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)