From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2004-11-19 00:18:49
Jon Freer’s Reviews 18th November 2004.
Longplayer Reviews:
V/A – Soul Heaven Presents Jazzy Jeff In The House (ITH)
Siji – God-given (BBE)
Randolph Says – This Is…What It Is (Mahogani Music)
V/A – King Britt Presents On The Seventh (Milan Entertainment)
V/A – Roots Of Dub Funk 4 (Tanty)
General Electrics – Cliquety Kliqk (Compost)
Thanks to Toni T at Defected, Neil Meekin, Traci at Mahogani Music, Lucy at Elemental Consulting, Anton at Trailer Media and all at Compost for these…
V/A – Soul Heaven Presents Jazzy Jeff In The House (ITH)
Cat No: ITH11CD. Available Now.
Jeff Townes found fame as an extraordinary Hip Hop producer and deck manipulator, as well as reaching a whole new audience through his appearance alongside a now faded king of hip-pop on a family-orientated TV show. This excellently selected compilation of soul steeped classics and credible House is a surprising yet much welcomed addition to Jeff’s output. Abstract Truth’s contemplative “We Had A Thing” features the luscious tones of Monique Bingham, whose emotionally attached vocals sit well over purring guitars and melancholic brass. Kenny Dope’s remix of his own “I Got Rhythm” is a straighter-laced version of the distinctly fractured original, with plump beats, strumming away guitars and splashing synths. The second disc contains a number of classics from yesteryear including Third World’s confused “Now That We’ve Found Love” and Cymande’s bass-driven “Bra”. Jeff’s cool mixing display is welcome on this compilation, which is easily the best in the series so far. !
Siji – God-given (BBE)
Cat No: BBE CD044. Available Now.
Protégé of the mightily talented Osunlade, Siji’s music is a little mellower than that of his teacher, and could easily be described as ‘spiritual soul’. “God-given” is as honest as you could hope for a singer to be, with Siji laying out his thoughts on various subjects to an understanding soul-invigorated backing. “Sanctuary” coaxes wonderfully, courtesy of peaceful strings, a close bass and keys that have found a haven. “Running Away” suggests that feelings should not be fought, as a funkin’ bass, hard to resist keys and nervous strings combine behind Siji’s sincere vocals. The album version of “Feel’s Like” is much more relaxed than the one on the 12”, but Siji’s vocals depicting his devotion to music still hit home in a convincing manner. Organic soul from the heart…
Randolph Says – This Is…What It Is (Mahogani Music)
Cat No: M.M.-8CD. Available Now.
Weighing in at only six tracks long and barely past the half an hour mark, this CD from Paul Randolph is more of an extended EP than an album. However, length isn’t everything and those who love deep panoramics and soul-emanating House grooves should find there’s enough on here to satisfy them. “Idle Time” relaxes comfortably, courtesy of afro-type percussion, a veiled bass and vocals that just go with the flow. “About Last Night” sees Randolph attempt to come to terms with an unexpected physical liaison and reassure his friend, over swaying keys and a steady bass. “Live Today” suggests that Paul prefers to live for the moment, as elated brass and stretched keys combine alongside strict beats. Unfortunately the promised ‘Interview DVD’ is temperamental, but inquisitive fans shouldn’t fear, because excerpts from a conversation with Randolph are fitted in between the music.
V/A – King Britt Presents On The Seventh (Milan Entertainment)
Cat No: M2-36091. Available Now.
As a swish hotel with an opulent restaurant and lounge on the seventh floor, what do you do in order to give your temporary resting spot the edge over the competition? Well, if you’re the Park Hyatt in Chicago, you employ Philadelphia based King Britt to compile an album to play in the lounge! The concept behind this is a little odd, but the music from Britt is deeply-touching and much better than the usual piped dross that many hotels subject their guests to. Twyla’s “Love of a Lifetime” is a hopelessly romantic ode to attempting to find a special person, backed by acoustic guitar smiles and exhibitionary strings. Sharkskin’s “Kiran’s Dance” is not a violent boogie, but an eastern influenced roller, with an obscured bass and haunting synths. Anetria Wright contributes the Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler produced “Feeling Of Love”, where abrupt synths, sweet keys and touched vocals combine. If they played this type of music in every hotel, then the world would be a friendlier pla!
ce!
V/A – Roots Of Dub Funk 4 (Tanty)
Cat No: TNTYCD010. Available Now.
I’m not sure what the other volumes of this series were like, but the fourth compilation is a quality selection of spacey, digitised dub music. “Roots Of Dub Funk 4” is a slightly misleading title, as despite the music is roots-ish in nature, all the tracks are new compositions! Dub Master Riko’s “Jah Jah Dub” is a sweetly vocalised cut, with confused guitars and a deliberate bass. “Dub The Border” by DJ Perch takes strength from a huge bass, which envelops fragile vocals and medieval sounding brass. Piano T reminds of the importance of our history on “Dub My Roots”, where conscious vocals ride a thick bass and keys peep out from the dark. “Roots Of Dub Funk 4” is a lovely calming selection.
General Electrics – Cliquety Kliqk (Compost)
Cat No: CPT 176. Available Now.
Key lover RV likes all types of music and this shows on “Cliquety Kliqk”, which is a strange yet somehow quite endearing album. His influences are too numerous to mention and the result of this is that RV’s music is pretty difficult to put into any category apart from ‘strange electronic-laced pop grooves’. The saucy “Time To Undress” is a quirky little ear-opener, with tired percussion, sleazy vocals and an exposed organ. “Take You Out Tonight” features Lateef the bold ‘Truth Speaker’, who invites the listener on a date to the backing of a reversed bass and simple beats. “Techno Kid” is a messy synth mission, where pattering beats and nifty guitars attempt to retain some level of decorum. Hmmm…
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
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