InDaMix Newsletters for 2004.
December 31, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠78
Time to go for what to be reminded as our very last issue of 2K4 and, in the mean time, the very best of the aforementioned from your perspective, or shall I say the one of those who've taken a bit of their time to make their choice. Time to embark on a new year and address to each of us the circumstancial wishes for a better tomorrow. And what a better example as a matter of fact than what co-founder of the legendary Paradise Garage and former West End Records CEO Mel Cheren has achieved along all these years, as shown on our tribute to him. Meanwhile, on a rather festive vein, our Single Of The Week comes courtesy of Hott 22 featuring Octhavia. We wish you a Happy New Year…
BEST OF 2004 IDMW.Com READER'S POLL
The second instalment of our Best of 2004, based upon your responses via e-mail or on our forum. Gotta say somehow that you could have done much better that this you lazy folks, not in terms of quality but quantitywise which doesn't reflect the growing amount of you visiting us..
Is this because you've felt like you had to register on our forum ? You've thought it would take you too much time ? We also know, judging by what happens in terms of political elections that voting tends to be felt like useless by a substancial part of the opnion, although it remains our only opportunity to express ourselves and show who we are and what we want on a reputed democratic system.
Anyway, let's not forget that this was a first shot and hope you're gonna do better next time.
Making a choice is never an easy thing as you end up putting other talented people aside, but the ones therafter come as a result to your reactions either on our forum (although one more time, they could have been more numerous by far), either from the mails that we've received or the rates that you've dropped along the past year on our various pages. Some categories we've mentioned are finally not on display thereafter due to the diversity of your answers. So the winners are… Check them out here.
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠77
Hey dudes ! How R U doin' on this other side of the screen ? Time's definitely on to introduce you with what to be remembered as the best of 2004, starting with the choices of our editorial members. As a matter of fact, a name to appear quite often is this of Quentin Harris who we've managed to have a chat with prior to his DJ tour in Britain incl. NYE at London/Cargo. As for our current Single Of The Week, we stay in the same area with the latest delivery of UK vets Incognito. Merry X-mas everydody.
THE BEST OF 2004
We're starting our series dedicated to the best of 2004 this week with IDMW.Com crew members and affiliates reader's digests with the addiction of our latest pals + soon to join columnist Erik 'Waxgroove' Rug .
Find all the details here.
December 19, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠76
Already mid-December having most of us with an eye opened to the circumstancial festivities. As for what concerns us right now, we're getting ourselves ready to provide you next week with the best of 2004 as seen by our editorial team. As for your own selection, it is to be online in a fortnight. This meaning that you have another 7 days left to accomplish your electoral duty either while dropping us an e-mail (info) or registering on our forum (see Polls). As for this week's headlines, we've managed to have a conv. with Canadian head of Gotsoul label jojoflores who's currently on tour in South Africa, then made a quick stop in Detroit where we've gotcha another pure jewel courtesy of DJ Genesis & Omega as our Single Of The Week. Meanwhile, J'M Irie sits at the command of this week's issue with another instalment of his Nu Groove series. And if you're a bit of curious and understand a bit of Molière's language, Nicolas Lanneau is at the same position on our French version with some Japanese sweeties...
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS + MORE…)
First off all, let me “take some time out for loving, time for sharing, time for caring” as Arnold Jarvis sang once… and to thank all our faithful readers as their amount keeps on increasing. Yes, we are in da mix worldwide… so roll on 2005 !
By looking on top of our Nu Groove top ten this month, you’ll notice that the name of the same person stands proudly at the first and second spot (even though I consider hard or even absurd to state definitely that a good tune is better than another good tune… each one teach one seen?!)… a beautiful lady named Amerie.
we’ve already been seduced by her sexy afro-asiatic mixed physique for a few years. But also her powerful and sensual voice while watching MTV Base’s videos : in particular her vibrant chorus on an LL Cool J tune called “Paradise” last year. Well, this (quality) mainstream soul singer has also obtained underground cult status in the last weeks with just two tunes but such heavy ones too ! From her own outrageous “One Thing” to the blissful mash up of her vocals with Spymusic’s “Cloak” (a laid back boogie funk nodder originally out on 2000 Black Records).
2000 Black, the home of Dego (4Hero) which remains always one orshould I say many steps ahead of the game ! As the aformentioned and his new partner in crime Kaidi Tatham (the key wizard from Bugz In The Attic) keep rising higher and higher… while still celebrating the recent success of their impressive DKD album entitled “Future Rage” (released last autumn), the dynamic duo switch identities again to shock our adventurous ears and reinvent the content… So please make way for their brand spanking new project that goes by the ever evasive name of Silhouette Brown (with guest vocals from Deborah Jordan and the absolutely stunning Bembe Segue amongst others). An opus already out in Japan (aaaaargh…those lucky yellow bastards ! lol) which will be available via London’s Ether records around February. In the meantime… hold It down!
Getting back to NYC group Spymusic, let the world know that their own wicked album The Start Of Something Big is available for the true headz. You can purchase it directly from them through the dms country website, dmscountry.com/store… Come on, you gotta support da underground community !
Another great label that needs (and truly deserves) a lot more exposure is Franck Roger’s Real Tone from Paris. Rapidly growing as the best French deep house label (if it’s not Deeply Rooted, DJ Deep’s very own baby who’s just put out a big Kerri Chandler tune). As the second (a very tracky and hypnotic affair) Real Tone release from Franck is on the way, we can already announce that there are many more big things to come later next year. Such as the superb “Make It Right” produced by Roger (with the sweet voice of Mani Hoffman) which should be dubbed with an Osunlade remix. While Franck has returned him the favour by laying his hands on The latest’s “Breath Away”. Franck who really goes from strength to strength also judging by his massive remix of Allen Hoist’s “With Love” (alongside equally classy mixes from Kaidi Tatham, Marc Mac (4 Hero) and Greg Gauthier). A classic soulful song, perfect follow up to the lively cover of Marvin’s “Inner City Blues” on the French Soulution Records imprint,. Another one to hold tight for too !
And finally let’s welcome a new eclectic label (from ruff and tuff broken beat to deep and soulful drum and bass etc) hailing from Paris and Strasbourg, Astral Vibes, ran by my old friends Cycle and Nu Forms from rootspeople.com / RPM magazine. Their first imminent release is signed by Germany’s very gifted Liquid Funk master… Kabuki. And oh yes France CAN dance ! IRIE
J’M IRIE’S NU GROOVE HOT 10
AMERIE One Thing - Bootleg Remix (?)
SPYMUSIC/AMERIE I Just Cloaked (CD-R)
TY TRIBETT Mighty Long Way (CD-R)
SA-RA featuring PHAROAHE MONCH Glorious (CD-R)
SILHOUETTE BROWN Looking Back (2000 Black/Ether)
LEKAN BABALOLA Asokere - IG Culture Mix (Deeper Soul)
DEGO & KAIDI TATHAM Come With Me (Especial)
BUGZ IN THE ATTIC Booty La La - Psyan Remix (V2)
UNFORSCENE featuring ALICE RUSSELL Don’t You Worry - Domu Mix (Wah Wah 45)
KABUKI I Am For Real (Astral Vibes)
December 12, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠75
Quite a groovy selection this week on what's on offer here on IDMW.Com. For all of those lucky ones living in NYC who may not now the Rude Movements posse, then it's time to get yer eyes into it what they're doing (interview), as they have their monthly residency awaited this Tuesday at APT featuring their Dutch alter egos at Kindred Spirits label as guest DJ's. Our Single Of The Week comes from hyper active Louie Vega featuring Blaze as remixed by Joe Claussell and its title - 'Sunshine' - as well as its concept should heat our hearts, bodies & souls while getting ourselves ready to entering the Winter on the North Hemisphere of the globe. Meanwhile, recently married Nik Weston returns to IDMW.Com with his latest selection of Japanese delicatessen. And if you also happen to be into French, then DJ ADN has some more on our domestic version.
Ooops by the way, F.A.O. those you who still have not voted for the best of 2K4, it's still time to give us a better view of what you're into while making your selection on our forum (see Polls). Is dis dat f****** hard to ask you some contribution of yours for once ???
JAPAN CORNER by NIK WESTON
Konichi wa.Genki des ka ??
Word up my fellow Japan lovers…..By now all 3 of the Kyoto Jazz Massive 10th anniversary 12’s on Especial Distribution should hit the streets in the next few days and are causing int'l mayhem on my email and answerphone. Just be patient kids ! But hey, whad’ya expect when you realise that there’s exclusive tracks from Afronaught, Louie Vega, Domu, Dego n kaidi, Markus Enochson, Face, Restless Soul and Reel People etc ??? Vanessa Freeman in particular, on her guest spot with Reel People comes up with her finest vocal effort to date that causes shivers down your spine and much much more. We love the track so much we had it played at our wedding last week !..A bonefide classic ? You betcha Tonkatsu n Rice it is !! Of course, we spoke about them on the last issue of Japan's Corner here on IDMW.Com but if you haven’t picked up your copies yet I suggest you get your skates on. These babies wont be around for very long and in the tradition of collectability the super thick sleeves all have a different letter on the front spelling out K J M. Nice touch and it means you need all 3 12’s if you don’t want the other two 12’s to get lonely !!! The 3 x12’s are out on Especial Distribution and the CD’s of which currently there are two of ‘’Re KJM ‘’ & ‘’For KJM’’ came out over a month ago on the Quality label. You can buy the CD’s on the internet on a couple of UK web sites but have a search on google first and see what pops up. The cheapest place to buy the 12’s which should retail from 8.50 GBP is therecordroom.co.uk .don’t pay more than 10-12 pounds or so . . French music lovers can buy the 12's at Betino’s in Paris in a week or so… I saw the album CD's on one UK website going for around £ 21-22.00 with tax but not shipping but like I say have a dig around first.
To support the 10th anniversary releases Kyoto Jazz Massive went on a 21 date DJ tour of Japan & also got a band together with one of the biggest events taking place at Yebisu Garden Place in central Tokyo (that holds about 700 people ).They put on their first ever live shows and members of the KJM band included Vanessa Freeman, Bembe Segue and Hajime Yoshizawa… Speaking of which Hajime’s latest single and the 12th release for the Especial label ‘Verao No Ar’ has been flying off the shelves so if you haven't got a copy yet then contact the address above or any of the usual London shops which all have the release in stock… Hajime is currently in the studio working on new Sleepwalker & solo material. The next Especial Distribution single in the new year will be from New Zealanders Joe Dutchie & DJ Fitchie. The tracks ‘Seconds’ & ‘Ground Swell’ should be out in February/March 2005.
Other releases of late worth a mention are the monster remix 12" on Doughnuts with great renditions from Sunaga t & Calm… Calm by the way has recently released the last of three Key Free 12's out on his Music Conception label and a subsequent album of the same project. He also found time to release a sneaky promo only giveaway 12" of a special mix of the Shinning Of Life in a flutemental mix that Frankie Valentine has been doing backflips over. It was given out at a Calm show of an event in a club in Sapporo in Hokkaido and has been seen on the Japanese equivalent of Ebay going for £70… Blimey !!
Lifeline records a co Japanese/USA based label have had a couple of 12s just released one from Glenn Underground (who was recently on tour in Japan ) and another from Tha Blue Herb. Francois Kevorkian on remix duties on the later no less !
The latest project from the Planet Groove camp (these guys bought us the DJ Mitsu the beats album and singles ) is another single from Okada Taxi featuring one track in particular ‘Tell Her’ which has Kim Hill singing like an angel. M-flo have recently drooped 3 singles but the only one really for our European ears is the Astromatic Charmed School 12" with a bumpin hipity hop mix from Ugly Duckling.Out on Labsoul now. DJ Mitsu the beats himself has been really busy of late. There’s a rumour he will remix a Bakura track and as the beat maker and music provider of Sendai hip hop group Gagle he’s been dropping some promo only pressure with SOS on a 7’’ and ‘Take Notice’ also on a 45. The current Gagle single whose title is something like ‘Rapdx’ is on Warner and has already sold out but worth diggin around for as it's got some really good instrumentals if you like Mitsu’s jazzual style. People are getting wise to the limited pressings that Mitsu features on so anything with his name on gets snapped up quickly. I'm the first to admit I'm struggling to keep up ! Check his mix on the Alex Attias single and also his treatment of Average White Band for Soul Source which I thoroughly recommend.
On the hip hop front Muro has several new CD's out and one six track 12’’ called ‘Made In Japan’ with a Ben The Ace remix on the flip. USA hip hopper K-Otix released a Japanese only EP with tracks taken from (he tells me) his forthcoming album 48 Seasons. You need the 12" though as there’s a party rocker in the shape of ‘Something for Japan’ as a track hidden on the flipside.
On the jazz tip, there’s a great new 12" from Sunaga T with 'Versillian Samba' on Flower Recordings featuring a Five Corners Quintet mix. The Finnish mix is good but stay with the original it's ACE ! There’s a new jazz outfit called Big Horns Bee which have a new brass filled EP with a version of "Mission Impossible" which is great and if you liked the killer Soil & Pimp 12" then you’ll love this .Did any of you pick up the Izamani 7’’ with the Soil & Pimp Horns on ? Trust me you neeeeed this 7’’ ! Traditionally the 45’s are getting harder and harder to find, so if you don’t get soon, you might miss this one forever !
Gigs wise ? Well in the last couple of months you could have seen Count Bass D, Yam Who?, Simon S from Break Reform, Ernesto, Fertile Ground, Two Lone Swordsmen, Glenn Underground, John Digweed, Satoshi Tomiie, DJ Spinna, Ananda Project, Kenny Bobien, and Kenny Carpenter arrive, tour and leave. In the next few weeks, the likes of Beastie Boys, Chemical Brothers, Mark De Clive Lowe, Kerri Chandler, Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, Frankie Knuckles, Timmy Regisford, Danny Krivit all due to arrive and perform. And if you’re around Tokyo the first week of January you might even bump into me ! I'm spinning at On Off club on 01/07 with the Soul Source crew, and then with DJ Mitsu the Beats at a new club called Fur the following night and Club Fai on 01/10 with Kei Kobayashi.
Till then, see ya, and if you got 5 minutes spare check out engrish.com- most amusing !!
Gambete !
NIK WESTON - MUKATSUKU TOP 10
SUNAGA T Versillian Samba (Flower)
REEL PEOPLE Tomorrow Never Comes (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Ronco de Cuica (Especial Distribution)
SLEEPWALKER Eclipse (Quality !)
GAGLE Rap DX (Warner/Japan)
V/A Monster rmix (Doughnut)
CALM presents KEY OF LIKE - for Cisco EP Flutemental Mix (Music Conception)
GAGLE SOS (Jazzy Sport/45)
OKADA TAXI featuring KIM HILL Tell Her-(Planet Groove)
K-OTIX Something For Japan (CD-R)
December 5, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠74
Another 33 RPM section which is to be our very our very last of the likes this year. Jazzy Jeff getting our faves with his latest comp for Defected (Album Of The Month) accompanied by… Blaze featuring Barbara Tucker on the single front ; this making quite a good week for our pals at Defected. Meanwhile German producer, head of GoGo Music label, Ralph Gum is the subject of our curiousity this week (interview).
By the way, you still have a couple of weeks to make your selction out of the best of 2004 by casting your votes on our polls page. Hurry up then, we really count on you folks (see forum).
33 RPM
We end up 2K4 the way it has been qualitywise with another selection of goodies to feed your appetites. Jazzy Jeff in full effect behind the decks for the latest Soulheaven comp on Defected is surrounded this month by a vaste majority of Europeans with works worth the check, bringing us from Italy to Switzerland, Holland and Germany most notoriously. This with the addiction of a couple of surprises…
No doubt, the Italian scene is far away from what it was to become soon after the success of Black Box and Double Dee at the beginning of the 90's ! God bless labels such as Irma and Schema Records whose creating teams have managed to stay true to their beliefs, welcoming a whole bunch of top quality musicians/arrangers such as Paulo Conte, the Dinning Rooms, Don Carlos, Belladonna and Sicania Soul to name but a few.
This 4th instalment of The Jazz House Independant series on Irma has been left care of Black Mighty Wax making the selection on the CD1 and Dino Angioletti of the Pasta Boys in the mix on the CD2. Although the latest makes a good job, I would tend to prefer the CD1 filled with gorgeous atmospheric sensuous beats blended with afro latin jazzy vibes as brilliantly demonstrated on the opening "Starlite" by Sicania Soul as finely re-edited by Danny Krivit. Elsewhere, Kaleidoscopio with "Vôce Me Aparacem" retouched by Maurizio Belladonna is another of those sweeties as Don Carlos's "Take Me Higher" featuring Michelle Weeks (a former IDMW.Com Single Of The Week and Nona's "The Sweetest Taboo" for the instrumental lovers. Not to mention that other work by Belladonna for Arcoiris on "Anno Zero".
We drive up North to Switzerland to have a valuable stop by at Straight Ahead label responsible of the One Step Ahead series, the # 3 of which is now fully available. God knows how those respected people have a developped sense of good taste, to be compared in Europe to labels such as the 2 Italian ones quoted earlier, Compost and INFRACom! in Germany and Kindred Spirits in Holland. Quite reassuring as those stables keep the groove alive while pushing it forward to a new dimension. An exemple as opposed to the usual kinds of formats here an there. As a matter of fact, most of the tunes on display on this collection are exquisite pieces of a dream as notoriously demonstrated by Magic Number, Alison Crockett with "UR" receiving the remix treatment of Yam Who? and Domenico Ferrari. Meanwhile UK outfit Reel People is also represented with the post acid-jazzy "Can't Stop". The funk fans may dig with "Giant In The House" by Dallas & Gustafson featuring Gary Bardouille sounding like a sort of update of D-Train., Bakura looking like a far cousin of Roy Ayers to a certain extend, not to mention a drop of enlighted ragga by the likes of KV5 featuring Lyric L and, by the way, yes we like this !
Nearly 10 years in the circuit make Minus 8 already a vet, from his very first offering on DJ Cam's label to his latest deliveries for Compost label. Quite a versatile man indeed in love with hip hop and jazz who would eventually be considered as the Swiss ambassador of drum & bass at some time, making his debut for Stereo Deluxe with the aptly called Selectica album. Could it be that our man has finally found his niche ? At least, this LP gives a good representation of what he's into : groovy stuff indeed with a blend of hip hop, R&B, old jazz and cinematic influences dubbed with an obvious search for harmonic combinations with a drop of light emphasis. Check out for instance his rendition of "Daylight", a cut written & composed by Roy Ayers. Let yo'self go on the funky "Pussycat" and go for some quicker beats on "Go:Disco" and "MKultra" then enjoy a drop of shiny and inspired hip hop/ragga on "Brave & Bold" then take a breathe on the ending Afro atmospheric "Quaylude Slumber".
Another short ride to the North and we cross the German boarder for a quick listen to the new Trüby Trio LP or shall I say their "Retreated" album. Home of what they tend to call computer jazz, Compost keeps on pushing the boundaries while having a whole bunch of electroaholic people on board and I somehow have to say that their (re)works are far more interesting and dynamic than those provided by Louie Vega and Yam Who? A bit too predictable for my humble opinion. The best pieces including Guillaume Boulard remix of "Make A Move", "Alegre 2004" as relifted by Una Bombers and "Staisfaction" by Salzmann Und Zech. This with the addiction of a CD mix by Rainer Trüby himself including some x-tra remixes.
Always further up North and here we are in Holland. Although this country looks like mainly into European techno/trance beats, some people proudly stand as the defenders of the alternative. They brilliantly showed us what they're into last month at the Amsterdam Dance Event welcoming people such as the Rude Movements DJ's Karl Injex, Tyler Askew and Gamall, Lady Alma, Philly rapper Jneiro Jarel, The Platinum Pied Pipers and many others during 3 nites of memorable groove X-travaganza. I mean Kindred Spirits label releasing their 1st comp, Witness Future Vintage, the title of which really speaking for itself on what's on offer. Liquid Spirits, Kid Sublime, Jneiro Jarel whose debut LP is awaited next month, Build An Ark, Peven Everett, Rednose Distrikt, Kirk Degiorgio and Jimi Tenor to name but a… phew. Absolute jewels, meanwhile Swedish born singer Natalie Gardiner picks up the pieces, opening a new path while seing her nu soul style interpretations melted with minimal harmonic and rythmic elements by the likes of producer Ramjac on her eponym debut LP for Rotterdam-based label 4lux.
In search of some cool abstract atmospheres, Monte Larue who's to the North what Jose Padilla used to be in the South in terms of lazy contemplative music, drops another collection of sweeties on his Deluxe 2 comp for United Recordings and it definitely has its moments.
You may not expect to see Laurent Garnier's name on these pages. A feeling that is about the same as listening to his new album called The Cloud Machine Smoking. So what ? Isn't that the sign of free spirits to go wherever they want as long as they feel it. Well, the French ambassador of techno has much more on offer, having a listen to almost everything as long as there is emotion on it and why getting rid of such a pleasure at the end of the day ? His latest offering seing him working with oud player/singer Dhafer Yousef and experimental electro jazzist Bugge Wesseltoft is a piece of intriguing dark urban lo-fi at its very best (F-Com). And in the same state of mind, although on a more minimal and softer tip, I would suggest you to check A Guy Called Gerald's new LP called. All The Things They Need. What are they and who has he got in mind ? This, I dunno as the introspective side of this looks like developped to an extreme to the sole exceptions of his collabs with singers Ursula Rucker and Finley Quaye. This said, those in love with the memorable "Pacific State" that he wrote without being credited during his short period with 808 State, may find some reminder of the aforementioned while listening to "First Try" (!K7).
Long time no heard about consistant work from UK hip hop scene. Well Estelle could well take the world by storm with her debut offering - The 18th Day - on V2 performing as well if not better as her US sisters.This without the usual vulagarity and the help of a very harmonic environment.
Nuff said so far except the fact that I've just got the new Elements Of Life's Extensions album set for a release next month and it's absolute dope but this is a story that we're gonna develop a little bit later on if you don't mind. Peace, MFSB
33 RPM TENNERZ
LAURENT GARNIER Act 1 Minotaure X - album version (F-Com)
BOOKER T & THE MG's Melting pot - from Soulheaven presents Jazzy Jeff In The House (Defected)
TRUBY TRIO Alegre 2004 (Guillaume Boulard Remix) - album version (Compost)
MAX SEDGLEY Happy (Soul Mekanik Remix) - from The Jazz House Independant # 4 (Irma Unlimited)
MINUS 8 Quaylude Slumber - album version (Stereo Deluxe)
ESTELLE 1980 - Album version (V2)
KV5 featuring LYRIC L You Know This - from One Step Ahead 3 (Straight Ahead)
KID SUBLIME Turn Off The Lights - from Witness Future Vintage (Kindred Spirits)
NATALIE GARDINER Once I Thought Your Love Was Good - album version (4lux)
A GUY CALLED GERALD First Try - album version (!K7)
November 28, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠73
Say what ? Could it be that you still haven't voted for the best of 2K4 ??? Well it's still time doing it using the Polls page on our forum section…
US young producer Alix Alvarez has made quite some noise this year and is no doubt amongst the most talented faces to have appeared recently. Is he to be your favourite out of 2004 ? This we shall see. At least, he's our fave this week answering our Q's (Interview). Meanwhile, on the opposite corner is a heavyweight champion who needs no introduction. Probably the #1 in his genre since day 1 some… 25 years ago. Ladies & gents : Prince, scoring our Single of The Week with his famous "Digital Garden" as relifted by Adam Goldstone on some white label. Regarding our Album Of The Month to be online tomorrow, it's none other than Jazzy Jeff with his In The House delivery for Soulheaven on Defected and believe this, it could well be the comp of the year ! As for our current issue, it's definitely as groovy by the likes of JM Irie with his Nu Groove column. We know you're gonna dig this…
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS+ MORE…)
It's with big sadness that we've been told about the sudden collapse of Old Dirty Bastard aka Dirt McGirt aka Baby Jesus aka Russel Jones, other known as founding member of the Wu Tang Clan a bit more than a week ago. This furious rapper with unequaled charisma & noisy blues, although facing numerous problems with the justice, was working on his forthcoming album project at Jay Z and Damon Dash Roc-A- Fella label's studio. He'll be remembered for ever in the heart of those into hardcore hip hop ! May he endly rest in peace. This said ODB's production (the amount of which remaining unknown at the present time) should inspire many new generations of rappers, from Brooklyn to Paris… Starting with Versailles based Fuzati, exquisite vocalist of le Klub Des Loosers, whose first LP has just been released on Record Makers (Air's label). If not the psychotic Parisians TTC whose new piece of plastic on Big Dada is as arty as dirty ! Who by the way has said that art was made to chock the upper classes ?
We've Been Said That TTC'd reached the cult status in Japan. Well, surely not as much as those 2 Nippon groove Yakuzas better known as Kyoto Jazz Massive. The Okino bros are currently celebrating the 10th B-day of their much sought after Especial Records label with an exquisite series of EP's full of delicate goodies such as Restless Soul featuring Rasiyah "Time To Fly" (seing Phil Asher back in full effect after a sort of sabbatical year) Afronaught featuring Alison David "Now Or Never" (already looking like a future hit at the Co-Op nites!),Face "No Fear" (another wonder by the likes of Dego/4Hero) and Marcus Enochson featuring Ingela Olsson "Listen 4 It". Vol.2 features Domu "Taking Flight", Dego & Kaidi Tatham "Come With Me. And #3 has Kyoto Jazz Massive themselves on board with "Endless Flight (12" Edit)", Lars Bartkuhn "First Friendship" and Reel People featuring Vanessa Freeman "Tomorrow Never Comes.
The latest are also making their come back as classy as usual on their own Papa Records label with a new seasonnal gem called avec la classe qui les "The Rain". Could it be all those marvels hailing from UK find life because of the rain pushing our British neighbours to try to find some better time in their studios ? See Dominic Stanton for instance, equally on board on the KJM comp. Domu, that genious breakologist whop remains one amongst the most prolific producers at the present time whatever the genre maybe ; that one touted by some people as a sort of Miles Davis within the broken beat area, can do everything good, should it be house, techno, broken, disco, beatdown ou hip hop. From a moniker to another, he manages to extend the width of his expression, should it as as a post-producer for Unforseen on Wah Wah 45, Pianorama on Obliqsound or for Break Reform. Not to mention his works with Shifty under the Yokoto on Neroli (following his superb "Discotheque EP"). I wonder when this guy's sleeping… And if you ain't got the time to see him behind the desk, let me invite you to come along on Dec.11 at le Nouveau Casino, rue Oberkampf à Paris where he's awaited to spin for the RPM collective/ rootspeople.com alongside Tony Nwachuku (ex-Attica Blues/Nepenta), Landslide (Hospital) and yours trully. A bon entendeur, salut ! IRIE
J’M IRIE’S NU GROOVE HOT 10
AFRONAUGHT featuring ALISON DAVID Now Or Never (Especial)
ANTHONY HAMILTON Lucille - Theo Parrish ugly edit 9 (Ugly Edits)
JERU DA DAMAJA featuring LIL’ DAP “Don’t Get It Twisted” (Tygereye)
MOS DEF Modern Marvel (Geffen)
VISIONEERS Roll A Small One (For The Ride) (Omniverse)
MAGIC NUMBER ? - Domu Hip Hop Mix (CD-R)
REEL PEOPLE The Rain (Papa)
PLATINUM PIED PIPERS Saturday Night (Ubiquity)
THE REBIRTH Evil Vibrations (Ubiquity)
CYBERWORKS Funk Cluster (Twisted Funk)
November 21, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠72
Hey folks how R U doin' ? Tons of things as usual here on IDMW.Com, starting with that big grouped conversation we've managed to have with Ultra Naté, Arnold Jarvis and Joi Cardwell as part of the Underground Dance Artists United For Life awaited for a couple of performances today in New York City as a support to the release of the Keep Hope Alive album on King Street. 12"wise, we welcome back US singer Sarah Jane Morris scoring our Single Of The Week with "It's Jesus I Love" as relifted by Max Sedgley. Meanwhile our editorial team is ready to welcome a new member by the likes of UK multi facetted Sarah Foote and more to come in the near future on both our International and French versions. As for this precise moment, it's your time to deliver the infos while answering to the Q's thereafter either while dropping us an e-mail or using our forum.
WHATIZDISDATWE'RE ABOUT ?
Yaow. Time to make ourselves here at IDMW.Com a better idea of who our community is about. 2004 is progressively coming to an end from a week to another and it's your turn folks to let us know what you're really into while simply answering the Q's thereafter. All your responses to be compiled on a special issue to be online on the very last week of next December. Thank you for clicking on one of the following options out of our 2004 data basis or making your own choice when stated : http://www.indamixworldwide.com/html/forum14.html
The single of the year
Born To Funk "Di Bamba" (Spinning/Kneep Deep US)
Shapeshifters Lola's Theme (Nocturnal Groove)
Louie Vega featuring Blaze Love Is On The Way (Vega Records)
Treena Rose Tell Me All About It (Jellybean Soul)
RSL The Mast (Love Will Be Strong) (Players)
Other
The album of the year (free choice)
The event of the year (free choice)
The producer of the year
Blaze
DJ Gregory
DJ Spinna
Jazzanova
Louie Vega
Other
The upcoming producer of the year
Alix Alvarez
DJ Oji
Quentin Harris
Patchworks
Franck Roger
Other
The post-producer of the year
Alix Alvarez
DFA
DJ Spinna
Quentin Harris
Sir Piers
Other
The DJ of the year
Kerri Chandler
Joe Claussell
DJ Gregory
Kenny Dope
Louie Vega
Other
The upcoming DJ talent of the year
DJ Yannick (Needs)
Quentin Harris
Jojoflores
Julius the madthinker
Franck Roger
Other
The label of the year
Compost
Defected
MAW
Schema Records
West End
Other
The upcoming label of the year
Diaspora Recordings
GoGo Music
Jellybean Soul
Soulfuric Deep
Space Kat
Other
Your best souvenir (free choice)
What to be first reminded in 2K4 (free choice)
Your wish for 2005 (free choice)
What do you expect from IDMW.Com ?
What would you like to be added on our pages ?
On your marks !
November 14, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠71
Funny how things may go at some time… The House Music Awards have just been attributed last week and you know what ? Shapeshifters 'Lola's Theme' which stands as the Essential Selection Track Of The Year happened to be our Single Of The Week during the Winter Music Conference ! Will we do the same next year ? We shall see. As for the immediate, we're in good company with Dennis Ferrer taking the center stage this week for his first drop on Defected and Dutch pair Born To Funk (Interview) who had the former Single Of The Week here on IDMW.Com. Ooops by the way, don't forget to caste your votes for the best of 2004 (see our forum) for our special issue to be online on the very last week of the year.
IN DA MIX (House, Garage & Other Illicit Grooves)
Another bunch of definitive quality delicatessen on display this week, from Dennis Ferrer (our Single Of The Week) to the seminal Jungle Wonz's as revamped by Danny Krivit with the confirmation of a growing link between house & R&B as demonstrated by Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Tamia, Brandy & the likes seing their material reworked by people such as Tyrone Francis, Quentin Harris, DJ Spinna and Sir Piers amongst others. As if R&B had to become danceable like back in the days.
Our very first props this week going directly to Jazzy Jeff, although it's not time to talk about albums for his work and selection on his Soulheaven comp for Defected, displaying a vast array of timeless classics such as Booker T & The MG's "Melting Pot", Kool & The Gang's "Open Sesame", The O' Jays' quintessential "Now That We Found Love" as redone by reggae outfit Third World, Bohannon's "Let's Start The Dance", the late Barry White's "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness" and many others. Quite refreshing as well as a definitive testimony reassuring about the power of timeless made music. A thang that many current producers would be very much inspired to have in mind when on their way for some recording session !!!
Freshly sacred as the label of the year at the HMA last week, Defected add a new corker on their belt with the infectious "Hit It Off/Jero", a double tracker dispalying the versatility of Dennis Ferrer scoring the Single Of The Week here on IDMW.Com. So I guess that U know what you have 2 do. Buy this ! And also gotta do the same with the revamp of Jungle Wonz's classic " Bird In A Guilded Cage" seing Danny Krivit adding much drama emphasis to it (Skylax).
A quick look back in the days (let's say the early 80's) reminds us how R&B was to the period what dance music is nowadays although being far much diversified. As West End Records co-founder Mel Cheren said, we somehow used to talk about danceable R&B. Well, 20 years after, it looks like a new cycle is about to begin - although there's always been some connection between R&B and house (thanks to Johnny D keepin' the vibe alive with his A&Ring activities at Atlantic Records in NYC) - with more and more translations from a genre to another. Look at what happened to Alicia Keys for instance as recently noticed by our Swiss partner Michael Fossati of spiritofhouse.com. But also Tamia with her recent "Still" delivered on a seducive double pack featuring the remixing talents of DJ Spinna, Johnick, E-Smoove and DFA (Atlantic). If regular to those pages, you may remember our interview with mysterious Canadian bootleggers Alan Smithee best remembered for their work on Natalie Cole's "Tell Me All About It". Well, the good thing for them is that they'd been officially commissionned by Atlantic to relift a Brandy's song. Never understood what happened since although it would seem that they've ended up releasing the song in question - "About Our Love" on their own, judging by the presence of a CMAW dub of theirs as a part of the Pico de Gallo remixes recently released on Chicago Smooth label and it's really worth to check it out.
Not that easy as opposed to put one's hand on the very best out of the numerous remix packages of Jill Scott's "Golden", most of them being whites. Although you might have a listen to the smooth and jazzy approaches delivered on Philly label, I definitely would recommand you the Redsoul Remix, the good deal being that on board is also their revamp of Erykah Badu's "I Want You", which makes it quite an estimable investment. This year 2K4 should also be remembered for Prince's return in full effect under his own guise. I can't remember if that stunning track called "Digital Garden" was part of his latest LP as I ain't got the aformentioned next to me. This said, the song in question has received a smooth revamp on some deep phonky tip by Adam Goldstone and also deserves full attention (white).
Much talked already about Alison Crockett's "Crossroads", should it be by the likes of Nik Weston or Michael Fossati and I can't really know what I could add to what our people have already said except the fact that it definitely looks like some of the most delicate reworks DJ Spinna has ever done so far (Wah Wah 45s). Long time no heard about Sarah Jane Morris. Most remembered for her "Dream On Baby" reworked by Ron Trent on Irma a couple of years ago, the exquisite lady is back on the same label with the vibrant "It's Jesus I Love" as relifted by Max Sedgley adding much drama to this piece of atmospheric phonky breakbeat. One of our faves this week, nooooo doubt ! On her way to release her awaited debut LP by the beginning of 2005, UK songstress Verna Francis has a new single - "Look" - delivred with remixes from NoTenshun and fast growing name Franck Roger with a very smooth soul jazzy approach (Chillifunk) and stay tuned as our man has tons of goodies under his belt to be relased in the weeks/months to come. On a quite different tip is the remix package of John Consemulder's "Rewind To Sart" courtesy of John Tejada & Pirahnahead to be released any day now. Gotta say that should they be deepfunklectrified or on a more organic broken beatish jazz/funk vein, they perfectly fit to the lady's sweet voice (Moods & Grooves).
Don't expect anything to get you oops upside your head while listenig to "Takin' U Back" by James Ratcliff presents Urban Groove featuring Tommy Blaize although this conventional approach has a definitive friendly & classy laidback vibe to feed the expectations of the more soulful fans of you (suSu). And the same comment oughtta be done regarding Phil Hooton featuring Testament's "King Of Kings" on a gospelly house vein. Quite classic in terms of approach although seducive on both Original and Terry Hunter's mixes (suSu). Slightly deeper is Jaymz Nylon featuring Edwin Soto's "You Gotta Love" deserving a careful listen if searching for some vibrant atmosphere over a cool beat (RH).
2004 also sees the return of Manchester pioneer A Guy Called Gerald with a new LP awaited by the beginning of next month on K7! Quite unpredictable, our man and long time friend opens his "First Try EP" with… "First Try", quite reminiscent of the period that saw him working alongside 808 State back at the end of the 80's, the rest being far more abstract and experimental.
We loved Intuit's album released earlier this year and we love their current Remix EP and more particularly the soulful jazz'n' phonky "Planet Birth" featuring legendary singer Andy Bey, as retouched by Trüby Trio. Also included are the already classic "O Preguiçoso" delivered in some acoustic version as well as "Peace Of Mind", an infectious piece of lightly lectrified soul funk by the likes of Raw Deal. In other words a very good investment on its whole (Compost). On the same label, Beanfield look like in love with contrasts with their "Birds & Bees EP" having the noisy lectrified "Birds & Bees" dubbed with the smooth & delicate "Tides" retouched this time by Soulpatrol.
