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The Urban Landscapes Radioshow airs live Fridays from 9-11pm PT on KCPR
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---- NEWS Drats, behind again! Will I ever catch up?? I'm not about to hedge my bets on it. Nevertheless, we press on. There's quite a bit of info in this week's circular. Read at your leisure, if you wish. You can now listen online to my profile of Gilles Peterson, as well as hear the Urban Landscapes Guestmix from the Fluid Ounce label. The show will air this Friday (rescheduled from Friday May 28, when the show was in absentia). More details on the show itself is below. Also, the international edition of Urban Landscapes Radioshow 7.21 from last week will be online soon. Check the playlist, now listed on the home page. WEB SITE & MAILING LIST UPDATE There's been a change in the Urban Landscapes domain, and this could affect you if you have my email address or if the web site is linked/bookmarked. The web address is now http://www.urbanlandscapes.org, and the new email address is is mail_at_urbanlandscapes.org. Soon, I may also invoke spam protection to keep all the junk mail down to a minimum. I'll let some of you know when that will happen. In any case, hopefully there'll be a bit of stability now that the domain gotchas are all but gone. I will add a reminder at the beginning of the circular for a few weeks as a reminder for everyone to note the changes. We are still working on transferring our existing mailing list. For the time being, I've managed a workaround until the transfer can be completed. If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, please let me know via my above email address. Meanwhile, let's get on with it! URBAN LANDSCAPES RADIOSHOW 7.20 The international edition of the broadcast for Urban Landscapes Radioshow 7.20 is available online for listening. Check both the playlists and the audio links below. URBAN LANDSCAPES RADIOSHOW 7.22 WITH GILLES PETERSON & THE FLUID OUNCE GUESTMIX--NOW ONLINE!! Gilles Peterson is unquestionably one of today's leading tastemakers. He's no stranger to many of us who have followed his career over the years. His "Worldwide" radio show on BBC's Radio 1 is listened to the world over, as is the syndicated edition of the show (airing weekly in 15 countries). He's released a number of acclaimed compilations, including four based on the radio show. The most recent, "Worldwide Exclusives," is now available on Talkin Loud. The collection features all exclusive tracks from the creme of the musical crop. Be sure to check it. Websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/peterson/ http://www.talkinloud.com Also on tap, the most recent Urban Landscapes Guestmix comes once again from the Fluid Ounce camp. Mark Springfield has given us a mix from the label earlier this year, and now he has a new one to share. Some choice Fl. Oz. tunes are here, as well as a killer new Zero dB remix of Rosalia de Souza that's not yet released. Website: http://www.fluidounce.com DO DEM REWIND AGAIN, MISTER SELECTAH! 2004 is moving by in rapid fashion. So now it's time to go back and choose the picks that I recommend that you add to your music collection; yep, it's the Halfway Rewind Special. As usual, Part One will focus on the albums, and Part Two will be the singles/EPs. The shows will take up the last two Fridays in June on the live show. Of course, the shows will be online soon thereafter. Keep your eyes out for them. ---- JUNE PICKS AND REVIEWS I've decided to make slight modifications with my monthly picks. When the new picks for the month are posted, the circular will also include short reviews of each of them. Then only the list will be published for the rest of the month. At about the beginning of the next month, it'll happen all over again. Another thing to consider is that as of now, I have a batch of music that I've yet to sort through, and I can only give fair evaulation of them when time permits; I may get a bunch of material within a span of a few days, as was the case last week. Real-time can only go so far, even in cyberspace. I hope that you'll find these reviews beneficial. Note that the reviews will also be posted in the Reviews section of the radioshow's web site soon after the circular