon to be released on the duo’s own Schiffo Disko imprint. We get one tune that samples the late crooner Perry Como that starts with a downtempo-like way before building in a broken-beat sort of style, while the other samples the one-and-only Prince and develops a soulful house flavor. Nice one. Najite Olokum Prophecy—Africa Before Invasion (Sofa Disk) Najite was a prodigy of African musical legend Fela Kuti, who took him under his care after Najite’s father passed away. Most of us can only dream of learning under the wings of such a master. It seems that Najite has learned his craft well, as demonstrated on his debut long player for Sofa Disk, a new imprint of the label Plug Research. “Africa Before Invasion” is an Afrobeat delight, with six wonderful cuts awashing in African rhythms, ethnic chants, and soulful vibes. Definitely one for fans of rich ethnic rhythms and cool epic tracks. Osunlade Presents Nadirah Shakoor—Pride 12” (Set/France) I’ve heard the title track sometime last year; can’t remember when, but the combination of self-assuring lyrics, confident vocals, and solid production from the man Osunlade makes this a winner. On the flip, you’ll find a nice downbeat track "Touched My Soul," plus Osunlade throwing down another of his Yoruba Soul remixes on "Pride." Good one, it is. Cool Hipnoise—Title (Select Cuts) Manasseh Meets The Equalizer—Title (Select Cuts) I'm quite the sucker for Germany's Select Cuts. They've been putting out some quality albums, both in original and (mainly) in compilation form. The Cool Hipnoise album combines tracks from the group’s last two albums into one. Then, going one step further, follow each track with a dub or remix version. Manesseh Meets The Equalizer is just as strong a long-player in its own rights, with a combination of dub, reggae, downtempo, and dance sensibilities. I hope that Select Cuts keeps it coming...and you should really check out the label for yourself. Warmdesk—Guero Variations (Deluxe) A friend from the states asks you to help track down a hard-to-find record. You find it, you tell him you’ll send it off. You have a listen and…oops! You found yourself enveloped and captivated by its nuances. This is the basic story behind the track <>. So inspired was <name>, that he ended up creating an album with different intepretations of the tune. In the end, he’s managed to create nine different versions…all from a simple piano tune. Nice Hipnosis—EP 12” (Perfect Toy/Germany) Various Artists—Creative Musicians (Perfect Toy/Germany) One of Germany’s newest labels, Perfect Toy, already hits the ground running with two fine releases. “Creative Musicians” is a well-compiled album of ultra-rare funk, soul, and jazz goods put together by Into Somethin’s Florian Keller. Definitely seek this one out. It took him five years to complete this collection, and it’s an essential for yours. Meanwhile, a duo known as Hipnosis makes jazz hip in a good way with an EP of delightful goods. Check out the fabulous “My Words” featuring great vocal work from Marc Frank—both the original form and an excellent Mitchell & Dewbury remix that keeps the moody jazz flavor intact. Truby Trio—High Jazz: Freeform Reform Mixes 12” (Compost/Germany) The song that refuses to stand still keeps moving along, with a funky-as-hell remix from Freeform Five doing its Freeform Reform thingie. Additional live instrumentation compliments Joseph Malik’s vocals quite well, elevating the original in a good way. Also check out the Nicola Conte remix, a separate 12”, from the label. Unforscene—Tryin’ (Kudos CD-R/UK) While in Europe, Landslide was nice enough to pass me a CD-R of a tune that he wasn’t sure would be picked up. That was in January, and now I’m happy to say that it’ll soon be released on Kudos in the UK. It’s a far different remix than one would expect from Landslide, as he goes for a downtempo, dub-wise, and yet soulful groove that's quite seductive. Packs a slow punch, I would say. Bebel Gilberto—Tanto Tempo Special Remix Edition (East-West/UK) For fans of Bebel Gilberto’s "Tanto Tempo" long player who are fixated on vinyl, this one is for you. Not only will you get two vinyls of the original album, but you’ll also get two extra slabs of wax that features all of the remixes from “Tanto Tempo Remix.” But wait…that’s not all! You also get two, count ‘em, two extra tracks that weren’t on “Remixes” including the well-received Marky & XRS mix of “So Nice.” You get four pieces of vinyl in all. Get it quick, cause this is a limited edition...really! Spacek—Vintage Hi-Tech (!K7) This is a nice, strong allbum from the Spacek crew. I really enjoyed their “Curvatia” album from awhile back before they were unceremoniously dumped from the now-defunct Island Blue label. With the band’s new home at !K7, Spacek shows us why they take “neo-soul” to levels above its contemporaries. “Vintage Hi-Tech” has top-notch and very creative production, with all the music and sampling seeming to be in the right place. And lest we forget Stevie Spacek’s smooth-as-silk vocals that can croon a woman to her knees. It’s definitely high among my favorites of this year so far. Mitchell & Dewbury—Globetrotter (Mumo/UK) New 12” from the dynamic duo of Paul Mitchell & Russ Dewbury, taken from their forthcoming long-player for Mumo called “Rapping With The Gods.” A bit of soul, a bit of funk, some dope live instrumentation, some well-picked, well-placed crowd-pleasing samples make this one a nice change from the strictly-electronic vibes. If you dig “Jazz Is Your Life” on the “On The Right Track” compilation from Canada's Do Right label, you should feel this one just as well. Look forward to the album. Previously Reviewed Albums Now Available Domestically… -Various Artists—Zero dB: Reconstruction (Ubiquity) -Gotan Project—La Revancha del Tango (XL) To be reviewed soon -Rima--This World (Compost) -Mitchell & Dewbury--Rapping With The Gods (Mumo/UK) -Various forthcoming 12" from Detroit's Moods & Grooves -Fertile Ground—Illumination Remixes aka Remixes #3 (Counterpoint/UK) -Duptribe 12" from new German label Hilltribe -Various Artists--InSoul Sessions Vol. 2 (Inspirit/UK) -Various Artists--Jazzanova Remixed (Compost) -Various Artists--End Recordings 1995-2000 (End) -Dutch Rhythm Combo—Go Dutch! EP 12” (Pulver/Germany) ...and many more ---- VELANCHE’S SOUNDSCAPES FOR APRIL 2003 (in no particular order) -Spacek—-Vintage Hi-Tech (!K7) -Break Reform-—Fractures (Abstract Blue/UK) -Hipnosis—-EP 12” (Perfect Toy/Germany) -Phil Parnell-—Runaway: Bugge Wesseltoft & Mantis Recordings Filmix 12” (Mantis white/UK) -Quantic—-Off The Beaten Track: Carmel Remix (Tru Thoughts CD-R/UK) -Anorganik featuring Sena-—Endlessly (Atlas CD-R/Hungary) -Dutch Rhythm Combo—-Go Dutch! EP (Pulver/Germany) -Les Voleurs-—EP (Schiffo Disko CD-R/.UK) -Najite Olukum Prophecy—-Africa Before Invasion (Sofa Disk) -Freaks—-The Man Who Lived Underground (Music For Freaks/UK) -Various Artists--Zero dB: Reconstruction (Ubiquity) =Various Artists-—Suite For Weldon EP 12” (Stones Throw) -Unforscene—-Tryin’: Landslide Remix (Kudos CD-R/UK) -Gotan Project—-Santa Maria/Triptico: Tom Middleton & Peter Kruder Remixes 12” (XL) =Various Artists—-Creative Musicians (Perfect Toy/Germany) =Mitchell & Dewbury-—Globetrotter 12” (Mumo) -Various Artists-—Jazz Bizniz 3 (Counterpoint/UK) -Jazzinho—-Constelancao: Quant Remix (Ecco Chamber CD-R/Austria) -Various Artists-—Future Sounds of Jazz 9 (Compost) -I:Cube—-Vacuum Jacker EP (Versatile CD-R/France) ---- LAST FRIDAY'S PLAYLIST (Show will be available for listening soon) 1. Caia--La Telecabine The Magic Dragon (Guidance) 2. Iguassu--At Home (CD-R) 3. Marcel--Jealous (Good Looking Records CD-R/UK) 4. Spacek--It's Not Gonna Happen Vintage Hi-Tech (!K7) 5. Dwele--Truth 12" (Virgin) 6. Acme--Hangover (Zero dB Remix) Zero dB: Reconstruction compilation (Ubiquity) 7. Unforscene--Tryin' (Landslide Remix) (Kudos CD-R/UK) 8. Domenico Ferrari--Stenca Commute (Straight Ahead/Switzerland) 9. Reunion--Time Is Ticking Re: (Sonar Kollektiv/Germany) 10. Break Reform--Perfect Season Fractures (Abstract Blue/UK) 11. Hipnosis--My Words featuring Marc Frank (Mitchell & Dewbury Remix) EP 12" (Perfect Toy/Germany) 12. Jaga Jazzist--Tristar Animal Chin EP (Gold Standards Lab) 13. Duptribe--Sound Of Silence EP 12" (Hilltribe/Germany) 14. Andy Caldwell--Don't Hold Back (Phuturistix Remix) InSoul Sessions Vol. 2 compilation (Inspirit CD-R/UK) 15. Gotan Project--Triptico (Peter Kruder's "PK's Trip Deluxe" Mix) 12" (XL) The Urban Landscapes Guest Mix: Break Reform Playlist -Karin Krog--I'll Wait For You -Break Reform--Mercy -Dudley Perkins/Jhelisa--Friendly Flowers -Curtis Lundy--Never Gonna Let You Go -Break Reform--Cost Of Livin' -Jackie Mitto--Black Organ -Dorothy Ashby--Wine -Showbiz & AG--Runaway Slave -David McCullum--The Edge -Break Reform/Edo. G--Abstract Situations -Beatnuts--Yeah, You Get Props -Nat Adderly--Electric Eel -Sarah Winton--Stetalude -Pressure Drop--Spirits Fall -Chocolate Milk--Time Machine -Michael Longo--Ocean Of His Might -Joe McDupherey Experience--Solar Waves -Large Professor--Kool -Break Reform--Lady Sings **END of Break Reform Mix** 16. Andres--Is It Cool EP 12" (Moods & Grooves) 17. Fertile Ground--Illumination (Fertile Ground's Afrobeat version) (Counterpoint CD-R/UK) 18. Jazzinho--Constelacao (Quant Remix) (Ecco Chamber CD-R/Austria) ---- Urban Landscapes proudly supports quality independent music from around the world. Respect and gratitude to all the independent labels, radio promotion folks, and related entities for sharing the wonderful musical goods. The show has been keeping it real for over five years, as the movement continues to expand its influence. Please feel free to send promos/musical submissions (CD/CDR, vinyl, and minidisc) for airplay and/or review consideration to: Velanche Stewart Urban Landscapes Entertainment 1029 Southwood Drive #D San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA This newsletter is sent to DJs, record labels, promotion companies, and like-minded music lovers from around the world. If you wish to be removed from the list, please let me know. To be added to the weekly mailing list, please send email to info-request_at_urbanlandscapesshow.com. Please write "subscribe" as the title of your message (in the "Subject" area). Have a good weekend!