If wondering why Nutropic who are listed amongst our editorial team members haven't dropped a single line so far, the reason is quite simple. The boys have been working on numerous projects here and there - not to mention the current recording of their awaited debut-LP - the latest of which being a couple of seducive reworks for Tony Allen and Zuco 103 put together on the same package on Comet Records and their famous update of Letta M'Bulu "Banoyi" classic under the Afro Jazz Pioneers which we've had a bit more than 6 months ago as a Single Of The Week on CD-R and it's been really worth the wait (Early Records). In search for some Afro-beat ? Well Jamayka Records have a killer called "Mister Sinister" by the likes of Kokolo Afro Beat Orchestra served with effective mixes of Faze Action and dis sh** is another pure slice of dope.
If into the abstract latin jazzy kind of vibes then no doubt Jeremias Santiago "Keyzzz"'s 4 U and more precisely it's B-side featuring the nu bossaey "San Juan Soul" and the housey "Latin Woman" (Jellybean Soul).
See ya ! Peace, MFSB
IDM TENNERZ
SARAH JANE MORRIS It's Jesus I Love - Max Sedgley Remix (Irma)
JUNGLE WONZ Bird In A Guilded Cage - Danny Krivit Reedit (Skylax)
JOHN CONSEMULDER Rewind To Start - Pirahnahead Remix (Moods & Grooves/test)
DIGITAL GARDEN - Adam Goldstone Vocal Remix (white)
ALISON CROCKETT Crossroads - DJ Spinna Remix (Wah Wah 45s)
BRANDY About Our Love - CMAW Dub (Chicago Smooth)
DENNIS FERRER Hit It Off (Defected)
JEREMIAS SANTIAGO San Juan Soul
TAMIA Still - DFA Remix (Atlantic)
KOKOLO AFRO BEAT ORCHESTRA Mister Sinister - Faze Action Vocal Remix (Jamayka)
November 7, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠70
Continental Europeans as generally called in UK making a sort of hat trick on IDMW.Com. Who would have predicted such a situation a few months ago ? Well,it pretty much looks like this is it right now on our columns, from German Lars Bartkuhn scoring our Album Of The Month to Austrian new comer Parov Stelar (Interview) and the much sought after Dutch pair Born To Funk with the Single Of The Week… As for the site's concern, get ready for much more in the forthcoming weeks as our 1st B-Day gift repaying you for your fidelity…
INDAMIXWORLDWIDE.COM GOES 1
No specific column this week. Not that there's nothing to review, but because time has come to speak for once about ourselves. You may wonder why. Well, simply because this month marks our first Anniversary in full effect !
As a matter of fact, I would like to thank first all of those who've actively helped to make us who we are today. This means my partner in crime, Jean-Jérôme Lebel who's put the technical shapes to IDMW.Com, but also the ones who've graced us with their editorial contribution (Nik Weston, Michael Procter, JM Irie, DJ ADN and more to come in the near future). Not to mention our webpartners around the globe and of course you, our beloved readers whose ever growing amount of visits allow us to start this second year with a strong basis.
our enthusiastic feedback is the true key pushing us on our will to increase the performances of our activities day after day, not only in terms of content with new names, columns and versions, as recently shown with the launch of our French version, but also in terms of circulation on the site trying to make it the most fluid as we can.
This said, if the first try has been scored, it now needs to be transformed, getting us in the obligation to put the shapes to a more approriate structure to be fully operational by the beginning of 2005 with a bigger server and the launch of extra activities as a complement to what we're already doing, those about which you'll be posted about as time goes.
As you may have noticed, IDMW.Com is, as opposed to many other experiences, the result of a spontaneous initiative by the likes of a bunch of independant people displaying the fruit of their common passion within a world where there's not that much space for alternative and the reward of which so far is the pleasure you feel finding the most acurate infos on the site.
Needless to say then that your commitment in spreading the word about what we're doing to your pals or dropping the infos about what you're doing on our forum (playlists, dates, feedback, thoughts or enquiries) is to be taken as the best sign of support we may get from you.
Peace & thanks to all of you.
Frederic 'MFSB' Messent, editor
October 31, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠69
Always easy to complain about this or that… To have a look back at yesterday, say that it was our good times and there will be no (better) tomorrow… Pretend it's like this and that there's nothing we can do about it… Then what ? Get ourselves a gun and put an end to our existences ??? You dare !!! Although we're surrounded by bad news every day, let's not forget that it's no one but us who've generated both the situation and the system that gets its resources from it. Meanwhile, here or there, a bunch of people keep on delivering good vibrations (King Britt as interviewed this week and Rocco featuring Nicinha scoring the Single Of The Week to name but a few), making our day thus giving us hope in a better tomorrow. Enuff reasons for us to invest our energies in trying to give them the best exposure we can…
When mentioning 33 RPM, guess you've understood that it's now time for some x-tra album reviews…
33 RPM
Oh man, what a year ! Extremes facing each other. On one hand, a world (ours by the way) keepin'on going upside down as if yesteryears' horror was nutin' but an appetizer as compared to today's ones… On the other one, faithful people demonstrating that there's no other answer but LOVE to the situation we're living.
Our deepest thoughts go to them, from Chicago bluesman, Terry Callier to one third of German threesome Needs (in other words Lars Bartkhun) and Blaze for their commitment in the fight against AIDS, but also sharing the duties on the latest Southport Weekender comp with Joe Claussell + all the ones thereafter Goran Kajfes, Parov Stelar, Alex Attias, Nicola Conte, Nitin Sawhney & Osunlade. We love you(r) music…
No doubt folks, we're really spoilt with all these goodies around. Should this be what the emblematic (Frederick Hamilton) Bohannon used to call "foot stomping music" at the time or sort of seasonal introspective vibes, I would humbly suggest you to have a careful listen to what comes thereafter.
We've got indeed a bit of everything as mentioned above on the aptly called Dreamland, our forthcoming Album Of The Month which happens to be the first solo effort from 1/3 of German production team Needs, Lars Bartkuhn aka Passion Dance Orchestra. Melody, groove, depth and freshness from an exquisite home made blend of latin, jazz, soul and house vibes (Needs Music).
Temperatures droppin' and leaves fallin' down the trees remind us how firmly we are in Autumn. As a matter of fact and although released in Aprilich/May in his home country, Goran Kajfes's Headspin album is to be put out on a more wide scale incl. countries such as France, Italy, Japan and U.S. and it definitely looks like an… autumnal collection. Is it because of the artwork of its sleeve ? Its smooth content quite minimalistic ? Both of'em I would say from this versatile Swedish trumpeteer who, like Bugge Wesseltoft in Norway, seems like being torn between electro and jazz perspectives. Gotta say that the atmospheres he develops are quite intimate, with a drop of nostalgia if not sadness at some time while carrying his Croatian/Yougoslavian roots even though it's not only and solely downtempo (Amigo).
Not that far away in terms of spirit and vibes is Austrian self made man Parov Stelar's debut LP Rough Cuts (Etage Noir). If regular to those pages, you may have heard about him after the releases of his "Kisskiss" and "Wanna Get" EP's which we've championed right here. A guy already touted as the inventor of a nu genre called minimal jazz house… Who then cares at the end of the day as long as it's good and no doubt it is, although not that groovy. But those constructions, man… Hmmm. Not to mention the ultra sweet vocal parts courtesy of Anita Riegler. Typically what we might call Austrian pastries with some experimental edge.
It's almost one bus stop from Austria to Switzerland, where Alex Attias aka Mustang has decided to come back after spending a few years in London. A message that is definitely in his music, should it be in the title of his solo effort (Back Home) as well as in its content which he describes as close to what he was doing before leaving his homeland. And the truth is although he's as versatile as ever, ranging from house to broken beat with a bit of solid soul, hip hop and some bits & bops here and there, his works sound dark and sharp, if not somehow weird due to the futuristic approach of the man (Compost).
Down to South (in Italy) is the man who, probably, has the most silky touch around in terms of latin groove. Ladies & gents : Nicola Conte and his 8 piece band, not only revisiting 60's (cool) jazz but adding his unique view thus giving a brand new life amongst others to organic (dance) jamming as brilliantly demonstrated on 'Kind Of Sunshine' (a recent Single Of The Week here @ IDMW.com), the first offshot to be taken to his debut-LP, Other Directions, for Blue Note.
Let's go back up North to UK where Nitin Sawhney hails from. Not only is he a musician but first and foremost a musicologist, transporting his Eastern background to new territories, the way his ancestors did bringing flamenco from their native North Of India to Spain. Well, our dear brother goes one step further, surrounded by a cohort of patented researchers revamping his repertoire. Amongst them, Free Form Five, Quantic, Atjazz, Seiji, Bugz, Landslide, London Elektricity and Joe Claussell for an All Mixed Up session delivered with an extra CD mixed by the man himself. Pfaow ! (V2).
If you think the series is already over, you're damned wrong, as Chicagoan bluesman Terry Callier is back in full effect with his Lookin' Out self produced album and the result is - you know what ? - AWESOME from big band blues/jazz jams to vibrant pieces of complain to get your hair straight up along your spinal column. Emotions at their very best from the first to the very last note (Emarcy).
In a scene (the house one) drastically lacking of images, aural identification is none other than quintessential. It's exactly what Osunlade has taken care of while providing a bit of his on the numerous remixes he's done so far, although not killing the original spirit of what he's been commissioned to revamp. But all on all, isn't that what's supposedly expected in such operations ? Our man demonstrates his versatility while embracing diverse worlds such as those of Spacek leaving a drop of jazz vibes on it, Roland Brival, adding a touch of Roy Ayers inspired jazz/funkiness, a bit of cotton depth on 4 Hero's music and so on, from John Beltram to Keziah Jones, Tortured Soul, Erro, Roy Ayers, Salif Keita and Cesaria Evora to name but a few with a proper sense of aesthetism. Well, we happen to talk about nothing but The Yoruba Soul Mixes collection on Rapster/BBE at the end of the day…
There's been the anthemic Jazz In The House series, then there would be The Soul In The House one left care of (you've guessed it ?) Phil Asher. Have to say that it's somehow hard to make the difference as many soulful tunes are jazzy and vice versa. At least, the expectations remain the same : good music and, no doubt, everyone looks at the right place. Nu Life featuring Kenny Bobien, former IDMW.com Single Of The Week Reel People 'The Light' as revamped by Copyright, Franck Roger's 'If', the abyssal 'I'll Never Know' by Will Milton, Soul Central's’My Wow', Big Moses' fluid 'Deep Inside' and the Jazzissimo 'The Journey' by George Mena & Frankie Estevez. Is this soul, is this jazz ? Who gives a single sh** as long as it's definitely in da house… And it is ! (Slip'N'Slide).
This Is How Radio Should Sound Like… We all know how airwaved programs sound like nowadays generally speaking, but what do we do at the end of the day ??? Philly visionnaire King Britt (this week's Interview) gives us a brilliant response while putting out the album of the name where he alongside his pals (Tony Motzer, Dozia and Phillip Charles and Capitol A) provides us with a collection of atmospheric soulful grooves based on those deviant futuristic approaches which have consistantly contributed to his reputation. We may even get a bit of pop attitude with the freshly squeezed 'Starship'. The work of a true aesthet, which is not that surprising from the 5/6 clan where you can also find Jody Watley, Michele Shaprow, Spacek and Justin Paul with soon to be released new projects. A fine appetizer indeed (Fivesix Recordings).
Putting an end to this month's album selection with what has to be taken, not only musicwise but also in terms of spirit as contemporary (conscious) soul. In other words, that famous collection called Keep Hope Alive put together by Blaze with a whole bunch of people you're familiar with if regular to these columns (Kenny Bobien, Arnold Jarvis, Barbara Tucker, Ultra Naté, Byron Stingily, Michelle Weeks, Dawn Tallman…). Altogether, they've created a collection of absolute gems dedicated to raising funds against AIDS and (also for that) deserve our full attention, respect and support (King Street).
Last but not least a few extra albums where you might also find goods to feed your mind, body & soul from Chateau Flight's The Metal, full of various bits'b'bops of various nature thus creating a collection of breakdowns, former Telex member Marc Moulin droppin' a new series of cool electro jams on his Entertainment album for Blue Note, a finest selection of deep atmospheric house jams from The Rurals and their pals on their Pêng label called Leko The Lazy Beat Lion. A really classy effort - Inspiracion Espiracion - by the likes of Ya Basta! man Philippe Cohen-Solal better known for his work under the Gotan Project guise, providing us with a mix that looks like a travelling shot in the streets of Buenos Aires (Barclay/Universal). Then Benelux lounge pope Monte Larue going upbeat with his new gathering called New Wave Disco for those into contemporary electro dance vibes (United Recordings).
33 RPM TENNERZ
TERRY CALLIER Paris Blues - album version (Emarcy/Universal)
NICOLA CONTE Kind Of Sunshine - album version (Schema/Blue Note)
V/A : KEEP HOPE ALIVE - KENNY BOBIEN Hiya Love (King Street)
NITTIN SAWHNEY Sunset - MJ Cole Mix/album version (V2)
V:A : THIS IS WHAT RADIO SHOULD SOUND LIKE - SCUBA featuring MICHELE SPAROW Angel - album version (Fivesix Recordings)
GORAN KAJFES Nuclear War (Amigo)
PAROV STELAR Sometimes featuring ANNA RIEGLER - album version (Etage Noir)
ALEX ATTIAS presents MUSTANG featuring COLONEL RED, MARK DE CLIVE-LOWE & SWEET ABRAHAM Everchanging Time - album version (Compost)
V/A : SOUL IN THE HOUSE - WIL MILTON featuring LAURAIN CHAPLAIN I'll Never Know (Slip'N'Slide)
V/A : OSUNLADE present THE YORUBA SOUL MIXES - SALIF KEITA Moussoulou (Rapster/BBE)
October 24, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠68
Tons of awaited interviews and reviews currently in the pipeline to feed your souls and apetite for new soundabytes. This said quality music isn't strictly limited to club tchoons, should there be house or nu jazz, as notoriously demonstrated by Nitin Sawhney (Interview) with his recent All Mixed Up album whose title speaks for itself and Chez Damier scoring once more our Single Of The Week with the vol.2 in his Gathering series of 10". Meanwhile it's turn for Irie to come up with the latest developments of his Nu Groove column. Let's groove tonite !
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS+ MORE…)
It takes time to make time…
Putting her fingers on the beloved work of John Coltrane (her late husband and the biggest saxophonist of all times, who've passed away in 1967), venerable Alice Coltrane manages carefully to get each of her albums as an invocation to the beauty of universal spirit, celebrating God by each mean and giving all its signification to the so called "world music" on her new album called Translinear Light… A modal jazz effort touched by some budhist spirituality which has just been released on Impulse even though it sounds as if directly coming from some 60's ashram.
In the same timeless vein, as moments of happiness are made to last for ever, why then no havin' a listen to the latest comps from South London label Soul Brother Records ? True, time's flying but what remains to be reminded at the end of the day if not the greatest tunes ? Should it be Black pearls as Moe Koffmann's "Days Gone By (Egyptology)", sampled at a time by Jill Scott on "Slowly Surely" but also the Visionneers, Sathema B Benjamin's "Africa" or Carlos Garnett's "Banks Of The Nile" recently revisited by 2 Banks Of Four)… All on all, rare tunes which have been gathered on a collection called African Spirits…
On a soul/jazz vein coming to sublime, the new Antholgy from Soul Brother Records is dedicated to happy saxophonist Gary Batz, following those of Eddie Henderson, Leroy Burgess and James Mason to name but a few. From his heavenly debut in 1971 with a cover version of Andy Bay's "Celestial Blues" to that supersonic jazz/funk out of productions by Larry and Fonze Mizzell (around 1977) like the insane "Carnaval de L’Esprit" or the exulting "Music Is My Sanctuary" irresistibly sung by Syreeta Wright, the late Steve Wonder muse who has sadly passe away last summer. A lady whose "To Know You Is To Love You" song alongside Stevie is now being covered by Dwele, occasionnaly singing for Platinum Pied Pipers. A super group created by reputed producer Wajeed (Detroit label Bling 47 boss) who also happens to be the inspirational member of Slum Village alongside Jay Dilla. PPP whose initials may well stay remembered for some time, judging by the beauty of other R&B/nu soul wonders such as "Would It Hurt You To Try Me" and ou "I Got You" as some apetizers to a prompising album awaited on Ubiquity this Winter.
Other left side obscure genious, Madlib's getting himslef ready for the long awaited return of his craziest moniker : the whimscal Quasimoto, no less ! Meanwhile the forthcoming release of The Unseen Part 2 is far from being for tomorrow, the few tracks that are already in circulation seem to reflect that it's gonna be worth the wait. As for our immediate Otis Jackson Jr fans should be happy while discovering the very first album of his brother… Michael (Jackson) ! Yeah Michael but not the one everybody's been talking about… Another one, but no doubt more discreet better known under the Oh-No guise who's effort (The Disrupt) is co-produced by himself alongside Jay Dilla and Madlib. In other words, a family affair as said by another Stone called Sly !
Integrity also applies to France, with the heat of Paris-based underground singer Marilyn David's voice. A lady hailing from Detroit who stands as the French broken boogie diva who further to the memorable "Give In To Me" alogside Shade Of Soul has maintained the vibe alive, successively with Crusho's "Someone To Love" on Q-Tape, then "Make Love To The Boogie" with Da Monikers on Monte-Carlo-based label Diggers (the remix of which by Alex Attias aka Freedom Soundz is an absolute killer !). And the show is just about to begin as her new "Hopin’ For A Good Day" produced by Shade Of Soul is soon to be released on Marc '4Hero' Marc's Twisted Funk's label. Also due for imminent release on the latest are new 12" from Cyberworks, Hopper featuring Carina Anderson & Nu Era, not to mention their next night at Le Rex Club in Paris on Dec 23. Already X-mas B4 time ! IRIE
J’M IRIE’S NU GROOVES HOT 10
GQ Lies - Theo Parrish Ugly Edit (Ugly Edits 8)
MICHELLE WALLACE Tee’s Right - Tee Scott Dub (Emergency)
ALICE COLTRANE Sita Ram (Impulse)
RAUL MIDON Cerca De Mi - Kenny Dope Remix (MAW)
RAHEEM "?" (CD-R)
FRANCK ROGER"?" (Real Tone 02)
SA RA Hey Bra (CD-R)
QUASIMOTO Rap Cats (Stones Throw)
PLATINUM PIED PIPERS I Got U (Ubiquity)
CHATEAUFLIGHT "?" - Tchok Remix (Versatile)
October 17, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠67
Summer has definitely not said its last words - isn't that also supposed to be Indian Summertime in NYC by the way ? - as we keep on being provided with sunny vibes. First props would come to latin/jazz Italian maestro Nicola Conte who, not only scores the Single Of The Week here on IDMW.com, but is also heavily awaited at the Paris Factory Jazz Festival this Thursday nite. Responsible of our Album Of The Month (the Southport Weekender #2 comp), Joe Claussell (Interview) has dropped us a line about his projects, incl. the aforementioned and (almost) all the other ones. And it's far from being everything, as later on developped by MFSB on the latest installment of his In Da Mix page.
IN DA MIX (HOUSE, GARAGE & OTHER ILLICIT GROOVES)
Well, well, well, if the last IDM issue was meant to be a sort of say post-summer break update, this follow up brings us straight into what is or should be heavily heard these days. Say kidz wot time izit ? It's time 4 house !
All those people we're supporting the works of on these pages look like firmly decided to take the very last Bucks out of our pockets nowadays. This meaning that our want lists are to grow in a drastic way, but also some pretty x-tra amount of work for the IDMW.com editorial team trying to get the very best out of it interviewwise speaking.
As earlier mentioned Nicola Conte opens this new issue with the brilliantissime 'Kind Of Sunshine' (our current Single Of The Week), a frantic latin jazz killer recapturing the essence of jazz clubs jams inherited from the 50's/60's (Schema Records) which also happens to be the first offshot from his new album signed on Blue Note ! We luuuuv this as we loved the original version of RSL's’The Mast' which, being now signed on Giant Step label, has received the remix treatment of King Britt and Dave Hernandez on a more traditional housey way and lost a bit of its beauty and originality in the mean time. If regular to this place, then you should know how we love Incognito. Well, the band which has recently released a new album aptly named Adventure In Black Sunshine, has a new cut ('The Principles Of Love') needing all your attention. In fact, it's actually the B-side of the housey "Listen To The Music" the B-side delivering some bossa/jazz/phonk organic feel with an awesome interpretation from singer Maysa Leak in full effect (Dôme).
When you, Stateside, have your Blaze and MAW, looks like we, In France, have their counterpart, not only in terms of quality but also of quantity. See who we're talkin' about ? Franck Roger and his usual crew (M'Selem & Chris Wonder) at their very best on "You Can Be The One" which is the first release of Franck's newly launched label Real Tone. Other new structures worth to check include Bstraxx who've managed to sign Rocco (remember he of the Rodamaal team)'s new 12. A cut called "My Dream" delivered in 4 # versions seing him once more alongside Portuguese vocalist Nicinha and although it's been conceived a while ago, our man said to me, it has some serious potential value and more particularily the mix # 04. Sorry, I ain't got any more info so far, as I received this via FTP on mp3, except the fact I understand it's going to be officially released by the end of this month…
The world happens to be very small at some time. Get ready to some historical thing coming from the Baltic Republic where our Latvian friend/partner Bogdan Taran (of dancebox.net) launches his own label under the Amber Muse code name. First reference due to hit the streets on 11/22 is Bandmaster's Flight aka DJ Rudd and Andis Ansons with some deep abstract slightly electronified atmospheric house work called 'Samuel Alone'. Dunno about the voice featuring on it, I mean if it has been mixed live or simply sampled, but the thing is that It's very close to the one of that Hungarian actor which Marcel had sampled on his memorable 'On The beach'. 4 mixes on display on the 12" version including one from Rodamaal's Alex S with a preference for RyRadio DJ's Remix not that far away from the Naked Music sound. A comment which also definitely applies to The Rurals' new EP, 'A Deeper Calling' featuring Tweek on smooth atmospheric grooves in addiction to the instrumental 'Charlie Plays' (have an idea about the reference ?) on some even mellower rhythm (Pêng). Meanwhile Rodamaal third member, Manoo drops a new 12 on DJ Deep's Deeply Rooted House label, the 3 pieces on the 4 on display seing L'Ambassade resident DJ exploring friendly deep abstract melodic vibes. It should now be a question of weeks B4 Soldiers Of Twilight release their debut-LP. In the mean time, they maintain the pressure with 'Beautiful' whose B-side 1st mix is also quite reminiscent of the Naked Sound, but the one coming from the West Coast (Serial). If in search for some cool vibes, then I'd also kindly suggest you to have a careful listen to the smooth "He Watches" by the likes of Sir Isaac (Big Moe).
Some other company we gotta talk about now is the one under the Stalwart Recordings name which has been launched by 3 people including former Distance A&R man Olivier Velay and DJ Rork. Here they come with their first release, seing former K.O.T. Jay 'Sinister' Sealee retouching Earth, Wind & Fire's’Never' (see our Preview section of the home page) with favours going to the well named Full Effect mix and its festive although soulful vibes around some calypsoïde beatz.
Could this be that there's a progressive transfer from one side to the other of the Atlantic ? We may have lost Strictly Rhythm and Nervous in the US, in the mean time Dutch suSU label looks like being a new alternative for many US hardworkerz. Commonly responsible of the Southport Weekender#2 comp (our Album Of The Month), Blaze and Joe Claussell have also taken care of licensing exclusive pieces of beauty on the Vinyl sampler of the like including a blattant Alexander Hope song called 'Big Mistake', meanwhile the former B&S resident gives us a sample of the long time awaited 'Journey To The Center' by Chris Brann that the man himself gave me as a CD almost 3 years ago and believe this, it's gorgeous.
Look out for some not to be missed new material by Steal Vibe making their debut for West End Records with the positive and soulful 'Strong' featuring Chris Dockins on vocals. Speaking of deliberately positive things, I would kindly suggest you to have a listen to Blaze's Keep Hope Alive project recently released on King Street with productions by the twosome for people such as Arnold Jarvis, Joi Cardwell, Kenny Bobien Barbara Tucker and many others. Watch this space as we've scheduled a big feature about this (not to mention our tribute on our home page). And if that wasn't enough, the NJ pair deliver some x-tra work of theirs on Jellybean Soul, collaborating with Sybil on the vibrantly "When I Fall In Love" remixed by Quentin Harris.
Contradictory rumours are circulating on the MAW's side about the release date of the long awaited EOL's Extensions album which, although being at some time announced for September then October, is said to be postponed til the beg. of 2K5. At least, Louie (Vega) has dropped another piece of the cake with the extended version of 'Journey's Prelude' featuring Ursula Rucker, by the likes of Frankie Feliciano aka Nulife this making another not to be missed piece of plastic (Vega Records).
Although jazz in the house is a combination that works perfectly as once more brilliantly demonstrated by The Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble with their newie called 'Gotta Be In Love' featuring vocalist Llayali (Soulplanet Recordings), the contrary doesn't necessarily always. The most jazzists of you may remember some limited 7" featuring a live jam from Directions called 'Deep Talking' a while ago. Well, the aforementioned has turned out to be delivered into a 12" format with additional mixes from Kenny Dope droppin' his usual beats but also killing a bit of the original shiny side in the mean time (Diaspora). On the other hand, his approach on his revamps of 'Without Words' by Nature Plan featuring Ed Motta is a pure slice of heaven for those into latin/bossa rhythms. Quite different though is his funkacizing commitment on the new remix package of Reel People featuring Angela Johnson's classic "Can't Stop" officially awaited on 11/22 although promo copies are already available at the usual upfront record shops (Papa Records), meanwhile, he goes for some litteraly in yer face treatment on Harry 'Choo Choo' Romero featuring Robert Owens classic 'I Go Back' which should rock the floors (white).
Back to Diaspora and to a man who happens to be part of the Keep Hope Alive project. In other words : Arnold Jarvis ! Can't remember hearing anything badly done or even M.O.R. from him since the very beginning. His latest called 'Beautiful Love' is another of those firmly recommanded house jams with extra sparkles provided by Sweet Abraham on the flipside. As for Ricanstruction's concern, Karizma goes ultra deep'N'abstract on his first works for Frankie Feliciano's label (best version being the 'S.I.L.U.' one). Meanwhile, Giant Step has a far more interesting newie provided by Baltimore band Fertile Ground, going vocal this time with the help of Navasha Daya on their sweet'n'jazzy 'Live In The Light'. A cut that gets another dimension while being groovily retouched by DJ Spinna with his usual blend, but also Basement Boys themselves going jazzy this time. Seen live last Sunday in London during what was their first ever performance of the genre in UK, Tortured Soul have a new piece of delight called "Enjoy it Now" on Japanese label Lifeline. Nothing but some sweet and delicate soulful swing along that being given the remix treatment of Christian Ulrich himself + Hiroyuki Sanada becomes a perfect and friendly cool stomper.
Well done African tinged groove will always receive our full support as it deeply applies to Sin Palabras 'Yemaya' as remixed by John Beltram and the infectious 4Di Bamba' by Born To Funk featuring Mgulu Shemebe on German label Knee Deep. Two pure gems I swear, folks !
White label purveyor Fall Out seems like going from strong to stronger, judging by the identity of those seing their material reworked by the Epod team and friend. We've had Inda Arie and Little Jay (Jamiroquai's head by the likes of Timmy Regisford), we now have some even more surprising guest - I mean Sting no less ! - with a booming revamp of "Send Your Love" whereas I gotta say that it's hard to recognize the singer himself at some time. Anyway, it's a blattant groove full of energy on a strange blend of rocky soul influences makin'it amongst our favourites at the moment. Meanwhile the same label provides us with 2 other releases worth to check : Syleena Johnson's 'I Believe In Love' + 'Diary' from R&B diva Alicia Keys who might pretty well end up 2K4 having the most illegaly remixed repertoire of the year, as said by Michael Fossati on his column.
Daughter of funk diva Gwen McCrae, Leah McCrae revamps in a sultry way the classic 'All This Love I'm Giving', ready to feed the apetite of those into classy vocal 4X4 with additional remixes provided by Richard Earnshaw and a dope Re-rub by Groovefinder (Groovefinder-US). This month also sees the return of former Sylvester back singer Martha Wash on a new label () with a top notched gospel song called 'Lift Me Up' quickly looking to become a classic, judging by the enthusistic reactions from people such as Michael Fossati (spiritofhouse.12) and Dr Bob Jones. Classic but classy is Passionardor's phonky ’Everlasting Love' on Soulfuric Deep. A duet comprising UK producer/songwriter Mark Moore and vocalist Laura Vane sounding like those jazz/funk divas of the 80's getting the remix treatment of John Cutler on the A-side. Upcoming US producer Nikos confirms the sobriety of his touch on the classic 4X4 'Never Give Up' featuring a stunning vocal performance by Hymn (Under My Skin). On a slightly more dark electro/jazz/funk vibe is Bluem Recordings latest 'Take Your Time' from Scoper & T-Bone featuring Tim Cobain and gotta frankly say that it has its moments and most particularily the original mix with its breakdowns.
In love with old fashionned disco vibez ? Well Hott 22 seems like having what it takes on his post Philadelphia sound tinged 'Moon On The Spoon' recapturing somehow the essence of the 3 Degrees famous 'Dirty Ol' Man' (Gossip). No doubt, Shapeshifters 'Lola's Theme' will remain as one of the club tracks of this year. Well, following the same vein, is DJ Rhythm presents Soul Theory's’ Drama' fuelled with infectious discoïd filterz F-X (Defected), meanwhile sister label ITH drops Deep Sensation's ’Soul Heaven' originally remixed on Guidance a few years ago with remixes by Cleptomaniacs and Copyright which could well give a new life to this already classic of the genre.
Also for the disco headz is the reedit of The Originals 1976 released 'Down To Love Town' dubbed with former Temptations lead vocalist Eddie Kendricks '' for an investment really worth to be done (Duo Tone). Last but not least, we also have some new 12" reedit from Cloud One (remember the people who gave us 'Atmopshere Strut' at the end of the 70's ?) called 'Doin' It All Night Long' - the B-side of the classic 'Dust To Dust') on a cool vibe aptly to satisfy people like Danny Krivit, Keb Darge (although he plays only 7" !) and… Dimitri from Paris (Queen Constance). Meanwhile, also slowing down the tempo is Detroit's Pirahnahead newie called 'Dreams', blending street soulful vocal parts and a groove that looks like hailing from the Slave/Steve Arrington era (Mahogani).
Ending up this mega column (could well be my longest to dateso far) with some x-tra bits'n'bops by our Austrian favourite of the moment, Parov Stelar litteraly mixing the periods with the obviously detached old fashion jazzy breakbeat 'Wanna Get' delivered in 3 # versions + the wonderful and smooth 'For All We know'. Someone we'll definitely check in the very near future. Watch dis space…
Peace, MFSB
IN DA MIX TENNERZ
NICOLA CONTE Kind Of Sunshine (Schema)
CHRIS BRANN Journey To The Center - from Southport Weekender 2 vinyl sampler (suSU)
INCOGNITO The Principles Of Love (Dôme)
STING Send Your Love - Epod (Fall Out)
BORN TO FUNK featuring MGULU SHEMEBE Di Bamba (Knee Deep)
THE SOULPLANET JAZZ ENSEMBLE Gotta Be Love - Latin Jazz Vocal (Soulplanet Recordings)
SIN PALABRAS Yemaya - John Beltram Remix (Yoruba)
BLAZE featuring SYBIL When I Fall In Love - Quentin Harris W.30th St Vocal Mix (Jellybean Soul)
ROCCO featuring NICINHA My Dream (BStraxx)
STEAL VYBE featuring CHRIS DOCKINS Strong (West End)
October 10, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠66
Hey boyz, see this ? Looks like it's Nik Weston's turn to be back home with the first autumnal delivery of his Japan's Corner page here on IDMW.com. In the mean time, we have another bunch of goodies for you on display this week, such as 33% of Needs production team Lars Bartkuhn telling us all about his Passion Dance Orchestra project (Interview). Some brand new music from our ever active Franck Roger scoring the Single Of The Week and a preview of a not to be missed event if you happen to be in the West Of France (in Nantes to be more precise) this Saturday called Paradise. And you know what ? That's exactly what we're searching for, aren't you ?
JAPAN's CORNER by Nik Weston (Mukatsuku)
The influential Spanish Electronica festival Sonar kicked off in Japan with Sonar Tokyo and International guests Akufen, Chicks On Speed alongside a barrage of home grown talent including Towa Tei and Fumiya Tanaka and was part of the 10th year anniversary celebrations of The Yebisu Garden Hall venue.
On the release front, Markus Enochson dropped ''You'll Shine'' on Osaka label Especial and a new Brighton based label called Pantone looks soon to put out an album from Ryota Nozaki aka Jazztronik. His ''Samurai'' single which, so far has come out on 3 labels and recently got licenced to Chez Stateside, has been steadily running off the shelves for the last four months all over Europe. Jazztronik incidently performed in late September as part of the Tokyo dates of Gilles Peterson's full Japan tour which took in Sapporo, Fukuoka and Osaka. Also Ryota told me that he plans to live in UK for 6 months sometime next year so that he can learn better English and write (and understand) more English lyrics to appeal to a more global audience rather than just a native Japan one.
The underground artist Calm has a new project called "Key Free" which he terms as ''Detroit Boogie''. A few Japanese 12's of his turned up in London and have had airplay so far from Deli G in Bristol, Mr Scruff and Patrick Forge on KissFM. Worth digging around on the internet if you have a penchant for uplifting soulful house with a twist.
There's great hip hop around at the moment as well....Pase has a new single out with a Moonstarr mix on Hydeout and there's a fantastic Donald Byrd looping 12'' from Lightheaded called ''Never Square''. Canadian outfit Specifics have a Japan only record called ''Under The Hood'' that's been picking up some props and there's a great track from US outfit Mayhem Mystics which again is Japan only and worth checking out.
On the international visitors list for September/October were the likes of Sandy Rivera (from Kings Of Tomorrow) who played at Ageha, Mad Lib & Peanut Butter Wolf at Club Air with Kevin Saunderson coming a few days after. DJ Shadow is spinning under his real name of Josh Davies alongside funk god Keb Darge in early October at the same venue.
Drum & bass scene took an unhappy turn when Liquid closed down 8 months ago but it didn't stop Zinc & Mc Dynamite coming over for a tour that took in Osaka, Nagoya and a new Tokyo venue (or one ive not checked out yet ) called Unit. From the broken beat scene the man of many guises, Domu (Bakura/Umod/Rima) had a very successful tour all over Japan. Fatboy Slim and Rolando (from Detroit), Farley & Heller and Jori Hulkkonen were all about recently and Joe Clausell (who along with Francois K. seems to be here every 2 months nowadays....) is here again at the end of October as well as The Basement Boys who've celebrated their 20th B-day on the circuit in style at Yellow. David Morales also played recently at the aformentioned (so did Hernan Catto). And upcoming for November, is a buzz going around Shibuya as Glen Underground is due over at the beginning of the month.
The mysterious (and cheeky) Yam Who ? sells buckets of records in Japan and he embarked on his first Japanese tour organised by the Jazzy Sport Crew. The latest are a collective of guys who run influential record shops, distribution, record label and have who a collective of designers, artists, musicians and party organisers as part of their clan. For the credible side of anything jazz or hip hop related, these guys are running things. If you come across anything with the Jazzy Sport logo associated with it, then check it out....as it's bound to be wicked… You might have heard their name on Radio 1 XTRA as they were the guys interviewed for most of Benji B's Deviation in Tokyo special recently.
if having any Japanese related news to share, then drop me a line:
forwardsbackwards@...
NIK WESTONS JAPANESE ONLY CHART
HAJIME YOSHIZAWA Verao No Ar/Rise Me Up (Especial)
IZANAMI Sol (Jazz Maffia)
YUKIHIRO FUKUTOMI Equality (File)
MARKUS ENOCHSON You'll Shine (Especial)
CALM presents KEY FREE The Shining Of Life (Music Conception)
MARTIAN GANG Grooveman Spot Remix (Jazzy Sport)
Anything by DJ MITSU THE BEATS
AKIKO Little Bee (Universal)
SOIL & PIMP Fuller Love (Victor)
SOUL SOURCE BOOGIES PART 1
October 3, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠65
Time to go back like we do once a month with our selection of the recent album releases around and the good news is that good music looks like coming out of everywhere at the same time. Rather reassuring on itself with that such an amount of probs that the record industry has to face nowadays. This said, as recently stated by Louie Vega on these pages, networking within the community might well be the key word for its survival even though we're still quite far away from this…
33RPM
Our very first post-summer break selection of albums means that we'll not only talk about forthcoming releases as we usually do but also go back to material which has been put out when we were off. From last month's album (Wei-Chi) to the much awaited debut from Bay Area songstress Goapele. But also Atjazz's latest production for Stereo Deluxe (Magic Number), Irma's Swedish signature Stockholm Cyclo, Blaze's latest album (a collection of instrumentals on UK label, Papa Records), jazz/funk vet Roy Ayers on some hip hoppish tip and Brazilian sweetie Patricia Marx. Meanwhile, both The Basement Boys and DJ Gregory provide us with not to be missed comps. Blaze and Joe Claussell completing the whole with their gold fingaz on the Southport Weekender issue 2 of the name. Not to mention a quite productive French scene these days. Quality is definitely once more around.