is sent. Of course, your comments are most welcome. Get it? Cool. On we go... VELANCHE'S SOUNDSCAPES June 2004 (in no particular order) 1. V/A - Cool, Calm & Collective (4Lux) 2. Phil Parnell - Do Your Living In the Night 12" (Mantis white) 3. V/A - Party-Keller (Compost) 4. V/A - Blue Note Revisited (Blue Note) 5. Porks Watch - Million Toes Extended 12" (Q-Tape) 6. Albanek featuring Pollard - Free Wire EP (Ecco Chamber) 7. Boiler Room Collective - EP 12" (Fluid Ounce) 8. V/A - Holding Hands (Cosmic Sounds) 9. Top Rocking - Cosmic Broadcast EP 12" (Q-Tape) 10. Low Budget Soul - She Won't Let The Summer In 12" (Abstract Blue) 11. Sound Providers - An Evening With The Sound Providers (ABB) 12. Panic featuring Chick-A-Boo - Jam (Bitches Brew CD-R) 13. Joseph Malik - Aquarius Songs (Compost) 14. Innocent Sorcerers - EP (Fluid Ounce CD-R) 15. V/A - Jazzflora (Dealers of Nordic Music) 16. DJ Zeph - Sunset Scavenger (Wide Hive CD-R) 17. Canton - Oracle EP 12" (Citrona) 18. Intuit - Intuit (Compost) 19. Zimpala - Pas meme le cri de l'un Oiseau EP (4Lux CD-R) 20. Iguassu - Ordinary Day (CD-R) 21. V/A - Worldwide Exclusives (Talkin Loud) 22. Antonio Ocasio - Fabulous EP (Counterpoint CD-R) 23. Simbad - Peaktime 12" (Earthproject) 24. Quantic - Mishaps Happenings (Tru Thoughts) 25. Stereotyp Meets Al-Haca -- Phase Two EP12" (Klein) REVIEWS OF THIS MONTH'S PICKS V/A - Cool, Calm & Collective (4Lux) The Netherlands The Dutch label 4Lux hasn't been around for very long, but in just over two years it has earned its place in the world of independent music by pushing its brand of soul-inspired delights to the people. And so it is that the label comes through with its first compilation of previously-released 12" goodies, including a few that were released on other labels. It's a nice, phat collection of favorites that includes both originals and remixes by Alex Phountzi, Jimpster, and labelmeister Gerd himself among others. It's now available now on both CD and vinyl. Phil Parnell - Do Your Living In The Night 12" (Mantis white) UK The first single from the Mantis label in quite awhile is the title track to Phil Parnell's 2002 full-length. Being a protege of Matthew Herbert, it's only fitting that Herbert himself lends his glitchy craft in the form of not one, but two remixes. The killer remix, though, comes from labelmate Brooks, whose deep and heavy take is poised to rumble bassbins everywhere. Coming this summer to a record bin near you. V/A - Party-Keller (Compost) Germany One of the most respected collectors of rare soul and funk does it again with yet another batch of top-notch tunes. This time, Into Somethin's Florian Keller pulls together some of his favorites, coinciding with his monthly club night in Munich known as Party-Keller. The compilation features influences spanning from the late 60's through the early 80's. The selections are sure to make this one a keeper in many a record bag (and CD players) for some time to come. Check out choice tunes such as zydeco band The Sam Brothers Five doing its wicked take on Chic's "Le Freak" with "S.A.M." (now all but almost impossible to find on vinyl), the talented Ellen McElwayne's original version of "Born Under A Bad Sign," and even the disco classic from Chanson titled "Don't Hold Back." Absolutely essential for music lovers inna no-category vein. V/A - Blue Note Revisited (Blue Note) US You've read about it for months, you've been anticipating it, and now it's out for the world to listen. "Blue Note Reviisted" doesn't disappoint, and is a worthy move forward after last year's successful "Shades of Blue" project that Madlib has done so well. The creme of the musical production crop reigns here, and for the most part they've managed to retain the jazzy essence of the originals. There are so many good tracks on this one, including 4 Hero's refreshing change-of-pace from its broken beat bread and butter covering Horace Silver's "Won't You Open Up Your Senses," as well as DJ Spinna's funky-as-hell remix of Donald Byrd's "Lansanna's Priestess." "Blue Note Revisited" proves that the risk-taking legacy of the venerable jazz label continues to ensure its relevance in the 21st century. The full-length is on both vinyl and CD. Porks Watch - Million Toes Extended 12" (Q-Tape) France It's not