From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-06-16 11:11:03
Jon Freer’s Reviews 15th June 2005.
Albums and comps…
V/A – Motown Remixed (Motown)
V/A – S.U.M.O. Rebounces (Heya Hifi)
V/A – Version Excursion (Counterpoint)
V/A – Latin Vibes: Volume One – Lounge Selection (Mettle Music)
V/A – Creative Musicians Vol. 2 (Perfect Toy)
RTB Big Band w/ guests – Jazz Orkestar Radio-televizje Beograd (1948-1978) (Cosmic Sounds London)
Thanks to Lucy at Elemental Consulting, Garo at Rooftop, Jake at Counterpoint, Nic at Mettle Music and Zeljko at Cosmic Sounds for these…
V/A – Motown Remixed (Motown)
Available Now.
It would be difficult to approach an album of this type without trepidation. It is impossible to compare the modern day reinterpretations with the originals like for like, but the good news is that the revisions have been completed in a respectful manner. If judged on their own merit, and not in comparison, these mixes stand up as impressive soul-touched tracks, which are blessed with the type of songwriting that doesn’t pervade every new record, by any stretch of the imagination. Da Producers ‘MPG Groove Remix’ of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” places those buttery vocals on a bed of sultry keys and seductive guitars. Lovely guitars, strings with their mind on other matters and holding back drums back fantasizing vocals on Easy Mo Bee’s remix of The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)”. Hank Shocklee’s ‘Futureshock Main Ingredient Mix’ of “Smiling Faces Sometimes” puts frowning guitars and charged brass to good use behind vocals that warn of peopl!
e
who aren’t what they seem. Impressive 21st Century soul-kissed music!
V/A – S.U.M.O. Rebounces (Heya Hifi)
HEYACD 01. Promo.
This Swedish based duo’s name isn’t a tribute to tubby Japanese fighters, but an acronym, which stands for Swedish Underfed Music Operators, and from the CD cover, the pair look quite thin! S.U.M.O.’s well-named and rather fun ‘Rebounces’ (remixes specifically produced to be more dancefloor appealing than the original) have a large spring in their step, due to the delectable mix of energizing African, Brazilian and Latin sounds that they employ. Lonesome Echo Production feat. Mutabaruka’s “Spirit Of Drums” becomes a commanding hip-shaker, courtesy of startling guitars, battling brass and a supple bassline. The Swedish twosome’s ‘Deep Samba’ of “Free” by the Mojo Project is a touching rejig, with heavenly keys, vivacious synths and shaken percussion linking up rather spectacularly. Malik Hart guests on the Mind Readers “Living My Life Underground”, where S.U.M.O.’s pushin’ synths and holding firm beats do the damage. Just try sitting through these without tapping a toe! !
V/A – Version Excursion (Counterpoint)
Cat No: CRCD026. Release Date: 11th July 2005.
Celebrating a decade in the game, the reliable Counterpoint get a handful of master mixers to reshape tracks culled from a handful of their fine compilations. As expected, the revisions are pretty strong, with some even eclipsing the original tracks. Neo Soul pirates Yam Who’s early legit overhaul of Dwayne Morgan’s “Everything” is present, in all of its magical kettledrum and cosmic synth glory. Ernesto calls on engaging guitars and a live bass that barely touches the ground to back vocals bitter at being messed around on his painfully captivating cover of “In The Name Of Love”. Part 2 of Larnier’s “25 Hours” as re-edited by DJ Friendly sees keys hammer away against an eloquent bass, wide-eyed guitars and a grimy sax. This is another top-notch comp from Counterpoint.
V/A – Latin Vibes: Volume One – Lounge Selection (Mettle Music)
Cat No: MMCDLV1. Release Date: 16th June 2005.
This offering from the Mettle Music imprint is pretty self-explanatory, as all the tracks are Latiny inclined groovers, which are more suited to beach or sofa listening, than most club soundsystems. There are tunes on this CD, which will relax you quite superbly, but unfortunately there are also tracks that will probably chill you a little too much and send you to sleep. Malena’s “No Me Digas Nada (edit)” is a fine slice of Balearica, with sun basking beats, powering key chords and lovely vocals from Susanna Montero. “Hombres” from Marcus Tavia watches percussion trot along behind a cute keyed melody and a flute that’s sweet on the ears. Mettle Music reached into their own back catalogue to dig out “El Mar”, a gorgeous ode to the sea, with fragile guitars, shocked strings and engaging keys. Bien.
V/A – Creative Musicians Vol. 2 (Perfect Toy)
Cat No: PT018 CD. US Release Date: 5th July 2005.
Florian Keller, the man behind the wonderful ‘Party Keller’ compilation and club session hops over to another German imprint, Perfect Toy, to unleash an ear pleasing longplayer of forgotten funked-out gems. Ranging from hot-air blowing funkette’s to the sweetest of soul-inclined gems, “Creative Musician’s Vol. 2” has some talented singers and vocalists along for the ride. Josephine Jones gives us “Candy Man”, where her salivating vocals drench calculated brass and steady guitars. Jimmy Lynch’s passionate vocals are the centrepiece to the running brass addled “Let A Woman Be A Woman”. A wooing piano and dream-state romantic vocals are all that’s needed on Frank Hatchett’s “Galaxy Melody”. Thanks to Florian for unearthing these fine funky cuts!
RTB Big Band w/ guests – Jazz Orkestar Radio-televizje Beograd (1948-1978) (Cosmic Sounds London). Cat No: CS-34. Available Now.
Recorded between 1973 and 1977, this comp is not really representative of a thirty-year period as the title states, but it is a delightfully touching collection from the little known Yugoslavian jazz archives. “Prolenca Etida (Spring Edita)” powers along, courtesy of fervent sax action and turning guitars. “Svadbena Igra Kraj Bistrice (Wedding Dance By The Bistrica River)” is a tender number, with a mournful flute, solemn drums and engrossing brass. “Macka (The Cat)” sees brass let it all go, over featherlight keys and graceful flutes. This album is undoubtedly worth a listen for nu and ‘old’ jazzphiles.
This week's diary picks:
MANCHESTER, UK.
Friday = Moodymann LIVE at the Mint Lounge. Mr. Scruff, Kelvin Brown and Jon K provide support to the Moody one and his live band.
Sat = All That Jazz at the Music Box. Residents special w/ Lee Speed, the Soul Twins, Rich Reason and Jon Freer.
Sat = El Diablos Boat Party from Castlefield.
Sat = Roots Before Branches at Dry Basement, w/ Neil Diablo, James Holroyd and residents.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
*Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
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*Freelance journalist.
Publications include -
Keep On Magazine
Blues & Soul Magazine
XLR8R Magazine
City Life Magazine
Inner Loop Magazine
littleplanet.net
pitchadjust.com
beyondjazz.net
deephousenetwork.com
skansen.no
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