No doubt Compost Records is in absolute good form as well as its latest protegee - Raul Walton aka Wei-Chi (our Album Of The Month in September) - with a ballistic collection of contemporary groove enlighted by the sensual voice of Merit Osterman. An absolute corker to be added to the list of wonders (Intuit, Joseph Malik, Beanfield) released by the Munich stable this year.
If regular to IDMW.com, you would no doubt have heard about Goapele on these pages. Well, the good news is that she today gets another proper release of not only a single (remember "Closer" on Loveslap as remixed by DJ Spinna and Miguel Migs) but an album which happens to be her first one. In other words, that famous sought after effort that a smalll amount of lucky guys would have got on San Fran label Skyblaze which both BBE in UK and Sony in the US are putting out today. Was damned worth the wait, listening to this exquisite collection of cool vibes exploring the most soulful side of both R&B, hip hop, blues and jazz (BBE).
Martin Iveson has never been that talkative, I mean face to face speaking. Better known as Atjazz, our man definitely looks better on his shoes when expressing himself on the other side of the mixing board. If familiar with Magicnumber's "Suddenly" released as a single a while ago and its vibrant atmospheres, then check out their album called That Day full of thin and seducive melodies, awesome vocals and crispy rhythms (Stereo Deluxe).
Reaffirming the existence of talent in Scandinavia is definitely not a revelation on these pages as once again demonstrated here by Alexander Stahle aka Stockholm Cyclo with his debut LP - Beginning People - on Irma Records via Cuadra. Obviously torn between techno and (nu) jazz this Swedish relatively new comer who also happens to be an architect delivers a vision full of freshness with the help of unmissable singers, should it be Gustav Karlöf sounding like Neil Tennant on the opener cut or Malin Dahlström with her Björky tones on the trancey "Movin Your Mind". Most of the tracks on display here have undoubtly that something making the differences like the cool and phonky "Music Is All This" or that appealing "Noisuf" on a sort of abstract jazz tip alla Carl Craig. Better check it out sons.
Hyperactive Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan (aka Blaze) definitely keep on doin' what had to be done this year with their instrumental concept of the name for UK label Papa Records and although a part of it may sound a bit too abstract, the fluidity of their arrangements is once more around. Not to mention their instantly recognizable trademark on "Celestine Prophecy", "Microboards" "Sunday Morning Drive" (although on a very cool tip and, most of all the ending "Astrology" which, being given a vocal part, could well become more devastating for the fans of the likes…
There has been some Virgin Ubiquity, there would be time for Mahogany Vibe and groove once more at its very best. Not surprisingly talking about Roy Ayers new album on Rapster. Although it's still a matter of fusion -how could it be different at the end of the day ? - the vibraphone maestro looks like more into the cool giving R&B and hip hop fragrances, alongside guests like the exquisite Erykah Badu, but also Kamilah, Betty Wright and John Pressley, incidentally giving new life to the already classic "Searching", not to mention the unmissable "Everybody Loves The Sunshine". Anyway, be assured to find here what has made Roy's name over the decades and that's pretty well the essential, isn't it ? (Rapster Records).
Keepin'on cool vibing on the long awaited debut-LP from Brazilian songstress Patricia Marx and guess what : it's more of a soul thang than one could have expected from this lady who's been for much in the worldwide recognition of Trama label outside its home country. Yes folks, looks like we're definitely talking about Brazilian nu soul and the result is exquisite as shown on the vibrant "Lotta Luck", although we might find here or there pieces of groove like the ultra atmospheric "Nu" or the broken beatish "Là Do Mar" not to mention the opening "Burning" sounding like some Angie Stone/Erykah Badu kinda stuff (Trama/Either Records).
Although marking the arrival of Autumn, October is also the month of the so called indian summer on this North side of the hemisphere (in NYC for instance) and French producer Claude Monnet with Brazilian singer Monica Nogueira sure have what's needed on their debut-LP - Le monde change (in other words : World Changes) - on Ssoh Music label. On a sweetie vein, would suggest you to have a listen to "La rua masdureira" and the title track, meanwhile there's a bit of everything from futuristic groove to festive stuff on this collection.
Sensuality is something that female singer Hanna Haïs is no doubt into, loving the deepest side of the house melted with latin vibes. She firmly gives a response to that long time question about the aptitude of French language to be mixed with those kinds of groove. Some of you may remeber her first cut "Il parlait pas français" produced by none other than Larry Heard. Well, she has since worked with other faces including Matthias Heilbronn on "Parfum chic", then Austrian guy Sergio Flores of 7th District on her current "Rosa nova" which incidentally is the title track of this first effort and there also Ralph 'GoGo Music' Gum on board and her long time friend Christoph Kardeck. An interesting try at the end of the day although some of you may find her lyrics a bit… easy (Atal).
Things ain't that bad neither compwise, starting with the Basement Boys celebrating their twennies in activity with History Of House on their own label. A double CD mixed by Srs Teddy Douglas and DJ Spen with classics such as Ultra Naté's "It's Over Now", Mass Order "Lift Every Voice", Crystal Waters "Gypsy Woman", Those Guys "Love Love Love" best remembered for being based on a Jean-Luc Ponty track. Meanwhile the CD 2 explores more recent works of the boys, from Kenny Bobien's "You Gave Me Love" and Fertile Ground "Live In The Light", not to mention 007 "Do You Believe". A trully vintage sound treatment adding much value to this effort (Basement Boys Records). The autumn edition of the Southport Weekender has never been so close and dutch label suSu gives us a brilliant reminder with their issue 2 of their series of the name. On board this ship are none others than… Blaze behind the decks but also Joe Claussell on the CD2 and the result ain't nuttin' but what 2 expect from such talented people in terms of selection and mix. The depth, the sense, the top class, the soul at its very best. No need to say more except this is to be our forthcoming Album Of The Month.
Last but not least, DJ Gregory who was headlining our interview section last week gives us a brilliant display of what he's been into for more than a decade as a DJ and more recently as a much sought after producer, doing the In The House series for Defected thus delivering an explosive and delicate blend of Afro-Latin house with prods of his, classics and a bit of unreleased tunes from friends of his including MAW and Dennis Ferrer amongst others. Expect nothing but a bombing result made of depth, weirdness and festive vibes at the same time which also happens the result of hard works throughout the years. Meanwhile the CD 2 is slightly more home listening oriented. Not to mention the bonus CD with some of his key works for those of you who might not know what he's into.
All on all, stuff aptly supposed to make our existence better, which is already a thang…
Peace, MFSB
IDM 33RPM TENNERZ
WEI CHI Dream - Album Version (Compost)
STOCKHOLM CYCLO featuring M ELINO Movin Your Mind - Album Version (Irma Cuadra)
CHRIS BRANN Journey To The Center - Original Mix - from V/A: SOUTHPORT WEEKENDER 2 (suSu)
CLAUDE MONNET presents MONICA NOGUEIRA Eu Vou Levar - DJ Gregory Main Mix (Ssoh Music)
ROY AYERS Crystal Vibrations - Album Version (Rapster)
PATRICIA MARX Lotta Luck - Album Version (Trama/Either Records)
BLAZE Astrology - Album Version (Papa Records)
MAW featuring VIKTER DUPLAIX In The Real World - from V/A: DJ GREGORY - IN THE HOUSE (Defected)
GOAPELE Back To You - Album Version (BBE)
MARTHA WASH Leave A Light On - from V/A: THE BASEMENT BOYS (Basement Boys Records)
September 26, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠64
Hey boyz (and girlz), how R U doin' up there ? The least we can say is that we're quite spoilt in terms of good tunes these days. Although Autumn is definitely around the bent calendarly speaking, sunny vibes are not over. We've managed to have a conv. this week with France's famous DJ Gregory who almost simultaneously sees the releases of his In The House comp for Defected and the remixes that he's done on Claude Monnet presents Monica Nogueira new 12 (our Single Of The Week). Meanwhile, brothers in the house Michael Procter (House Calls) and Irie (Nu Groove) deliver their first post-summer break editorials. Welcome back men…
NU GROOVES (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS+ MORE…)
Be aware of where you're coming from to have a better idea of where you're gonna go. The three members of NYC hip hop pioneering band united under the De La Soul banner are the true illustration of this motto. Embodying that US old school sound since almost 2 decades, their works keep on enlighting us - can't wait for the imminent come backs of Mos Def & Q-Tip in that same vein - as demonstrated on their 8th LP (The Grind Mate) and more particularily "Come On Down" produced by Madlib. That cut being an absolute party break corker built around a sample of that good ol' "Last Night Changed It All" by Esther Williams, featuring the legendary Flavor Flav (remember Public Enemy ?) in full F-ect ! From the old school to the new school rules… (always) true school rules !
Our props also go to a Paraisian revelation this year who happens to be a disciple of that colour/soulful sound of Native Tongues. A guy called De La, unique member of the Soul Village outfit. You've got to know that, despite this non hidden reference on his pseudonym, the music of this young man brilliantly speaks for itself. One exemple being given with his very first 45 released on German label Jazz Makossa (big up Olski) featuring two hyper refreshing cover versions of Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" and Weldon Irvine's "We Gettin' Down", between hip hop and jazz/funk. Works somehow reminding Madlib's original savoir faire because of their nonchalence and spontaneity. Another exemple being displayed via the remix of "Music Mate" that he's done alongside those of Sa-Ra and Wajeed aka Platinum Pied Pipers for Japanese maestro DJ Mitsu.
The latest looks like the absolute reference in terms of Japanese deep hop. You may catch him remixwise on "Help Me" which happens to be the first cut to be taken from Mustang's (in other words Alex Attias) on Compost, featuring the suave contribution of singer Colonel Red. Himself of the Goya clique whose first solo LP should see the light this Autumn on People label.
This brings us back to what has to be taken as the center of the world : well, you've guessed it, West London ! Those who've attended the phenomenal Notting Hill fes last month would know what I'm talkin' about : Labbroke Grove was hot by the likes of Co Op sound-system.
Bugz In The Attic should at last be given a chance to reach a wider audience after their signature with V2 label. In the pipeline is the vol.2 of their Phuturistic Dancin' series with its cohort of unmissable remixes, incl. their already classic "Waiting" - Afronaught Mix but also new cuts like their rework of "Say How I Feel" for Rhian Benson featuring Dwele and their P-funk alla Bootsy Collins monsta entitled "Booty La La". Not to mention their numerous individual releases on more or less hard to find labels like "Carnival" by Afronaught or Daz-I-Kue's "Blood & Fire".
Back to Paris, let's go back to the hyperactive Franck Roger who, aside from launching a new shop (Lost'N'Found) in Paris has created his own label (Real Tone) alongside his sound engineer (Lionel Marciano) and got a new single - "You Can Be The One" - with srs M'Selem and (Chris) Wonder which, no doubt, should see his reputation reachin' a new step. As for a conclusion, I would suggest you to have a careful listen to the reedition on Q-Tape label of an album by soul/jazz combo Smoke, originally issue in the 70's on MPS. Nuff said, til next month. IRIE
NU GROOVE TENNERZ
SHARON BROWN I Specialize In Love - Tee Scott Dub (Profile)
DE LA SOUL ? (BMG)
BUGZ IN THE ATTIC Booty La La (V2)
DOMU The Boss (Neroli)
FRANCK ROGER w/ M’SELEM featuring CHRIS WONDER You Can Be The One (Real Tone)
SA RA So Special (CD-R)
MUSTANG featuring BEMBE SEGUE "10,000 Leagues Deeper" (Compost)
RHIAN BENSON featuring DWELE Say How I Feel - B.I.T.A Remix (CD-R)
JAZZ LIBERATORZ album sampler (Kif)
DE LA aka SOUL VILLAGE "?" (CD-R)
September 19, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠63
Things always come to an end and summer break makes no exception. This meaning that it has become time to go back to work for most of us. What a hectic time we've had over these last days, putting the things back in order and the final touches to new ones. Get ready for an explosive week in terms of editorial content from us with our first post-summer break Single Of The Week marking the long awaited return of Chicago luminary Chez Damier. A 10inch which, being entitled "The Gathering Vol.1" symbolizes what is to be expected on Louie Vega's EOL forthcoming Extensions album (see our interview with him) awaited sometime next month with the help of an impressive array of luminaries such as Glenn Underground, Frankie Feliciano, and DJ Gregory to name but a few. Not to mention Joe Claussell and inevitable Blaze (speaking of which we're having a profile of their West End Records label). Meanwhile, MFSB gets back in action with a new selection of current finest pieces of wax. Welcome to our issue # 63...
IN DA MIX (HOUSE, GARAGE & OTHER ILLICIT GROOVES…)
Hey folks, more than happy to be back on board for this first post-summer break editorial of the likes. Needless to add that this issue # 63 is to be sunny flavas oriented with with not only not to be missed cool & festive vibes, but also because subsequent temperatures have finally reached us on this side of the Pond. Anyway, nothing too surprising when noticing that it's still summertime, although most of us are back on our desks…
Never e-z to get the things back in order after quite a long summer break. Nevertheless, as you may have already heard, this period has been quite prolific in terms of thinking about new ideas then meet new people and, as a result, bring you new things.
Been around spinning a few times here or there and the least I could say is that, according to some of my pals, the crowd was quite missing in France, from Sunslice Festival 3rd edition in Toulon to many clubs and bars which could have hoped some bigger audience to come like Villa La Grange when they decided to have Kerri Chandler for the second time within a couple of month period on July 13. Well, guess we have to say that consistancy in terms of airing the good tunes is hardly missed these days on the too rare supposedly dedicated radio stations (Nova and RadioFG) which, at the end of the day, doesn't help the things grow in this territory. France being on top of that the only country in the world where (almost) everything looks like dead during the summer break period, as opposed to other territories where people keep on putting out good stuff in the meantime. This meaning that we're supposed to go thru a sort of recovery time after the break B4 being back in full effect.
What was then (during the summer) and what is now ? Who cares at the end of the day as a good piece of music will always be good even though being reviewed prior to or after its release date; a fact that we all would end up forgetting in this instant consumption society we're living in nowadays. This said, time to give life to this opening column of the likes for our brand new season and what a better choice than the subtle and blatant "Fly" recently released on Phuture Soul with 280 West sharing the duties with Diamond Temple and its fluid keyboard part about which BeBe & CeCe Winans had no doubt a major influence with their marvelous "Heaven" released on Capitol back at the end of the eighties.
Quite a while no heard about any new material from Chez Damier. Well the good news is that our man has not only one but two new 10" packages. First is that "Go" track that you, as regulars, may have had a pre-release listen on our home page since the beginning of August. A cool breezin' organic cut (our current Single Of The Week) that he and The Cru have recorded. The B-side - a remix of "Warfare" - being a pure slice of electronic groove in the vein of those repetitive Detroit kinda workz. Meanwhile, a vol.2 of the likes is awaited for an official release within a month. Most definitely a cool 2 tracker featuring the phonky "2 Or More" on a nice jazzy swingalong and the equally smooth "Rock Paradise" on some jazzy R&B kind of tip not to dissimilar to the memorable "Love X Love" by George Benson.
Larry Heard has many times thought about retiring. Would have been damnedly a shame, judging by his newie "When Summer Comes" under the Loosefingers moniker, quite close to those wonderful plaintive vibes that he's issued some 12 years ago on his Introducing album for MCA. A song dubbed with a double track B-side seing our man (friend) exploring quite different directions with the acidic… "Acid Bounce" and "Transmission X" (Alleviated). In if love with weird grooves and atmospheres, then you should have a careful listening to the 3 Chairs 3XLP on MRKT Chairs Publishing. Some of you may remember a first 12" released last year that we've talked to you about on these pages while back from DEMF'2003. Well, gotta say that is about the same vein, twisting repetitive funk over soul snippets on a very DIY way, which may be easily understood due to the fact that it's coming from Detroit and more precisely from that association made of Malik Pittman, Rick Wihite, Kenny Dixon Jr and Theo Parrish, no less with a subsequent result from such a reunion. Tons of jewels with magnetic moods in there indeed from the quite intimate "Blackbone Waltz" to the equally unmissable "Dance Of Nubia" and the edit of "I Wonder Why". No doubt, a true cherry on da cake.
Staying in the Motor City with our good ol' Alton… Miller delivering another slice of definitely suggested groove with "Choose To Believe" featuring the distinctive voice of Sky as remixed by Sweet Abraham on a very rocky way, thus providing us an absolute dancefloor killer. Not to mention the ultratmospheric "My Life" which is definitely not baaaad neither (Deeper Soul Recordings).
If into those festive tunes alla One 51 "Si Weka" which was one amongst of our favourite this summer here at IDMW.com, then Soul Creation "Coboaman" featuring Geebah Swaray should firmly stands on the first position on your want list on quite a vibrant afrosoul vein. Meanwhile, this Jersey production team follow up, "It's Your Life" vs Gmena featuring Tyrah J goes to a different although as soulful, classy way (Soul Groove). as One 51 do on their own label with vocalist Heidi Vogel on their deep'N jazzy"Bring Me To Your Life". Back to that afro vein we mentioned a bit earlier are Copyright with "Zamdeya" from "The Afro EP" with its catchy jazzy sax solo on their eponym label. Equally saxy is Marlon D's newie on Ricanstruction Called "The UC Anthem". A straight 4X4 beat over a phat bassline and electroish keyboards effects that reminds somehow some previous work from Mike Dunn. A package including some remix contribution from Alix Alvarez and Mr V on their Sole Channel moniker. Got to opportunity to have a bit more of Marlon D via his remixes of EMan "Slangin" tune which appeared a while ago on his Bang The Party compilation. There, the Underground Collective man displays his typical organ playin' over a spanish guitar and some percussive beats, meanwhile Tedd Patterson goes for a more primar direction around the giant man's scatt (Jellybean Soul). Released a few weeks later (by the end of last month) on the same label is "Think It Over", a cut originally produced by disco vet Michael Zager sung by soul diva Jennifer Holiday with a stomping contribution from DFA producer Darryl James., to feed the appetite of vocal classic fans. In the meantime and back to the Ricanstruction label, Fernando Soares presents Outra Nota featuring Raylema Rosas has some extra summer vibes on offer with the friendly "Quero Amar" on a sort of bossaish temper + extra (classy) remixes from Frankie Feliciano himself.
More Brazilian flavoured is the sensual "Estacao Verao" from Sabrina Malheiros with delicate reworks from Kenny Dope, taken from the 10th Anniversary comp that Far Out Recordings label is ready to put out within a few days and man, it's so sensual. Although a bit more phonky with some familiar bassline, Jerome Sydenham & Kerri Chandler drop their new collab, Candela, driving their traditional afrolatin jazzy trademark (Ibadan). Sun decidedly shines on Kerri's works nowadays as brilliantly demonstrated on his double pack of remixes for "Power Of One" by Rose. Another true gem, really (United). Meanwhile Chicago diva Kim English gets another remix from Jon Cutler on her friendly "C'est la vie" 12" awaited for an official release on suSu label on Oct.4th. A package that'll be followed by Afro Angel "Magic" 2 weeks later. A classy soulful phonky cut receiving the midas touch of former Driza Bone member Vince Garcia on his G&G Remix but also Bob Povey aka Alliance DC on a less coventional way somehow. Guess by the way that you also should like Solu Music featuring Kai Martin's new 12 called "This Time" which, although delivered with remixes from Jask remains at its very best on its original form (Solu Music).
Gotta say that I very much appreciate Plej latest 12" called "Lay Of The Land" released a week ago. A sort of cool intimate electronic based tchoon on its original form being added the plaintive vocals of Jonathan Backelie (also known under the Ernesto moniker). Then we would have the Jimpster's version and its phat rhythm/bassline hook being for much in its indeniable beauty (Exceptional). Goin' a few steps higher rhythmically speaking with The Plastic Avengers remix of "Silent Fools" by Joseph Malik. Well, if into some dark lectrophunk mood, you'd rather go for thi 1st class killer exactly embodying what we like to call the illicit grooves on this column (Compost). A comment that would also apply to Parov Stelar "Move On EP" seing this Austrian rising force doing abstract jazzified electronic work on the title track with an epic drop of blues and blips, before receiving a housey treatment by C Rock/Stir 15. In the meantime, an award should urgently been given to the aforementioned who, on the B-side, reaches Nirvana whilst providing us with the brilliantissime atmospheric'N jazzy "Look Behind" with the help of singer Anita Riegler (Etage Noir). Aie, aie, aie, amigos, rather check dis out folks : full album to be released next November ! Also have a big beat of that (or this) on Nubian Mindz latest 12" featuring KJ. "Afrika Dub" on the A-side is, as suggested on its title, a furious piece of trancey house melted with afro phonky dub fragments that, no doubt, should find its niche at François K. nites @ NYC Cielo (if it hasn't already !). "Northern Lights" on the flipside exploring some mo' atmospheric side.
A bit of pop appeal indeed on the Pasta Boys rework of Kaleidoscopio "Você Me Appareceu" tinged with a drop of filter, followed by some more phonky approach by DJ Eden, both worth to listen, meanwhile the flipside incl. the original version is very much so so (Irma). And also a particular mention to Krause's friendly relifting of "Sararà" by 12 Fingers featuring Viviane Cruz on the same label, as to "Two" by i-Deep featuring Elen Nascimento which could well get the interest of those into intimate loungy beats. Ciao amici, MFSB
IN DA MIX # 63 TENNERZ
PAROV STELAR featuring ANITA RIEGLER Look Behind (Etage Noir)
3 CHAIRS I Wonder Why - album version (MRKT Chairs Publishing)
CHEZ DAMIER & THE URBAN CRU Go (Atal)
280 WEST featuring DIAMOND TEMPLE Fly (Phuture Soul)
CLAUDE MONNET presents MONICA NOGUEIRA Eu Vou Levar - DJ Gregory Mix
BLAZE Astrology - Album Version (Papa Records)
ALTON MILLER featuring SKY Choose To Believe - Sweet Abraham's Raw Jack (Deeper Soul)
LOOSEFINGERS When Summer Comes (Alleviated Music)
PLEJ Lay Of The Land - Jimpster's Vocal Version (Exceptional)
NUBIAN MINDZ featuring KJ Afrika Dub (Unlimited Irma)
July 11, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠62
HOUSE, GARAGE & OTHER ILLICIT GROOVES
Everything comes to an end with this very last issue of In Da Mix B4 some fairly well deserved break and the good news is that we have once more tons of wonderful stuff to satisfy your appetite with an ultimate selection of true gems before we leave.
Amongst this year's favourites during the Winter Music Conference, "Love Is On The Way" is finally to have an official release in the days to come. One of those positive messages as we like here at IDMW.com which happens to be our current single of the week after weeks and weeks on our tennerz seing the association between more than ever (quality) purveyors Louie Vega and Blaze for the very best once more (Vega Records), both of'em never ceasing reaching nu heights on their owns these days. Mostly remembered for her "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?" classic back in the days, soul diva Patti Labelle returns with a monster groove - "New Day" - receiving some remix treatment by… Louie Vega which aptly looks to stand as one of his best work to date, added with alternative versions from srs Quentin Harris and Darryl James both in a very classy way (Def Soul Classics). Elsewhere, he adds some deep mood revamping the soulful & classy "The World" for Sterling Ensemble featuring Juliet Moshea (MAW) staying true to the original craziness of the latin jazzy "La Descarga Del Bobo" that he and his partner (Kenny Dope) have retouched for Willie Bobo (Verve). Meanwhile, on the "opposite corner", Blaze have some other crazy remix commitment on Lonesome Echo Production's newie "Sweet Dream" featuring Byron Stingily, to be released on July 12 on Brighton label Disorient.
Open minded as ever, Joe Claussell delivers another experimentation of his own on the Far East territory on the footsteps of his reworks for Nitin Sawhney while covering Ustad Sultan Khan's "Sayaji" on a very subtle and emotional deep trancey vein (5 Points). A cut that UK based DJ Pathaan should no doubt jump on on some forthcoming selection of his own. Back to France for a couple of gigs succesively at Toulon's Sunslice Festival then at La Villa La Grange on the Atlantic Coast, Kerri Chandler has his new thing for Linda (of Downton 161 label) now available on the label of the name and would suggest you to have a careful listen to the seducive phonkyabstract "The Phone Call". And he's also responsible with Jerome Sydenham of the unmissable deep'n'moody "Rising The Sun" as a part of the DJ Tools vol.4 on Ibadan.
In the meantime, Wave Music has to be really thanked for delivering the shiny discophonky "Get You" by DJ Romain presents Soul City featuring Danil to get us on the right mood. Ooooh, I love this, man. Another man prooving once more that he's amongst the emerging forces being Detroit born Quentin Harris joining talents with nu vocalist Cordell McClary on the magnetic "Traveling", somehow closer to the so called nu soul than house strictly speaking (Space Kat). And the same thing should be said about Steal Vybe with their recent 4 tracker called Dance 4 Life EP, as most particularily demonstrated on the intimate deep'N'jazzy "After Hours" performed by vocalist Stephanie Renee (Steal Vybe). Meanwhile, NYC new label Primal Groove headz of Anthony Zalez and Frank Estevez are responsible of two of the most underrated gems of these last weeks - which happen to be the 2 first releases on their label - with Dee Holloway's "Say It" and its follow up from Danielle, "I Know You Love Me" which, given a better exposure, could well make a buzz in a similar friendly vein to DJ Oji & Una's "Nobody" on West End Records.
As a matter of fact Oji's got a new cut, this time on King Street and wiith Carolyn Victorian called "He's My DJ" and there's definitely something on it. Meanwhile his partner DJ Pope provides some solid and unmissable groove to Lynette Smith's "Everything Must Change" for Slaag Records.
Released at the end of last year on Large, Glenn Underground's "Trust" gets a new life on a 10" format including amongst others the Calypso remix which really adds to the magnetism of the song.
On some very far territory symbolizing what to us are the other illicit grooves on this column, Wave Music label new offshot Deep Space, bring us the lazy and deep dubby "New Dawn" by South African born Brendon Moeller aka Beat Pharmacy. Illicit grooves is also what comes first in mind when talking about Kenny Dixon Jr stuff. No image, no artifice, nothing but the essence-ial as shown on his "Salvador de Bahia" 12" on some latin vibes dubbed with the ultra phonkkiller "Last Call For Alcohol" and the discophonk'N'abstractjazzy "Express". Simplicity as expected from the true talents (Mahogani Music).
On a slightly more conventional way, Todd Gardner gives life to his own label with the deep'n'jazzy "You're My DJ" featuring some subtle interpretation from Gynisse Way adding muxh intimacy to this effort (Certified Organik). If into classy cool house Seek "Evereafter" reinterpretations by German label GoGo Music team could well fit your expectations as most notoriously demonstrated by Ralph GUM & CrisP and Swiss DJ Roberto De Carlo, not that far away from the Naked vibes. Could well be, in that same cool classy vein, that the revamp of Cerrone's disco classic "You Are The One" featuring Jocelyn Brown with Jamie Lewis remixing it reaches the same status as the original released 3 decades ago (Purple Music). Meanwhile French singer Hanna Haisteams up with Austrian producer Sergio Flores of 7th District on the latin flavoured "Rosa Nova" (Atal). If in search for Paulo Rocha's "Dreamwalker" released 3 years ago on Black Vinyl, your expectations will now be fullfiled with its re-edition as a part of the Re:Cuts Volume 5 3 tracker for the label. A good slice of atmospheric thin house dubbed with extra cuts from David Penn and some much awaited unreleased vocal version of their "Fever Tension" really worth to listen.
That's it for now.
See ya in September folks, MFSB
IDM TENNERZ
PATTI LABELLE New Day - Louie Vega Dance Ritual Club Mix (Def Soul Classics)
KENNY DIXON Jr Last Call For Alcohol/Express (Mahogani Music)
LOUIE VEGA featuring BLAZE Love Is On The Way - Dance Ritual Club Mix (Vega Records)
STEAL VYBE After Hours (Steal Vybe Music)
DANIELLE I Know You Love Me (Primal Groove)
QUENTIN HARRIS presents CORDELL McCLARY Traveling (Space Kat)
DJ ROMAIN presents SOUL CITY featuring DANIL Get You (Wave)
LYNETTE SMITH Everything Must Change (Slaag)
GLENN UNDERGROUND Trust - Calypso Mix (Large)
JOE CLAUSSELL Sayaji (5 points)
July 4, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠61
Nu Groove columnist, Irie is back in full effect this week with a brand new selection of his, but is this really and solely nu groove ? Who cares at the end of the day, as long as it's groove and that groove is definitely baaad, should it be the work of vets (like the Isley Brothers) as of the newest generation !!! Welcome to the land of the good groove, would say Chic founder member, Nile Rodgers who's awaited this month at the Nice Jazz Festival. Welcome to our issue # 61...
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS + MORE…)
Touted by many as THE artist like no one else, Stevie Wonder's heritage never ceases inspiring the new generations from a decade to the following one. One of the most evocative examples being given with the famous The Wonder Of Stevie series displaying the consistency of his instrumental works, as shown by the likes of DJ Spinna and Bobbito on Harmless label. Issue 2, called Melody Man focuses on his upbringing as a composer for other artists + a few relatively unknown cover versions of his gigantic repertoire, pointing out the finger on the emphasis that's been a big part of his magic touch. If not familiar with these timeless soulful tunes like Minnie Ripperton's deliciously sung "Perfect Angel", the blazing "Bring Your Sweet Stuff Here To Me" by The Pointer Sisters, or the smart "It's A Shame" by Detroit Spinners later sampled by Monnie Love, then I would suggest you to carefully check this out.
Other people who would get their names on capital letters on the history of soul are the Isley Brothers who've been around for… 5 decades. Not so long ago we would even have some collaboration between them and R&B superstar R.Kelly. This time, we have them on their own via a series of reinterpretations regrouped on an album but also a first 4 track vinyl sampler aptly called "Take Me To The Next Phase (Reinterpretations)" starring Onda featuring Esthero ("Summer Breeze") and also ?uestlove on "That Lady" (Tneck/Epic).
As for the new generation speaking, soul music has still a real future with people like London based Kiwi keyboardist, Marc De Clive-Lowe amongst the very rare pursuing in the tradition of artists like George Duke, Herbie Hancock and Donald Byrd while avoiding to sink into some predictable formula from back in the days. The best proof being given by his latest album released in Japan which we can't wait to hear live, judging by its irresistible and joyful energy as shown on his magnificient cover version of John Coltrane's "Naima" or the glorious and emphatic "State Of The Mental" sung by today's diva Bembe Segue.
On a more rooty vein - what we would call modal soul jazz inherited from the 60's as delivered by labels such as Impulse or Strata East, let us mention L.A. based band Build An Ark's Peace With Every Step wonderful collection released on Dutch label Kindred Spirits. A sort of solar record that seems out of the times, looking like displaying a breathe of love and hope along nice cover versions by the likes of vocalist Dwight Trible seeming like some little brother to both Jon Lucien and Leon Thomas. Check out most notoriously Michael White's "The Blessing Song" and Pharoah Saunders "You've Got To Have Freedom" ; the latest awaited with some remix work by Two Banks Of 4.
Not an issue without a word about 4Hero whose half Dego comes up under another pseudonym (Cosmosis) where he collaborates with Domu doing the programmation, guitar player Somatik and Danny Huckridge doin' the bass. Well the boys have a killer broken groove called "The Land Of The Forgotten Dreams Of Zod" on 2000 Black to be followed by a 12" from Spy Music whose real identity remains unknown by the time you're reading this. And couldn't end up this issue neither with our French pal Franck Roger keeping on doing waves with his 12" on Straight Up and BRS labels, not to mention his forthcoming booming CD mix awaited sometime after the summer break. See you then, IRIE
NU GROOVE HOT 10
THE POINTER SISTERS Bring Your Sweet Stuff Home To Me (Harmless)
ISLEY BROTHERS Groove With You - Mos Def Remix (Tneck/Epic)
HIPNOTIC Are You Lonely - Yam Who? re-edit (CD-R)
MARK DE CLIVE-LOWE featuring BEMBE SEGUE State Of The Mental (Columbia-Japan)
VISIONEERS Runnin (Omniverse)
FRANCK ROGER & M’SELLEM featuring CHRIS WONDER Reason (Straight Up)
FRANCK ROGER 4 Da People (BRS)
L’AROYE B The One (Faces)
BUILD AN ARK You've Got To Have Freedom (Kindred Spirits)
DARREN SHREDDER ? (Main Squeeze CD-R)
June 27, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠60
A quick look at the calendar shows us that we've entered a brand new season on this North Hemispere of the globe. This meaning that one half of 2004 is already behind us and that time has come for another selection of albums. Not to mention that summer break is just around the bent. What's your destination, what are you going to do, where will you spin, what are your favourite tunes of the season ? You have an extra week (til Jul.1st) to drop us your answers if you wish, knowing that your postcards will be more than welcome on board as you return home… Welcome to our issue # 60...
Hopefully, free time is the supposed definitition to be given when breaks are coming. No need to rush anymore then simply find the best way to appreciate life the way it goes with the minimum amount of plans and let ourselves go while chillin' and let our minds & boddies wander here or there. This is exactly what we've got on this very last selection of biggies B4 summer holidays. Got a couple of celebrations of people going on their 20's including London activists Bobby & Steve (Laviniere) and Chicago house early daze label, Trax. Some atmospheric vibes coming from Scandinavia by the likes of Illumination and Fenomenon, meanwhile African diva Zap Mama drops a new collection of sweeties + other good stuff around. Not to mention a brand new selection of Japanese bits and bops by our very own Nik Weston and a welcome return album from reggae legends Toots & The Maytals.
Where was you at 20 years ago ? Chicago based label, Trax was in the process of giving birth to a new era alongside its DJ International opponent in what would become house music. Mixed by Maurice Joshua and Paul Johnson, Trax Records : The 20th Anniversary Collection brings us back to the memory of those early days with names that would become legends. Robert Owens, Adonis, Mr Fingers, Mr Lee, Farley JackMaster Funk, Maurice, Ralphi Rosario, Frankie Knuckles vs Marshall Jefferson, Liz Torres, Jungle Wonz, Kool Rock Steady… Names are definitely speaking for themselves in the evolution of house, should it be deep, acid or mixed with hip hop. A true piece of history gathered on this triple CD pack (traxhouse.com ).
Responsible of the memorable Southport Weekender CD triple pack, Dutch label suSu celebrates 20 years in the business from Bobby & Steve. Based in London, the Laviniere Brs. (being in the UK capital what the Cheers guy are in Paris) Made their reputation while being true activists in the Black dance groove era since day 1 in… 1984, while promoting events (cf. the Soul Heaven Parties but also Garage City amongst many others), producing and launching their own labels. Their Past, Present & Future collection is made of 2 CD's, the first one dedicated to disco incl. cuts from Teddy Pendergrass, Fat Larry's Band, Diana Ross, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Young & Company, the Jones Girls and former One Way vocalist, Alicia Myers to name but a few. Meanwhile, the second half of this package (dedicated to house) displays anthems and currents pieces from Ten City, Blaze, Incognito, Kevin Saunderson (with one of their remixes), Terry Hunter, Masters At Work and Kim English amongst others.
When UK vet DJ Dr Bob Jones and former Flying Records collaborator Lofty started to collaborate 7 years ago, they probably didn't know they would give birth to one of the most respected labels worlwide (Chillifunk). Their motto ? Most definitely : the more I get, the more I want, taken from their cover version of Teddy Pendergrass of the likes under their East West Connection being at the epicenter of their search for quality music, as demonstrated by their numerous collaborations gathered on this Movin On collection with people like Ultra Naté, Sandy Mill, Snowboy, DJ Oji & Una, Jody Watley and Daniel Vacchio dubbed with an extra CD mix by Liquid people. A package worth to invest on (chillifunk.com).
A bunch of miles up North drive us to Scotland, the homebase of Compost artist Joseph Malik, dropping his new LP called Aquarius Songs. Here (again) quality stands as the best answer facing the current situation of the record industry. The opening song which also happens to be the title track of this new effort has those bluesy frangrances which you may find in some Marvin Gaye's works, this making it an essential piece of music to add to your favourites of the likes. And the same ought to be said about the grooving and moody "Dream Dancer" whereas Malik would place some falsetto tones. Elsewhere "Believe And See" sounds more like an in yer face funk based concept. Parts also worth to mention include the bluesy "Casualties Of War" and the organic "Race Relations" (compost-records.com).
Facing the costs of Scotland is Norway an dits ever boiling (modern) scene with people like Mari Boine, Nils Peter Molvaer, Eivind Aerset and the likes around Jazzland label leader Bugge Wesseltoft. All of them + Lamb, Society London and Frost receiving the remix treatment from Oslo pair Per Martinsen and Nick Sillitoe also known under the Illumination guise. Their treatment of Mari Boine "Gula Gula" song which would be a part of some previous Cafe del Mar volume is quite illustrative of what to expect here : a modern atmospheric groovy downtempo approach which stands as their trademark with the addiction of a revamp of their essential "Cry Me A River" song (jazzlandrec.com).