everyday that an interlude track becomes one of the most in-demand tracks off an EP, but that's exactly the story behind the making of the extended version of the short track on Patchwork's "Immo" EP from last year. Bruno Hovart (aka Patchworks) dons his Porks Watch I.D. for the extension, now over eight minutes in length. It's a mellow number inna old-school style, a mid-tempo chillout indeed. Turn it over as Sylvester Over does the remix duties. Take your toes to your favorite record place and pick this up now. Albanek featuring Pollard - Free Wire (Ecco Chamber) Austria Following his strong debut long-player for Vienna's Ecco Chamber label, Albanek drops yet another single from the "Shade of Blue" album. The title number finds its roots in drum n'bass territory, yet keeping the feel mellow. Then Moonstarr works the track into a tough and frenzied broken affair, letting everyone know why his quality remix work is in high demand. To quench your thirst, there's even a new track from Albanek on the EP called "Suuupa Party," with Meister Pollard mainly in scat mode over Albanek's gritty production. It's out now. Boiler Room Collective - EP (Fluid Ounce) UK So it seems that Chris & Neil from Zero dB have been bitten by the hip-hop bug. Witness the first hip-hop release on the esteemed Fl. Oz. label, courtesy of East Sussex producer Tom Caruna (with help from the dB dynamic duo). It's three tracks of hip-hop in the darkest crevices, with sinister sounds and snippets. Capable vocal contributions on the a-side come from Brit MCs such as Master Mould, Teej, Tsumani, and Red Masters among others. Instrumentals of each tracks are on the flip side. Watch yo backs....the Boiler Room Collective are comin' for you! The single is out on the streets. V/A - Holding Hands (Cosmic Sounds) UK Coxless Pair - Not Funny Anymore EP (Cosmic Sounds) The Cosmic Sounds label keeps at it with its focus on East European musicians and producers with two strong releases. "Holding Hands" is the follow-up volume of Polish jazz goodies, this time focusing on the music of the 70's. It's amazing to hear how funky and jazzy Poland was, given that it was one of the most liberal countries in the former U.S.S.R. Essential and available on both CD and vinyl. Moving into the modern jazz sounds of today, do check out the latest from Belgrade's Coxless Pair called "Not Funny Anymore." The tune is definitely into the melancholy side of cosmic jazz...quite melodic and very pleasing. Ex-Robot then steps in to shape the tune, starting off a little bit like free jazz, then quickly ascending with heavy percussion, sax, and keys. Chaotic, but satisfying. The other main tune, "Insight," actually has three remixes of the original. First is a Latin/jazz/lounge delight that's perfect for samba (the Sub-Conscious Mix), then the beats get heavier while keeping the samba intact (the Conscious Mix), and finally the last version has percussive beats only (the, well, Percussive Lobotomy Mix). Single is out now. Top Rocking - Cosmic Broadcast EP 12" (Q-Tape) France Following up strength-to-strength from his "Don't Sleep" 7" and from the excellent collab with April King on last year's "The Real New World," the Top Rocking duo keep at it with its "Cosmic Broadcast" EP...out last April. A fresh mix of live instruments, choice samples, and cool vocals are combined to fine form here. In addition to April King contributing her presence to two tracks, we also get to hear New York MC Mr. Adah insisting that "I Need My Raincoat Now." Give it to him; he earns it. And give it up to Top Rocking for his efforts. Nothing earth-shattering; just good slices of hiphopjazzysoul biz. Low Budget Soul - She Won't Let The Summer In 12" (Abstract Blue) UK Vocalist Randolph Matthew, along with the production duo of J.J. Webster & Simon S., are doing the business once again. Following its debut single "Fills My Heart" from last year, Low Budget Soul continues carving its neo-soul niche with "She Won't Let The Summer In." Matthew's smooth vocals glide over some soul-laden, hip-hop grooves. Find a more mid-tempo remix on the b-side courtesy of Unknown Quantity. Another dose of soulful quality from London's Abstract Blue. Sound Providers - An Evening With The Sound Providers (ABB) US Yes yes, underground hip-hop