The Pour Le Connaisseur reviews for 1996.
December 15, 1996
Nu Yorican Soul (Talkin' Loud Records Box-Set)
This is a limited six-record Box-Set of the forthcoming Album. Louie and Kenny worked with India, George Benson, Roy Ayers, Jocelyn Brown and Tito Puento to mention just a few on this project.
The standout cut is 'Sweet tears', a real disco track with lots of strings, xylophone and vocals by Roy Ayers. The cover of Salsoul Orchtestra's 'Runaway' has got India on vocals and keeps the feeling of the original alive. On some of the other tracks, you'll get lots of the latin feeling of which Louie says 'these are my roots'.
A really splendid package which should be out on regular album and CD soon.
November 24, 1996
Afrikan Jazz "Stubborn problems" (Spiritual Life Music Records 12")
This label really keeps the spirit of sophisticated house-music alive. A beautiful jazzy house-track coming to you in two mixes. You may be suprised to hear that the producer is Timmy Regisford. Josh Milan from Blaze plays the keyboards. An album should be out soon. Can't wait for that one.
November 10, 1996
Shinji Takeda "Abstract Jazz Lounge" (Nite Grooves Records 2x12")
The first disc has got "Speed" which comes in Hip-Hop-Mixes by Beatnuts and fierce House-Mixes by Deep Zone. Check out the 'Deep Zone Unplugged' mix for full pleasure. The second dis has got "Blow up" which comes in Mixes by Satoshi Tomiie and Blaze. "Blow up" is real abstact jazz-house but with the added flavours by Satoshi this one will kick your ass on the dancefloor!
October 20, 1996
Universal Rhythm (Freeze Dance Double-Album)
They clame it 'Multi-rhythmic global club culture' - and they've got the damn right to do so. Various styles of music are covered, from Acid Jazz over Trip-Hop, Jungle Jazz, Jazz House to Ambient Groove.
Check out the beautiful Jungle Jazz on Atomica feat. Charene Dawn "Radiate and elevate". On the Jazz House tip we've got Second Crusade "May the funk be with you" as well as Groove Collective "I want you (she's so heavy)".
A timeless compilation of underground club music you shouldn't miss at any cost.
October 13, 1996
Nu Yorican Soul feat. George Benson - You can do it [baby] (Giant Step Records 12")
You know who the producers are - "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, known all over the world as the Masters at Work. The nice thing about the Nu Yorican Soul project is you can't file it under any style of music. This time, they've got George Benson as guest and we've got a real easy listening track, over 15 minutes long.
This track is taken from the forthcoming album which is gonna be released by Giant Step Records in the USA and Talkin' Loud Records in the UK.