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)