is the real thang! ABB has earned a reputation as one of the leading forces in independent hip-hop, and it shows it with the debut full-length release from San Diego-based outfit the Sound Providers. This is really a fun album to listen to, starting off so confident to let everyone know that the audience will, indeed, be "entertained" for the "evening." This really does not disappoint, especially if you like your hip-hop with a bit of jazz and a bit of old-school soul in the mix. It also helps to have guests such as labelmate Little Brother, Asheru of Unspoken Heard (busting out with the lead single "For Old Time's Sake"), and Maspyke compliment the cool instrumentation. The album's been out since Spring, but I was recently given this gem and it surely gets my highest recommendation. Panic featuring Chick-A-Boo - Jam (Bitches Brew CD-R) UK It's release number nine for the fledging Bitches Brew, with the label showing no signs of letting down anytime soon if "Jam" is any indication. Summer is just around the corner, and its Afrobeat influences can stir more energy than perhaps the sun itself. Some jump-up coaxing comes courtesy of MC Chick-A-Boo. But the mix that should crush dancefloors is Charlie Dark's wicked remix, turning "Jam" into a jump-up, two-step juggernaut. Peaktime, baby! Joseph Malik - Aquarius Songs (Compost) Germany Crooner/producer/DJ/activist Joseph Malik follows up his critically-lauded debut album "Diverse" with "Aquarius Songs." It's a bit more dance-friendly this time around, but make no mistake that the tunes are just as strong. The lead track, "Aquarius Song," is a jazzy slow burner that nicely compliments Malik's poignant vocals. Lots of good tracks here, as he once again teams up with David Donnelly for some righteous uptemp biz. Grand Unified, responsible for the dub-heavy remix of "I Don't Want" from "Diverse," lends his production skills on the track "Dream Dancer." The production and the songwriting overall continue to show promise of a talent whose best is yet to come. June 15 is the drop date, so look for it. Innocent Sorcerers - EP (Fluid Ounce CD-R) UK After the dope collaboration with Joseph Malik on "Believe & See" from its Fl. Oz. debut EP last year, Polish dudes the Innocent Sorcerers are back with a new five-track EP for the label. Some of the cuts include "Anthem," a killer percussive track that makes a cool DJ tool me thinks; "Melancholy & Wax Pt. II, " which is eerie and hauntingly jazzy; "Gods & Suns," a cool slice of funky jazz-fusion with third Innocent Sorcerer Milkman dropping words and stirring up trouble. Some goooood stuff coming at you soon. V/A - Jazzflora (DNM) Sweden V/A - Jazzflora EP (DNM) Sweden It's cool that Scandinavian music has been flourishing beyond its borders within the last few years, and it's cool that labels like Sweden's Dealers of Nordic Music can keep up the pace. Released last January, "Jazzflora" is a terrific compilation that showcases the marvelous hybrid of modern electronics and jazz. The usual suspects such as Hird, Koop, and Butti 49 are here. But do check out strong tracks from the likes of Kuusumun Profeeta, The Five Corners Quintet, Elsa Hedberg, and Oddjob. Really, the whole comp is ace. And while you're at it, you might wish to check out the vinyl EP to the compilation that's just been released. It features Hird's "I Love You My Friends" inna vocal style courtesy of the lovely Yukimi Nagano (exclusive to the EP), along with three choice cuts from the compilation. Indeed, DNM is the real deal for modern jazz on the Scandinavian tip DJ Zeph - Sunset Scavenger (Wide Hive CD-R) US The Bay Area's Wide Hive has blessed the underground hip-hop community with some deep stuff. Now DJ Zeph drops his second long-player for the label, and it's killer-not-filler here. Having had his share of hip-hop since his breakdancing days in the early 1980s, he seems to have his ear on the pulse of the hip-hop of yesterday and today. Both the influences and experiences seem to serve him well on "Sunset Scavenger." Guests helping out includes Lyrics Born on the album's booming first single "Hands Up," and Vursatyl from Lifesavas also make an album appearance. The excellent musical production is one steep in both depth and confidence, with live instruments (including