From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2004-02-13 12:39:13
Jon Freer’s Reviews. 12th February 2004.
Thanks to Mattieu at Q-Tape, Jake at Counterpoint, Tom & Jamie at Freerange,
Sarah at Favouritizm, Bob & Tash at Exceptional and The Rurals for these…
12” selection
Patchworks – Immo EP (Q-Tape Records)
Cat No: QT005. Available Now.
The impressive French Q-Tape imprint drops their most accomplished release yet,
in the form of the ocean-deep “Immo EP” from the open-minded
Patchworks. “Immo” is a pleasant afroid warmer, with jubilant brass, back
arching electric guitar and tuneful vox. The real standout is the hunger-
inducing “Corn Bread”, with its understanding soft-stepped percussion, velvety
jazzed-out keys and riding bass. Crusho’s mix of “Corn Bread” sees melancholic
keys meet muted horns and sharp guitar stabs. Sylvester Over’s revision is
reminiscent of Theo Parrish’s slightly tougher efforts, with unforgiving beats,
dramatic chords and a biting bass.
David Borsu – Monster EP (Counterpoint Records)
Cat No: CRS020. Available Now.
This is a monumental release from Liege based Borsu. He not only re-writes the
jazz-dance rulebook, but he does it in such a fashion as to appeal to those who
prefer a little more substance to their dancefloor endeavours. “A Way Of Life”
demonstrates sentiments that many can relate to, over stealthily moving keys,
open-eyed cosmic sax stares and fizzing brass crescendos. “Nocturne” is an
organic teary-eyed stroll, with committed acoustic strums, gripping keys and
shimmering strings. “Hustle The Funk” scrambles the tight percussion, as a
live bass nods and funked-out hopping vox-cuts ride the groove. “Monster” sees
a vocalist barely able to speak because of the filter affixed to her mouth
attempt to communicate her fear over spine-tingly chords and a riotous sax and
trumpet combo. Deep future jazz for those who like their feelings tinkered
with, whilst getting down with the groove. Can’t wait for the full album!!!
Long Players.
V/A – Freerange Records Colour Series: Yellow 01 (Freerange Records)
Cat No: FRCD8. Release Date: 23rd February 2004.
One of the most innovative and progressive imprints raids their back-catalogue
to give CD lovers a taste of their addictive nectar. A few choice new
offerings back up the strong roster-based selection of tracks that have already
seen the day on black plastic. Switch’s “Get Ya Dub On” is a dancefloor tearer
of a cut which got massacred on dancefloor by a variety of big DJing cheeses,
courtesy of its purposeful beats, gimmicky yet satisfying vocal hook and
uncaring bass. Shur-I-Kan confidently offers us “Generations”, which examines
our past and future, as sprawling kit-led percussion battles bathing in sun
keys and delectable string and flute waves. Palmskin Productions “Come Down”
is not the soundtrack to a post-drug withdrawal, but a gorgeously tender and
inviting cut, with a hugging guitar and casual vocals…I for one will be joining
them! Shame there’s no vinyl album, as Freerange 12”’s can be pretty difficult
to locate on occasions.
Chillifunk Vs Phil Asher – Heavyweight Soundclash (Chillifunk)
Cat No: CFCD012. Available Now.
In the blue corner, we have the wonderfully consistent and ever so deeply
musical Chillifunk imprint, showcasing some of their recent back catalogue. In
the green corner, we have West London’s most down to earth superstar DJ and
producer Phil Asher, no stranger to compilations. Let the battle commence…
Ashley Beedle pops up with his ‘Buff Boy Vocal’ reinterpretation of Nathan
Haines feat Lyric L’s “Doot Dude”, a cut which shows how first impressions can
make lasting memories, as Lyric wonders where she stands, atop head turning
strings and bold synth slides. “Summertime Blues” by Dino & Terry sees
vocalist LMA dream of what could have been, backed by a flute which tries to
focus on the present, and idealistic keys. The Interns hook up with Snowboy
on “It’s About Time”, a jazzied dance frenzy, with controlled yet messy
percussion, good as gold keys and lip-scorching brass. I think we’ll call it a
draw!
V/A – The Sky Album mixed by Nick Luscombe (Exceptional)
Cat No: EXLPCD0401. Release Date: 23rd February 2004.
Testing the public’s eagerness for the release of more music by particular
artists, the Sky series of limited vinyl samplers, was an excellent indication
of future output from Exceptional. This CD puts them all together, and while
there are no doubt some brilliant tracks here, I doubt the comp will have the
impact that the 12” tasters did. John Beltran’s “Ayla” sees distressed walkie-
talkie type vocals attempt to communicate, but enveloping synths and bright
telephone keys smother their message. Calm’s “White Breath” captures the air
exhaled out on a cold winter’s day and turned into an aural composition,
courtesy of atmospheric synths, melodic bass slurps and sitar smiles. Blu Mar
Ten’s “Home Videos” is a revealing audio-documentary, with bare keys, soul-
displaying guitar and emotional vocals. A peaceful listening experience.
V/A – The Peng Fables Vol 1: Songs Of The Soulsoother (Peng)
Cat No: PENG CD5. Available Now.
Probably not related to the soothsayer, who could read the future from the
entrails of animals, if the Soulsoother predicted for people, no doubt he’d
only see the positives. This collection from Peng is split between favourites
from the label’s previous releases and unreleased magic. “Driftglass” by the
Rurals sees unfaltering percussion, wooing flutes and delicate keys glide along
smoothly. Kick Squad feat Tweak’s “Believe in Something” advocates faith for
its life-enriching properties, alongside a sincere breathy sax and afro-type
tip-toeing percussion. “Mothersun” by the Rurals is a heart-warming cut, with
diagonally sliced percussion, twinkled keys and electric guitar jamming.
Smooth!
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
reviewer and writer for the following
websites and magazines: Blues & Soul Magazine,
FACT Magazine,littleplanet.net, City Life Magazine,
XLR8R Magazine, Keep On Magazine, pitchadjust.com,
beyondjazz.net, Store Records(Sheffield),
cratertechnology.com, vybemuzik.com, Steel Press,
deephousenetwork.com, offitsface.com, Sandman mag,
breakevencrew.com, overloadmedia.co.uk, funk-me.com,
Vanguard online, quadrastate.co.uk, spaced.co.uk,
beats.to, housecollective.org, capitolvibes.com,
www.selekta.com, djriri.com, universalsource.co.uk,
Inner Loop Magazine, housemuziq.com, undergroundhouse.net, worlddj.com,
mosoul.co.uk, discotribe.net, flygarictracks.com,
skansen.no, nwdnb.co.uk
planetsoulnetwork.com
allaboutdj.com
mundovibes.com...
Writer for:
Brique Rouge, Exceptional Records,
Foreplay Recordings,
Robsoul Recordings, Dust Traxx,
Spiritual Life Music and more...
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