Also hailing from Norway (Stavanger) are Kjetil 'Kay' Ingelbretsen and Havard 'Hobie' Rosenberg aka Fenomenon which you may remember of whenever you was a Nuphonic fan at the time. Two people who would also have various production works incl. some for Naked Music singer Lisa Shaw. Well their Hourglass debut LP show them in fuill effect twisting upbeat broken beat with soulful vocals, cool 80's references and a bit of pop appeal as shown on their lightning "Lucy Said" opener. "Space Continuum" is no doubt an ideal piece of moody midtempo groove with cinematic flavas to transport you to the place of your vacations, as is the horizontal "Hypersleep" a bit further on. Elsewhere, we also have the smooth and poppy broken-ish "Trouble Takes Flight" as well as an intimate cover version of Tears For Fears classic "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" and an interesting delivery under the form of the syncopated "Restless". All on all, an interesting effort (beatservice.no).
We're keeping on this world tour down South to Holland where Floris hails from. A guy who's already started to make some noise on his name with his intimate atmospheres made of vibrant melodies and cool grooves, blending electronic effects and organic sounds at their very best this with the addiction of selected vocalists. Expect there something inbetween dZihan & Kamien and Zero 7 with oustanding moments like the opener "You & I", "Depending On You", the most memorable "Day After", the dark appealing "Sart Up" and the vibrant ending "Drunk On Life". If, by any kind of chance, you happen to attend Floris's live at De Instuif - Wijk Am Zee on June 27 at at Roskilde on Jul. 04, you'll then have a better idea of what we're talking about (unitedrecordings.com).
Half Zairian and Belgian singer Marie Daulne, aka Zap Mama delivers another sample of her vibrant talent with her aptly named Ancestry In Progress new album, infected with hip hop/nu soul African tinged flavours with the help of Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, Common, Lady Alma, Bahamadia, and ?uestlove. Gotta check out "Sweet Melody", "Bandy Bandy", "Show Me The Way", "Miss Q'N", "Yaku" and the jungly "Ca varie Marie" which are absolute gems on their respective spectrums, not to mention "Alright" and the shining "Zap Bébés" (luakabop.com).
Ending up this very last selection B4 summer break with a wink to reggae vet Toots (Hibbert) and his Maytals partners. A group that was already around some 4 decades ago. They would drop us timeless classics such as "True Love Is Hard To Find", "Reggae Got Soul", "Funky Kingston" and many others from their long time period with Island and the good news is that those dope tunes are on board this new adventure totally reconstructed with the participation of guesst such as Bonnie Raitt, Bootsy Collins or Ken Boothe & Marci Griffiths and it's the case all of the tunes gathered on this effort, from Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, The Skatallites and Ben Harper to name but a few who, by this, have shown how much they love this Jamaican band. And guess what, they're not the only ones (v2records.com). Trully love you folks,
MFSB
IDM Album Tracks TENNERZ
JOSEPH MALIK Aquarius Song - from Aquarius Songs (Compost)
ZAP MAMA Sweet Melody - from Ancestry In Progress (Luaka Bop)
TOOTS & THE MAYTALS Funky Kingston - from True Love (V2)
FLORIS Day After - from Drunk On Life (United Recordings)
FENOMENON Space Continuum - from Hourglass (Beatservice)
INTERNS vs DJ OJI & UNA Soul Underground (Fly With Me) - from Dr BOB JONES & Lofty : Moving On (Chillifunk)
ROBERT OWENS Bring Down The Walls from Tracks Records : The 20th Anniversary Collection (Trax)
UNITED FUTURE ORGANIZATION Listen Love/Osunlade Mix - from Exceptionally Remixed (Exceptional)
BUGGE WESSELTOFT Existence/Chiluminati Mix - ILLUMINATION : from The Chiluminati Remix (Jazzland)
ALICIA MYERS I Want To Thank You - from BOBBY & STEVE : Past, Present & Future (A 20th Anniversary) (suSU)
June 20, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠59
IN DA MIX (HOUSE, GARAGE & OTHER ILLICIT GROOVES)
Although we'd been expecting some better climatic conditions for quite a while over there, here in Western Europe, gotta say that these 30 something Celsius are a bit of too much while (still) currently working and doesn't help to keep on being concentrated on what we're doing. Well, guess that it's nothing here but the summer appeal and some well deserved break after all these weeks/months of hyperactivity. And, frankly speaking there's nothing to really complain about if not the fact that we'd already like to be there, wouldn't you?
By the time you're gonna read this some of the MAW promo which had been around during the Winter Music Conference should be out, incl. Franck Roger & Chris Wonder debut for Kenlou and the unmissable "Love Is On The Way" by Louie Vega featuring Blaze on Vega Records which has been amongst our favourite 12" in Miami. I clearly said "should" as some promo copies are already around although no official info has reached us so far despite many enquiries thus making us wonder if there's any PR service at MAW's HQ !!! Also finally or soon to be available are the Chillifunk newies from Verna Francis to Vanessa Freeman and Nathan Haines featuring Guida de Palma and they're all worth the mention (and the wait). Not to talk about label headz Dr Bob Jones and Lofty's recent collection of prods and collabs called Movin On about which we're gonna talk more deeply on our forthcoming album issue.
Very much in that afro latin jazzy summer vein is DJ Jorj newie aptly called "Till I see The Sun" on Curious label, carrying lush key arrangements and sensuous scatted vocal parts. In the same, vein gotta have a listen to Kings Of Spin newie on Jellybean and most particularily the Cuban influenced Endless Summer" on its original version. And the same has to be said, although in some different environment about Black Mamba (aka DJ Pap) featuring Sarudzayi's Africa" and its various versions displaying nothing but the depth from Naked Soul's original to Pico De Callo and Ken Carjaval's ones (Smooth Agent Records).
If there's any good new label around, better watch out Primal Groove Records, a NY based unit being the brainchild of DJ producers Franke Estevez & Anthony Zalez. Composed and produced by the latest with the help of Rosa Lopez writing the lyrics, the subtle "I Know You Love Me" by Danielle (their second release after Dee Holloway's "Say It" may well put her singer on the map the way "Tell Me All About it" did it for Treena Rose on Jellybean. In other words, everything but la classe ! Treena Rose's producer, George Mena goes solo and instrumental under the Mena Keys guise with a new 3 tracker on Jellybean Soul, exploring some intimate side of deep latin jazz groove. Definitely got to have an ear at his "Bone Delicious" cut with its instant friendly feel. Ron Trent's friend/partner Richard Brooks adding his own imput to this cool jazzy intermezzo with the sensuous "Whole Life" on Chroduroy.
If into the deep grooves at their best, Quentin Harris no surprinsingly drops the soulful "Traveling" with the help of singer Cordell McClary for Space Kat label. A cool but phat groove tinged with fragments of African beats producing that sort of appeal that people like Stevie Wonder and Omar provided us with in the past. Very much love this remix package of Soul Fuzion featuring Vee's "I've Got Rhythm", Kenny Dope giving it a more soulful friendly feel with its vocal tones alla Marvin Gaye (Dope On Wax). Fall Out EPOD leaves his series of R&B tunes remixes, delivering the Afro-tinged M'Bifo made of East African tribal chant mixed with a drop of tech influenced short snippets. Thangz look like going back'n'fourth as brilliantly demonstrated by UK outfit Reel People when, while remixing Hardsoul featuring Ron Carroll's classic "Back Together", add some soulful R&B feel to it (ITH).
Although everyone's left with his own definition of good music, there's no big risk affirming that the good music is the one that survives the time as subsequently demonstrated by the big amount of remixes, re-edits iof not simply edits around. As a matter of fact, we would say that legends don't die seing their works revamped as time goes, from a generation to another. Late French poet, Serge Gainsbourg (quoted as an absolute reference by Coldcut and many of those who've gone into the so called trip hop area) gets his classic "Requiem pour un con" reedited on Le Smoke Disques, meanwhile being priced an approx €-15 amount although originally issue decades ago ! Weird bits and bops dropped by Pepe Bradock on his remix activities for 70's soul diva Candi Staton on her eponym 3 tracker for Honest Jon's which was single of the week last week on Mancunian record shop Piccadilly Records (piccadillyrecords.com).
Long time no seen early Chicago house producer, Marshall Jefferson so inspired. Being given the re-edit treatment of Salsoul classics "Love Sensation" and "Dr Love" respectively by Loleatta Holloway and First Choice, he's litterally shining with the latest, delivering an instrumental version of theirs with arrangements quite reminiscent of of his Ten City period or vice versa… Remember BlueBoy's classic "Sandman" back in the mid 90's on Guidance ? Guess you would while listening to the original version version by Undisputed Truth in 1979 given a new life on the Moxie # 5 package under the "Undisputable" title dubbed with Made In USA's "Melodies" which would become a Ron Hardy's classic back in the days. More Made In USA on the 4th Moonstew label offering with a Re-edit of "Shake Your Body" - the fliptune to their "Melodies" mentioned earlier on dubbed with of Prince's much sought after "Forever In My Life" sung in a sort of Marvin Gaye's way. Pushing us straight into some psychedelic disco/funk area is the infectious "Disco Fly" by William Stuckey on IVA considered as an all time favourite by Afrika Bambaataa and Kenny Dope. The latest 12" on Dave Lee and Sean P Better Days imprint feature 3 new and obscure disco, funk and soul re-edits worth the check including the opener "It's All Over Your Face" which might pretty well have influenced Jellybean Benitez while producing "Love Will Save The Day" for Whitney Houston in 1988. Back to today's jams are The Soul Disciple opening the accounts for thre new Raw Fusion/GAMM related label Soundscape out of Stockholm. Their "Planet Earth (Make It Equal)" is an absolute disco fused midtempo beauty, meanwhile hip hop/funk "Boom Banging" on the flipside is based on Mike T's funk classic " Do It Anyway You Want It" released some 20 years ago.
True soul never dies. Peace yall, MFSB
IN DA MIX TENNERZ
DANIELLE I Know You Love Me (Primal Groove Records)
THE SOUL DISCIPLE Planet Earth (Make It Equal) (Soundscape)
MENA KEYS Bone Delicious (Jellybean Soul)
HARDSOUL featuring RON CARROLL Back Together - Reel People Club Mix (ITH)
MOXIE # 5 Undisputed (Moxie)
KING OF SPIN Endless Summer (Jellybean)
FIRST CHOICE Dr Love - Marshall Jefferson Re-edit (Salsoul)
QUENTIN HARRIS presents CORDELL McCLARY Traveling (Space Kat)
ORIGINAL DISCO TED It's All Over Your Face (Better Days)
SOUL FUZION featuring VEE I've Got Rhythm - Kenny Dope Remix (Dope On Wax)
June 13, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠58
What an ironical situation we're living nowadays ! While quality music has never been so predominant for quite some time, the scene looks like generally more and more withdrawn on itself from a month to another. This leaving us feeling more and more difficult to get the right infos at the right time. A situation that both Nik Weston and MFSB have comments on to various degrees on what is to be our issue #58
London based IDMW.com detective Nik Weston, leaves the Japanese scene for a while to take us on a ride to his hometown. The current problems that the record industry is facing nowadays are about the same as everywhere else in this part of the world as are the responses given by the local scene with lots of quality stuff around.
LONDON LOWDOWN by Nik Weston
With several distribution companies and record stores having gone down in the last 6 months it's a trying time here in old London town so its with deep joy (and signs of relief) that I'm happy to report that at least on the release front there's no letting up on new releases.
One concern is that bootlegs and mash ups seem to be outselling official releases which appears to be a little worrying in the current climate of things. Certain 12's sell exceedingly well but often it's a case of familar tunes and remixes doing the units rather than home grown product itself.The recent Danny Krivit remix of ''Strings of Life'' has done 18,500 units so far but in general releases on the nu jazz/broken beat scene are doing from 800- 2000 units....
Freerange Records who've now re located to Essex have new albums from Shurikan (Way Points) & Squareone coming out in late summer. There's also a Jimpster remix album containing a selection of reworks and Jimpster himself has remixed Fred Everything's ''This Is Not A Club Song'' for 20:20 vision. He takes the midtempo track into a soulful & jazzy broken beat mix. There's also a mysterious Marco De Souza track called ''Quartetto'' which sounds like it might be a cheeky brazilian house mix.
Zero DB and Fluid Once main man, Chris Vogadoo has moved to Barcelona but he's still busy with the label. He's remixed Rosalia De Souza for Schema and has releases from Innocent Scorcerers (5 track EP) and Nery Bauer plus a hip hop project from Boiler Room Collective.
Based in North London's Crouch End, Wah Wah label re-release Espen Horne's "Magnetica" with a Raw Deal mix plus tracks from Uptown Fellaz from Hungary on a 7'' followed by a remix 12'' (Hint & Aaron Jerome on the remix).There's also DJ Spinna mix on Alison Crockett's ''Crossroads'' out in September.
Out of the Goya stable is the long awaited Bembe Segue cover of the Norman Connors classic ''Mother Of The Future'' plus the IG Culture produced Quango Project with ''Rock It Tonite'' with Eska on vocals. Flipside features Lain (ex Nu Colours) with a track called ''Call n' Say ''.
Izzi Dunn has a new single ''Out Of My Hands'' with Kaidi Tatham as Agent K for a boogie mix. Goya also hook up with a joint presentation from Mukatsuku & Especial in Japan to release a series of European Edition 12's previously only released in Japan. 1st 12'' is a 4 tracker from Hajime Yoshizawa with the in demand ''Endless Bow'' track remixed here by Jimpster & Fauna Flash.
On Diaspora, there's soon to be singles from Arnold Jarvis, Nicky Lawrence (remixed by Next Evidence) & Directions and Swedish label Hollow finally put out the Ernesto's album also through Goya Distribution in West London (goyamusic.com).
Domu continues to have his fingers in as many pies.His Umod project dropped mid June on Sonar Kollektiv, he has ''Worldwide'' on Loungin, a release as Yotoko on Emoticom for a 4 track EP called ''Bullet Time'' in a kinda Carl Craig ish breaky techno piece and another Rima release ''Present Sense''. There's a Neroli EP and a CD with 8 or 9 tracks out in September.
On the drum n bass front, there's no one that quite does it like Hospital Records.They have a new outfit called Q Project in August with an EP entitled '' Living Beaker'' which the label described as ''Todd Edwards meets hardcore !'' There's a single from Nation 2 Nation which is deep n Photek like, a new High Contrast single and album around August time and a new track from Logistics (Nu Tones lil brother). Meanwhile, Cyantific have another single which is penciled in for October.
Exceptional Records after their amazing Fat Jon 'Lightweight Heavy' album release a two CD(one of remixes and one of originals) compilation Exceptionally Remixed which is a selection of some of the remixes from the catalogue with respecaible artists like Susumu Yokota, United Future Organisation, Fat Jon, Plej, Force Of Nature being remixed by Jimpster, Spiritual South, Quantic, Moonstarr, Bugz In The Attic, Osunlade, Kyoto Jazz Massive & Akufen exceptionalrecords.co.uk
That's it for now… Despite the downturn in record sales, there's still killer music being made and sold in vinyl format and although shop sales are also down, the internet business has picked up ten fold. There's great websites from the following which you should definetly check out if your local stores can't find that ellusive 12'' from the UK you are after...
piccadillyrecords.com,therecordroom.com,www.ifmusic.co.uk and www.gemm.com till the next time !
Peace & Positivity
NW
SYSTEM OF SURVIVAL
How couldn't it be even harder for the underground when the whole record industry is in trouble ?, said Compost Records CEO Michael Reinboth in these pages. How keeping faith with the hope of a better future in today's instant consumption society and even how finding a way to survive when obvious talent looks like so much underrated as compared to those marketed products we're fronted with on a global scale ? Could it be that we're definitely condamned to be under the power of uniformisation ? Let's never forget that each of us has the possibility to say NO to this…
Although Jeff Mills said to me back in the days that "the Stevie Wonder of electro wasn't born to date" (let us get back to this a little bit later on), "music has never looked so good for quite a while", says DJ Oji and this is nothing but some true evidence, judging but the amount of good releases around. And what is this at the end of the day if not the best response which might be given facing today's situation ? In other words, both of them are right on their own and if you have any doubt in mind, please feel free to go out in the streets and ask people here or there if not to sing at least give you the titles of three songs that have appeared from the so called electronic techno/house field since the early days… Ask them then what or who they may remember from say the 80's if not the 70's and you'll see a whole bunch of people from Barry White to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye or Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and many others you'll find references to when asking today's generations of musicians about their influences. This said, don't get us wrong as our current purpose is not to say that nothing happened these last 20 years, but the fact is that what happened has finally never reached any global audience apart from some basic fans. And I guess this has also a lot to do in today's situation. I mean : how could you possibly blame people being not aware of what's currently happening when basically not even aware of what you're doing, not to say of your own existence ???
Once again, as a reputed intermediary, we've already come to people in the circuit asking them for having an interview, reviewing some new tunes of them or simply having the release date of their new material and our requests didn't get any answer… So simply imagine what can be people's situation while litteraly wandering in front of this awful amount of weekly releases which, for them, would seem like anonymous as compared to the pop acts around ! No way for them to get their hands on some of your material if not clearly advised but some friends of their who would know… And I'm not even talking about this whole bunch of test pressings, promo copies, acetates, dubplates, DAT's or CD-R's which, at some recent time, would have solely been made for the reputed prescriptors.
As a matter of fact, some labels have decided to slow down their release schedule in order to secure some time for doing their promotion work like Chillifunk for instance or Slip'N'Slide. "There's absolutely no need for putting out a 12" every week if you don't promote it properly", says Kicking Records CEO, Peter Harris. "It's not good for the artists and if it's not good for them, it's not good for us neither coz' they would feel like we haven't done our job." And that's about the same for us, here at IDMW.com, while providing you with the infos we get from here or there.
We would figure out what may feed the curiosity of our readers while displaying selected infos, from the simple reference to a tune of interest to the biggest interview we may sort out with the one(s) who's/'ve done it while creating a sort of hierarchical pecking. And this is exactly what we're expecting from the record industry on the basis of what we're into.
Of course, we can't and won't deny the fact that numerous people are applying to have their names on the mailing lists and that the shipping costs are awfully expensive - an average amount of $7,80 for a simple 12" from US to Europe, not to mention the cost of the enveloppe + for the one who's gonna post it ! - but, as once again written here during the Winter Music Conference : who is it best given a record ? The one who might play it anonymously on a DJ set or the one who might give details about it while reviewing it ??? In other words, are house music and the likes destined to mostly remain a DJ to DJ thang or try to benefit from some extra support ? Both of them, I would say, if aiming to reach a wider audience and find a way to assure its survival, knowing that the basic fans who happen to be the basic purveyors of incomes show every day signs of their need to be (well) informed.
MFSB
June 6, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠57
What a week we've had, giving you a taster of what German outfit Intuit are, but also DJ Oji for his debut on West End Records, not to mention Kerri Chandler prior to his French tour and it's far from being all in the weeks to come, but shuuuuush as the surprise has to be maintained alive for kicking. And it's about the same regarding the various projects we're working on which should see the day in the weeks/months to come. At least, our French speaking readers will be provided with their own version of IDMW.com starting from September and our online record shop should also be fully operational at this date. Not to mention some compilation projects that MFSB is currently putting shapes to. As for now, time for house with another selection of some of the best tunes around...
IN DA MIX (HOUSE, GARAGE & OTHER ILLICIT GROOVES)
Well, well, well, what is this that we have around the bent this week ?!? Summer looks like being around and there are obvious signs of people displaying the usual clichés with the sole aim of seing their tunes overplayed in the usual touristic places (Bee-fa amongst others !) and frankly speaking, it sucks once more…
You defnitiely know how we don't like spending our time devoting ourselves at displaying bad reviews. However, it's always the same kind o' sh** each year at the same period with an inflation of mediocre people around who, ironically, end up making themselves a name (and the Bucks that come with) while putting out e-z stuff reputedly destined to the masses with the support of a bunch of corresponding media in search of selling more paper. What I'd be tempted to call demagogy if not corruption to a certain extend. Those same records that are currently on display at the home pages of the usual record stores. All on all, an economy on its whole. This said, no name dropping needed as the people concerned will easily recognize themselves, should they have a bit of honesty. Hopefully, we've got a couple of cuts worth to mention on the other hand by the likes of those who've firmly decided to stay true to their beliefs…
Florida based producer Louis Benedetti comes up with another corker on his Soulshine Recordings label with the release of the new BLVD East 12", "It"s Your Life". Got to get your hands on it, should you be into the Fall Out sound by the likes of say Quentin Harris ; vocalist K.T. Brooks adding much to this with his interpretation not that far away from Stevie Wonder's style. Another name to watch out carefully is no doubt Alix Alvarez, going one step higher while providing some serious shiny jazzy groove background for R&B songstress Alicia Keys on "Feelin' Me Feelin' You" (white). Same comments apply to Dandruff Truckers who with their latest "Badu" may well score some potential anthem, providing us with an infectious phat phonky vocal groove enlighted by an instant Horns riff (white). Meanwhile Chiocagoan Ron Carroll adds a bit of Afro horns on his jazzy & soulful "Come Together" (Bumpin City). Also worth to mention is the association between Atlanta based DJ Kemit (he of Kemeticjust duo) and Roland Clarke on the positive and joyful jazzyphonkysoulful "Song In May" (King Street).
No less than 3 new references to be added to the Fall Out label repertoire these last days and, as you may expect, those well advised people bring us some extra goodies, starting with Kem-'s "Love Calls". A tune which Shelter resident Timmy Regisford has much supported these last weeks, following the foosteps of the equally unmissable "When Love Came Down" by (officially) Motown label mate Lathun, this with the addiction of Floetry doin' the background. The two other ones bringing Joe's "More More" back to life in a very seducive way with a Darryl James's remix and Maxwell's "No One" remixed by Roy Davis Jr with a re-edit from K. Asia to a lesser extend. If into those reliftings of R&B tunes, you may well get a careful listen to Beyonce's "Me Myself And" delicately retouched by Candy Apple (white), meanwhile R. Kelly's revamp of "Happy People" - sorry no info about the one(s) who's/ve done this as it's a white label - is nuttin' but some extra cheesy stuff around, so no need to go any further on this. Much better, on this vocal series is Force featuring Darryl D'Bonneau's "I Came Back" with its nice swingalong 4X4 concept on Milo which should reach the hearts of Cheers and Soul Heaven parties fans. And the same oughtta be said about the classy "Join Me" with its cool jazz/phonk moody line by Swiss young producer John Lucas making his debut alongside Canadian vocalist Tylene sounding like Randy Crawford (Purple Music).
In search of some sharper beats ? Calum Walker and his Solar House outfit give us the very best with the energizing phonky "Everything Changes" enlighted by a cool sax riff (Large). Meanwhile, our Swedish brothers, S.U.M.O. go Brazil with the spoken scatted "Supra Sumo" on Soulfuric Trax sounding like a potential summer hit. Also gotta be careful about Ian Carey's latest works incl. the Afrophonky filtered "Circulo Dos Chiffres" that he has relifted for Right On Brothers featuring Charles Gore (Elan Rouge) and the easy but killing cover version of D.C. Larue's disco classic"Cathedrals" for Bobby Bianco + Mikki Motto called "3AM" on Defected, both sure to have instant appeal on the Ibizenco dancefloors in the weeks to come.
Around at the most underground parties last March in Miami, Anthony Nicholson's new cut "Don't Stop" featuring Ugochi is also finally available and it was (as well) worth the wait ; our USG man providing us with a deep plaintive phonky corker (Circular Motion). You, on this side European side of the globe may well have heard about Diviniti (and her "Find A Way" tune) who Danny Krivit has managed to have her performing at one of his 718 Sessions rendez-vous. Well, the good news is that the aforementioned is also now fully available at local record shops here, giving us the opportunity to discover a true talent female team hailing from Detroit with PirahnaHead doing the production of this classy/ic song on DJ Minx's Women On Wax Recordings label. And if that wasn't enough, we may catch those same PirahnaHead behind the latest Moods & Grooves release incl. the brilliant "Poem 4 A Last one", merging conscious sopken words over a deep minimal Afrojazzyphonk groove. As deep and on that same kind of Afro rhythm mood, would suggest you to have a listen to the breezin' "Mi Vida Samba" by Julio Villa taken from the "Urban Excursions Vol. 01 EP" with its lush caribbean jazzy key arrangements (Magnify Music). Also very well inspired you gotta be if managing to have a listen to Crusho's "Traffic Jam EP" on Parisian label, Q-Tape and more particularily the funky soulful Someone To Love" featuring Marilyn David, having that somehow disco funk laid back alla Roy Ayers.
Looks like Johnny D & Nicky P good ol' Henry Street label is finally back in town with the aptly named "Heavens Piano" from Eltingville Project. A cool plaintive atmospheric deep jazzy house cut over subtle percussions sounding half way between Larry Heard's touch and some Spiritual Life approaches. Meanwhile, Slam Mode goes further deep on some Afro deep tribal exploration dubbed with a drop of Latin American flute on "Obyyah" (Ibadan). Osunlade delivering the vibrant and plaintive 'Year Of The Monkey" (Yoruba). Get ready for some serious dope on the so called soulful/world tip as Belgo/Zairian singer Marie Daulne aka Zap Mama has a stunning new album, Ancestry In Progress with a bunch of presitigious guests incl. Talib Kweli, Common, ?uestlove, Bahamadia and Lady Alma. Not to mention Erykah Badu sharing the duties on her current "Bandy Bandy" single. A moody cooltempo song turned into a surprising hypnotic ragga groove by the likes of Detroit mogul Carl Craig (Luaka Bop/Giant Step). Not so many releases to date on London based Location Recordings label, but the quality is always one way or another around. This time they welcome young producer Tominaga making his debut with "Words We Say", a cool jazzy phonky groove melting spoken words and Anglo-Brazilian vocals by Sanya (of the dZihan & Kamien posse) with a stunning piano performance by David Higgins over layered tablas. Something that should easily find its niche while chillin' at some sunny place this summer. MFSB
IN DA MIX #57 TENNERZ
BLVD EAST featuring K.T. BROOKS It's Your Life (Soulshine Recordings)
DANDRUFF TRUCKERS Badu (white)
KEM- Love Calls (Fall Out)
ANTHONY NICHOLSON presents UGOCHI Don't Stop (Circular Motions)
CRUSHO Someone To Love (Q-Tape)
ALICIA KEYS Feelin' Me Feelin' You - Alix Alvarez Mix (white)
PIRAHNAHEAD presents SOULCHESTRA Poem 4 A Last One (Moods & Grooves)
SOLAR HOUSE Everything Changes (Large)
ZAP MAMA featuring ERYKAH BADU Bandy Bandy - Carl Craig Mix (Luaka Bop/Giant Step)
DIVINITI Find A Way (Women On Wax)
May 30, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠56
Another month before celebrating the arrival of the summer and its awaited break that usually comes with. As already said in some previous issue, you're kindly invited to provide us with your infos like : the place you've planned to go to, what you see as potential… summer hits, where are you awaited to spin and the likes to be compiled on a Special Issue, while using our forum section no later than June 25…
Another whole bunch of goodies this week with no less than three interviews (how lucky you are) featuring German outfit Intuit for the release of their debut album on Compost which should reach the expectations of those in search for afrosoulfunkjazz groove. Also on board DC Sanctuary resident and co-owner of Poji Records DJ Oji for the release of his new cut on West End Records (our Single Of The Week) and a label profile + last but not least Kerri Chandler prior to his French tour this week. And if that was not enough, we also provide you with a brand new selection of big formats incl. the much awaited Blaze's Found Love CD Mix Compilation as our brand new Album Of The Month.
We was ending up seriously wondering when that bad forecast would cease on this part of the globe (Continental Europe where our HQ's based). Well, summer looks like hopefully back on the map with some more decent temperatures. Meanwhile we've got the vibes to come with, beginning with the first ever CD mix from Blaze (our album of the month) and another serious contender of the likes by Jazzanova. Also on the comp front, BBC Radio 1's Worldwide man Gilles Peterson is currently… In Brazil displaying both traditional cuts and modern works, as is Far Out Recordings label with the 5th instalment of their Brazilian Love Affair series. In search of seminal grooves ? Munich's Into Something co-resident, Florian Keller delivers a serious selection from funk to hip hop & reggae cuts on its Party Keller comp. Responsible of the Detroit Soul comp, Unisex label explores its NYC counterpart with the likes of Amel Larrieux, DJ Spinna, Pete Rock, Sarah Divine and Angie Stone to name but a phew ! Hard to resist having a few words about Taxi's new elpee (The Accessory) full of modernly twisted grooves on German label INFRACom! In need for some Afro Essential Elements ? Mateo & Matos leave us with a brand new collections of theirs (NiteGrooves) and if that wasn't enuff, Chciagoan producer, Roy Davis Jr completes the whole with his latest LP - Water For Thristy Children, making his debut for Canadian label Nice+Smooth.
2004 looks life a definitively fruitful years for Blaze with their label (West End) in super full effect, Kevin Hedge having a weekly residency at NYC Cielo alongside Louie Vega and a couple of quintessential projects in the air. Their Found Love compilation is one of them with a release this month on Slip'N'Slide for Europe then later on on West End for the rest of the world. A true event on its own as it's their first ever CD mix with additional overdub key parts from Josh Milan (our current Album of the Month) and a booming selection. On the same front, Jazzanova also give some serious demonstration of their capacity behind the decks providing us with an killing selection of absolute gems, from R&B/soul/jazz downtempo to hip hop beatz, nu jazz, broken beat, funk, house and a drop of slow tunes at the end, featuring Jill Scott, Carol Williams, Attica Blues, Deyampert, Bakura, Bahamadia, Sidsel Endresen & Bugge Wesseltoft and Georg Levin to name but a few. Not to mention some compositions of theirs including our recent "Glow And Glare/Dance The Dance" Single Of The Week (Sonar Kollektiv).
Sun definitely shines over the planet while having a listen to… In Brazil, the latest selection from Gilles Peterson. Wilson Simonal starts the collection with his most memorable "Nem Vem Que Nao Tem" and its numerous international cover versions leading amongst others to the souvenir of late Nino Ferrer with "Tu veux ou tu veux pas"… We most definitely jam on bossa there and I would suggest you to accompany the whole with a bit of camarões and a drop of Capoeira then enjoy this with your honey. As for the contemporary things on display on the CD2, they're no surprisingly carefully selected (and pasted) featuring the sensualissime Otto's "Bob" relifted by Edu K, the killing "Green Gold" from Spiritual South, not to mention some crazy work called "Futebol de Bar" by Cesar Mariano with a 'Heavy Üsker Mix'. Definitely worth to have a listen to (Either Records). On the same neo tropicalist wave is Brazilian Love Affair # 05 in the genre with a majority of horizontal cuts to come along on an appropriate chill out session on some (sunny) shore. Favours going to Democustico, Troubleman featuring Nina Miranda, Vertente (on a cool bossa rhythm), Friends from Rio 2, Viper Squad and Mamond over some sharp beats (Far Out).
We, in Europe, are lucky enough to be exposed to tons of different flavors, from ska to broken beat, hip hop, house, techno, Brazilian beats and almost anything you may imagine. What, to some (other extend), stands as the I(ndamix)DMW.com approach of the things which, at the end of the day, happens to be what the former conception of DJing was at the early ages. We then would have DJ's/selectors like Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay, Patrick Forge being the live proof of any kind of music may find its room on the dancefloors as long as it's good and carefully selected. Another exemple is to be given by Into Something co-resident DJ Florian Keller on his Party Keller set (as derived of his weekly night of the name) varying from reggae to hip hop and funk, meted with a touch of psychedelism and in a spirit to turn your mind upside down, featuring music from Chanson, Michel Legrand, Giorgio Moroder, Sam Brothers Five (with a wink to Chic's classic "Le Freak"), not to mention Daniel Sofer's presence for the ones into scratching and breakdance and the bluesy "Crazy Girl Pt." II by Freddie Love and a stunning cover reggae-ish version of the late Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up" by Greyhound (Compost). We've recently suggested you to get your hands on a collection called Detroit Soul put together by Unisex label. Well, that's about the same for their brand new selection regrouping NYC acts this time. Armel Larrieux, Q Tip, DJ Spinna, Cooly's Hot Box, Pete Rock, Marlon Saunders amongst others with pure moments of intimate groove.
One thing is to do sounds, another one is to produce music, not to mention the appropriate lyrics that would come with. UK trio Paul Cullen, Simon Lovejoy and female vocalist Jo Laundy aka Taxi get back in action with their second album. A collection of absolute modern groove incorporating fragments of house, jazz, funk, R&B, ambient and blues for what is to be entitled The Accessory. Is this so of this offering ? I'd say definitely No like their first one two years ago, judging by the quality of the atmospheres they've managed to come with, delivering mostly lascive grooves with a delicate pop feel alla Moloko/EBTG (INFRACom!).
Eclectism is definitely what we may expect from Roy Davis Jr and it's exactly what to find on his new Water For Thirsty Children album. The Chicago maestro manages to come up with a sort of double part effort made of pasted songs varying from cool grooves to more dance oriented one carrying all those elements that have made his reputation so far (hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, house) inside a contemporary amalgamation.
More jazzy fulled is French outfit NoJazz's No Limits album (Warner Jazz) and the fact is this collection is craziness at its best, made of various collaborations that the group would have while doing their recent worldwide tour. On board are no other than the late Claude Nougaro, Ibizenco producer Lennart Krarup (the one of the Ibizarre series) alongside toaster Mangli on the furious "Candela" ready to take the dancefloors by storm. And, wait a minute as there's also Maurice White + the Earth, Wind and Fire's horn section, African singer Ousmane on the mellowsaxy "What Time Is It" and some serious phat groove called "Pick Up 80" featuring Wally Badarou ! All of this making the offer quite interesting to have a listen to.
Ending up this issue # 56 the way we've started it with US respected purveyors of jams, in other words Mateo & Matos, who made their names both of post disco, latin house and afro oriented cuts. The latest being on offer on their new Essential Elements LP. A 13 tracker full of infectious abstract tribal sequencies to get your feet stucked on the floor although with some hypnotic brainy madness (NiteGrooves)
IDM Album Tracks TENNERZ
OTTO Bob - EDU K Remix featuring BEBEL GILBERTO - from Gilles Peterson… In Brazil (Either Records)
MATEO & MATOS Homeboy4s Groove (NiteGrooves)
MARLON SAUNDERS Love Serenade - from New York Soul (Unisex)
ROY DAVIS jr Soldiers Listen - from Water For Thirsty Children (Nice+Smooth)
CAROL WILLIAMS Can't Get Away (From Your Love) - from Jazzanova… Mixing (Sonar Kollektiv)
NOJAZZ Candela by IBIZARRE featuring MANGLI - from No Limits album (Warnere Jazz)
JIHAD MUHAMMED Movement Blues - from Blaze Found Love CD mix Compilation (Slip'N'Slide)
FREDDIE LOVE Crazy Girl Pt.II - from Party Keller (Compost)
TAXI Sunday Suburban Dream - from The Accessory album (INFRACom!)
FRIENDS FROM RIO 2 Sob O Mar / Kyoto Jazz Massive Mix - from Brazilian Love Affair 5
May 23, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠55
JAPAN CORNER May 2004 by Nippon Nik
Konishi wa !
Especial Distribution recently pressed up 1,000 copies of live studio (and more jazzy) versions of "Samurai" and "Rita". They are both wicked....Catch'em whilst you can.... still a few shops with stock.... or failing that check herecordroom.co.uk or Soulbrother Records in Putney London (++44 208 875 1018). Danny Krivit has also been caining the original version of ''Samurai'' and Peter Kruder called me a month ago searching for a copy (I kid you not....) ''Samurai'' will also see a release on Brighton label Disorient with a kind of ''best of'' compilation of tracks from the two Tokuma albums plus the last Flower Records release.The next Especial Distribution release will be Negrocan with ''Mare Baixa'' and a Jazztronik remix due in Europe in July. Speaking of Jazztronik, he's gotta be one of the busiest men in Tokyo of late. He's also just released a 11 track CD album on Tokuma. There's also another 3 track 12'' single with a decent samba version of ''Esta Com Voce''. Seek !
Also awaited on Especial is Sleepwalker ''The Voyage/Into The Sun". The first track features Pharoah Saunders and the flipside Bembe Segue....!! Double header ? You betcha !!! Check the stores in July. Gilles Peterson already caining The Voyage on national radio.....and if that wasnt all.....there's also the launch of a European edition series of past Especial releases through Goya Distribution in London. First release is the much sought after ''Endless Bow'' 12'' with Fauna Flash & Jimpster remixes and the series features the best of broken beat, best of Brazil, best of jazz, etc from past deleted titles out of the Especial label. For all those interested what it will mean is that these titles will get much more wider distribution than ever before and will be available all over the world, be cheaper than the normally hefty Japanese pricetags.....More details to follow....if you are a shop… email me for more details !