some serious drum work from Tower of Power's Ron E. Beck) added here and there for good measure. Some essential goodness to add to your hip-hop collection. Canton - Oracle EP 12" (Citrona) US Greg Long is an artist who prides himself in not relying on sampling to create his music. He's made good on that promise so far, and the latest EP from Florida's Citrona label keeps up the pressure. The fact that the "Oracle" "EP has undergone its second pressing a week after its official release is a feat in of itself. But Long and friends handled things quite capably. Among the four tracks, the title cut pumps up the funk while keeping it real with its deft instrumentation. Highly recommended. Intuit - Intuit (Compost) Germany The first time I've listened to Intuit was a soulful ballady-type number called "A New Beginning." It wasn't long before I've bought the EP, and it's still a keeper in my vinyl collection. Fast-forward a few years, and the self-titled long player from the duo is now out for the world to hear. It goes all over the place...a bit of soul, Latin, Brazilian, and funk are here. Not a bad lineup of vocalists, either--Andy Bey, Doug Carn, and Flora Purim are all here to serve up the crooning while the duo serve up the music. Get into it. Iguassu - Ordinary Day (CD-R) US Baltimore-based producer Iguassu's claim to fame so far has been his solid "Arrow Bicks" track to kick off the last "Soul Searching" comp from Germany's Infracom label. He comes back in spades for "Ordinary Day." Two excellent versions of this tune are on the CD-R he was kind enough to share. The "Electric Mix" is a bit of warm electric organs and broken beat grooves, while the "Sunset Mix" is an atmospheric downtempo wonder that builds and builds into a satisfying climax that's just gorgeous. Time will tell if this will get a proper release, but it really should. V/A - Worldwide Exclusives (Talkin Loud) UK If you want to get a sense of how eclectic DJ Gilles Peterson can be, you shouldn't have to go any further than one of the many compilations he's put together over the years. His "Worldwide" series, based on his acclaimed radio show, is no exception. Having put out three previously, the newest addition to the series must have been a fulfillment of a dream...what if you ask your favorite artists to create a new song exclusive for your compilation. This one delivers in spades. Check out the lineup--Cinematic Orchestra, Domu (under his Umod moniker), 2 Banks of 4, Nicola Conte, Jazzanova, and a who's who of talent are here. I rest my case; you know what to do. On both vinyl & CD. Antonio Ocasio - Fabulous (Counterpoint CD-R) UK The newest release forthcoming on London's Counterpoint is an EP from one Antonio Ocasio. He's definitely new to me, and I'm also new to learning about his Tribal Winds label that hails outta New York. The label apparently has earned high marks in house circles, and some of it has apparently rubbed off on Counterpoint. "Fabulous" is a cool Afrobeat tune with great percussion, nice melodic keys, and soothing female vocals to boot. We also get the tune with Ocasio's trademark "Calor" remix, making the music deeper, soulful, and atmospheric. Good for summertime, I'd say. The single should see the light of day come mid-July. Simbad - Peaktime 12" (Earthproject) UK Been liking this one since it's been on CD-R, and now the vinyl is out. Tasty single coming from the artist Simbad--a warm, groovy number graced with Lady Z's vocals. On the flip is a dark but seductive remix, as Twitch gives the tune a spaced-out, electro flava. Good for cool down or, dare I say it, peaktime excursions. Don't sleep on this one. Quantic - Mishaps Happenings (Tru Thoughts) UK Unquestionably one of the hardest-working artists around, Brighton's Will Holland somehow finds the time to drop his third solo long-player for Tru Thoughts. Lots of different styles are covered here, and yet the album is a nifty barometer of how far he's come musically. Too many fine cuts to mention, ,so all I'll say is don't think about getting it...just get it! An ace effort! The album is out stateside via Ubiquity. Stereotyp Meets Al-Haca - Phase Two EP 12" (Klein) Austria This is some deeeep slabs of bass-rumbling dub here. Separately, Stereotyp and the Al-Haca Soundsystem