From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-11-21 21:47:27
Jon Freer's Reviews 20th November 2005.
Albums & Comps:
V/A Explosive Hi-Fidelity Sounds: Mixed by Jerome Sydenham (BBE)
V/A Soultec Selected Vol 1: Mixed by Martin Brodin (Deeplay Soultec)
V/A Freshly Composted (Compost)
Rebel Clique Unique Connection (Ample Soul)
V/A Nicci Cheeks Presents Hip Hop Love Jazz (Kwerk)
Anthony B My Hope (Minor7Flat5)
Josie Mel Rasta Still De 'Bout (Minor7Flat5)
Jan Jelinek Kosmicher Pitch (~scape)
Thanks to Lee at BBE, Jesse at Cause & Effect, All at Compost, Ben BKS, Lucius at Outpost and Garo at Rooftop
V/A Explosive Hi-Fidelity Sounds: Mixed by Jerome Sydenham (BBE)
Cat No: BBECD064. Available Now.
Recorded live at Club Neighbourhood in London, this CD captures the hypnotic nature of Sydenham's full figured House selection. Charged technified offerings work alongside empowering vocal structures on this highly entertaining mix, which has been liberally sprinkled with tracks from Sydenham's own Ibadan imprint. Glen Lewis feat. Mjojo and Bongani's "Life Everlasting" earnestly pays homage to God, over holding keys, emotion heightening strings and trustworthy drums. Pete Heller's 'Filtered Edit' of Ferrer & Sydenham Inc's "Sandcastles" tweaks those poised synths, composed keys and hailing strings rather pleasantly. Sturdy keys and grandiose strings sit behind Byron's convincing vocals on Ten City's "Devotion", which has been given another coat of paint by NY re-edit master Danny Krivit. I wish I'd caught this set live
V/A Soultec Selected Vol 1: Mixed by Martin Brodin (Deeplay Soultec)
Cat No: D-TECMIX1. Available Now.
Great Techno and ballsy House is the focus of this smoothly segued mix from Deeplay leader Martin Brodin. Mainly looking at the techier side of things, Brodin has picked out some beauties. An-2's "Nu Boogie" sets provocative guitars on a bed of hitting beats and a frostily staring bass. Those love giving strings, far-reaching bass hits and frothed syntheticism still do the damage on Metro Area's mind-bending "Miura". Coarse keys and a muddy bass make Aril Brikha's "Groove La Chord" stand out. Ideal for those who life's techier pleasures.
V/A Freshly Composted (Compost)
Cat No: CPT200-2. Available Now.
It doesn't seem that long since Compost reached their first century of releases, but here they are at 200, with a CD which is a reminder of recent output and a sneaky peak at what's to come. There's an awful lot to choose from on this compilation, and despite the fact that this green fingered label are known for quirky nu-jazz above everything else, this CD has a heavy dose of lopsided House, sharp electrocuting tracks and chilled fair. Alex Attias' Mustang guised "10,000 Leagues Deeper", as retooled by Laurent 'Laboratoire' Garnier, is a snarling bass rumbler, complete with bewitching keys, evocative vocals and scorched strings. Maurice Fulton plies Beanfield and guest vocalist Ernesto with drink and drugs, as "Close To You" becomes a wonderfully befuddled key groover. Stupefying guitars and spilled percussion are dwarfed by an immense bass on Felix Laband's "Whistling In Tongues". This is a stylish roundup, which features some pretty tasty cuts and shows how the
imprint has developed since reaching their first century of releases.
Rebel Clique Unique Connection (Ample Soul)
Available Now.
The portly Fat Jon hooked up with Amleset Solomon to bring this album of eloquently vocalised aching neo soul and true hop. Some of the cuts area a little weak in the vocal department, but when Jon and Amleset get it right, the results are magnificent. "More Than U Know" floats syrupy vocals over an expandable bass and flutes that smell of roses. "Calling" is a heartbreaking track, where sensitive guitars and feet dragging beats sit beside the plea making vocals. Glinting keys, grounded percussion and lovely vocals appear through the "Looking Glass". Nu hop soul from the heart.
V/A Nicci Cheeks Presents Hip Hop Love Jazz (Kwerk)
Cat No: Kwerk CD005. Release Date: 28th November 2005.
Fiddly jazz backings and romanctic entanglement focused lyrics dominate this fine comp, which is slightly marked by the appearance of a few frankly ludicrous skits. "Hip Hop Love Jazz" is an ideal valentines day present for a bboy with a soft side. The pain of being knocked back by an object of desire in the focus of The Procussions' persistently guitarred "Miss Januray". Pedestrian beats and downcast keys form the backdrop to Wordworth's candid vocals on "It Ain't You". "Nutshell" sees Kim Hill's devout vocals rides pacifying keys and clapped electroi beats. A sweet musical offering.
Anthony B My Hope (Minor7Flat5)
Cat No: 14CD/LP. US Release Date: 29th November 2005.
Anthony B's conscious vocals are met by 21st century rootsy musical backings on this album for the Minor7Flat5 imprint. "Global Awareness" vents frustration against pointless conflicts, over soft percussive rhythmics and patient keys. A sugar coated sax does all the work on the admiration filled "Girl Look Fine". A well looked after bass, rootsy brass and straight thinking beats meet on "Crown I". A modern rootsy offering with some special moments.
Josie Mel Rasta Still De 'Bout (Minor7Flat5)
Cat No: 15CD/LP. US Release Date: Mid December 2005.
Josie Mel is another conscious Reggae artist who speaks from the heart, and his honest vocals are matched by sweet musical backings with a dubby tinge. The instant standout is "All Over Your Face", where mournful horns and a slow moving bass back pained vocals. R'n'B type stepping beats and a flowing bass link up under vocals that chart the life-changing influence of Mel's Rastafarian faith on "Hail H.I.M.". "He Lives" is another buoyant offering, where scrunched guitars, praising vocals and a lifting bass meet. Great stuff.
Jan Jelinek Kosmicher Pitch (~scape)
Cat No: sc32cd. Promo.
Influenced by cosmically inclined Krautrock and 'Wild Pitch' angled House records, "Kosmicher Pitch" is an intriguing slice of layered electronica. Ranging from barren sound constructions to heart touching moments, it takes effort to understand and appreciate this album. "Lemminge und Lurchen Inc." takes its strength from a stern faced bass and ghostly keys. The guitars do a lot of looking around on "Lithiummelodiel", as a bass drifts under unflinching beats. Guitar led confusion and dazed keys meet on "Western Mimikry". Fascinating in places, and a little on the dull side in others!
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
*Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
*Freelance journalist.
Publications include -
Keep On Magazine
Blues & Soul Magazine
City Life Magazine
Blowback Magazine
Rant Magazine
cratertech.com
pitchadjust.com
manchesterunderground.com
beyondjazz.net
mundovibes.net
deephousenetwork.com
skansen.no
radiozerogravity.net
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