The most exciting Japanese record of the week award went to Jafrosax (a project of Yukihiro Fukutomi) for their second single on Raindog Records. The first release had the dolcet tones of Yukimi Nagano (Koop/Stateless/Similou/Swell Session) on vocals but single 2 has Philadelphia's finest,Vikter Duplaix… Not only that it's a Jazztronik re redit !! Look out for a Killer version of an earlier Jafrosax track remixed by Studio Apartment who incidently have dropped two great singles under the guise of World Line EP 001 & 002.jazz a la Sleepwalker also turned up on a 12'' in the shape of Dazai Yuri Sextet. Juergen from Jazzanova tells me he absolutely loves this EP, and too right too. It's killer dancefloor jazz ! Been along time since anything has ventured out of the Brasil Nights label but we get 3 12''s....Two of these releases are relevant...'Brasil Nights vol. 4' kicks in with a gorgeous Rhodes midtempo shuffler called...er....''Rhodes Song'' which 'Im told from my man in Sweden is a cover version but for the life of me I'm not sure who did the original. Any ideas people as there's no credits on the label ??? The other 12'' on Brasil Nights label to think about is Gats TKB Show. Shame really as 3 of the versions have Gats singing in Japanese which kinda puts a damper on any of us outside of Japan who dig this kind of stuff musically. Never mind though....Toshio Matsuura (ex United Future Organisation ) consistent as ever with his remixes saves the day with a bumpin latinish floorfiller with hardly any vocal and on a big system this works well.
DJ Mitsu The Beats who's still riding on the sucess of his 'New Awakening' album is buisy in the studio doing mixes etc. The album incidently recently came out on double vinyl in vocal and instrumental formats. .He's just completed a Blue Note compilation, a remix of Average White Band, a rework of Diverse ''Ain't Right'', an Irma remix for Scott Jakoby and there's even soon to come a Restless Soul mix on ''Away''.Mitsu also did an amazing job on USA hip hop outfit Crown City Rockers with ''Weekend Soul''(which sounds better than the original !!!) There's also a dope vibes instrumental by Grooveman Spot (remember 'Sakura Aural Bliss' ?) on the re-issue classic of Raw Produce "Cycles''. The red vinyl 12'' sampler from the Soul Source Boogies EP has been exchanging hands for £50 and the Mark De Clive-Lowe version of Donald Byrd's ''Wind Parade'' featuring Bembe Segue saw a price tag of 70 or so ! Big money but when you consider there's only 100 copies or so out there maybe that's to be expected…
There's a new version of Sirius B's "Samba Selvagem" remixed by Tatsuo Sunaga which looks like it could be a Brazilian summer smash. out on P Vine as we speak. And Tokyo vocalist Joi delivers his falsetto vocal on the Brazilian influenced ''The Rapture'' EP as his debut on USA label West End Records. Fans of Frankie Valentine take note....
I managed to cram in 7 DJ gigs in 10 days in Japan a couple of months ago and took in Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Hachioji & various gigs in Tokyo in the process and was lucky enough to spin with Calm, Grooveman Spot, Watusi, Soul Sauce crew, Yukihiro Fukutomi & hook up with Little Big Bee (Eitetsu Takamiya). Check his recent "Fly Away'' remix by MagicNumber that came out on Stereo Deluxe records from Nurnberg in Germany. Little Big Bee lift the track up for a sound that has ''classic'' written all over it.
Yukihiro Fukutomi completed ''It's Just'' for Italian imprint Head To Toe' which should be released soon. Also check out his ''Second Sight'' remix that's out on the Re Jazz Re Mixed compilation.
Fat Jon from Ohio whose instrumental album 'Lightweight Heavy' that originally came out on Tokyo label Dimid will see a European release also on Exceptional Records (exceptionalrecords.co.uk) in the next month or so and look out for a mighty fine compilation called' 'Exceptionally Remixed' featuring Japanese artists United Future Organisation, Force Of Nature, Susumu Yokota & … Fat Jon. On the CD versions released commercially you get one CD of originals and one of remixes....value for money we thinks !
There's a brand new 12'' out soon from Lonesome Echo Production (Yasushi Ide) from Tokyo featuring a Blaze mix of '"Sweet Dream'' with vocals by Byron Stingly which should pick up a few soulful vocal fans...
For record diggers into the Nippon Sound you should check a new website (therecordroom.co.uk)that's started selling some illusive Japanese 12's of the nu jazz & electronic tip. They get fresh stuff in on a monthly basis (and lot of the Japanese stuff he doesnt list on his site, so ask him to send you the ''Japanese list'' list then if there's something you are after including the Especial material then you should e-mail him your wants list and see what he can find. Email him direct
JAPAN CORNER TENNERZ
SLEEPWALKER The Voyage featuring PHAROAH SAUNDERS/Into The Sun (Especial-Japan))
HAJIME YOSHIZAWA Endless Bow - Jimpster/Fauna Flash Mixes (Especial European Edition Series)
PLEASURE -Straight Ahead - Kyoto Jazz Massive Remix (Victor Japan/ Red Vinyl)
MARK DE CLIVE-LOWE featuring BEMBE SEGUE Wind Parade (Blue Note-Japan)
GAGLE 7'' (Jazzy Sport)
DJ MITSU THE BEATS New Awakenings - Instrumental & vocal album 4 x 12'' (Planet Groove)
RAW PRODUCE Cycles - Grooveman Spot Instrumental (Subcontact)
JAFFROSAX featuring YUKIMI NAGANO Drawn To You - Studio Apartment Remix (NWR)
CROWN CITY ROCKERS Weekend Soul - DJ Mitsu Remix (P Vine)
STUDIO APARTMENT World Line EP's 001/002 (NWR)
May 16, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠54
Groove will definitely never die as long as there's gonna be emotion on it… Meanwhile we're hard working to provide you with the most complete info, we do deeply thank you for your regular visits. As a matter of fact, we've scored a new pick reaching the amount of 10,905 read pages last Monday ; this being the proof of a true need for exposure of the vibes that gather us. As ever new generations get into OUR universe from a year to another, we've thought it might be cool for them to leave them with reminders of what happened throughout the time since the early days, should it be via our IDM Re-edit section, but also with a series of mixtapes recorded back in the days by MFSB. Not to mention a forthcoming selection of subjects dedicated to some of the ones who've written the History due to hit your screens on a weekly basis during the summer break.
As for today's news, we've managed to have a conversation with DJ/producer Franck Roger who happens to be the very first out of France putting out a cut on one of the MAW's label and have a release party of the aforementioned tonite. Not to mention our very latest issue reviewing tunes where some potential summer hits already oughtta be found…
Another six weeks on and it's gonna be the start of the summer with its usual break. Where have you planned to go ? What do you see as potential summer hits ? Where are you awaited to spin ? Feel free to provide us with your elements of response to be compiled on a Special Issue, while using our forum section no later than June 25 ! Not particularily happy with the current forecast on this (Eurpean) side of the world ? No doubt, this selection of 12" thereafter should heat your minds, boddies and souls…
What was you doin' by the end of the seventies ? Well, funk outfit War was already around dropping a whole bunch of smashes like "Cinco de Mayo" and the seminal "Galaxy" on MCA, the later receiving quite a respectful remix - although said house-y - on some white lavel. At the same period, you might also have heard of First Choice scoring a new classic with "Armed & Extremly Dangerous" also recently revamped with class and in a new vein on a rhythmic arrangement point of view by Ian Carey to be released on Philly Groove in a fortnight. Far much younger although already considered as a standard is "Don't Mess With My Man" from hip hop/soul outfit Lucy Pearl receiving a cool fluid phonky treatment by Soulizm on Solid Soul. Meanwhile R&B diva Beyonce sees her "Me, Myself + I" song reworked by Candy Apple adding some quite atmospheric vibes on it (white label). Looking for some good bargain on the sought after tunes front ? Well, you may get no less than 4 of them on the "House Soul Classics EP" featuring Byron Stingily's "So Grateful", Erro's "Change For Me", Gerideau's "Take A Chance" and Janet Rushmore's "Lost In Love" (Jet Soul).
Definitely armed with one of the strongest cut around is newly formed pair Richard Earnshaw and Danny Jones aka One 51 with "Si Weka" - our current Single Of The Week - infected with lush afro brazilian elements a positive message over a balancing beat. All of this smelling like a proper "Sea, Sex & Sun" summer hit (Soulfuric Deep). Currently on our top ten, Lady Alma has another fine tune called "Gimme That Music" alongside 83 West label headz Peter & Tyrone, although I'd rather go for Alix Alvarez's mixes on the B-side which to me sound more scintillating (83 West). On a slightly quicker rhythm, Dallas based producer Demarkus Lewis makes his debut for Large subdivision Vista Recordings with "The Hustler EP". Expect some repetitive spoken versus on the title track exploring a sort of minimal house techy kind of universe enlighted by a shiny ambient line, meanwhile "I'm A Freak" on the B-side featuring Lady D should reach those into late night Chicagoan kind of groover.
Much of this week's selection looks like hailing from Europe and France to be more precise, starting with Franck Roger's debut on Kenlou Records with the Blaze inspired "No More Believe" featuring Chris Wonder with some reminder of Stevie Wonder on his voice. If in Paris tonite, don't miss Franck's Real Tone party celebrating the launch of this brand new release (see our Events section). Meanwhile, a Franck Roger featuring Chris Wonder might hide another one… This other one being the ultra soulful "Reasons" over some wickeeeeed keys by the likes of M'Sellem, awaited next month on Straight Up which sounds like a pure slice of heaven. Watch this space ! Discovered last year on Basic with Allen, L'Amabassade resident DJ Manoo makes his debut for Buzzin' Fly alongside François A on a cool atmospheric jazz phonk tip with "6 In The Morning". Another label worth to mention is Qalomota Records. If you happen to be on deep moody kind of stuff, than check out "This Could Be Love" featuring Yuanist Woods which is the opener track of "The Master & The Apprentice EP" produced by Rufuss, meanwhile the B-side starring saxophonist Joshua Levitt in full effect delves into old school deep jazzy house territory. Warren Clarke providing Martin Solveig with some vintage funk feel on his remixes of the current "Rocking Music" (Defected).
Quite different as you may guess is the latest installment of Africanism. Here Bob Sinclar in person goes for some afro caribbean tribal discoïd trip over a killing groove with "Amour Kefe", looking ready to make some serious noise on the floors (Yellow Productions). In the meantime, the Artofdisco series goes on with two new references. The first of which being the stunning "4.AM In The mourning" by Martino. A cut sounding like some Carl Craig vs Larry Heard collab. In other words, a minimal deep tech jazz kind of exploration opening to some emotive female chant.
Chillifunk label looks like going stronger from a month to another. Get ready for some serious dope to be released next month starting from soul songstress Verna Francis doing an oustanding performance on the cool phonkyjazz tinged "Sunshine". A cut definitely looking as one of this summer's grooves with the help of trumpeteer Scott Bayliss and producer engineer Felix Hopkins, coupled with a Restless Soul Mix on a slightly more phat beat. Co written and produced by Phil Asher, Vanessa Freeman "Shades" is a cool slice of soulful downtempo given a retro bossa jazz feel by L.A. based collective The Rebirth. Nathan Haines featuring Guida De Palma ending the series with the blazing sensuous "O Mysterio" graced with some additional vibrant mixes by Yam Who celebrating the cool at their best. Expect nothing but beauty and harmony with The Rurals as it's the case on "Sparkle/I Am" a double tracker 12" varying from a sort of plaintive deep house groove over some repetitive abstract vocal hook on the Picture side to intimate jazzy vibes on the other one (Pêng).
Berlin famous Jazzanova goes definitely weird with the syncopated deep dark "Glow & Glame" remixed by Âme. A must have in its genre, not to mention the aerial "Dance The Dance" on the flipside which should enlight the hearts of those in search for atmospheric jazz as delicately reworked by Atjazz. Another piece of great music (Sonar Kollektiv). Staying on that moody jazz and groovy vein, we're getting ourselves ready with another couple of goodies, the first of which being the initmate although driving "Flyaway" by Magicnumber on Stereo Deluxe delivered with an extra remix from Liquid People, quite reminiscent of what made the reputation of Naked Music label back in the days. Although worth to check is Parov Stelar "Kisskiss EP" and most definitely the cheeky jazzy "Super Eight" featuring Peter Kreuzer on its original version + its relifting by the likes of Raul Irie & Micchi Bex (Etage Noir). Belladonna adding a bit of summer vibes with the afro latin flavaed "Ebatulé" as retouched by DJ Uovo (Irma)…
IN DA MIX ISSUE # 54 TENNERZ
ONE 51 Si Weka (Soulfuric Deep/promo)
VERNA FRANCIS Sunshine + Restless Soul Mix (Chillifunk/promo)
JAZZANOVA Glow & Glame b/w Dance The Dance (Sonar Kollektiv)
ART OF DISCO - MARTINO 4.AM In The Mourning (Yellow Productions)
FRANCK ROGER w M'SELLEM featuring CHRIS WONDER Reasons (Straight Up/test)
BELLADONNA Ebatulé - DJ Uovo Remix (Irma)
MAGICNUMBER Fly Away (Stereo Deluxe)
NATHAN HAINES featuring GUIDA DE PALMA O Misterio + Yam Who Remixes (Chillifunk)
PAROV STELAR Super Eight (Etage Noir)
AFRICANISM - BOB SINCLAR presents Amour Kefe (Yellow Productions)
May 9, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠53
In May, do whatever you want and ther's no reason why you shouldn't do so at the end of the day. Send us some feedback, tell us that IDMW.com is baaaad… or crap ! Provide us with mixes of yours… or mixtapes. Get linked to us, join our ever growing commùunity and why not get your hands on this site with contributions of yours, tell us what we may do for you… Well, make yourself home, while we provide you with some good vibes.
Long time haven't seen so many ladies in the house at the same time and guess I have to say that there's really nothing to complain about this. Starting up this new selection with the much touted Goapele (read Qua-Pa-Lay) who sees one track - "Love" - from her Even Closer Album on Skyblaze Recordings licensed by Loveslap! with additional mixes from Miguel Migs and the ever charismatic DJ Spinna signing another peace of beauty he's much reputed for on an atmospheric soulful tip. In other words THAT something to kill you softly with this song. Equally shiny although exploring some different territory is Lady Alma's newie called "Living In The City". Quite like the jazzyphonk groove of this cut and its fluid environment as provided by Soul Dhamma, not talking about some infectious dub of theirs on the flipside to rock the deepest floors (King Street).
Quite a while without a word about Underground Collective Recordings label. Looks like this NYC label has had a look somewhere in the West calling Californian Kiko Navarro and our Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble brothers to relift DJ Chus and David Penn's written "The Perfect Place" for Concha Buika and guess what ? It's the SJE remix on the flipside that feeds our expectations on an organic classy jazzyphonk vein.
Couldn't tell you who's done the latest remix of "You Don't Know My Name" by R&B diva Alicia Keys but no doubt it gives extra flava to this already anthemic song rereleased as a white label by Rotgut under "The MuthaFunkin Keys" title.
Never heard neither so far of Smooth Agent Records nor from the people involved on what appears already as their 5th release - I mean "Africa" by Black_Mamba featuring Sarudzayi - although I come to understand that this label is based in Canada and no heard neither of the people who've been commissionned to remix it : Sean Smith & Oscar Ramirez, apart from Kenny Carjaval. Anyway, if you're looking for some cool afro atmospheric vibes, this 12 is most definitely for you, meanwhile the latest gives it a more NY housey approach.
Jephte Guillaume goes further politically with "Onè- Respè" bringing us back to the souvenir of his homeland - Haiti - which, although it was the first proclaimed Black Republic ever, reminds under the influence of dictatorship two centuries after its declaration of independance, melting conscious Creole lyrics with afro tribal vibes (Tet Kalé).
Duron Turik joins Space Kat label with the smooth'n'groovy "No Over" melting soulful, gospel and atmospheric jazz elements over some cool afro soul beat. Meanwhile, Nikos adds a bit of N-R-G on the B-side with the same amount of fluidity.
Blaze's new cut "Found Love" has finally hit the shelves an dit was, as usual, worth to wait. A song which we incidentally happened to hear for the very first time last summer at the Sunslice Festival in Toulon, seing the duet flirting with equal happiness with cool bossa vibes. Not to mention this other release on the same label from Joi (a guy we undertand as coming from Japan) on the same vibrant vein. In addition to this, Blaze is also on the run, providing smooth remixes for UK soulman Omar alongside Angie Stone on their rendition of William DeVaughn's classic "Be Thankful (For What You've Got), originally produced by Guru (Spun Records).
Back to some more groovy tip although on the same deep kinda vibes is the intimate "If You Leave Me Know" from The Moves. A cut that receives some Alix Alvarez treatment which happens to be the one of a definitely silky touch. Check most definitely the Part 1 of this 2 vinyl release (Central Park). A couple of step further rhythmically speaking is "My Way" from b-Soul aka DJ Pope on Poji Records, seing DJ Oji's partner purveying some lush keys on a jazzy'n'groovy tune enlighted by spoken words from Teresa. Really worth to check out as Roy Davis Jr's newie - "Moving Up" - a three track sampler taken for his new album which has recently been released on Canadian label Nice + Smooth. So howizit ? Well, well, well, carrying all those elements the combination of which have made Roy's reputation on a modern housey soulfunkjazzy tip as notoriously shown by its title track featuring words and vocals by Marcellus. Meanwhile the flipside explores some smoother territories.
Another Chicago heroe is with no doubt Glenn Underground, providing us with another corker : "Follow Me" featuring Swaylo on Shelter. Meanwhile, the Abicah Soul Project has resurfaced with a new 12 on Waako/Zyx strangely credited to a certain Stax but carrying nevertheless all those thangz that are a part of G.U.'s touch. Leavin' you for now with another absolute delitte hailing from Detroit, a soulful phonky light groove called "About Last Night" by Randolph on Mahogani Music and this sounds like waooooow ! Can't wait to get 2 the Motorcity's festival at the end of this month… MFSB
IN DA MIX TENNERZ
RANDOLPH About Last Night (Mahogani Music)
GOAPELE Love - DJ Spinna Remix (Loveslap!)
b-SOUL The Movement (Poji Records)
LADY ALMA Living In The City - Soul Dhamma Mixes (King Street)
BLAZE Found Love (West End)
DURON TURIK present No Over (Space Kat)
BLACK_MAMBA featuring SARUDZAYI Africa - Pico De Gallo Mix (Smooth Agent Records)
CONCHA BUIKA The Perfect Place - Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble Remix (Underground collective)
ROY DAVIS Jr featuring MARCELLUS Moving Up (Nice + Smooth)
JEPHTE GUILLAUME ONE-RESPE (Tet Kalé)
May 2, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠52
End of April and yet comes our new selection of albums. From those Blue Note Revisited jazz classics and a new collection of sweeties brought to us by Thievery Coportation's ESL imprint to some more energetic vibes provided by UK pair, Groove Armada. Making a short trip to the famous Motorcity with a comp called… Detroit Soul prior to the Movement Festival. Have a garden party in the Devonshire county where The Riurals hail from. See how broken beat champions Big Bang are doing with their collection of reworks. Get the latest Fila Brazillia's deliriums and discover France Dimitri from Paris and Troublemakers second elpees. Welcome to our issue#52 !
Quite a hectic agenda in May diarywise with a bunch of festivities not to be missed all around the world. How lucky the travellers will be from The Southport Weekender, to the Santa Lucia Jazz Festival in the West Indies prior to the famous Detroit festival better (now) known as the Movement. And if that wasn't enough for our wallets, good albums keep on being around the bent…
It finally took quite a while to have this Blue Note Revisited album available. A bit of a shame considering the parties that have been settled up around this project, from Miami to Paris more recently during the… Blue Note festival !!! Uuuurgh, those majors ! Anyway, the delay was worth the wait, as one may have guessed with some sensuous rework of Wayne Shorter's "Oriental Folk Song by French vet La Funk Mob in full effect. Got some real cool and shiny groove on Bobby Hutcherson's "La Malanga" by the likes of Kenny Dope and get ourselves ready to go to heaven while listening to the immensely fluid DJ Spinna remix of Donald Byrd's "Lansanna's Priestess", but also Bugz In The Attic working on some soulful downtempo, covering Gene Farris's "LosalamitosLatinfunklovesong. Meanwhile, 4Hero provide us with some waltz rhythm on Horace Silver's "Won't You Open Up Your Senses". Other works worth to mention include DJ Cam & Erik Truffaz collab on Donald Byrd's "The Emperor" as well as the contributions from Jazzanova and Osunlade on what definitely stands as a chill out collection.
On this cool kinda trip, stands the latest collection from Thievery Corporation's label (and DC spot), Eighteenth Street Lounge called Den Of Thieves, including works from an array of international names : Argentinian Federico Aubele, Italian combo, Les Hommes (with an unmissable tune) and Austrian outfit the Sofa Surfers to name but a few. Really cool stuff indeed too on this collection, with a bit of psyche elements and a drop of breakbeat and D&B here and there (eslmusic.com).
Time to get back on our feet and hardly shake our asses with the first installment of Doin' After Dark series left c/o UK pair Groove Armada. Those of you who've been lucky enuff to see them live will surely understand what I'm saying when I'm taking about enregetic vibes at their very best. Those Brits have incorporated a bit of everything on their music as it's the case on their selection, providing a solid collection of… grooves featuring Unknown DJ, Chicken Lips, Tiefschwarz, DJ Gregory , Playgroup and Iz & Diz's material, thus making of booming result (ragbull.com). We almost could say the reverse way as compared to The Rurals, champions of cool'n'floating atmospheric house, although they gain a bit of tap in their combinations. A bit of groovy Brit soul on the opening cut of their Messages nu LP, a bit of abstract on the following one. Could sound like the crossing path between Sade and Naked or Om (peng.co.uk).
Never heard of Big Bang ??? No more excuse as this pair comprizing Italian Simone Seritella and Londoner Pete Herbert deliver their first collection of remixes with a list of customers that aptly speaks for itself, from Xantoné Blacq to Domu, 4Hero, Alex Attias, IG Culture, and Volcov amongst others. And what we got of the day is a solid collection of contemporary soul/jazz/phonk grooves with an extra bit of sharp broken beat, house and progressive drum & bass beatz although sometimes a bit too abstract for my tastes (arision.net).
There have always been anarchists in the UK, I mean people strongly standing apart from the others and the rules. Ever seen Fila Brazillia's members's faces ? Naaaa. At least, achieved to interview Steve Cobby back in the daze where he and his partner was signed to Pork Recordings. Gotta say that what followed was not so inspired as these abstract atmospheric jazzy grooves that made their reputation at the time. Seems today like the twosome are back in full effect with their new album called The Lifes & Times Of Phoebus Baumal. Good times indeed with this blend of electro grooves made of a bit of this and a bit of that (rock, folk, funk, psyche and da kitchen sink) with the addiction of vocalists, this adding a bit of jamaican flavas to their work (23online.co.uk).
Got to remember nearly a year ago when I attended the Detroit Movement festival. I was like : yaow, it's so soulful over there. Hmmm ! Dwele was just releasing his awaited debut EP, Amp Fiddler had a stunning live performance as Malik Alston had a couple of years before. Not to mention Lathun elsewhere on the R&B field… Well we almost got everyone there (except the latest), alongside Slum Village, Detroit Experiment, Innerzone Orchestra, Jay Dee, Ayro and Def Con 5 to name but a few and guess what ! Dis-is-pure hea-ven ! (unisexrecords.com).
Not so easy to be aware of what's happening on the Japanese market (thanks to Nik Weston who now provides us with the proper infos on his Japan Corner column) and even harder to get their releases. People searching Louie Vega's remixes of Pushim's "Like A Sunshine" would understand what I'm talkin' about. So what we've got there is Dimitri from Paris's second album - Cruising Attitude - which, a year after its release in Japan (on JVC via Soul Source) finally gets ready for a European release as licensed by French distributor Discograph on May 25. As diverse as its predecessor although quite different, it shows the many facets of Dim, this with a stronger production and more fluidity varying from easy listening to cinematic vibes with a drop of disco. Meanwhile former Guidance licensees, Troublemakers make their awaited debut on Blue Note with Express Way. Those others of you who've managed to get a listen to one half of the pair - DJ Oil - 's sets would also guess what we're talking about mentionning the influences of them, creating psychedlic atmospheres made of contemplative/cinematic/blaxploitation blends with the right emphasis at the very right moment, with a special mention to African singer Sandra N'Kéké providing us with an absolute blues standard with her rendition of the title cut, and a brilliant wink to the late Marvin Gaye on "Link" to name but a few. Another unmissable collection where you'll also find here and there subtle reminders of the late Serge Gainsbourg. Last but not least, a word about Del Amore's LP called Tome 1 on that same versatile and chilling vein, with a delicate production and subsequent atmospheres made of jazz, blue eyed soul and a bit of pop attitude (djcenter.com).
MFSB
IDM Album Tracks TENNERZ
BOBBY HUTCHERSON La Malanga/Kenny Dope Remix - from V/A: Blue Note Revisited (Blue Note)
TROUBLEMAKERS Lemon - from Express Way (Blue Note)
LES HOMMES Hommage - from V/A: Den Of Thieves (ESL)
PYROMANIAC GARDNERS Poppin' & Pimpin' from V/A: Doin' After Dark vol. 01 - Groove Armada (Ragbull)
THE RURALS Rebel - from Messages (Pêng)
FILA BRAZILLIA featuring PAPA V Bullshit - from The Life & Times Of Phoebius Brumal (23 Records)
ANETRIA WRIGHT Feeling Of Love - from V/A: Detroit Soul (Unisex
DIMITRI FROM PARIS featuring DANIEL WANG Vénusienne Dance - from Cruising Attitude (Discograph)
VIPER SUAD Another Day - from Big Bang Rework Project (Arision)
DEL AMORE Bop (DJ Center/BMG)
April 25, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠51
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS+ MORE…)
Starting this column like the former one of the name with another wink of an eye to the great Groovement parties (monthly at the Rex club in Paris, thanks to Eva Gardner and Gilles Peterson) who are about to host a dream team formed by DJ's Pone, Lil’ Mike & Crazy B.
The French champions behind the turntables and their next project which is set to be a big event in the ever expanding world of turntablism. From the words of one of their closest partners, DJ Damage (Jazz Liberatorz), they’re about to give each and everyone a good run for their money, including the (supposed) unbeatable Ill Skratch Pikls (absolute legends in this discipline !). We’re talking about real compositions moving towards jazz/funk played totally live (armed with a pure feeling and not just a boring technique !) with decks as only instruments. Needless to say we can’t wait to experience this revolutionary show live and direct…
While Damage and his Jazzlib’ crew are also making us proud with their last releases in the deepest tradition of hip hop with a soulful twist. Whether it be their two last 12’s on Kif - the latter with appearances by Declaime and T-Love is definitely too cool - or their Rotation Result compilation proposing “la crème de la crème” of American independent hip hop from Jurassic Five to Wildchild or Asheru (Double H).
Another producer constantly expanding his horizons … Wajeed (discreet member of Slum Village). Just listen to his techno-logic "Tron" tune, gliding on an endless track like in a ghost train lost somewhere between Mad Mike, Jay Dee and Kraftwerk !
Our man (who calls himself boldly “Detroit’s best kept secret") not happy with driving mad all the beat freaks with dozens of fat and sticky instrumentals available on his own label, Bling47.com, has now signed an album - as Platinum Pied Pipers - for Ubiquity records. With the help of a versatile cast of people (mostly neighbours from the D) like the sweet soul singer Dwele, the absolute genius architect of the Beatdown sound Theo Parrish, the Philly poet Rich Medina or Jay Dilla (his alter ego in Slum Village). Not forgetting the participation of a collective hidden behind two syllables we’ve not finished to celebrate : Sa Ra…Also known as Sa-Ra Creative Partners (when they’re working for top dogs in hip hop/soul such as Bilal, Pharoahe Monch, Erikah Badu…even Dr Dre or G-Unit !). First of many heavy productions to come soon from their camp, let’s note the promptly named "Glorious", powerful title to be found on the excellent compilation from Mancunian label Fat City, Hip Hop Loves Soul…
Do we still have to spell it out for you, most of the artists here are true iconoclasts in their own right, each playing with and fusing many styles to reinvent the content… And which best example of a modern chameleon than the lord of Porto Rico, mighty priest of the deep groove ? Osunlade !!!. His Yoruba imprint comes back chanting the spring with a lot of good surprises. From the massive "Mr President" (a burning letter to Bush Junior…who said house didn’t had strong messages anymore ?) and the moving "Macao" to many deep house jewels with an infectious afro-latin vibe by Sin Palabras, Djinji Brown and a remix signed by new Parisians rookies, Hi Perspective (…already responsible for an elegant remix of Astor Piazolla, a 12’ with the breathtaking Marylin David on Nekho records and a great afro beat 7’ by Frank Biyong).
Ending up this hit list with a good old broken fix for the headz. Because if calm is apparent at the surface , there’s an arsenal of supersonic weapons of mass funktion waiting to burst out the labs to heat up the sound-systems worldwide. One out of many being the “killa ragga bruk song” going by the name of "Yin Yang" produced by Seiji with a bouncy vocal featuring by Spoonface, half of the dynamic duo called Ear Dis (which second 12’ on their Wunnademwunns imprint via Goya is also very explosive indeed !).
And if you desperately can’t wait to get your hands on those tunes… Only one solution to hear them : get to the Co-Op events…twice a month at the ultimate temple of sound, Plastic People, in London (England not Canada of course…).. IRIE
NU GROOVE HOT 10
JAZZ LIBERATORZ featuring T-LOVE “?” (Kif)
ISLEY BROTHERS & MOS DEF "?" (CD-R)
FRANCK ROGER & CHRIS WONDER “No More Believe” (Kenlou)
OSUNLADE "Macao" (Yoruba)
THEO PARRISH "Split Me Open" (Sound Signature)
EARS DIS “" Feel" (Wunnademwunns)
DOMU "The Long Way Up" - Nu Era Remix (Neroli)
SA-RA “Glorious” (Fat City)
TCHOK "?" (Astral Vibes)
DJ RELS "Broken Soul” (Stones Throw)
April 18, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠50
Who said house music was dead ??? Although many things remind to be done, this first third of the year has brought us a hudge amount of goodies an dit hopefully looks that it's not finished. Meanwhile NYC looks like back on the blocks clubwise with an increasing amount of not to be missed parties (see our agenda section). Not to mention some exciting events to come, from the next Southport Weekender to Santa Lucia Jazz Festival and the Detroit Movement all due to happen next month…
What ever happened to the wonderful Tapis Rouge's "Emballa" remixed by Louie Jega featuring Jaffa ??? A cut said to be released by the middle of next month with a distribution by PP Sales outside North America. No really heard a bloody word about this. Looks like the promo campaign around it has failed on both sides of the Atlantic so far as we haven't heard much of it on the DJ playlists. A big shame at the end of the day as this rework deserves far more than that, folks (more info : cirquedusoleil.com). This, by the way, having added to the current jewels provided by the MAW clan, should it be that new collab between Louie Vega and Blaze called "Love Is On The Way" awaited on Vega Records or the revamp of their famous "I Can't Get No Sleep" by UK pair Copyright released in a fortnight on the newly formed Defected imprint ITH.
Remember talking to you about a brand new approach from Yam Who leavin' their downtempo usual atmospheres for some more groovy kinda stuff. Well, looks like the track in question, Damn!'s "Leaving This Planet" has received a pretty good welcome from a lot of DJ's worldwide, taking us into some afro vintage soul/jazz territories (Raw Fusion). Have to say it's about the same regarding RSL's "Wesley Music" although released even earlier, melting gospel and latin jazz/funk big band elements, featuring a Danny Krivit Edit (Giant Step).
Also talked pretty much about Alan Smithee these last weeks. Well our bootlegger of the moment is back on action, following his wonderful rework of Natalie Cole's "Tell Me All About It" with Basha's "1 Note" and what definitely looks like a (bossa) revamp of a ol' song by Polish singer Basia (Trzetrzelewska) (remember her days with Matt Bianco ???) and the funny thing is that the famous pair is to resurface next month with a new album after nearly fifteen years of silence (white). On that same old school vein (and you'll soon know what I'm talking about" is the first single to be taken from The Sunburst Band soon to be released new LP. A cut called "Fly Away" which could have pretty much taken from Earth, Wind & Fire's repertoire back in the days although being an original creation from UK disco don, Joey Negro and his pals (Z Records).
What da hell happens to N°6 ? Looks like there's some more. Following Patrick McGohann's TV adventures as The Prisoner back in the seventies is the new installment of the Ferrer & Sydenham's "Sandcastles" series. A cut called "Timbuktu - Pan-African Electro Dub" made of trancey techno approach melted with afro tribal minimalistic elements (Ibadan). Meanwhile Dennis Ferrer who's currently working on his debut-album goes solo to remix S.U.M.O.'s "Stay" on Sfere providing us with the infamous afro-latin jazzy "Stay" around an instant keys/strings hook (Sfere). S.U.M.O. themselves brilliantly retouching Lonesome Echo's newie "Sprit Of Drums" featuring vet poet Mutabaruka for those in search of Afro-beat. In search of some good ol' Afro-house classic ? UK label Black Vinyl have just had the good idea to re-release the unmissable "Roots" by Tedd Patterson (no doubt his best cut to date) alongside that Groove Assassins "House Fantasy" which is another not to be missed classic from yesteryear on their Re:cuts vol.4 series.
Looks like the bootleggers tend to labellize their works today. The latest one being Rotgut Records with some unoffical rework of "Jagged Edge" for R&B diva Alicia Keys and it works bloody damn well. So question : what da f*** are these A&R guys working for the majors doing??? In the meantime, Stevie Wonder sees two of his songs re-released. On under his own name called "Paradise" using a 4X4 beat line which, although not too bad, doesn't bring that much new on Poolboy (appearently another one of those bootleg labels around) ; the other one being awfuly retouched by German pair, Kneep Deep on their own (white). Better leaving you one some more positive topics with a song that a friend of mine told me about. A cut called "Sentimento" by Simon Airston on Mainline melting some brzilian jazz influences over a 4X4 beat looking like a possible most wanted tune in the near future. Ate logo, MFSB
IN DA MIX #50 TENNERZ
MAW featuring INDIA I Can't Get No Sleep - Copyright Remix (ITH)
ALICIA KEYS Jagged Edge - MuthaFunkin' Keys Remix (white)
TAPIS ROUGE Emballa - Louie Vega featuring Jaffa Remixes (Cirque du Soleil)
S.U.M.O. Stay - DF's Carnival Dub (Sfere)
N°6 Timbuktu - Pan-African Electro Dub (Ibadan)
DAMN! Leavin This Planet - Yam Who Remix (Raw Fusion)
BASHA 1 Note - Cmaw Dub (white)
LONESOME ECHO PRODUCTION featuring MUTABARUKA Sprit Of Drums - Rebounce (Disorient)
SIMON AIRSTON Sentimento (Mainline)
THE SUNBURST BAND Fly Away (Z Records)
April 11, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠49
What da hell about the albums ? Haven't had that much space to talk about the latest in this format around over the last weeks, due to the big amount of the WMC' and post-WMC' releases. So this time this is it, from a brief reminder of our current Album of the Month (the Mzansi House compilation hailing from South Africa) to its April follower being French pair Oscar's 2nd elpee. Also to be featured on this selection, music from UK including disco don, Joey Negro's and his partners The Sunburst Band, much sought after songstress Vanessa Freeman's making her debut for Chillifunk label, a new collection called Dois - Japan Connections on Disorient + the much awaited NSM (New Sector Movements) second effort from broken beat wizzard IG Culture on Virgin this time. Back to SA, we have Brenda Fassie back in action with some revamps of her classics on the same label. Meanwhile, the US scene provides us with Frankie Knuckles's newie (his first album in 7 years) and the third installment of the Deep & Sexy series by the likes of Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn. German outfit, Intuit completing the whole while giving Munich-based Compost Records label what has to be taken as their more organic album to date...
Thanks again to the various talents united in this Issue # 49 for keeping up the good work and providing us with some space whereas we may find a consistent alternative to feed our minds, boddies and souls. This is what gives us the faith to believe in a better future, while displaying signs of true quality and real talent as opposed those numerous pre-formated clones heavily supported by the major companies in their obsession of makin' fast money…
Got the chance to be given a copy of that double-CD Mzansi House comp by House Afrika Records and B.O.P. member, Vinny Da Vinci while in Miami and it's an absolute corker and also a revelation in some ways (see our current Album of the Month). Here, you may find some genuine Africanism kind of concept as brilliantly shown by DJ Fresh with the festive "Comme si, comme ça" amongst others), but also true deep soulful house music that has nothing to suffer in comparizon to the NY production A very good purchase if you happen to be able to make it, although I would suggest you to go to their website and order directly from them as this may not be distributed everywhere (houseafrikarecords.com).