have made some bold strives in modern dub. So put these two forces together, and you have trouble of the best kind. Having just released Phase One (steep in hip-hop influences), "Phase Two" gives dub its dancefloor sensibilities. The music is complimented nicely by some of the best toasters Jamaica has to offer, including DJ Collage, Ras T-Weed, and Lady Saw. Killer party grooves this is...find it soon! And grab Phase One; it's no pushover, either. HONORABLE MENTION: London Elektricity: Live Gravy DVD (Hospital) UK Hospital Records is arguably one of the most enduring drum n'bass labels, and without question one of the most soulful. As a means of promoting the excellent "Billion Dollar Gravy" album from last year, Tony Colman finally relented and pulled things (and people) together to form a live band. The incredible results are captured on the label's first DVD. The band really kicks it, with Colman, Liane Carroll, Landslide, MC Stamina, the Jungle Drummer (!) and the rest giving their hearts and energy into making the performances worthy of the Jazz Cafe's reputation. In addition to over an hour's worth of concert footage, extras include profiles on the band members, behind-the-scenes footage, and animated videos of "Cum Dancing" and "Billion Dollar Gravy." It's always cool to see electronic music translate on stage, and this is an exceptional view of how it can be done. Get this one! ---- URBAN LANDSCAPES RADIOSHOW 7.20 Friday May 21, 2004 Listen at http://www.urbanlandscapes.org/listen/04-05-21.m3u Download at http://www.urbanlandscapes.org/listen/04-05-21.mp3 song - artist - title - label - Million Toes (Extended Version) - Porks Watch - EP (Q-Tape) - Lesser Things (featuring Vinio Mojica) - Djinji Brown - EP 12" (R2) - Oracle - Canton - EP 12" (Citrona) - Don't Joke With A Hungry Man (featuring Spanky Wilson) - Quantic - 12" (Tru Thoughts) - S.A.M. - Sam Brothers Five - Party-Keller (Compost) - Umbrellas (Peanut Butter Wolf Remix) - The Free Design - Redesigned: The Remix EP Vol. 1 12" (Light In The Attic) - Don't Say Nuthin' - The Roots - 12" (Geffen) - Setting Charts - Top Rocking - Cosmic Broadcast EP 12" (Q-Tape) - For Old Time's Sake (featuring Asheru from Unspoken Heard) - Sound Providers - An Evening With The Sound Providers (ABB) - She Won't Let The Summer In (Unknown Quantity Mix) - Low Budget Soul - 12" (Abstract Blue) - Kovin Lentaen Kotlin Kaipaan - Kuusumun Profeetta - Jazzflora (DNM) - Free Climbing -Painkiller Septet - Panorama - (Perfect Toy) - Sonido - Soulphonic Soundsystem - 12" (Transistor Music) - Can It Be? (Spiritual South Future Boogie Mix) - Da Lata - 12" (Palm Beats) - In My Bed (Bugz In The Attic Remix) - Amy Winehouse - 12" (Island) - Do Your Living In The Night (Brooks' Rank Leisure Mix) - Phil Parnell - 12" (Mantis white) - Free Wire (Moonstarr Remix) - Albanek - EP (Ecco Chamber) - Um Beijo (featuring Orieta) - Stereotyp Meets Al-Haca - Phase Two EP 12" (Klein) - Camponesa (K-Tado Remix) - Jazzinho - EP (Ecco Chamber) - Gods & Sons - Innocent Sorcerers - EP (Fluid Ounce CD-R) - Good & Bad - Povo - Jazzflora (DNM) END BROADCAST ---- For over six years, the Urban Landscacpes Radioshow has been presenting jazzy and soulful club culture from around the world. Big respect to all of the labels, artists, promotion people and the listeners for their continued support. Musical submissions are always welcome. PLEASE NOTE that prior to submission, you should check the playlists as well as listen to a few of the shows in order to get a good feel for the music and the vibes. Vinyl is preferred, but CDs/CD-Rs and minidiscs are acceptable. Please send your music to: Velanche Stewart Urban Landscapes Entertainment 1029 Southwood Drive #D San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA I can't tell you if this circular reaches thousands of people worldwide. I can tell you, however, that it does go out to the people that matter. You know who you are. VELANCHE DOES WRITEUPS Velanche also does reviews for XLR8R Magazine, with more publications to be announced soon. I'm also open to article ideas...hit me up via email to mail_at_urbanlandscapes.org. ---- Urban Landscapes Entertainment Phone: 1-818-332-0630 Email: mail_at_urbanlandscapes.org .
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