From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2004-02-17 13:00:15
Jon Freer’s Reviews. 16th February 2004.
*Amp Fiddler live photos online here =
http://www.mosoul.co.uk/gallery/amp.htm
*Forthcoming interviews - Amp Fiddler, Osunlade, Yam Who?...
Thanks to Carly Miller, Andreas at DNM, Steve at Timewarp, Jonas & Steve at Kickin’ Music, Carina at Compost, Perry Hemus, David & Gareth at Zzonked and Gunnar at Om for these…
12” release.
Dubloner – Foreign Sway EP (Headinghome Recordings)
Cat No: HHR04. Release Date: 12th March 2004.
This is a fitting moniker for Ken Gibson, as his 3 track outing is a rather thirst quenching offering of Jamaican Rum influenced basslines cooled by tech-edged ice-cubes. “Foreign Sway” leans pleasantly, courtesy of aromatic digital chords, abrasive FX mumbles and a bass who is certainly enjoying itself. “Silky Charm” wobbles courtesy of a roaring analogue bass, whilst keys stab viciously and barbed beats prod. “Piscatory Dub” sees opinionated keys lock horns with kind synths and an all-powerful bass.
Album & Compilation selection.
V/A – Jazzflora: Scandinavian Aspects Of Jazz (DNM)
Cat No: DNMCD004. Available Now.
Fine horticulturists from the north, those merchants from DNM have brought us another selection of fine Scandinavian music. Looking at the world through jazz-tinted spectacles, “Jazzflora” represents how experimentalism and the skilled manipulation of instruments does not have to lead to music incompatible with the dancefloor. Hird’s “I Love You My Friends” pays tributes to his nearest and dearest, over feline-type synth purrs, satisfied bass murmurs and keys that embody affection. “Open The Door” by Elsa asks a would be lover to stop resisting something they want equally, as her breath-taking vocals combine with a pretty sax and roughened clapping percussion. Xploding Plastix give us “Comatose Luck”, a masterful string-addled composition, with a funny shaped bass and not-stopping kit percussion. One of the finest fledgling label in Northern Europe once again shows us the wealth of talent in the region.
V/A – Klubbjazz 5 (Slip’n’Slide)
Cat No: SLIPCD160. Release Date: 29th March 2004.
They don’t half churn them out do they? Thankfully, Slip’n’Slide understand there’s an art to A&Ring and they normally pick out the best in Jazzier housified moments for this, and the sister, “Jazz In The House” series. Markus Enochson & E-Man’s “Musical Prayer” assesses the power of music, alongside an exhibitionist electric guitar, mechanical percussion and sprightly keys. Dennis Ferrer’s ‘Bergentine Mix’ adds US flavours to DJ Chus & David Penn’s “Baila”, courtesy of blissful strings and day dawning keys that team up with Caterina’s exquisite vocals. Dr. Bob Jones & The Intern’s feat Snowboy’s “It’s About Time” in its ‘Stripped Surgery Mix’ form is UK born Latino grooves, with holding things together keys and a blasting trumpet. Another quality selection.
V/A – Ennio Morricone Remixes Vol. 2 (Compost Records)
Cat No: CPT 155-1/-2. Available Now.
Coinciding with the 75th birthday of the inspirational composer, this second remix selection comprehensively revisits Ennio’s music again. Not an easy task, Compost has brought in a wonderful selection of beat technician’s, who have sensitively re-strung Ennio’s original bows. Hird’s version of the timeless “Il Buono, Il Bruto, Il Cattivo” (The Good, The Bad, The Ugly) inspires a similar dramatic atmosphere that was so prevalent in the original, courtesy of remarkably calm brass, heavy presence bass, distinctive whistles and destructive gunshots. Eddy & Dus’s ‘Adria Mix’ of “Dal Madre” floats along peacefully, with flashing synths, buoyant guitar and fractured yet 4:4 edged percussion. Dan Curtin’s ‘Viaggio Alle Stelle Mix’ of “La Ragazza Del Padre” is simply stunning, as a feeling of warmth emanates from supple pads, contemplative keys and a frosted bass. It is obvious that today’s producers on show understand how talented Mr. Morricone is.
Perry Hemus – Rhodesmode (Woodland Records)
Cat No: WOOD 002. Available Now.
Real Jazz master Perry Hemus shows us how a traditional attitude combined with an ear to the future can create a modern Jazz album with dancefloor potential. The majority of the album sounds a bit samey, but that’s not necessarily an altogether bad thing, when the music is as beautiful as it is here. The magical ‘Freefall’ revision of “Rhodesmode” sees creative ad-lib vox rest atop poking pan-pipes, engaged strings and keeping up percussion. “Freedom Dance” sees a combative flute combine with a beaming trumpet and “Brown Paper Bag” double bass type musings. “Orbiting” circles courtesy of true keys, cymbal softness and a synth with its head in the clouds. Music for the posers and the dancers!
V/A – Om Lounge 8 (Om Records)
Cat No: OM146. Release Date: 29th March 2004.
By now you should be at least familiar with a trip to Om’s chilled living room. A little more inventive than the durge of ‘chill-out’ comps that plague chain record stores, Om search for those blissful moments that you can actually connect with. Swag’s ‘New Story Remix’ of P’taah’s “The Oldest Story” pits wonky cut percussion against new-dawn keys under vocals that can see the truth behind a facade. “Golden Nectar” by J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science is a natural wonder, where eyeing strings meet melodic sitars and a flute with its head firmly in the clouds. King Kooba’s “Dreaming Of You” is a fanciful vision of a loved one, with autumn leaves style rustled percussion, walking on air synths and a strung-out muted trumpet. Another soothing selection, containing some cuts that will relax even the most nervous of individuals.
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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