Stucked on "existential" problems for a while, Cape Town born songstress and local phenomenon, Brenda Fassie deserves a strong welcome back with The Remix Collection album seing some of her best songs relifted with some true pieces of beauty by the likes of Dubtribe Sound System, Gerd, Ashley Beedle, 4Hero, Groove Chronicles and Howie B to keep the best + rhe original version of her mythical "Vulindlela" (Virgin). Don't quit as the same label provides us with the much awaited second effort from NSM (in other words : New Sector Movements).As you would normally expect, broken beat guru, IG Culture's outfit delivers some serious pieces of groove, from soul/funk to sort of afro R&B ("Big It Up"), nu soul… broken beat and other futuristic approach of hip hop/soul, seing Turn It Up having all the ingredients to compete with its American counterparts in the genre.
As promised (see our Compost Records profile) as today done… Was more thinking of a jazz album when Michael Reinboth told us about the release of Intuit's offering. Guess he wanted to point out the fact that the aforementionned is more organic as compared to its previous releases… Loads of thangz in here as you also may expect from a Compost release, from latin to soul/jazz and afrobeat vibes featuring a whole bunch of prestigious guests like Fiora Purim, Airto, Andy Bey, Doug Carn and Ray Obiedo to name but a few. Would suggest you to have a careful listen to "Western Sunrise" (if you're into Jon Lucien's kinda stuff), the post Roy Ayers-ish "A Hard Night's Day", their already classic "O Preguiçoso" on some bossa tip or the infectious "Weva" for the Fela's crowd to be released on May 25 (compost-records.com).
Your attention please as the forthcoming one might well reach a much wider crowd than than expected. Wanna talk about a French pair called Oscar whose 2nd album entitled Portrait robot is due for release at the end of this month. An album that somehow marks a radical change from the twosome who've dropped the organic phonk jazz influences for some more electronic perspective and the result ain't bad, reachin' a level we'd have liked ro see Daft Punk being at after their first LP. More to read about this as it's our forthcoming Album of the month (Denote Records).
Dave Lee aka Joey Negro looks like being at the epicenter of the post-disco revival we've noticed a while ago as is, in the opposite direction former Radio Nova broadcaster Ivan Smagghe with his electroclash deliriums. A guy that is awaited as one of the highlights of the (very) next Southport Weekender in UK at the beginning of May who, after a couple of recent mixes which have made some waves in the charts, delivers his new album alongside The Sunburst Band. Needless to say that the references to the past are numerous, from Nick Straker Band to Mike G, Chic, Earth, Wind & Fire and the likes (zrecords.ltd.uk).
On a far more serious perspective is Vanessa Freeman's Shade debut-LP for Chillifunk, twisting hip hop, R&B, soul and jazz vibes, where Restless Soul's Phil Asher has definitely put more than a finger. An album in the true tradition of what is usually called the Brit soul, full of delicate downtempos and cool grooves (chillifunk.com).
Another quite active mate of ours is NYC based Matthias Heilbronn, doing the do on almost every front, from DJing with an international upcoming tour, productions for French singer Hanna Haïs and featuring Monique Bingham and that issue #03 of the Wave Music's Deep & Sexy series. Expect there song strong mixwork blending afro, latin and… deep grooves featuring Said, Eric Kupper, Onda, Tom & Joyce, ChiChi Peralta, MKL, Sarah Devine, Solu Music and Antonio Ocasio amongst others (wavemusic.com). Meanwhile Brighton-based label Disorient provides us with their new selection called Dois - Japan Connections with some more goodies including Lonesome Echo Production featuring Byron Stingily, Kenny Bobien, Monday Michiru, Jephte Guillaume and a (big) couple of japanese producers starring Jazztronik and Calm to name but a few (mrbongo.com/disorient).
On a strictly house fan point of view, the event of the month might well be Frankie Knuckles's return with a new album after some seven years of silence. Entitled A New Reality although seing our man surrounded by his usual team (David Sussman, Danny Madden, Eric Kupper, etc) + vocalists CeCe Rogers and Jamie Principle as well as Nikki Richards the thing in question hailing from this sensuous and plaintive atmospheres that have been a part of Frankie's reputation ("Journey") to some more progressive territories and a bit of R&B (defmix.com).
Leavin' you for now with a couple of x-tra albums worth to check out from Stephanie Cooke's Everything gathering some of her best singles to date (kingstreetsounds.com) and Dutch lounging champion, Monte La Rue with another of those smooth collections he's best known for called… Deluxe (unitedrecordings.com/deluxe), not to mention the killing Soulfuric In The House and its cohort of much sought after material mixed by Brian Tappert and John 'Julius' Knight which has just hit the shelves this Monday on Defected (defected.co.uk)…
Peace, MFSB
IDM Album Tracks TENNERZ
DJ FRESH Comme si comme ça - from Mzansi House (House Afrika)
BRENDA FASSIE Vulindlela - from The Remix Collection (Virgin)
INTUIT Western Sunrise - from Intuit (Compost)
LONESOME ECHO PRODUCTION featuring BYRON STINGILY Sweat Dream - from Dois - Japan Connections (Disorient)
OSCAR Lovely Eyes - from Portait Robot (Denote Records)
NSM Big It Up - from Turn It Up (Virgin)
MKL Her Song Her Song - from Deep & Sexy 3 (Wave Music)
FRANKIE KNUCKLES Journey - from A New Reality (Def Mix)
THE SUNBURST BAND Twinkle - from Until The End Of Time (Z Records)
VANESSA FREEMAN Downing A New Day (Chillifunk)
April 4, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠48
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, FUNK, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS + MORE…)
First of all, props to the moving nights Groovement (each first Thursday of the month at the Rex club in Paris with residents Eva Gardner and Gilles Peterson). Surely becoming a real institution for good groove in our capital ! With quite a tasty line up till the summer with the likes of Norman Jay, the great British singer Allison David live, Parisian DJ's such as Roy, Betino, Chateauflight (Gilb’R & I : Cube) or also our allied from Marseille DJ Oil from Trouble Makers (whose album / movie-out soon on Blue Note / MK2 round the end of May - should be a great event to the glory of films scores).
Sir Peterson who always has new compilations under his elbow. After Southport Weekender and Impressed Volume 2 (dedicated to the British jazz in the 60’s), it’s time for the fourth instalment in his excellent Worldwide Exclusives series on Talkin’ Loud featuring mongst others an exclusive track from IG Culture and his muse Eska, "The Show", under the NSM (former New Sector Movements) moniker whose second album - Turn It Up onVirgin - is indeed one of this year’s absolute musts (while waiting for the answers from Theo Parrish, Kenny Dope, Umod, Pete Rock Marc De Clive-Lowe, Bembe Segue, Eska etc) ! And yours truly should also cross the Channel to witness the first concert of IG & Co at the Jazz Café in London. So more to come soon in these pages…
Another exclusive tune to appear on Worldwide 4 is: Jazzanova's"Boom Clicky Boom Clack (It's Wot We Do)". with the mighty vocals of Shaun Escoffery (on that noisy broken tune about to make noise) Berlin’s super combo who is not afraid of anything… Not even ridicule. As a matter of fact, following the path of their pals Slope from Sonar Kollektiv (who took with few effort and even less talent the sublime voice of Yolanda from a Detroit classic , the very first 12’ from Mad Mike alias Underground Resistance) Jazzanova dared nothing less than remixing the so unique Patrice Rushen ‘s "Let Your Heart Be Free" (an absolute masterpiece of jazz funk from the 70’s). A hard task… for a weak result compared to the seminal original version ! A work which still stands as a lot more creative than the infamous Will Smith’s take on "Forget Me Nots" ( the horrific Men In Black). But still, we expected more from them !
The Jazzanova lads do not let us down completely though… judging by their great contribution to the fierce Blue Note Revisited compilation alongside La Funk Mob (aka Cassius, the French duo back in effect on a funk tip after almost ten years!), J Dilla, Kenny Dope, Madlib, Osunlade and many more. For all vinyl junky and those who don’t have enough patience to wait for the album release (a double-CD also displaying the original songs by Eddie Gale, Bobby Hutcherson, Brother Jack McDuff, Gene Harris etc, watch out for the "Blue Label" 12’s. Also we cry the death of Occitan poet and musician Claude Nougaro (RIP) whose new record made alongside jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock should be out soon (Blue Note)
To close the tricky chapter of remixes of soul classics, big up to the BBE label crew who never falls in vulgarity. Even if we prefer the syncopated vibe of Osunlade ‘s version of Roy Ayers ‘s “Searchin’ “ to the “clubby hammering” style of ever efficient Joey Negro on "Sugar", the best is still to come such as Soul Survivor Volume 2 by Pete Rock.
Last but not least, if there was only one album to own this spring it would most definitely be the fabulous collection of remixes by and for 4 Hero out on their own new independent offshoot, Raw Canvas. If it was only for the jazz version made by Visioneers of an old track from their Two Pages album entitled "The Action" (featuring Butterfly, leader of hip hop outfit Digable Planets).
IRIE
STOP PRESS
Thanks to Sarah at UK PR company, Favouritizm who's just mailed us a copy of Vanessa Freeman's forthcoming LP on Chillifunk with an impressive array of producers and guests. But also to our man in London, Nik Weston (get ready for his new Japan's Corner section anytime now) for sending us a couple of CD-R's including Da Lata's newie on Palm Beats with a killer remixer from much in-demand Spiritual South outfit + another brand new cut by Lizz Fields receiving some masterpiece remix treatment by the likes of Yam Who. Not to mention some killer rework from our Swedish brothers, S.U.M.O. for Lonesome Echo Productions with a new cut featuring vet poet Mutabaruka on Disorient. More to follow soon.
March 28, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠47
Tons of thangz this week as usual and even more on the various sections of IDMW.com, from extra releases that have appeared during the latest WMC' period, a chat with Anglo-Danish outfit, Slow Train releasing their debut-LP in France, our Single Of The Week (the reworks of "Can't Help Myself" from Solu Music), our Album Of The Month (Mzansi House, an impressive double-CD hailing from South African label, House Afrika to take the world by storm), the latest Michael Procter's editorial to appear by the beginning of next week and a new editorial series under The Politics Of Dancing name. Not to mention more mixes soon to be online by the likes of Chicagoan, Glenn Underground, L.A. band The Souplanet Jazz Ensemble members, K.C. Santana & Jack Monforte + Canadian Inbeat record store, Christian Pronovost. Welcome on board. Meanwhile, the IDM Family of website partners is getting ready to welcome new members. Spread the word…
This issue#47 is to be our second instalment focussing the latest newies that have emerged around the last Winter Music Conference period, meanwhile we've just learned that Alan Smithee has some more on offer on the footsteps of his famous alternative rework of Natalie Cole's "Tell Me All About It" (more about this guy on a soon to be printed interview). Also can reveal you the release date of the aforementioned's "official" cover by Treena Rose on Jellybean Soul Recordings awaited on Apr.22.
Get ready for some serious dope on Frankie Feliciano Ricanstruction label. Following the footsteps of Nulife featuring Kenny Bobien and Sterling Ensemble are the efficient and abstract Mr V rework of Sole Channel's "Deep" reminiscent of some old school flava and the soulful "Take Me To A Place" from Reel Soul featuring Daemon which may well become a classic on its genre.
Not that far away from Ricanstruction's head style is the ultra fluid "E-Street-Beat" from Ruffneck featuring Yavahn and most notoriously on it's Vocal Mix (Soul Groove Records)
Former Distant NYC Music PR and DJette Nicole Othero provides us with some interesting revamp of First Choice's classic "Let No Man Put Asunder" with what we may call a sort of silky progressive touch, to be a part of a new project released on Salsoul. Meanwhile, DJ Romain goes for some more furious groove and in yer face beat on his rework of "Love Having Your Around" for the same group (CD-R).
As a result to a trip to the West Coast, Kenny Bobien has managed to make a stop by local producer Nikos, giving bith to "Now That I Can See", the result of this meeting being of an absolute soulful purity. Another corker to add to our brother who's on his way to drop a remix double album before this summer confirming in the meantime the growing dimension of Nikos productionwise (Under My Skin). Teaming up under the East Los Soul, Gabriel Horizon & Aaron Arce come up with a very nice swingalong jazz cut called "Luvn Feeln" featuring R&B vocalist Malaysa. Would suggest U to have a listen to their gorgeous East Los Soul Mix on the flipside melting latin percussions with much of deepness (Bounce Muzik). Meanwhile 12:01 Project drops the phonkatmospheric "Look Around" produced by Paul Zazadzee with a very Ananda Project-ish feel (Paradax Records).
We're going up North and back to the East Coast, In Chicago, where veteran Chez Damier resurfaces with the soulful "Spiritual Wharfare EP" marking a fine return (TrackMode). Another particularily well done tune is "Sunshine" from Aid To The Soulless seing the participation of the ever in-demand vocalist Latrice Burnett ; an infectious funky groove on its Edit Mix and 3° Ultra Lounge Mix versions produced par the 3° posse. A cut we definitely should hear about by the time of its official release. (CD-R). From Canada, 83 West label giving us another round of their famous Duran Turik & Intense's "I Am" on a more classic & soulful tip by the likes of Louis Benedetti doin' the remixes.
Got a whole bunch of bootlegs worth to mention beginning with R&B singer Jesse Powell's "Something In The Past" receiving another treatment from our man of the moment, Quentin Harris adding another piece of beauty to his growing collection (Fallout). In that same spirit, let'us add the ultra soulful Jamsteady vol.6 embellishing Musiq's "Nothing At All". Intersting to mention is the first Bolshevik 12" featuring Erykah Badu's "Bag Girl" revamped by the Basement Boys using a skeleton taken from Nina Simone's classic "See Line Woman" as remixed by Kerri Chandler & Jerome Sydenham. This one being also on offer on the flipside + a very rare cut from Jerome Sydenham & Sten Gum called "OO Inmissed". In other words, a good bargain ! Raze's classic "Break 4 Love" gets some deeper treatment as featuring on the Excursions… 007 series and it's also fairly well done.
Hot on the heels of their rework of "The Light" for Reel People and close to the official release of their much awaited nu treatment for MAW's classic "I Can't Get No Sleep" on Defected, Copyright have launched their own label, with a cut called "Running Away" featuring Imaani using their (already) trademark touch. Meanwhile, Joey Negro looks like going for another serious contender remixing Unit 2's "Keep Your head Up To The Sky" with a sort of Roy Ayers feel. Better check this limited edition, folks (Sole). Afro Art label looking like ready to cause another stir on a more experimental front with the amazing Paul Murphy/Marc Woolford Project's Jazz Room remixed by The Spiritual South on a nu bossa feel (test).
Ending up with our newest IDM Family german member, Ralph Gum who provides us with another goody called "What I Like" featuring Inaya Day on a very friendly and classy phonky soul way (GoGo Music). Get a break editorially speaking next week as Nu Groove's columnist Irie takes my seat for some more breakologic adventures.
Peace yall, MFSB
WMC'2004 TENNERZ part 2
MASTERS AT WORK I Can't Get No Sleep - Copyright Remix (CD-R)
PAUL MURPHY:MARC WOOLFORD PROJECT Jazz Room - The Spiritual South A-side Remix (Afro Art/test)
AID TO THE SOULLESS featuring LATRICE BURNETT Sunshine - Edit Mix (CD-R)
KENNY BOBIEN Now I Can See - Nikos Deep Prayer Mix (Under My Skin)
JESSE POWELL Something In The Past - QH W30 th Mix (Fallout)
COPYRIGHT featuring IMAANI Running Away - Live Dub Reprise (Copyright Recordings)
UNIT 2 Keep Your Head Up 2 The Sky - Joey Negro Mixes (Sole)
EAST LOS SOUL featuring MALAYSA Luvn Feeln - East Los Soul Mix (Bounce Muzik)
RALPH GUM featuring INAYA DAY What I Like - Ralph Gum & CrisP Vocal Mix (GoGo Music)
FIRST CHOICE Let No Man Put Asunder - Nicole Othero Remix (CD-R)
March 21, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠46
This issue # 46 brings us straight to the epicenter of this year's WMC' which has gone to its end last week. Tons of tunes around as you may expect from which we deliver here a very first selection…
If anything has had an instant impact during that famous week in Florida, I would quote without a single doubt "Blue Blackness" which is nothing but a stunning revamp of the 1983 Michael Franks penned song reinterpretated two years ago by the silky Natalie Cole on her Ask A Woman Who Knows album for Verve. Who's Alan Smithee ? This honnestly I dunno as I ain't got any answer, neither for what CMAW (signing one edit) stands for. Nevertheless, the result is top class as is Treena Rose's cover of the like with a George Mena production awaited for an official release on Jellybean Recordings in the weeks to come. La classe, indeed as is the new Louie Vega featuring Blaze song called "Love Is On The Way" scheduled for a release in May on Vega Records, according to Kevin Hedge has said to me during the Conf'. Instant (good) karma guaranteed as are the new Eric Kupper's reworks of the already anthemic "Fall In Love" by Tortured Soul on its original version (Central Park). Meanwhile, Chicago's new Resonance collective head of Ron Trent + Arahm Lee have secured to enrole the aforementioned's lead singer Justin Matthew on the magnetic "Fantasy" scheduled for official release right before the forthcoming Detroit's The Movement festival by the end of May, according to what Sancsoul Records founder Dorian Smith has recently told us.
We are firmly decided to put DC on the map, has also said the man who happens to be the head of the much respected DC Sanctuary. This with the help of some consistant releases in the weeks to come including Big Moses & Soul Mecca featuring Thi-Lai's "Love Dance", Curtis Lee featuring Lady J's "Beauty" and DJ Oji featuring Sande's "Paradise". Not to mention Glenn Underground featuring Jessica's "Fly Away" already on stores.
GU has definitely much on offer these days on this unique but versatile style that has made his reputation, beginning with Matt Hughes featuring Swaylo's "Slowly" on an cool jazzy soulful funk groove twisted with some afro elements with the help of a kalimba (Kenlou). Our man goes even a couple of steps further into some abstract deepness on his "Archives EP" for Eargasmic , including an instantly recognizable tribute to Larry Heard called "Storm Raiders". Also got a chance to have a listen to Anthony Nicholson's latest featuring Ugochi that Glenn has played during his set for the aforementioned label at Miami's Blue and can tell you that this thing called "Don't Stop/"You Can Make It"" is another absolute slice of beauty (Circular Groove Distribution).
Although both hailing from the Big Apple area, TQC aka Tyrone 'The Mixologist' Francis, Quentin Harris and DJ Camacho drop a pure old school Chicago sounding groove entitled "That's Love" finding its place inbetween Funky People's much remembered classic of the name and some Larry Heard/Mr Fingers works (Slaag) that might well cause the buzz in da weeks to come…
In the so called Jazz In The House field ? Look out for more from L.A.'s 9 piece band The Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble featuring Hayali with the magnificient "Is It The Way (U)" on their own Soulplanet Recordings imprint. Another not to be missed tune from this ultra talented band definitely worth to check live as they go to your area !!! Meanwhile, The Wisemen deliver the heavy "Sax Man" on a more "techy" perspective (Mi Casa Records). The vets of you may remember a certain Narada Michael Walden for his enormous amount of work as an artist but also a producer (for his wife, Wanda, for Stacy Lattisaw, Margie Joseph or Sister Sledge to name but a few in the eighties). Well it looks like our man has founded his own label - Narada Jazz - under the Virgin umbrella, signing amongst others Down To The Bone, whose new track "The Flow" is on some equally organic vibes before receiving the remix treatment of Agent K and Mr Gone as an antipasto to their new album called Cellar Funk to be following and guess what : it's dope.
Leavin' you on some cooler vein to recapture your breathe before next week's new selection. If you're into those lazy kind of grooves that Detroit's Moodyman Jr, Theo Parrish and the likes enjoy to champion now and then, well better check out The Rotating Assembly's newest three tracker called "Natural Inspirations" produced by the latest on his own label (Sound Signature). Meanwhile DJ Spinna signs a nu masterremix in his impressive series, giving a bit of extra rhythm, fluidity and magnetism to the lush Lizz Field's "I Gotta Go" song. And ya know wot ? Dis is exactly what I'm gonna do right now.
More to follow next next week.
Peace,
MFSB
IDM WMC'2004 TENNERZ
ALAN SMITHEE In Blue Blackness (white) / TREENA ROSE Tell Me All About It (Jellybean Recordings/CD-R)
The mega bootleg hot on the heels of the biggest DJ's of this evergreen Michael Franks'song recently covered by Natalie Cole + its soon to appear other cover version produced by George Mena.
LOUIE VEGA featuring BLAZE Love Is On The Way (MAW Records WMC'2004 promo-pack)
Equally hot, this new collab between one half of MAW and the West End classy pair following the footsteph of "Elements Of Life" and "Better Day"…
LIZZ FIELDS I Gotta Go - DJ Spinna Mixes (ABB Records)
Could it be that our favourite Spinna (but also Yam Who and Quentin Harris) will be resurrecting the essence of the groove on the dancefloors ? The answer is yours although I personaly would like this wish come true.
TORTURED SOUL Fall In Love - Eric Kupper Remixes (Central Park/promo)
Already a NYC club anthem on its original version and soon to have a new life of the genre with this E.K. revamp.
ULTRA NATE Feel Love - Mixes (Chillifunk/CD-R)
Get ready for some lush aural pleasure as Ultra looks set to release her new album on her newly formed label. Meanwhile, she drops us an appetizer with mixes from Notenshun, Blaze and other people really worth to check out
RON TRENT & ARAHM LEE w JUSTIN MATTHEW Fantasy (Sancsoul/CD-R)
Scheduled to appear officialy during the next Detroit's Movement festival at the end of May. The Resonance Chicago collective head of in full effect
GLENN UNDERGROUND w MATT HUGHES featuring SWAYLO (Slowly/Kenlou/promo)
Another of those GU's unique atmospheres made of jazzy soulful funk groove and a drop of kalimba
ANTHONY NICHOLSON featuring UGOCHI "Don't Stop You/You Can Make It (CGD/CD-R)
Glenn Underground has made its reputation behind the desks while providing us with nothing but the goods and it comes without to say that Sr Nicholson has here the real juice…
TCQ That's Love (Slaag)
In search of some seminal groove ? Tyrone Francis, Quentin Harris and DJ Camacho together for the best is yet to come…
CLAUDE MONNET presents MONICA NOGUEIRA Infancia Magica (Mixture/CD-R)
A new corker to be added to Mixture's honcho and his protegee. Album on the pipeline.
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠45
THE BACKROOM v.01 (Rough, trippy, abstract, minimal, bleepy, druggy, dubby, clubby but... definitively House !)"And in a special way you touched my heart with all your charms". True to these Marvin Gaye's lyrics taken from "Chains", this new column will be dedicated to the same standard of quality music, this on a deliberately non-conformist perspective. In other words, should you like from John Tejada to Losoul's works as well as Akufen, Matthew Herbert, Terry Lee Brown Jr or Metro Area to name but a few, what's coming thereafter is definitely for you.
On top of my weapons of massive distraction this month is Luke Vibert delivering the astonishing but seductive "Kerrier District", a midtempo orientated triple-pack smelling some old school era, not that far away from Morgan Geist or Metro Area's kinda stuff (Rephlex). Also old school spiritually talking, but more Detroit sounding, is Jesper Dahlbäck's newie, "Finnish Folksong" that should reach the expectations of those in search of some harder soundz close to techno (Special Needs). Meanwhile, Josh Wink provides us with the hammering "Fill Me With Acid" on a more… acidic way (Ovum).
Avoiding Detroit in the columns ? Forget about it as lots of things are happenin' there. Already circulating on white label during last year's WMC, the classy Malik Alston's "Caterpillar EP" is fully available on Third Ear label. A young guy we should have a word about very soon as he's getting ready to drop his debut album ; watch this space. Meanwhile, Rusty Waters provides us with the moody "Illuminations" produced by Theo Parrish (Sound Signature). The latest being awaited in the weeks to come with a remix of the afrodiscoish "In The Bush" from Japanese guy, Kento Sasaki, better known under the DJ Kent guise, the original version of which has recently appeared on Bear Funk.
Following the release of his debut-LP (Watz Of A Ghetto Fly), Amp Fiddler looks like being almost on every front as demonstrated by his brilliant contribution on Only Child's "U Bring Me Vibes" (Grand Central) not to mention some aside forthcoming works on his Amp Dog moniker alongside Moodyman. Meanwhile, Mike Grant's Moods & Grooves label releases that famous Cool Peepl cover of "Charivari" that we've talked to you about a couple of months ago, featuring a remix by… Malik Alston as a white label copy was given to us by Norman Talley during the Beatdown Sounds party at Paris's famous Le Rex Club.
German people are almost everywhere, as shown by Auris, a new label delivering its second release with the deep and pleasant "Rote Rio Fische EP" from Deep Thoughts including a very good remix by Frankman. Meanwhile, Steve Bug releases a compilation recounting the 5 last years of his Poker Flat label, featuring muzak from Martin Landsky, Phonique, Glowing Glisses, Hakan Lidbo, Jeff Bennet and our man himself for a good reader's digest of some of the best bleepy & minimal deep house around. In the same vein, let's mention Rob Mello's No Ear Dub volume 2 on Classic, although far less convincing as is Roy Davis Jr's "About Love" with its two different packages full of poor remixes including Isolée's one on some Prince kind of vibe.
Scottish label, Glasgow Underground releases a mini sampler of oldies starring the (also) Prince-like "Bring U Up" from Romanthony + Mateo & Matos's "Got A Message" as remixed by DJ Sneak. Meanwhile, Swag drops a white label called "Miracles Just Might" featuring vocalist, Kathy Diamond at the top of her art. A big tune, no doubt, dubbed with a broken beat remix from YDS (Yorkshire Dialect Society) absolutely unmissable. Another piure slice of beauty is the smart "Busted Trees" by Directions, with a preference for the Middlefield Remix, although Carl Craig's version's noo to bad neither, regarding the time of the day/or night you play it. A cut taken from their debut-album awaited this month on Diaspora In Session.
On 20:20 Vision, Canadian Producer, Fred Everything and Paris based singer Karl The Voice team up to deliver nothing but the goods on the deep'N'catchy "For Your Pleasure". On Soul On Wax, Russ Gabriel issues "The Crossing", an honest piece of afro house, although conventional. Quite far away from the heat of the percussions, is the polarish Norway, where Gul Klister hails from, releasing the powerful "Kangos Stein Massiv" : a pure jewel of twisted deep and dubby house (Trailer Park). On that same kind of tip, Lindström & Christabelle provide us with with the equally surprising "Music" delivered with an additional remix from Prins Thomas (Feedelity).
Worth to mention on this French side of the Pond, the release of the eponym "The Rhythms Slaves EP" on Chocoflash. Although the disco housey "Everyjazz & Grooverim" sound like some DJ Sneak early workz, we would suggest you to have a listen to "Get Back To You", a very interesting atmospheric funky house cut. Much heard Jay 'Sinister' Sealée with his remix of "All In The Way" for Earth, Wind & Fire on Atal looks like havin' another corker in the pipeline with his revamp of Step Anthem's eponym tune. Meanwhile, also recently formed label, Poussez release, King Britt's distinctive "I Love Firefly" on an unusual dancefloor vein. Leavin' you for now with a reminder of the brilliantissime "Immo EP" from Patchworks, recently released on Q-Tape for those who've missed dit. A package that has made quite a stir from Laurent Garnier to Rainer Trûby and the likes, not to mention IDMW.com, as it was one of our singles of the week in December. Speak soon.
ADN
March 4, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠44
As already said on these pages, there are mainly two ways of approaching life : either you consider a bottle half empty, either the contrary. We then may see many people fighting against globalization, as if sometimes they'd finally come to realize that life was also effective miles away from their homes. Well (RSVP : correct me if I'm doing a mistake), world has always been around as a whole and guess that there's finally no other option than updating the way we're living the best we can and adapt ourselves to the period we're living in order to survive. This said, the so called globalization has also many numerous positive effects like the reduction of time transportation from a place to another, not to mention internet, regarding the way we use it, to make people feel closer to each other and music hailing from almost everywhere nowadays. Expect some other demonstration in this issue with material coming from Italy, Germany, France, Austria, UK, USA and even a singer hailing from some lost former USSR mini Republic…
As it is to be some sunny weather with feet on the water for some lucky of us, not to mention the fact that March marks the end of the winter, let's start this section with some appropriate aural climate and that really sensuous and vibrant new effort from Italian pair The Dining Rooms which happens to be our current album of the month. Something as a whole that has the capacity to put us on the right mood. Subtle arrangements, lush melodies bringing us to a suble universe made of afro latin jazz funk influences with cuts remixed from the guys themselves, The Cinematic Orchestra, John Kong, Quantic Soul Orchestra and the likes. Not to mention that 7th wonder of the world produced by Nicola Conte at the summit of his art, from a collection entitled Versioni Particulari - in other words : Particular Versions - on Schema Records (more info : ishtar.it )
If some group has a particular sense of the harmony and the atmospheres in UK, it's not doubt Zero7 !!! The distinguished pair, comprising Srs Sam Hardaker & Ben Sims are back again this month with a new album (When It Falls) and a tour to start of on March 11 at Belfast Mandela Hall. Could this mark the rebirth of cool ? No doubt neither the twosome and their guests embody the idea of neo romantism facing this hard world full of inner and existential questions we're currently living in. As always, simplicity makes its effects, being the result of nothing but the talent in its primar form. Indeed there's melancholy here, if not some nostalgia, seeing our people displaying numerous faces of absolute beauty, as shown on various occasions like "Warm Sound", the opener to this new collection, not that far away from Jerry Rafferty's classic "Baker Street" or the current single, "Home" sung by Tina Dico. Not to mention the follower "Somersault" in order of appearance on a sort of cool waltz rhythm. The rest reaching unsurprisingly the same heights (more info : ultimate-dilemna.com).
I may easily guess how Sainkho Namtchylak's name may sound like coming from another planet as it did for me the first time I got sent a record from this lady a while ago. Would really suggest you to pay a careful attention to what she has managed to produce with her music, bringing us to some wild and unknown part of the world at the Siberia/Mongolia border with the unevitable folklore that comes with. We speak there about Tuvan, an ancient asian universe and culture but also an artfort of singing amongst others with reminders both to be found in the Huns story as in that throat based Mongolian way of singing which you may have had a listen to while attending the latest Bartabas horse show called Lungta (more to be discovered on furious.com/perfect/tuva.html) Well, Mrs Namtchylak introduces herself as one of the last if not the last of the avant-garde Tuva Wanderers, this with the help of an italian team of musicians, joining the best of both worlds (eras) from ancient to modern perspectives. And the result is incredibly beautiful, displaying a vast array of elements that have arrived on Western folklores throughout the centuries on her new album called Who Stole The Sky ? Really surprising indeed and undoubtly vibrant (more info : ponderosa.it).
On a far different perspective although proucing the same kind of effectsin front of the good is Steve Jones's fifth instalment in the Klubb Jazz series and believe this, the Slip'N'Slide A&R guy comes here with his best selection so far regarding this collection, in a far much interesting and exciting way than what Phil Asher has recently managed to provide with his Jazz In The House series for the same label. Not to mention his mix giving the instant feeling that our man has trully found his innerside. A CD mix featuring Markus Enochson & E-Man's "Music Player" on Wave, Blak Beat Niks current corker, The Sun Will Shine" remixed by Simon Gray, a fresh and brilliant new version of Negrocan's classic "Cada Vez", the monster groovy "New jersey Deep" by Black Science Orchestra recently re-edited by Swag, and that famous collaboration between Dr Bob Jones and trumpetteer Snowboy that has appeared last year on Chillifunk label to name but a few (more info : kickinmusic.com).
Parisian label, Serial Records come with the issue 2 of their French Do It Better series. Although I dunno if the froggies are really doin' so, have to piont out the fact that these people have managed to do it better from a release to another with names such as Soldiers Of Twilight, Herald, Monkey Business, Insiders and DJ F.E.X. amongst others in the roster. This vol.2 giving us in the meantime the opportunity to hear from the very latest of the Bouthier Family (remember Tom & Jerry at the time ?), Matthieu, in the mix on a very acurate and versatile mood, firting with deep house, progressive, post-disco and abstract grooves with elegance (more info : serialrecordings.com).
Other people worth to mention in Paris are without a single doubt Next Evidence. Here we get this pair in the mix for a reader's digest of some of the best tunes that have appeared on their Basic Recordings label, from people like Julien Jabre, DJ Gregory, Soha (aka the two of'em), Dennis Ferrer or NE themselves out of a package which is hot, displaying from deep jazzy house to some more festive groove. PS : A collection called Basic Recordings - Early Hours. (more info : basicrecordings.com).
As said on our Compost Records label scan, the serious things begin for the Munich-based label this year with the release of Beanfield's new album melting soul and electronica. Gotta definitely check out this collection of electronicsoulfunkjazz influenced grooves called Seek as it really opens some new path in the genre with a very silky touch. More to know about these people next week via a recent chat to be published on these pages and also on their label's website (compost-records.com).
The Stereo Deluxe 2 issue arrives right on time as this other German stable has managed to have The Strike Boys and Trio Electrico this week in Miami for some action at the M3 Summit. Here we go more atmospheric, from cool jazz tempo to some inherited reggae kind of extrapolation, cinematic aural delight, rare soul groove revamps and the kitchen sink. Useless to specify that this collection is rather eclectic, including tracks from Soul'N'Bossa, Finnish outfit Robyn Rhodes, Mo'Horizons whose singer sounds like defunkt Fine Young Cannibals leader, Norwegian latin jazz champion Bobby Hughes Experience and Swiss vibe twisters, Loungehic Productions with The Funky Lowlives adding their delicate approach to this collection (more info : stereodeluxe.com).
Don't expect that many releases on Kruder & Dorfmeister G Stone label as these distinguished Austrian purveyors of selected quality works are very concerned in what they're putting out. A new exemple is currently given with Rodney Hunter's new album. Under the Hunter Files title, this guy who's been around since the beginning, actively giving his contribution the what Vienna is today as a key place in today's music world, provies us with some interesting experimentations in terms of electroatmospheric grooves dealin with funk somehow like Beanfield have done with soul as notoriously shown on "Let You Soul Guide Your Heart" featuring vocalist Diana (more info : g-stoned.com ).
The word of the end with one of the most awaited album release Stateside, from one of the highlights of the forthcoming Conference. I mean Elements Of Life by none other than 'Little' Louie Vega… As usual, the surrounding is impressive featuring contributions from Blaze on the title cut of this effort + on "Better Days" (see our chat with the pair on our Word Up section this week), the stunning Raùl Midon (with "Cerca De Mi" remebered as one of last year's WMC' pieces of vinyl), Anane (in other words, Madame Vega) delivering various factes of her talent and some other people. As said by Blaze's Josh Milan, this album is really fluid varying from afro to latin deep influences with more festive moments and tributes to where Louie's coming from, leavin' us with another proof of his genuine talent as a producer.
Next week's issue will see the official debut of ADN with his first column to hit the screens while we'll be in Miami in search of the best from this year's Conference.
Peace, ya'll
MFSB
February 29, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠43
JAPAN CORNER by Nippon Nik (Weston)
Konishi wa !
I came back from Japan almost a month ago and I just missed 2 Banks of Four who did a few gigs at The Blue Note supported by some DJ called Gilles Peterson. Who is he ? Speaking of Gilles he's bang into the recent "Samurai" track by Ryota Nozaki on Especial Distribution (a sub division of Especial and not the label itself) as Jazztronik.It weighs in at a hefty 12 minutes (Ryota ! Go on a bloody editing course !! ) but none the less it's his own version of broken beat. This ain't West London though... Dis is da West Tokyo innit ?! Danny Krivit has also been caining it and Peter Kruder called me at the weekend searching for a copy (I kid you not....). More copies are coming to london soon so keep your eyes peeled. as ever this Japanese stuff is always in short supply. The other Especial Distribution 12" is of course ''Change'' from Da Lata which, despite the distinct luke warm reaction initially, has also been flying off the shelves…
Jazztronik is one of the busiest men in Tokyo of late. He's also just released a 11 track CD album on Tokuma. There's also another 3 track 12'' single with a decent samba version of ''Esta Com Voce''. Seek ! The most exciting Japanese record of the week award went to Jafrosax (a project of Yukihiro Fukutomi) for their second single on Raindog Records. The first release had the dolcet tones of Yukimi Nagano (Koop/Stateless/Similou/Swell Session) on vocals but single 2 has Philadelphia's finest, Vikter Duplaix ! Not only that it's a Jazztronik reedit !! Killer jazz a la Sleepwalker also turned up on a 12'' in the shape of Dazai Yuri Sextet. Juergen from Jazzanova tells me he absolutely loves this EP, and too right too, it's a killer dancefloor jazz !
Been a long time since anything has ventured out of the Brasil Nights label but we get three 12''s... Two of these releases are relevant... Brasil Nights vol 4 kicks in with a gorgeous Rhodes midtempo shuffler called... er... ''Rhodes Song'' which I'm told from my man in Sweden is a cover version but for the life of me I'm not sure who did the original. Any ideas people as there's no credits on the label ?? The other 12'' on Brasil Nights label to think about is Gats TKB Show. Shame really as 3 of the versions have Gats singing in Japanese which kinda puts a damper on any of us outside of Japan who dig this kind of stuff musically. Never mind though... Toshio Matsuura (ex-United Future Organization ) consistent as ever with his remixes saves the day with a bumpin latinish floorfiller with hardly any vocal and on a big system this works well...
