From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2004-12-26 19:58:16
Jon Freer’s Reviews 26th December 2004.
Single selection:
V/A – For KJM EP 01 (K) (Especial Distribution)
V/A – For KJM EP 02 (J) (Especial Distribution)
V/A – For KJM EP 03 (M) (Especial Distribution)
Solid Groove – Flookin’ (Remixes) (Loungin’ Recordings)
Thunder, Rain & Lightning – Super Funky (Voxpop 45’s)
Money Mark – Burn Away / Dream Without Guilt (Different)
Thanks to Nik Weston for going beyond the call of duty, Graeme at Loungin’, Lisa at Voxpop 45’s and Tash at Different for these…
V/A – For KJM EP 01 (K) (Especial Distribution)
Cat No: espD 005. Available Now.
Kyoto Jazz Massive are one of the few eastern protagonists of modern dancefloor understanding jazzual grooves to have a high profile outside of their native country. The release of this clutch of EPs (and the CD they are taken from) containing exclusive tracks from major artists underlines the esteem in which KJM are held around the world. Phil ‘Restless Soul’ Asher contributes the buoyant “Time To Fly”, where positively minded keys and a subtle bass provide an excellent backing to Rasiyah’s vocals that suggest the only way forward is to take matters into one’s hands, instead of having an ostrich-like approach to making decisions. There’s also a slightly more relaxed ‘LP Mix’ of this track, with resting keys, smiling synths and simple percussive action. Alison David joins the Afronaught on “Now Or Never”, a demanding outing where a darkly minded bass meets excited strings and keys with their head in the clouds. Face’s “No Fear” has been produced by the illustrious Dego,!
and her musically minded vocals sit comfortably over slowly walking guitars and a murky bass. The vocals on Markus Enochson’s “Listen 4 It” track might not make much sense, but the strolling percussion and happy keys work nicely together.
V/A – For KJM EP 02 (J) (Especial Distribution)
Cat No: espD 006. Available Now.
These EPs are a little demanding on the wallets and purses of the record buying public, but the calibre of artists that KJM have brought together means that many music fans will find it difficult to resist purchasing at least one of the 3 releases. The pick of ‘J’ is Dego & Kaidi Tatham’s “Come With Me”, a persuasive vocal outing with lifted synths, cluttered beats and sure keys. There’s also an instrumental for those who want to feel the full force of the joyous keys, pouring bass and tinkering guitars. Da Lata’s “Ronco De Cuica” uses trustable guitars, battering drums and straight to the point brass to create an ideal springboard for the trio of vocalists that contribute to this track. Louie Vega & the EOL Band’s version of “Aphrodite” is a merry vibraphone addled groover, whilst Domu contributes “Take Flight”, an elevating string-kissed cut.
V/A – For KJM EP 03 (M) (Especial Distribution)
Cat No: espD 007. Available Now.
On the final EP, KJM themselves pop up with a track, but they are outshone by London’s super Reel People crew. The Reel People have donated two versions of the outstanding philosophically toned “Tomorrow Never Comes”. The ‘RP’s Club Mix’ sees abrupt beats, piercing synths and a blackened bass link up under Vanessa Freeman’s reverential vocals. The ‘Album Version’ pits Vanessa’s dedicated vocals against riveting guitars, enamouring strings and shiny keys. Lars Bartkuhn of the deeper than deep Needs crew gives us “First Friendship”, a welcoming track with happiness inducing keys, contorted guitars and flowing strings. KJM’s own “Endless Flight” in ‘12” edit’ format is a musically cultured composition, where charming keys, magnetic synths and rising vocals link up.
Solid Groove – Flookin’ (Remixes) (Loungin’ Recordings)
Cat No: LGN007. Release Date: February 2005.
A stellar cast of production aces get the job to update Dave ‘Solid Groove’ Taylor’s “Flookin’” for 2005. Kenny Dope’s tiny re-edit is without a shadow of a doubt the pick, courtesy of its steady beats, full-bodied guitars, heavy filtration and unstoppable vocals. Domu has supplied a couple of dysfunctional percussion and stumbling bass laced mixes that are also pretty handy. Trevor Lovey’s Rework is a chilled offering, with a homely flute, stuck percussion and FX movement. Dave’s own Housey revision completes the package, as clenched beats, horror film keys and an unforgiving bass combine on the scariest version of the track.
Thunder, Rain & Lightning – Super Funky (Voxpop 45’s)
Cat No: N1/4 02. Release Date: 7th February 2005.
Battling against the elements, Voxpop 45’s have dug deeply into the dusty crates again, in order to bring the listener another forgotten funkable gem. “Super Funky” ‘Part 1’ is a loose fitting saxed up mover, with dignified beats, a smooth-flowing bass and stable vocals. ‘Part 2’ sees the sax frolic some more, over complex bass patterns and reserved percussion.
Money Mark – Burn Away / Dream Without Guilt (Different)
Cat No: Diff09. Release Date: 10th January 2005.
Not sure if Mark’s releases are worth much in a monetary value yet, but musically they’re certainly worth something. “Burn Away” sees truthful vocals sit in pole position, backed by steadfast guitars, sensible keys and a frustrated bass. “Dream Without Guilt” has a meaty rhythm section and a dragging bass, whilst Mark’s vocals exhibit an active imagination.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
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