DJ Mitsu the Beats who's still riding on the sucess of his "New Awakening" album is busy in the studio doing mixes etc. He's just completed a Blue Note compilation and a Scott Jakoby remix and there's even a soon to come Restless Soul mix on ''Away''.
I managed to cram in 7 DJ gigs in 10 days in Japan in Kumamoto, Miyazaki & Tokyo and was lucky enough to spin with Calm, Grooveman Spot, Watusi, Soul Sauce crew, Yukihiro Fukutomi & hook up with Little Big Bee (Eitetsu Takamiya ) whilst I was there who told me that last year was Flower Records best yet and he also managed to play me his fresh & fantastic remix of ''Fly Away'' by Magic Number that will eventually come out on Stereo Deluxe Records from Nurnberg.
Yukihiro Fukutomi completed ''It's Just'' for Italian imprint Head To Toe which should be released soon.Also check out his ''Second Sight'' remix that's out on the Re Jazz Re Mixed compilation.
Nu Jabes - the production & hip hop collective from Tokyo - look likely to sign a deal with London's mighty Exceptional Records very soon and Fat Jon from Ohio whose instrumental album ''Lightweight Heavy '' that originally came out on Tokyo label, Dimid will also see a european release onthe same label (exceptionalrecords.co.uk) in the next month or so.
Da Lata were over in Tokyo playing some live gigs which were well received and other people around about now include... Theo Parish, Mark Farina, Michael Reinboth & The Five Deez. Guests to come in March include J Magik at Yellow, Joey Beltran & Mateo n Matos.
For those of you buggin me about the Sakura Aural Bliss 4 track vinyl Japanese sampler....The first press sold out in less than 2 weeks so the label Kriztal tell me they plan to re press in the next month or so......kriztal.com
There's a relatively new website that's started selling some illusive Japanese 12's of the nu jazz & electronic tip. He gets fresh stuff in on a monthly basis (and lot of the japanese stuff he doesnt list on his site so ask him to send you a list ) so if there's something you are after including the Especial material, then you should drop him your wants list and see what he can find... therecordroom.co.uk. Tell him Nippon Nik sent you !! Also you should check out the Forwardsbackwards show on milkaudio.com as Nigel Prankster & myself are always playing a few Japanese beauties from a show to another. Show 017 was a Japanese special !! Meanwhile the samurai.fm show called Nippon & Speedy Express that Dom Sevini & myself are doing is broadcast from Tokyo and is on demand so you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to listen to it !
February 22, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠42
Disco ? Who said disco ? Looks like that disco revival we've mentioned already a while ago has still a few weeks/months for further developments, as Nu Groove columnist, Irie, confirms on the start of his latest selection.
The disco revival looks like definitely on ! As Californian label Stones Throw (Madlib, Peanut Butter Wolf and Egon) demonstrates while launching yet again a new subsidiary, Soul Cal, devoted to disco, funk, boogie and other soulful dance musics.
After having contributed to the discovery of jewels in psychedelic jazz(Galt Mac Dermot), in funk (Ernie & The Top Notes) or also in old school hip-hop (Percee P), the true archeologists of this thing called groove present a new eternal treasure: a 12’ from the splendid Luther Davis Group that demonstrates brilliantly how disco may be other than those crap tunes alla Benoît Poelvoorde's "Alexandrie, Alexandra" with its remix by Bob Sinclar. But this is not the first in the genre and probably nor the last neither and, to say the truth, I very much prefer what a certain Paul Raymond has done with hisgreat edits sur as Alexander Robotnik on the second release on Yellow Productions sub-label, Art Of Disco…
Lucky us these days as there are always more to encounter in terms of great sounds, even though we have to get back in the days, as former NYC's A One Records team member Lord Funk has done, releasing a wicked edit of "Don't Stop" by a relatively unknown group called South Bronx on white label. In the same rootsy and futuristic spirit we already raved a few months back about, a new project under the duffel coat at Blue Note. So after a remarkable ensemble of remixes by Madlib called Shades Of Blue, it’s now time for some of the best remixers on this blue planet to deliver their revisitations of this prestigious soul and jazz catalogue. From Bobby Hutcherson (by Jaydee or Kenny Dope) to Horace Silver (his elegant "Won’t You Open Up Your Senses " being magnified by 4Hero), Gene Harris (with "Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong" à la Bugz In The Attic) and also Eddy Gale's "Song Of Will" twisted up by Jazzanova to name but a few. A brilliant project put together by none other than Pedro Winter from Headbangers Entertainement who also happens to be known as Daft Punk’s manager…
This brings us to Paris with our man Franck Roger running all kinds of (good) things these times. Following the stunning "Mascarade" 12’ on Versatile, he looks like planning a proper global invasion with tons of effective weapons, from the discoish "It's That Man" on BRS to a new tune with Nicolas Gautier for Canadian pair, Dino & Terry's label. Not to mention this major accomplishment that sees him being the first French producer to have some material awaited on the Masters At Work family of labels, alongside vocalist Chris Wonder. Those two being also responsible of the sublime "If I" on Sunny Side label with some broken beat additional remix from Shade of Soul. Finally news has come that our Franck should also be (alongside one of the two Cheers parties residents, Greg Gauthier) on board for the second volume of remixed material of US singer Allen Hoist. Meanwhile, volume 1 hat just hit the racks of our favourite record shops with an exquisite cover of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" retouched by Marc Mac from 4Hero). A tune that Allen has recently sung live at a recent Groovement night (at Paris Le Rex club, with residents Eva Gardner and Gilles Peterson).
As for ending up this column, fresh from London, the UK release of IG Culture ‘s last baby under the NSM alias (ex- New Sector Movements) is announced at the beginning next month. Keep ya posted !
IRIE
Playlists
DJ ADN (totally-soulful.com/indamixworldwide.com - Avignon, France.)
AMP FIDDLER Possibilities - Ron Trent Remix (Genuine)
HABITAT LOUNGE Rio Blues (DNH)
AUDIO MONTAGE The Drakness (Freerange)
JAMES DUNCAN Time Like This (Le Systeme)
LUKE VIBERT Let's Dance & Freak (Rephlex)
ROUZBEH DELAVARI Inner Structure (Deep)
BAKURA Thinkin' About - Domu Remix (Especial)
MALIK ALSTON Caterpillar EP (Third Ear)
PATCHWORKS Corn Bread - Sylvester Over Classic Mix (Q-Tape)
ONDA Waiting For Your Love - François K. Dub (Wave/promo)
DJ BNX (Zimpala, indamixworldwide.com - Bordeaux, France)
SKIP JACKSON & THE NATURAL EXPERIENCE MicroWave Boogie (Catamount) KLASICK Happy Dayz (Perfect Toy)
JUST ONE Love 2 Love (Neroli)
Mr De Whonleeone (Electrofunk)
HODGES,JAMES,SMITH & CRAWFORD Nobody (Mpingo)
SEBASTIEN TELLIER La ritournelle (Source)
TOCO Instalaçao Do Samba - club & original (Schema)
ZIMPALA Pas même le cri d’un oiseau (4lux)
ROY AYERS Oh What A Lonely Feeling (BBE)
SKALPEL 1958 (Ninja Tune)
IRIE (indamixworldwide.com/Coda Magazine - Paris, France)
LACE Can't Play Around Larry Levan ghost dub (Atlantic)
THEO Parrish Rotating Assembly Melt (Sound Signature)
FRANK ROGER & CHRIS WONDER If I (Sunny Side)
FRANK ROGER & CHRIS WONDER ? (Kenlou)
UMOD Puffin Dance (Sonar Kollektiv).
NE GROVE Jaded (Pure Filth)
TCHOK & DEDE SAINT PRIX ? (CD-R)
JAZZ LIBERATORZ feat. DECLAIME ? (CD-R)
L'AROYE ? (Faces CDR)
BAYARD LANCASTER ? (Isma'a/CD-R)
MFSB (indamixworldwide.com/Coda Magazine - Paris, France)
REEL PEOPLE featuring VANESSA FREEMAN The Light - Copyright Remix (Papa/promo)
BRENT LAURENCE featuring LATRICE BARNETT Build Up Back Up (Celebrity/promo)
GF vs THE EMOTIONS Don't Want To Lose Your Love (GF)
SCOTT WOZNIAK featuring ALY WORTH Wake Up My Life - 83 West Mix (Distant)
LATHUN featuring INDIA ARIE When Love Come In (Fall out)
MAW featuring INDIA To Be In Love - Knee Deep Remix (Defected)
JERK HOUSE CONNECTION New York Stylee - The Offsetters Remix (Saarinen)
CANDY APPLE featuring IFE My Dreams - Original (Design Recordings)
BLAK BEAT NIKS The Sun Will Shine - Simon Grey Remix (Slip’N’Slide/promo)
NIKOS City Of Angels - Blue Bossa Mix (Under My Skin)
NUTROPIC (Comet Records/indamixworldwide.com - Strasbourg, France)
ROY AYERS Virgin Ubiquity - album (BBE)
AMP FIDDLER Dreamin (Genuine)
THE DINING ROOMS EP 3 Phunky (Schema)
S. TONE INC presents TOCO Instalaçao Do Samba (Schema)
PATRICIA MARX E O Meu Amor Vi Passar - Bruno E Mix (Trama)
ALLEN HOIST Inner City Blues - 4Hero Remix (Soulution)
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST I See You Don't (Copicat)
MINUS 8 White & Runaway - New Vocal Version, Big Bang & Tweak Remixes (Compost)
FJR Collection album Vol. 1 - From The Vaults And Funky Juices Records
(Funky Juice Records)
unknown Song For Letta - Groove Mix (white)
MICHAEL PROCTER (Mychan Records/indamixworldwide.com - Las Vegas, USA)
MICHAEL PROCTER Fall Down (Soulfuric)
EAST 57TH ST. Saturday (AM:PM)
SARAH WASHINGTON Heaven (AM:PM)
MICHAEL PROCTER Love Don't Live (Soulfuric)
LOVE TRIBE Stand Up (AM:PM)
FUTURE FORCE What You Want (AM:PM)
MONE Movin (Strictly Rhythm)
DONNA WASHINGTON He Is The Light (?)
BARBARA TUCKER I Get Lifted (Strictly Rhythm)
MICHAEL PROCTER Paradise (Purple Music)
NIK WESTON (Mukatsuku PR, indamixworldwide.com - London, UK)
5 CORNERS QUINTET Devil Kicks/Three Corners (Ricki Tick)
LIZ FIELDS When I See Love/Say The Word-Mixes (Unisex)
VARIOUS Brasil Nights vol 4 (BLJ)
GENE HARRIS Los Alamitos Latinfunklovesong (Blue Note)
MANUVERS Supernatural Tangents (Counterflow)
GATS TKB SHOW Remixes 2 (BLJ)
KENKOU Everlasting Dreams/Frosty Air (Music Conception)
COUNT BASS D Real Music v's Bulls (Authentic Vinyl)
STUDIO APARTMENT Proud Bridge (Flower)
GALARUDE Water Road Bump (Locarno)
February 15, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠41
Tons of (extremely good) newies around the bent at this period of the year… Is this that the (independant) record industry doesn't feel anymore (or can't currently feel) the need to wait for the Winter Music Conference ? Could it be that there's even better to expect over there ??? Elements of response within three weeks in Miami…
Just as we thought this might be the end, looks like it's exactly the contrary that happens... Of Course, there are still bags of craos around, but the first weeks of this new year show some encouraging signs of a better tomorrow qualitywise, should the ones responsable for this get the exposure and the recognition they trully deserve.
I guess it is each of us's duty to do whatever we can to reach this goal and forget about all these selfish attitudes that are for a big part in the misunderstanding if not the taking of no further interest in music that we love on a wider scale…
Enuff of this enterprise of progressive destruction brought to us day after day on the headlines… Enuff of this typical syrup delivered to us right after by the entertainment industry as a sort of antidote. Let ourselves go back to the basic elements of life : truth, love and respect instead of fake, hate and compromising… Let's wake up and fight for the preservation of the values we believe in. Let's get our energies together to give the best support to the ones we appreciate the actions of. Let's behave like men instead of hiding ourselves behind usual characters' suits. Differently said, let's be ourselves.
Starting this selection with the cool, NYC collective Onda's debut-single, "Waiting For Your Love" is another sweet delight that François K's label champions now and then, following the footsteps of Blue 6 then Solu Music featuring Kimblee, melting sensuous vocal and atmospheric rhythm line over a funk dubbed 4X4 beat driven groove. Classic would argue some of you but so classy. Meanwhile Wave Music brings us another piece of sh… to watch out with the shriny "To Motherland" from native Nigerian but San Fran-based, Said. A cut looking set to put the dancefloors on fire with its afrobeat feel, reminding a bit of Mutabaruka's classic "Dis Poem'. Julius Papp giving an answer to this although on a much different level with the afrojazzyphonk "Bole Bentu" featuring singer Samba Ngo (Large). Meanwhile, Swedish pair, Physics delivers the good for the nu bossa fans with the fluid and scatted "Downtown Rio" on that same label.
Looks like we're definitely back on the rollin' basslines kind of driven tunes with those dubbed keyboard or guitar rhythm lines inherited from the disco era, as notoriously demonstrated by a series of tunes that have recently been or are currently elected amongst our faves of the week. From Scott Wozniak's "Wake Up My Life", most particularly on its B-side remixed by Peter Primioni & Tyrone Solomon, the 83 West label founders (Distant) to Reel People's "The Light" revamped by Copyright (Papa Records) or The Emotions' classic "I Don't Want To Lose Your Love" resurrected from the likes of mysterious GF aka Groove Finder. And that's about the same concerning our current single of the week, "Build Up, Back Up" by Brent Laurence featuring Latrice Barnett (Celebrity). Not to mention Whitney Houston's "Love Will Save The Day", brilliantly covered by Jaqué on Jellybean.
Some solid and consistant work indeed from all of the aforementioned as Philly-based band, Soul Dhamma with the phonkjazzy "If We Could Fly" remixed by Dennis Ferrer with the addiction of guitarist, Tony Brown givin' a real + to it (King Street). Stayin' on that kind of jazzy tip with Nikos's newie, "City Of Angels" and that sort of typically Californian breathin' treatment, most notoriously on the Blue Bossa Mix. A cut that could easily have found its niche on Naked Music label, although not so polished in terms of sound treatment giving it a sort of street soul house feel (Under My Skin).
This month sees the return of Chicago's soul lites, Blak Beat Niks with the aptly named "The Sun Will Shine" and its re-release this time on Slip'N'Slide with additional treatment from Knee Deep's pal, Simon Grey. Good work as usual on the original version perfumed with some latin jazz flavours, Grey adding a drop of x-tra enrgy as well as some sparse and hypnotic keys to it. Meanwhile Purple Music man, Jamie Lewis has managed to provide us with some more from the latest (on his own this time) featuring vocalist, Abby Joyce on the phonky and enlighting "Prophecy" ; although with some more inclination for the instrumental version, not that far away from some MAW works. And the loop is to be completed with Knee Deep's rework of… MAW's classic, "To Be In Love" giving it a club treament although with much subltety on the A-side while adding latin jazz keys on it and re-editing the bassline (Defected). Slightly different is the third instalment of Grant Nelson's "Ethnicity Series" with its old school hypnotic/progressive feel, destined to provoke some serious dancefloor devastation (Swing City). Also straight at the boarder is Nocturnal Groove label's new release, "Lola's Theme" by Shapeshifters with its disco filtered effects lookin' lilke a cleverly done path between those two periods. Yes dear, looks like the Brits are definitely on da blocks these days, twisting the influences like no one at the moment, thus giving a drop of freshness that was much needed. Another illustration being given by Justin Canton & Martin Lodge aka Candy Apple on the phonky 'My Dreams' featuring Ife's plaintive vocals (most notoriously on its original mix put back to the B-side). A cut hailing from London UDM Record Store's recently launched label, Design Recordings.
Leavin' you for now with some of Toulon's Sunslice Festival people and the second release from DJ Bool's Jerk House Connection on Saarinen Records : the jazzy spoken wordish "New York Stylee" as remixed on a jazzy minimalistic way by The Offsetters.
MFSB
Playlists
DJ ADN (totally-soulful.com/indamixworldwide.com - Avignon, France.)
AMP FIDDLER Possibilities - Ron Trent Remix (Genuine)
HABITAT LOUNGE Rio Blues (DNH)
AUDIO MONTAGE The Drakness (Freerange)
JAMES DUNCAN Time Like This (Le Systeme)
LUKE VIBERT Let's Dance & Freak (Rephlex)
ROUZBEH DELAVARI Inner Structure (Deep)
BAKURA Thinkin' About - Domu Remix (Especial)
MALIK ALSTON Caterpillar EP (Third Ear)
PATCHWORKS Corn Bread - Sylvester Over Classic Mix (Q-Tape)
ONDA Waiting For Your Love - François K. Dub (Wave/promo)
DJ BNX (Zimpala, indamixworldwide.com - Bordeaux, France)
SKIP JACKSON & THE NATURAL EXPERIENCE MicroWave Boogie (Catamount) KLASICK Happy Dayz (Perfect Toy)
JUST ONE Love 2 Love (Neroli)
Mr De Whonleeone (Electrofunk)
HODGES,JAMES,SMITH & CRAWFORD Nobody (Mpingo)
SEBASTIEN TELLIER La ritournelle (Source)
TOCO Instalaçao Do Samba - club & original (Schema)
ZIMPALA Pas même le cri d’un oiseau (4lux)
ROY AYERS Oh What A Lonely Feeling (BBE)
SKALPEL 1958 (Ninja Tune)
IRIE (indamixworldwide.com/Coda Magazine - Paris, France)
LACE Can't Play Around - Larry Levan Ghost Dub (Atlantic)
THEO PARRISH Rotating Assembly Melt (Sound Signature)
SHADE OF SOUL featuring MARYLIN DAVID ? (Twisted Funk/CD-R)
FRANK ROGER & CHRIS WONDER ? (Kenlou /CD-R)
UMOD Puffin Dance (Sonar Kollektiv)
NE GROVE Jaded (Pure Filth)
TCHOK & DEDE SAINT PRIX ? (CD-R)
JAZZ LIBERATORZ featuring. DECLAIME ? (CD-R)
L'AROYE La Bomba (Face/ CD-R)
BAYARD LANCASTER ? (Isma'a/ CD-R)
MFSB (indamixworldwide.com/Coda Magazine - Paris, France)
REEL PEOPLE featuring VANESSA FREEMAN The Light - Copyright Remix (Papa/promo)
BRENT LAURENCE featuring LATRICE BARNETT Build Up Back Up (Celebrity/promo)
GF vs THE EMOTIONS Don't Want To Lose Your Love (GF)
SCOTT WOZNIAK featuring ALY WORTH Wake Up My Life - 83 West Mix (Distant)
LATHUN featuring INDIA ARIE When Love Come In (Fall out)
MAW featuring INDIA To Be In Love - Knee Deep Remix (Defected)
JERK HOUSE CONNECTION New York Stylee - The Offsetters Remix (Saarinen)
CANDY APPLE featuring IFE My Dreams - Original (Design Recordings)
BLAK BEAT NIKS The Sun Will Shine - Simon Grey Remix (Slip’N’Slide/promo)
NIKOS City Of Angels - Blue Bossa Mix (Under My Skin)
NUTROPIC (Comet Records/indamixworldwide.com - Strasbourg, France)
ROY AYERS Virgin Ubiquity - album (BBE)
AMP FIDDLER Dreamin (Genuine)
THE DINING ROOMS EP 3 Phunky (Schema)
S. TONE INC presents TOCO Instalaçao Do Samba (Schema)
PATRICIA MARX E O Meu Amor Vi Passar - Bruno E Mix (Trama)
ALLEN HOIST Inner City Blues - 4Hero Remix (Soulution)
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST I See You Don't (Copicat)
MINUS 8 White & Runaway - New Vocal Version, Big Bang & Tweak Remixes (Compost)
FJR Collection album Vol. 1 - From The Vaults And Funky Juices Records
(Funky Juice Records)
unknown Song For Letta - Groove Mix (white)
MICHAEL PROCTER (Mychan Records/indamixworldwide.com - Las Vegas, USA)
MICHAEL PROCTER Fall Down (Soulfuric)
EAST 57TH ST. Saturday (AM:PM)
SARAH WASHINGTON Heaven (AM:PM)
MICHAEL PROCTER Love Don't Live (Soulfuric)
LOVE TRIBE Stand Up (AM:PM)
FUTURE FORCE What You Want (AM:PM)
MONE Movin (Strictly Rhythm)
DONNA WASHINGTON He Is The Light (?)
BARBARA TUCKER I Get Lifted (Strictly Rhythm)
MICHAEL PROCTER Paradise (Purple Music)
NIK WESTON (Mukatsuku PR, indamixworldwide.com - London, UK)
5 CORNERS QUINTET Devil Kicks/Three Corners (Ricki Tick)
LIZ FIELDS When I See Love/Say The Word-Mixes (Unisex)
VARIOUS Brasil Nights vol 4 (BLJ)
GENE HARRIS Los Alamitos Latinfunklovesong (Blue Note)
MANUVERS Supernatural Tangents (Counterflow)
GATS TKB SHOW Remixes 2 (BLJ)
KENKOU Everlasting Dreams/Frosty Air (Music Conception)
COUNT BASS D Real Music v's Bulls (Authentic Vinyl)
STUDIO APARTMENT Proud Bridge (Flower)
GALARUDE Water Road Bump (Locarno)
February 8, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠40
Crisis, what crisis ? Michael Reinboth was bloody damned right (cf. our Compost Records label profile). The situation may not be the best in terms of record sales for certain people, but the quality is definitely there and isn't that what counts at the end of the day ?
Music and women (to me) have in common the fact that they can put you at first listen/sight upside down and I guess this is what makes them so U-nique. Music creates pictures and pictures suggests music and it's exactly what to expect while discovering Bliss's offering (Quite Letters) from the very first second til its absolute end. Everything at the right place and the right moment to guarantee you an instant transportation to the very depth of beauty, on this exquisite blend of motley elements inherited from a vast variety of cultures. An album made by undeniable travellers who've obviously done like a global shopping bringing here pieces of classic, there, afro/oriental percussions if not cinematic atmospheres mixed with lush pieces of blue eyed soul. Not too surprised to have seen the music of this Danish outfit being picked up by Ibiza Café del Mar selector, Bruno. Not to mention the name of Kenneth Bager's label that fully speaks for itself.
Also hailing from Danemark although UK-based, keyboardist, Perry Hemus made recently quite a stirr with the sensuous "Rhodesmode", the title track from his debut-LP on the typical groove circuit receiving a great support Gilles Peterson, Rainer Trüby and France's DJ Spider to name but a few. Depth, brilliance, groove and sometimes a real dance appeal, balancing between melancholic and cool festive (latin) vibes, Hemus, accompanied by vocalist, Lizzy Parks explores the various sides of intimacy, providing what is exactly expected from a music lover's point of view, in that same vein as what Mitchell & Dewburry, MAW aka Nuyorican Soul, Incognito & the likes have done in the past (more info : wwodlandrecords.com).
Just arrived in Australia where he's touring these days, Norwegian head of Jazzland Records, Bugge Wesseltoft delivers another of his special recipee under the New Conception Of Jazz banner, untitled Film Ing. Funny if not incredible how this talented keyboardist is able to tickle your mind from almost anything (alone in front of his piano) to a full band, having the right sense of what is to be put here and what's to be avoided there. For sure, it's jazzy, but it's also intimately electronic, ambient and even classical at some time, thus with a minimalistic perspective leading us to what has to be taken as a unique universe on its own. Checking track one, three (featuring saxman, Joshua Redman and the following one featuring the divine Dhafer Yousssef should be a good sample of what to expect here. In other words, nothing but the good and the diversity (more info : jazzland.no)
D'ya like te move it ? Yes I guess y'all do. If there's any dance albums around ya'd betta check Funk D'Void's newie. Volume Freak - that's it title - has got everything to make you trance your ass off and screw your head til crazeness. This is what I would call intelligent music at a rarely reached level carrying out aerial atmospheres over fierce basslines, hypnotic rhythm lines & sparse beats, with the x-tra help of Mark Bell and Martin Linqvist adding their voices here & there. Something that should provide Lars Sandberg with a place into this year's serious contenders on the dancefloors, should some big DJ names have the good idea to put their hands and ears on this big banger (more info : somarecords.com)
The groove is much cooler while at the start of Vikter Duplaix's Singles LP but don't forget about this classic "Never trust a pretty face" hook as one time King Britt's partner (under the Scuba guise) has (again) very much more on offer on this collection of remixes. Our guy, gifted with his typical voice tone, does what he wants, where he wants and when he wants, going from R&B to house and breakbeat with a unique way of twisting the flavours, electronically speaking. No folks, looks like you won't be able to pass on this neither although your shopping cart looks already quite full now while listening to this state of incredible versatility (more info : k7records.com) and this is not finished !
Philly & Detroit look like living a simultaneous revival nowadays, said to me King Britt as he was in Paris last year,commenting about the flourishing scenes of those two cities know for their glorious contributions in terms of soul. Multi-musician, Amp Fiddler, who made quite an impressive live appearance at last year's edition of Movement (formerly known as the DEMF), has just dropped his first solo effort - Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly - and, in the meantime, a pure jewell on what's called the nu soul arena. Expect some positive lyrics blended with political ones going from bluesey ballads to cool R&B swing, with a drop of P-funk/hip hoppish influences, if not rare grooves 'alla' Roy Ayers (on "Superficial") or Marvin Gaye somehow. (more info : thegenuinearticle.net).
Remember the late Barry White saying to me some ten years ago that whatever the music you do, you have to make sure that it carries your ID, in other words a formula so that people can recognize who it's coming from. A kind of reflection that totally applies to sr Roy Ayers (see our Woprd Up section for a full interview) who sees some of his music recorded from 1976 til 81 getting a release today on the Virgin Ubiquity album. Well, needless to say that if songs like "We Live In Brooklyn" or "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" are your cup of tea, the content of this collection should have a certain appeal, like notoriously shown on the opening track. This is suave, this is groovy and jazzy and most of all unique on its genre (more info : bbemusic.com).
No doubt, there's a lot in common between US and french hip hop, having on one side all these commercial clichés and on the other one the genuine dope. Parisian hip hopper, DJ Cam has undoubtly put his shoes on the second category since day 1. Guess that his former employers at Sony where he was signed so far will have something to regret, as our man releases today what is probably his best offering so far. He knows how to be vibrant ("6 Sense"), phat ("Premier", "Don Dada") clever ("Espionage" featuring Guru) and terribly phonky ("Love Junkee" featuring Cameo & J Dilla). Nice shot indeed (more info : inflamable.com).
Yes, I know, you're gonna tell me : for f*** sake, stop it ! It's too much when reading what comes hereafter. Not an album nor a double, but a triple one !!! Comparable in terms of format as to what The Southport Weekender has become throughout the years… One of da biiiiig ones in terms of events worldwide and what we have here are three mixed CD's from three of the most significant faces in their respective genres. Gilles Peterson on an old school latiny jazz tip, Joey Negro melting disco and house and Miguel 'Migs' rollin' on some phonkyjazz vibes ; the three of them delivering original and accurate selections, where you find everything from Freddie Hubbard to Har-You Percussion Group, Cameo, DJ Pufo, Soul Providers, Mood II Swing, Sunburst Band, Mass Syndicate and many others (more info : susurecords.com).
In search of some chill after such an amount of (various grooves) ? Care of the titles as you may sometimes be surprised. It's exactly what's happening on the 6th installment of the Your Lounge Your Music serie from dutch jocks/selector, Alfred Bos aka Enrico Riva, embarking us on a really versatile travel on this double-CD full of good surprises, varying from latin jazz to atmospheric house. Want a drink with THE one of your dreams ? You got the music (more info : www.news.be). Datsit, til next.
MFSB
IN DA MIX # 40 TENNERZ
GIL SCOTT-HERON & BRIAN JACKSON Home Is Where The Hatred Is - from V/A: SOUTHPORT WEEKENDER (suSU)
FUNK D'VOID Emotional Content (Soma)
BUGGE WESSELTOFT NEW CONCEPTION OF JAZZ Skog (Jazzland)
AMP FIDDLER Superficial (Genuine)
B-FLOOR Meu Amor (Café) - from V/A: YOUR LOUNGE YOUR MUSIC 6 (NEWS)
VIKTER DUPLAIX City Spirits (!K7)
DJ CAM featuring CAMEO & DJ Dilla Love Junkee - J Dilla Remix (Inflamable)
PERRY HEMUS From A Closer point Of View (Woodland Records)
ROY AYERS Brand New Feeling (BBE)
BLISS Dunia (Music For Dreams)
Playlists
DJ ADN
BLACK MAN Black Trip (Black Label)
JAMES DUNCAN Times Like This (Le Systeme)
FRANCK ROGER Masquarade (Versatile)
SOUL CENTRAL Strings Of Life - Danny K's Re-edit (WhistleBump)
ATLANTIC FUSION Man From Atlantic (Front Room)
MEITZ / BISSUS BEASTLY Geisha (Crippled Dick Hot Wax)
KAI ALCE M7 (Mahogani)
THE ELASTIC BAND Sunny (Rainy City)
AZTEC MYSTIC Aguila (UR)
IRFANE Just A Little Lovin' (white)
DJ BNX
KERRI CHANDLER Povertry (Large)
KLASICK Happy Dayz (Perfect Toy)
JOHN BELTRAN Candela (Ubiquity)
BLISSOM & ASHEN Carchaser (Spot)
CHATEAU FLIGHT The Rise & Fall Of Babylon (Rhythmix)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
NATURE'S PLAN Somewhere Beyond (Far Out)
FLOWRIDERS Different Spaces (4Lux)
CAI Tears In Her Eyes (Out Of The Loop)
GERARDO FRISINA Inviolation (Schema)
IRIE
ROY AYERS Mystic River (BBE)
ROTATING ASSEMBLY Orchestra Hall (Sound Signature)
NE-GROVE new LP (Pure Filth)
UMOD Wake Up (Sonar Kollektiv/ CD-R)
TITONTON & L’AROYE ? (CD-R)
DKD Brighter Day (2000 Black/ Bitasweet)
IG CULTURE Space Is The Place (Kindred Spirits)
DOMU Disco EP (Neroli)
COUSIN COCKROACH & SHOXX My Hi-fi (Archive)
NEW SECTOR MOVEMENTS Sho You Right (Virgin)
MFSB
LATHUN featuring INDIA ARIE When Love Come In (Fall out)
SCOTT WOZNIAK Wake Up My Life (Distant Music)
LOUIE VEGA featuring RAUL MIDON A Better Day - album version (Vega Records)
PATCHWORKS Immo (Q-Tape)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Be Yourself (King Street)
KENNY CARJAVAL presents JOHN PIERCE My Words (Phuture Sole)
DURON TARIK 1 INTENSE I Am (83 West)
MONICA NOGUEIRA Infancia Magica (CD-R)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
BLAK BEAT NIKS The Sun Will Shine - Simon Gray Remix (Slip’N’Slide)
NIK WESTON
JAZZTRONIK Samurai/Dance With Me (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Change/Petropolis (Especial Distribution)
V/A: SAKURA AURAL BLISS (Kriztal)
QUANT Trying/Chills N Thrills (Ecco.Chamber)
ROBB SCOTT Fallin (Sunshine)
COLORBLIND Nu Swingz/Superzoom (Plein Gaz)
FREEDOM SOUNDZ featuring VANESSA FREEMAN Get It Right (People) BAKURA Veya,Veya/Thinking About (Especial)
DJ CAM Various (Inflamable)
RYO FUKUI TRIO Early Summer (Solid)
NUTROPIC
BAKURA Veya Veya (Especial)
FRITZ PAUER Terra Samba - Soulpatrol Mix (MPS/Universal)
MITCHELL & DEWBURY Beyond The Rain (Mumo)
ALLEN HOIST Inner City Blues - 4Hero Remix (Soulution)
V/A : A JOURNEY TO THE DAWN (Temposphere)
SPIRITUAL SOUTH Green Gold (Afro Art)
INCOGNITO Stone Gold Heart/Cada Dia - Soul Bossa Trio & Yukihiro
Fukotomi Remixes (Pony Canyon)
PAUL MURPHY The Trip (Afro Art/CD-R)
THE BEATCONDUCTOR Balanco (GAMM)
TEDDY PENDERGRASS Take In Your Arms Tonight (PIR)
February 1, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠39
Everything has to be done for everyone to feel like a star, should it just be for five minutes, said Paris's Le Palace founder, the late Fabrice Emaer back in the days, explaining his philosophy while leading what has to be remembered as one of the best clubs in the world at the time and so far ! And needless to say that music had a major role in this affair, thus added to a bigger aural diversity, should it be in the clubs as well as on air. Could we recapture this atmosphere ? This I dunno as times have changed,although I'd like to say that it's rather a matter of spirit having in mind nothing but the fact that music, as a universal language, has the power to unite us under the same belt : emotion !
Emotions, or rather The Emotions, as it's exactly who we're talking about with the revamp of their "I Don't Wanna Loose Your Love" classic. A song that resurfaces some 28 years after its original release on Columbia Records, done on a genuine spirit and in an obvious classy way over a phat bassline by UK's appearently new name, Groove Finder (GF)
Is this one of these numerous bootlegs circulating around ? No infoso far, as this was sent to me on CD-R like the following one : "The Player", a mythic tune from Philly's most wanted First Choice, bringing me back to these stunning vibes that got me straight behind the desks in the mid-seventies. A simple listen to this cool groove, its sensuous vocal arrangements and its orchestration should give you a better idea of where I'm deeply coming from (Philly Grooves).
Producers at the time really had an instant identifiable sound and this is no doubt how they began having such a proeminent role like say Nile Rodgers and the late Bernard Edwards aka Chic. Yes maties, you'll recognize what made their trademark while listening to "Luck My Boots", a housey revamp of Sister Sledge's "I'm Thinking Of You" with their typical rhythm guitar and bass lines (white). And the same would have no surprisingly to be said about Kool & The Gang, becoming club icons when reaching the second step of their carreer with the help of producer, Eumir Deodato and contribution from vocalist, James 'JT' Taylor. This giving an impressive collection of smash hits like "Ladies' Night", "Celebration", "Steppin' Out" and many others including "Straight" Head" in 1983 on a quite fast rhythm for the period that has permitted it to be slightly relifted the way it is today on a white label that has just seen the light.
Although there was no real format at the time - this also being for a major part in the versatility that has marked this period - we was able to create at least short series of coherent tunes like for instance Chic's "Good Times" and its famous "Rappers' Delight" response given by Sugarhill Gang, followed by Vaughan Mason's "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" and Kurtis Blow's "The Break". The later seing his "Xmas Rappin'" recently ressurected by Seamus Hadji (white). The same period -1982 - also saw the release of what has to be remembered as one of the biggest hits of James Ingram : the famous "Yah Mo Be There" produced by The Dude himself (Quincy Jones) with the vocal contribution of former Doobie Brothers' front man, Michael McDonald. You have now the full story about this in its twenties classic which has just reappeared on our environnement, as reworked by Grant Nelson (white). A bit easy though, I would tend to add about these two ones and, to a wider extend, regarding the awful treatment made to ABC's "Who Wants To Be A Zillionaire" by Johnny Hates Jazz (white) flirting with cliches of all kinds, not to mention the absolute sacrilege made, while touching Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing", turning it into a midtempo while adding a 4X4 beat on it ! This making me say once more how we may, as usual, expect the best as well as the worst from the Brits…
On a more temporary field, jazz/funk mastermind, Roy Ayers sees the third cut - "Sugar" - to be taken from his new album remixed by UK's disco Don, Joey Negro and the result is definitely nothing to write home about, being very flat and common compared to the recent "Baby Doll" (BBE) or the work that he's done on "Backfired" for Masters At Work featuring India" (MAW), speaking of which "To Be In Love" has received what should soon to be considered as the best work so far from german duet, Knee Deep injecting fluid jazzy elements on this umpteenth pack of remixes (Defected). A (last) comment that equaly applies to "Hardrive 2004" - another MAW original production - slightly retouched over a strange but hypnotic bassline (white).
Lucky enuff to have had a listen to another future standard in perspective hailing from the likes of what already stands as the relay in England : on one hand, Reel People featuring Vanessa Freeman with the aptly named "The Light" and on the other, the very much in demand, Sam Holt and Gavin 'Face' Mills, aka Copyright, providing us with a sheer post-discoïd beauty (Papa/CD-R). Look out when it comes…
Playlists
DJ ADN
BLACK MAN Black Trip (Black Label)
JAMES DUNCAN Times Like This (Le Systeme)
FRANCK ROGER Masquarade (Versatile)
SOUL CENTRAL Strings Of Life - Danny K's Re-edit (WhistleBump)
ATLANTIC FUSION Man From Atlantic (Front Room)
MEITZ / BISSUS BEASTLY Geisha (Crippled Dick Hot Wax)
KAI ALCE M7 (Mahogani)
THE ELASTIC BAND Sunny (Rainy City)
AZTEC MYSTIC Aguila (UR)
IRFANE Just A Little Lovin' (white)
DJ BNX
KERRI CHANDLER Povertry (Large)
KLASICK Happy Dayz (Perfect Toy)
JOHN BELTRAN Candela (Ubiquity)
BLISSOM & ASHEN Carchaser (Spot)
CHATEAU FLIGHT The Rise & Fall Of Babylon (Rhythmix)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
NATURE'S PLAN Somewhere Beyond (Far Out)
FLOWRIDERS Different Spaces (4Lux)
CAI Tears In Her Eyes (Out Of The Loop)
GERARDO FRISINA Inviolation (Schema)
IRIE
ROY AYERS Mystic River (BBE)
ROTATING ASSEMBLY Orchestra Hall (Sound Signature)
NE-GROVE new LP (Pure Filth)
UMOD Wake Up (Sonar Kollektiv/ CD-R)
TITONTON & L’AROYE ? (CD-R)
DKD Brighter Day (2000 Black/ Bitasweet)
IG CULTURE Space Is The Place (Kindred Spirits)
DOMU Disco EP (Neroli)
COUSIN COCKROACH & SHOXX My Hi-fi (Archive)
NEW SECTOR MOVEMENTS Sho You Right (Virgin)
MFSB
LATHUN featuring INDIA ARIE When Love Come In (Fall out)
SCOTT WOZNIAK Wake Up My Life (Distant Music)
LOUIE VEGA featuring RAUL MIDON A Better Day - album version (Vega Records)
PATCHWORKS Immo (Q-Tape)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Be Yourself (King Street)
KENNY CARJAVAL presents JOHN PIERCE My Words (Phuture Sole)
DURON TARIK 1 INTENSE I Am (83 West)
MONICA NOGUEIRA Infancia Magica (CD-R)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
BLAK BEAT NIKS The Sun Will Shine - Simon Gray Remix (Slip’N’Slide)
NIK WESTON
JAZZTRONIK Samurai/Dance With Me (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Change/Petropolis (Especial Distribution)
V/A: SAKURA AURAL BLISS (Kriztal)
QUANT Trying/Chills N Thrills (Ecco.Chamber)
ROBB SCOTT Fallin (Sunshine)
COLORBLIND Nu Swingz/Superzoom (Plein Gaz)
FREEDOM SOUNDZ featuring VANESSA FREEMAN Get It Right (People) BAKURA Veya,Veya/Thinking About (Especial)
DJ CAM Various (Inflamable)
RYO FUKUI TRIO Early Summer (Solid)
NUTROPIC
BAKURA Veya Veya (Especial)
FRITZ PAUER Terra Samba - Soulpatrol Mix (MPS/Universal)
MITCHELL & DEWBURY Beyond The Rain (Mumo)
ALLEN HOIST Inner City Blues - 4Hero Remix (Soulution)
V/A : A JOURNEY TO THE DAWN (Temposphere)
SPIRITUAL SOUTH Green Gold (Afro Art)
INCOGNITO Stone Gold Heart/Cada Dia - Soul Bossa Trio & Yukihiro
Fukotomi Remixes (Pony Canyon)
PAUL MURPHY The Trip (Afro Art/CD-R)
THE BEATCONDUCTOR Balanco (GAMM)
TEDDY PENDERGRASS Take In Your Arms Tonight (PIR)
January 25, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠38
NU GROOVE (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS+ MORE…)
Best wishes to you and yours in 2004, a year bound to be placed under the sign of a groove renewal …
First of all, the funk dinosaurs are not all dead,! After the amazing return of Roy Ayers, it’s now time for legendary 70’s fusion bassist, Stanley Clarke to resurface, backed up on the first single by the abstract poet, Q-Tip (Sony). The later whose come-back with A Tribe Called Quest is sounding so good judging only by "I C U" featuring with the beautiful Erykah Badu. Waiting for ATCQ’s LP, the fans will have a little taste of things to come regarding the “tribe vibe” with Ali Shaheed Muhammad’s solo effort.
Ready to bet for some healthy disco revival…. or how to go backward (in time) to move (up and) forward ! From the superb Danny Krivit’s (to be found on his Strut compilation) to a good part of Salsoul’s catalogue reissued ( Leroy Burgess, Double Exposure etc) and the tons of bootlegs invading the racks of our favourite record shops like the classic James Ingram's "Yah Mo Be There" relifted by Grant Nelson amongst others. A contagious fashion that also affects the broken beat micro-cosmos such as breakologist, Domu whose new record on Neroli is named…"Disco EP" ! Meanwhile, a lot more confidential - if not obscure - the enigmatic Theo Parrish keeps on dazzling us with his "Ugly Edits". Tasty retouches of dusty treasures from jazz to funk and disco signed by Freddie Hubbard, Minnie Riperton, The Dells or even Sugarhill Gang.
As for the exploration, this 2004 millésime could be really special. First of all, hands down for Domu who remains busy, gifted and unlimited On Sonar Kollektiv. Before the stunning Umod album, the massive "Wah Wah" and "Story Of An Age" tracks are to appear on a 12" under his Zoltar pseudonym (another project put together with Volcov after Rima on Compost). The latest who's new single has just been remixed by Amp Fiddler, himself seing his infectious "I Believe In You" receiving sheer class treatment from BITA. Better known under the Bugz In The Attic name, the West London clan keep on running things as usual. After the excellent DKD's Future Rage album (DKD standing for Dego, Kaidi & Daz), Kaidi and Dego follow their path, mysfiying us once more with their Cousin Cockroach & Shoxx ‘s masks on "My Hi-Fi" for Archive. Meanwhile, Seiji has just offered his magic touch to one of England's soul sensations of this winter - Amy Winehouse - on "Take The Box" (Island). Also from this area, the secret Dons of Ladbroke groove, Ne-Grove aka Leroy Smith and Marcus Begg bless us with a grandiose debut-LP transcending the clichés to raise their love songs to the heights of good ol' Brit soul best remembered like Loose Ends !
But let’s get back to Volcov who’s also on the team alongside other ruff players like Domu, 4Hero, Viper Squad, IG Culture, Alex Attias and Tony Nwachuku (Attica Blues) for Big Bang’s compilation (aka Pete Herbert & Simone Seritella) on his own label Arision.
Meanwhile the Nuyorican grand brothers of bruk (a new nickname to broken beat for those who care, or if you prefer the killing syncope) … Masters At Work (and more precisely Kenny Dope) step up to claim their piece of the pie … judging by the hook on his last hit, "I Got Rhythm" from Soulfuzion featuring V : All I need is a broken beat ! A prelude to Mr Dope’s solo LP (which is cool if not absolutely breathtaking) graced with the sweet voice of V (revealed last year on the sublime "In Time" co-signed by Little Louie Vega and Touch Of Jazz (aka Jazzy Jeff & co).
The battle for global supremacy bet NYC and London stays on even though other cities usually add their names on it like Philadelphia with Vikter Duplaix’s return for a second opus (Singles - Prelude To The Future"). Graced with always more and more sexyness on obscures B-sides and other remixes (like "Galaxy" revamped by Charlie Dark and Recloose). Our perpetual traveller has put his vocals to "Moments Of Lust" first single from hot like fire DJ Marky and his man in the shadow, XRS.
Playlists
DJ ADN
BLACK MAN Black Trip (Black Label)
JAMES DUNCAN Times Like This (Le Systeme)
FRANCK ROGER Masquarade (Versatile)
SOUL CENTRAL Strings Of Life - Danny K's Re-edit (WhistleBump)
ATLANTIC FUSION Man From Atlantic (Front Room)
MEITZ / BISSUS BEASTLY Geisha (Crippled Dick Hot Wax)
KAI ALCE M7 (Mahogani)
THE ELASTIC BAND Sunny (Rainy City)
AZTEC MYSTIC Aguila (UR)
IRFANE Just A Little Lovin' (white)
DJ BNX
KERRI CHANDLER Povertry (Large)
KLASICK Happy Dayz (Perfect Toy)
JOHN BELTRAN Candela (Ubiquity)
BLISSOM & ASHEN Carchaser (Spot)
CHATEAU FLIGHT The Rise & Fall Of Babylon (Rhythmix)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
NATURE'S PLAN Somewhere Beyond (Far Out)
FLOWRIDERS Different Spaces (4Lux)
CAI Tears In Her Eyes (Out Of The Loop)
GERARDO FRISINA Inviolation (Schema)
IRIE
ROY AYERS Mystic River (BBE)
ROTATING ASSEMBLY Orchestra Hall (Sound Signature)
NE-GROVE new LP (Pure Filth)
UMOD Wake Up (Sonar Kollektiv/ CD-R)
TITONTON & L’AROYE ? (CD-R)
DKD Brighter Day (2000 Black/ Bitasweet)
IG CULTURE Space Is The Place (Kindred Spirits)
DOMU Disco EP (Neroli)
COUSIN COCKROACH & SHOXX My Hi-fi (Archive)
NEW SECTOR MOVEMENTS Sho You Right (Virgin)
MFSB
LATHUN featuring INDIA ARIE When Love Come In (Fall out)
SCOTT WOZNIAK Wake Up My Life (Distant Music)
LOUIE VEGA featuring RAUL MIDON A Better Day - album version (Vega Records)
PATCHWORKS Immo (Q-Tape)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Be Yourself (King Street)
KENNY CARJAVAL presents JOHN PIERCE My Words (Phuture Sole)
DURON TARIK + INTENSE I Am (83 West)
MONICA NOGUEIRA Infancia Magica (CD-R)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
BLAK BEAT NIKS The Sun Will Shine - Simon Gray Remix (Slip’N’Slide)
NIK WESTON
JAZZTRONIK Samurai/Dance With Me (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Change/Petropolis (Especial Distribution)
V/A: SAKURA AURAL BLISS (Kriztal)
QUANT Trying/Chills N Thrills (Ecco.Chamber)
ROBB SCOTT Fallin (Sunshine)
COLORBLIND Nu Swingz/Superzoom (Plein Gaz)
FREEDOM SOUNDZ featuring VANESSA FREEMAN Get It Right (People)
BAKURA Veya,Veya/Thinking About (Especial)
DJ CAM Various (Inflamable)
RYO FUKUI TRIO Early Summer (Solid)
NUTROPIC
BAKURA Veya Veya (Especial)
FRITZ PAUER Terra Samba - Soulpatrol Mix (MPS/Universal)
MITCHELL & DEWBURY Beyond The Rain (Mumo)
ALLEN HOIST Inner City Blues - 4Hero Remix (Soulution)
V/A : A JOURNEY TO THE DAWN (Temposphere)
SPIRITUAL SOUTH Green Gold (Afro Art)
INCOGNITO Stone Gold Heart/Cada Dia - Soul Bossa Trio & Yukihiro
Fukotomi Remixes (Pony Canyon)
PAUL MURPHY The Trip (Afro Art/CD-R)
THE BEATCONDUCTOR Balanco (GAMM)
TEDDY PENDERGRASS Take In Your Arms Tonight (PIR)
January 18, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠37
JAPAN CORNER BY NIK WESTON
The biggest shock to Tokyo of late was the closure of premier venue Liquid which had been running for the last nine years of so.The ending of an era of this venue is most probably due to the wanning appeal of drum’n’bass in Japan as this spot was the most important place in the whole of Japan to hear this musical genre but also a host of underground music over one of the best sound systems in Japan.The Shinijiku venue closed its doors finally after a rammed 2 day NYE party apty entitled ''The Last Dance'' which had hard techno DJ, Fumiya Tanaka with DJ Takkyu Ishino(from Denki Groove) spinning late into the first day of 2004.
New Years Eve's parties in Japan appeared not to be the usual foreign visitor affair that has occured in the last few years but for the second year running the mighty Brooklyn born Danny Tenaglia flew in from New York to grace the decks for a mammoth all music encompassing set at Ageha for NYE with tickets priced at around 50 quid !! Germany's Sven Vath & Canada’s Ritchie Hawtin also flew in to spin new years eve at Womb which over the last two years of opening has consistently proved its value for Tokyo. A massive event at the popular Eibu Garden Hall in Tokyo also introduced 2004 to a packed audience in the company of 4Hero, Pepe Braddock & United Future Organisation.
Foreign visitors which graced these shores of late include Carl Cox, DJ Rolando,Smith & Mighty. Meanwhile, Timmy Regisford with Joe Clausell and Blaze flew in from the USA to some live shows and DJing with Josh Milan on vocals at Yellow. Progessive House appears to be more popular than ever with home grown talent going head to head with recent visitors like Judge Jules ,Steve Lawler & Tim Deluxe.Other names of interest will spin in the month of January include Louie Vega,Theo Parish, Jazzy Jeff, Parks & Wilson, The 45 King, live band 2 Banks Of Four on tour with Gilles Peterson and the only drum & bass act for a while from overseas....Total Science. Maurice Fulton also spin here in January supported by Leaf recording artist Riow Arai with a gig at Yellow.
In February, Da Lata & Ursula Rucker both play in Tokyo and Kraftwerk are in town with a live performance at Shibuya Ax. French group Air start off a national tour with their first gig in the unusual venue of La Foret Museum in Roppongi.
On a jazz tip, Elvin Jones is here whilst Charlie Hayden & Kenny Baron played at Blue Note Tokyo 7th -10th of January.
Meanwhile.....on a self promotion tip check my latest Japanese compilation & limited 4 track12'' vinyl sampler Sakura Aural Bliss which are both finally out on the streets ! Calm...Chari Chari..United Future Organisation,Electric Sheep, Grooveman Spot and Takuya and so much more ! check www.dustygroove.com or www.towerrecords.co.uk for copies or put Sakura Aural Bliss is the search engine (via indamixwordwide.com) Forwardsbackwards radio show getting lots of feedback as myself and Nigel Prankster present a 2 hour show every two weeks on www.milkaudio.com where with a special section in the show where we air Japanese productions and releases you may not hear outside of it's native Japan. A new Japanese radio show called the ''Nippon & Speedy Express Show'' features myself & Dom Servini with a weekly program beginning in mid January 2004 on Tokyo based Samurai Fm - www.samurai.fm/home/
Got any info to share ? Email me at :
Playlists
DJ ADN
BLACK MAN Black Trip (Black Label)
JAMES DUNCAN Times Like This (Le Systeme)
FRANCK ROGER Masquarade (Versatile)
SOUL CENTRAL Strings Of Life - Danny K's Re-edit (WhistleBump)
ATLANTIC FUSION Man From Atlantic (Front Room)
MEITZ / BISSUS BEASTLY Geisha (Crippled Dick Hot Wax)
KAI ALCE M7 (Mahogani)
THE ELASTIC BAND Sunny (Rainy City)
AZTEC MYSTIC Aguila (UR)
IRFANE Just A Little Lovin' (white)
DJ BNX
KERRI CHANDLER Povertry (Large)
KLASICK Happy Dayz (Perfect Toy)
JOHN BELTRAN Candela (Ubiquity)
BLISSOM & ASHEN Carchaser (Spot)
CHATEAU FLIGHT The Rise & Fall Of Babylon (Rhythmix)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
NATURE'S PLAN Somewhere Beyond (Far Out)
FLOWRIDERS Different Spaces (4Lux)
CAI Tears In Her Eyes (Out Of The Loop)
GERARDO FRISINA Inviolation (Schema)
IRIE
ROY AYERS Mystic River (BBE)
ROTATING ASSEMBLY Orchestra Hall (Sound Signature)
NE-GROVE new LP (Pure Filth)
UMOD Wake Up (Sonar Kollektiv/ CD-R)
TITONTON & L’AROYE ? (CD-R)
DKD Brighter Day (2000 Black/ Bitasweet)
IG CULTURE Space Is The Place (Kindred Spirits)
DOMU Disco EP (Neroli)
COUSIN COCKROACH & SHOXX My Hi-fi (Archive)
NEW SECTOR MOVEMENTS Sho You Right (Virgin)
MFSB
LATHUN featuring INDIA ARIE When Love Come In (Fall out)
SCOTT WOZNIAK Wake Up My Life (Distant Music)
LOUIE VEGA featuring RAUL MIDON A Better Day - album version (Vega Records)
PATCHWORKS Immo (Q-Tape)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Be Yourself (King Street)
KENNY CARJAVAL presents JOHN PIERCE My Words (Phuture Sole)
DURON TARIK 1 INTENSE I Am (83 West)
MONICA NOGUEIRA Infancia Magica (CD-R)
ROY AYERS Baby Doll (BBE)
BLAK BEAT NIKS The Sun Will Shine - Simon Gray Remix (Slip’N’Slide)
NIK WESTON
JAZZTRONIK Samurai/Dance With Me (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Change/Petropolis (Especial Distribution)
V/A: SAKURA AURAL BLISS (Kriztal)
QUANT Trying/Chills N Thrills (Ecco.Chamber)
ROBB SCOTT Fallin (Sunshine)
COLORBLIND Nu Swingz/Superzoom (Plein Gaz)
FREEDOM SOUNDZ featuring VANESSA FREEMAN Get It Right (People) BAKURA Veya,Veya/Thinking About (Especial)
DJ CAM Various (Inflamable)
RYO FUKUI TRIO Early Summer (Solid)
NUTROPIC
BAKURA Veya Veya (Especial)
FRITZ PAUER Terra Samba - Soulpatrol Mix (MPS/Universal)
MITCHELL & DEWBURY Beyond The Rain (Mumo)
ALLEN HOIST Inner City Blues - 4Hero Remix (Soulution)
V/A : A JOURNEY TO THE DAWN (Temposphere)
SPIRITUAL SOUTH Green Gold (Afro Art)
INCOGNITO Stone Gold Heart/Cada Dia - Soul Bossa Trio & Yukihiro
Fukotomi Remixes (Pony Canyon)
PAUL MURPHY The Trip (Afro Art/CD-R)
THE BEATCONDUCTOR Balanco (GAMM)
TEDDY PENDERGRASS Take In Your Arms Tonight (PIR)
January 11, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠36
Well, well, well… This time, this is it as we’ve definitely jumped into 2K4 with its cohort of questions on almost everyone’s lips like what will this new year bring us, will it be better than 2003, and the likes ? These added to what appears as the most important one : the mutation that we’re living nowadays with the inceasing development of the technologies and the obligation that is made to us to define new codes in order to nothing but survive... Yes folks, you’ve clearly understood : we’re talking about survival and this concerns the whole recording industry which means YOU in a way or another, should you be an actor of this world or simply a fan. Could it be that what has been taken as a friend for a long time - in other words, technology - might be seen as a potential enemy ? Feel free to drop us a line on our forums section. Nevertheless and as already said before, we can only get stronger if together instead of showing these too numerous individualistic attitudes that are the usual ones that might be seen when say the ship shows signs of wreck. No, brothers, never count on us to be like these too numerous publications who, by offering their colums to the richest, have progressively lost the sense of the values, showing us nothing but a world of artifices at light years from the truth and selling their souls. It’s f****** time to restaure the idea of respect… Respect to the savoir faire, respect to the talent but, most of all, the respect to each other, knowing that only time will tell…
What will this new year bring us ??? Damned too early to have an answer. At least, this first month of 2004 has definitely its moments albumswise…
Would be quite surprised to hear you saying that you’ve never heard of Schema Records. Well if so, guess that you’ve missed quite a lot already so far with acts like Nicola Conte, Fragmentorchestra or The Dining Rooms, to name but a few. Not to mention this talented trumpeter delivering us what has to be taken as its most achieved effort so far : the aptly entitled Hi Note ! In the true vein of what this respected italian label has delivered so far, Frisina goes one step further, subtly modernizing the world of latin jazz, with a bunch of killer grooves from " Inviolation " to " Heading From What I Know ", "Joyas ", " Bluesanova " and " Saeta 03 ", to name but a few. All in all, an album cointaining descarga pearls as well as chill out jewels (more info : www.ishtar.it).
Our second step brings us straight to the opposite part of Europe - in other words, Scandinavia - with one half of Puddu Varano, Morten Varano and brit singer,Lady Z, united under the Slow Train moniker (Murena Records). Could this be the revival of nu soul. Well, it depends first on what is to be taken as soul and, subsequently, nu soul. What we have here could well be taken as a sort of post Soul II Soul work due to its fluidity, thus with a bit of electronic and a drop of pop elements, judging by the concept of their " In The Black Of Night " (the first cut to be taken from their debut-LP), the groovy " Naturally ", the gliding " Stoned Boy " and even the dubby atmospheric " Inna City Woman ", meanwhile elsewhere is the moving "Intituition " with some dancefloor appeal (more info : www.murenarecords.com).
Although their names (Gianni Siravo & Roberto Santo) sound italian, they represent one of the most progressive sides of the grooves in their native country… Their moniker ? Sequel, hailing from Zurich, Switzerland.
Some of you may have heard of them while getting their hands on the One Steap Ahead compilations series from Straight Ahead record label (cf. " Upsolid "). Well, they have very more on offer this time, as they release their debut-LP called Motorized Instinct. The fact that they have it issued on Jazzanova’s label, Sonar Kollektiv tends to confirm their credibility on the modern jazz funk scene and you surely won’t be disappointed. Surrounded by various guest vocalists, they give us a serious but sober lesson of twisting the vibes ; from the electratmospheric soulful and plaintive " I’ve Been Waiting " to the flexible and funky " Disease ", the housey " Neptune, Moon & Mars ", the compact " Be There " showing their know how on the broken beat area as shown by the sharp " Disorder " at the end of this trip (more info : www.sonarkollektiv.de).
If already familiar with IDMW.com, the Novanova moniker should sound familiar to you as this french duet (but is it still existing really) sees its new effort - Memories -on F-Com nominated as our album of the month. Needless to say that if ever into the contemplative sounds at their very best, this album will with no hesitation soon become one of your favourite of the genre or shall I say state of mind (more info : www.fcom.fr).
People like to say in France that music tempers the manners and it’s exactly what happens while listening to Café del Mar - Dreams 3 compiled by our very own Bruno (Leprêtre). Yes folks, be assured of finding some paradisiac aural moments on this 14 tracks collection paying a tribute to beauty. The beauty of one of the most famous spots worldwide - Ibiza - at its very best when relieved of its ultimate hordes of drunken hooligans, when out of all these cliches that have made its summer reputation. Not one of these numerous so called lounge compilation but the genuine side of atmospheric muzak to tear up your minds and hearts, with acts like Bliss, Gaia Project, Zino & Tommy, Buffalo Sanchez or Hibiki Connection. Merci Bruno ! (more info : www.cafedelmarmusic.com).
Many of you, to say the least, never got the chance to see Kerri Chandler in full effect. And when I say full effect, I trully mean it as trully shown two times in a raw at Sunslice Festival in Toulon, France, when acting like the master of the game, surrounded by two guest DJ’s and live drummers ! This to tell you that Kerri is not only a DJ in its traditional form, but more of a DIY showman, working not only with desks but almost everything we may imagine (sampler, special FX, additional drum kit, etc) to provide a rare effect on the crowds. This added to his numerous skills as… DJ/selector, singer, composer, arranger, producer and you are in front of one of the best performers worldwide in his genre. Another demonstration been given there with this Live version of his Trionisphere album recorded at Space Lab Yellow in Tokyo (more info : www.kingstreetsounds.com).
Loads o’good thangz 2 come dis month out of the King Street/NiteGrooves camp, with the release of Abstract Afro Journey mixed CD by none other than Ron Trent. The one and only at the desks, providing amunitions from Anthony Nicholson, USG, Mateo & Matos, Ananda Project, Dennis Ferrer, Kerri Chandler, DJ Spinna and Blaze… And you got almost everyone on this mental trip carrying the landmark of the master (more info : www.kingstreetsounds.com).
A bit sad to come to talk about Bang The Party as this weekly NYC rendez-vous launched in 1997 doesn’t exist anymore ; at least in its original form. Nevertheless, its promoters, Lorie Caval and Eric Clark better known under the E-Man pseudonym have managed to leave some trace of their work. The latest being not only a DJ but also a vocalist as notoriously shown on his numerous collaborations on display there, should it be with Markus Enochson, DJ Romain or Kerri Chandler on the anthemic " Brooklyn : Where I Live ". In fact, one could say that this collection is B’Klyn at its best, versatile and emotional featuring Urban Soul’s marvelous " Happy ", the unmissable " Chuckie’s Turn " being one of the best Glenn Underground’s tunes to date and the percussive " Fort Greene Jazmataz " from Brooklyn Soul Boys. And the good news for those who’ve passed on this is that Jellybean Recordings release it this month on vinyl (more info : www.jellybeanrecordings.com).
Not that many series achieve their 12th issue these days. Well, the much respected Jazz In The House has done it (thanks to Phil Asher !), although I’m not too sure if we still can speak about jazzy house or housey jazz !!! At least, these selections from the West London guy are surely the best to come out from the Slip’N’Slide camp these days, so we won’t complain, finding tracks from DJ Oji & Una, Blaze (although not originally on S’N’S this time), DJ Jorj revamped by the latest, Blak Beat Niks, Nathan Haines and Reel People amongst others. If not really surprising, not too bad neither (more info : www.kickinmusic.com).
Technology : friend or enemy ? Ask the question to those numerous musicians searching for a tomorrow and the answer will come from itself. Well, you’ve guessed it and if not a brilliant demonstration is once more given by the ever boiling french jazz scene and most particularly by Wise. Their Electrology debut album sounds like another breathe of fresh air pushing the improvisations to some nu limits, as demonstrated on " Paname Panic " as the opener to this 10 tracks collection. And this is just the beginning. Quite like the swinging " Insights " with its spoken words, the sensuality of " Trail Of Tears Pt.2 ", the confidential atmosphere of " Eleven Pt.2 " and the fluidity of " Le troisième homme " with its cinematic feel (more info : www.naive.fr).
Speak soon,
MFSB
Playlists
IRIE’S NU GROOVE HOT 10
RICK HOLMES Remember To Remember (Harmless)
ROY AYERS Reaching The Highest Pleasure (BBE)
DKD Super Amazing (2000 Black)
UMOD "Tromboline" (CD-R)
GENE HARRIS Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong - B.I.T.A Remix (Blue Note)
Sa-Ra ? (?)
MICHELLE LAWSON I Just Wanna Say - Domu Remix (Mercury)
L’AROYE ? (Faces/CD-R)
CAPITOL A Funkboy (2000 Black)
STEPHEN BROWN Planet Waves (Project)
MFSB TENNERZ
PATCHWORKS Immo EP (Q-Tape)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Found Love (King Street)
BROTHER Love Vissicitude (Kif Records)
STEAL VYBE Elements (Diaspora Recordings)
IVAN IACOBUCCI featuring BLACK SHAMPU I’m Leavin’ - Main Mix (King Street)
SARA DEVINE Take Me Home - MAW Mixes (white)
SUN & SOUL SHADES featurring MAHJONG & ARAMANSA Goldmine (DNH Records)
MEITZ Zwakalani - S.U.M.O. Rebounce (INFRACom !)
FRANCK BIYONG & THE AFROLECTRIC ORKESTRA featuring MELISSA JAMES We Shall Overcome (Hot Casa Records).
ARNOLD JARVIS Love Of My Life (West End)
NIK WESTON’S JAPAN CORNER TOP 10
RYO FUKUI TRIO Early Summer (Solid)
CYBOPHONIA Vostok Jazz (Hipnologie/CD)
BAKURA Veya Veya/Thinking About (Especial)
JAZZTRONIK Dance With Me Dub/Samurai (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Change (Especial Distribution)
DJ MITSU THE BEATS Right Here (Planet Groove)
KAYO ISHU Living Scat (Solid/CD)
ELECTRIC SHEEP Naked Moon (Quality)
INCOGNITO Who Needs Love - Remixes 3 X 12“ (Poney Canyon)
MURO Vinyl Drifter (Incredible)
January 4, 2004
It's not a problem that I can't fix, coz' I can do it… IN DA MIX ISSUE≠35
2003, BEST REMEMBERED
I guess it shouldn’t be a revelation telling you that there are mainly two ways of approaching things in life, depending whether you’re optimistic or not. We leave you guessing in which category we are while tending to prefer considering a bottle half full than the contrary. So, let’s come back to what went right last year, as everything has to be written for the one to come…
IDM SINGLES TENNERZ
Remember Kevin Hedge sayin’ to me while @ Sunslice Festival last summer that if talent is somewhere, it’s most definitely in the house scene where you find not only exquisite vocalists, but also positive and vibrant lyrics. Can’t see myself disagreing while listening to most of the material thereafter. Props to Louie Vega for bringing us the incredible sensitivity of Ra_l Midon as brilliantly demonstrated on his self written and sung “Cerca de Mi“. This somehow reminding us of Stevie Wonder as undoubtly Atlanta’s highlight Donnie well served by remixers DJ Spinna and Quentin Harris. At what is all this at the end of the day if not soul at its very best, as R&B diva, Beyonce with her super smash “ alternatively enlightened by Danny Krivit’s unique touch on his best re-edit to date†! Not to mention that recent collaboration between Blaze and Joi Cardwell…
This past year should also be remembered for a its massive Detroit imprint, as equally shown on this Singles 2003 Tennerz featuring no less than three faces to follow very seriously. I mean Amp Fiddler who made quite a stir with a remarkable live PA at Movement formerly known as the DEMF and a debut-LP that has recently seen the day. Also Norman Talley from the Beatdown Sounds camp, embodying this post Detroit techno era. Not to mention Dwele (see Albums Tennerz), nor Malik (Alston) who, no doubt neither, should definitely be a name to watch out cautiously in the future, with his various hats. The French scene has also had some stunning moments, should it be from the much in demand DJ Gregory, Bruno Hovaerts aka Patchworks to be put in the same category as Malik, with a special word for Olivier Portal aka Playin’ 4 The City meeting french hip hop pioneer, Dee Nasty on one of the best oppositions of genres - the so called battles - that has ever been made.
LOUIE VEGA featuring RAUL MIDON Cerca de Mi (Vega Records)
DONNIE Cloud 9 - (Giant Step/Motown)
BEYONCE Crazy - Re-edit by Mister K. (white)
NORMAN TALLEY Change - Mike Huckaby Remix (Third Ear)
DJ GREGORY Elle - Criola Remix (Defected)
AMP FIDDLER Love & War (Genuine)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Be yourself (King Street)
INFINITY featuring MALIK Back 2 Chicago (King Street)
PATCHWORKS Immo (Q-Tape)
PLAYIN’ 4 THE CITY Don’t You Go - Dee Nasty Remix Dialect Recordings)
IDM ALBUMS TENNERZ
Well, well, well, sorry for our numerous US and UK Friends but looks like our favors have mostly gone for a production hailing from Europe. And when I’m saying Europe, I mean the continent as the Brits tend to like calling it, should it be from the North, where the scandinavian scene provides us regularly with true aural treasures (check out Ralph Myerz and his cohorts), as from the South, where Italian duet, The Dining Rooms symbolizes the local way of life. Not to mention the german-austrian prolific scene. In search for a fabulous road book of atmospherism†? Then go for Cuki’s selection on Destination Out II. Look for one of the best travel experience that has been made so far†? Then check out austrian pair, dZihan & Kamien live album, recapturing the ambiance of the launch gig of their last studio album, surrounded by nearly 20 musicians, including Sammy Figueroa and a string section from Istanbul†! Also worth to mention, Micatone’s second album out of Jazzanova’s Sonar Kolletiv label. Meanwhile, Ludovic Navarre shows one of his other facets, producing the ultra soulful Memento for Soel. Coming from the “New Continent“, the much sought after Dwele has finally dropped his first album, meanwhile, further North (in Canada), Eric Vani aka Rise Ashen gives us the opportunity to have a better view of a growing local scene on his Refuel 1 compilation. This added to the very delicate debut of Deyampert (also) on Sonar Kolletiv. Last but not least, a bit of x-tra props to… Louie Vega for its unvaluable Soul Heaven mixed CD full of goodies.
THE DZIHAN & KAMIEN ORCHESTRA Live In Vienna (Couch Records)
DWELE Subject (Virgin)
LUDOVIC NAVARRE aka ST GERMAIN presents SOEL Memento (Warner Jazz)
THE DINING ROOMS Tre (Schema)
V/A†: DESTINATION OUT II (Ecco.Chamber)
V/A†: SOUL HEAVEN†: LONDON - IBIZA (suSu)
V/A†: REFUEL 1 (Fossifuel)
MICATONE Is You Is (Sonar Kollektiv)
RALPH MYERZ & THE JACK HERREN BAND A Special Album (emperorNorton)
DEYAMPERT Shapes & Colours (Sonar Kollektiv)
IDM PEOPLE TENNERZ
YAM WHO
This name rings a bell, hey†? Much has been said about the numerous works of this guy, but who is he really†? A superstar’s secret weapon†? Naaah†! But already a much sought after re-editor for sure, that loads’o people leavin’ in London have already seen selling’em records at Wreckless record store in Soho without knowing that this was he…
AMP FIDDLER
For a huge amount of people, Detroit is nothing but the TechnoCity by excellence, forgetting in the meantime that techno is more of a state of mind (the local response to UK’s famous do it yourself attitude inherited from the punk period) than a rhythmic system as generally depicted. On top of this, let’sz not forget that the capital of Michigan is also - and that happened long before - one of the cradles of soul music with people like Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and all of those who’ve written the history of Motown Records, the ones of which Fiddler alongside Dwele is a true descendant. True soul has never died and there’s no way to worry about its future with people like them…
LOUIE VEGA
Trully unmissable from day 1 til the very last day of the passed year, should he be alone, producing, remixing, spinning, compiling or with his partner, Kenny Dope…
KERRI CHANDLER
A true classic in his genre I would say, but always having his mind with his finger pressed on the fast forward button, as brilliantly demonstrated while acting like a conductor behind the desks last summer at the Sunslice Festival…
DERRICK MAY
Thank you Mr May for taking your word while putting the Detroit scene and its famous festival the way you did last year with the Movement…
MALIK ALSTON
Writting music and lyrics, singing and playing, able to express himself on almost every kind of environment, from classic to the most progressive side of the things, Alston is certainly one of the future big names from Detroit. Check him out…
NICOLA CONTE
The man who’s much contributed to the growing reputation of Schema Records outside Italy with his silky nu bossa sensibiltily.
CUKI
Aka Allen Brown. The most well know british citizen in Vienna. If Jose Padilla symbolizes the this was then in terms of atmospheric selections with his Cafe del Mar compilations, Brown is probably the this is now to this…
DANNY KRIVIT
Somehow the shadow guy as compared to FranÁois K. and Joe Claussell at the Body & Soul period. Nevertheless, probably the absolute groove cutmaster refering to the re-edits that have made his trademark.
GLENN UNDERGROUND
The guy who has more than anyone else kept Chicago on the map with a whole bunch of aural treasures. In the mean time, one of the most underrated DJ’s in the world despite a U-nique touch…
All on all, not that bad at the end of the day…
MFSB
Playlists
IRIE’S NU GROOVE HOT 10
RICK HOLMES Remember To Remember (Harmless)
ROY AYERS Reaching The Highest Pleasure (BBE)
DKD Super Amazing (2000 Black)
UMOD “Tromboline” (CD-R)
GENE HARRIS Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong - B.I.T.A Remix (Blue Note)
Sa-Ra ? (?)
MICHELLE LAWSON I Just Wanna Say - Domu Remix (Mercury)
L’AROYE ? (Faces/CD-R)
CAPITOL A Funkboy (2000 Black)
STEPHEN BROWN Planet Waves (Project)
MFSB TENNERZ
PATCHWORKS Immo EP (Q-Tape)
BLAZE featuring JOI CARDWELL Found Love (King Street)
BROTHER Love Vissicitude (Kif Records)
STEAL VYBE Elements (Diaspora Recordings)
IVAN IACOBUCCI featuring BLACK SHAMPU I’m Leavin’ - Main Mix (King Street)
SARA DEVINE Take Me Home - MAW Mixes (white)
SUN & SOUL SHADES featurring MAHJONG & ARAMANSA Goldmine (DNH Records)
MEITZ Zwakalani - S.U.M.O. Rebounce (INFRACom !)
FRANCK BIYONG & THE AFROLECTRIC ORKESTRA featuring MELISSA JAMES We Shall Overcome (Hot Casa Records)
ARNOLD JARVIS Love Of My Life (West End)
NIK WESTON’S JAPAN CORNER TOP 10
RYO FUKUI TRIO Early Summer (Solid)
CYBOPHONIA Vostok Jazz (Hipnologie/CD)
BAKURA Veya Veya/Thinking About (Especial)
JAZZTRONIK Dance With Me Dub/Samurai (Especial Distribution)
DA LATA Change (Especial Distribution)
DJ MITSU THE BEATS Right Here (Planet Groove)
KAYO ISHU Living Scat (Solid/CD)
ELECTRIC SHEEP Naked Moon (Quality)
INCOGNITO Who Needs Love - Remixes 3 X 12“ (Poney Canyon)
MURO Vinyl Drifter (Incredible)