[acid-jazz] Urban Landscapes Tonight: News, Reviews, And Last Week's Playlist

From: Velanche Stewart (vstewart@calpoly.edu)
Date: Fri Jun 28 2002 - 11:33:01 CEST

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    Urban Landscapes hits the airwaves and the Internet tonight and every
    Friday evening from 8-11pm PST on KCPR 91.3 FM, and through our live
    Internet stream at http://www.kcpr.org/.

    Don't forget that if you miss the live show, you can hear it anytime via
    the Urban Landscapes site at http://www.urbanlandscapesshow.com. The
    last ten shows will always be posted for your listening pleasure
    anytime, anyday. Be sure to tell your friends about the show.

    NEWS
    Tonight is Part Two of the Halfway Rewind Show. Last week featured music
    on Urban Landscapes from January through March. Tonight will be from
    April through June. This one will be even tougher to choose because so
    much more good music was released during that period.

    Other news will be forthcoming in July. I'll let you know as things
    happen very soon.

    REVIEWS
    Next week promises a slew of new material for your ears, feet, and mind.
    Since we are going retro once again this week, much of the reviews here
    are things that you can look forward to hearing soon on Urban
    Landscapes.

    ----
    V/A--Dino & Terry Present Deep:Inside Vol. 1 (e:motion)
    This is the start of a new series of compilations put together by select
    DJs/producers raiding the crates of their record collection. DJ's Dino &
    Terry are the lucky dudes to launch this new series from e:motion
    Records. A bunch of nice soulful house tunes are graced here, and the
    flow from beginning to end is a rather smooth one. There are tracks from
    Ron Trent (under the alias USG), The Rurals, Nathan Haines, and even a
    great remix from Osunlade amongst some of the treasured music.
    

    Thankfully, the tracks on this CD are stand-alone cuts. While mix CDs are good for showcasing the DJs, it's nice when the DJs get to share their wealth and--in turn--the sharing can continue unimpeded. Toward that end, there's some fresh music that keeps the groove churning onward.

    If you're a fan of deep and soulful house, then this will get repeat play on your stereo system for some time to come. Don't walk...run and pick up this baby! Let's hope that the series continue with the quality intact.

    UK Gold--Returned (Primevil) A very eclectic selection from UK-based artist Chris McCormack on his debut long-player. It's got ambient, trip-hop, tech-house, tribal rhythms, downtempo, and other percussive sounds that counters (or compliments) his techno roots. I can't say that I've heard of him, though I'm sure that some of you have. This album is very listenable and has a nice flow, complimenting styles that would otherwise make other albums sound disjointed. Very much one for listening while cruising in your car or relaxing on your favorite recliner during those late nights and lazy days. Seek out for it on August 6, the date of its domestic release.

    Prefuse 73--The '92 vs. '02 Collection EP (Warp) Despite the title, the tunes from Atlanta-based artist Scott Herron are all new tracks--four, to be exact. Comparing with his full-length Warp debut last year, these tunes have its edges in a bit softer vein That's not saying much, because the tunes are still as raw and as eclectic as you would expect from the Fuse man. The hip-hop sensibilities are definitely intact. Definitely a must-have to add to your collection.

    A review of new works from Dabyre on Herron's own label Eastern Development will be on tap next week.

    High Contrast--True Colours (Hospital/Breakbeat Science) Leave it to Hospital Records for some trend setting music that gets noticed in a big way. And so it is that one Lincoln Barrett is the next trendsetter with some soulful drum n'bass madness that hasn't been heard since LTJ Bukem. Whoever said that this kid was gonna go places wasn't kidding at all. Expect to be blown to bits on this solid debut full-length from High Contrast, already an essential staple in the DJ crates of many. Thanks to NYC-based Breakbeat Science, you'll get the full-length CD along with a mix-CD as a bonus. Don't you dare let this one past you by or you will miss something very special.

    Sote--Electric Deaf (Warp) This is one tuff tune! A bit of Autechre and Squarepusher on adrenaline, fused with some rolling bassline biz. This is nuts, and deliciously so! What more can I say except this one could destroy your speakers if you aren't careful. The other tune on this EP, "Subconscious" gets just as fresh with its bassy biz. Another solid Warp deal!

    Jazzanova--In Between (Ropeadope/JCR-Compost) This is an important milestone for the six-member German DJ/production collective. This is one album that cannot be defined, yet I will try anyway. I call this future soul on jazz...yeah, that's it! But even that phrase wouldn't quite do this work justice.

    If you're expecting work sounding like the group's stellar remixes, then throw those thoughts out the window. Approach this lovely masterpiece with an open mind, and prepare to be spellbound. It's rich, soulful, and fluid. Now I don't know about some of the reviews that I've read saying how "un-soulful" (or other related adjectives) the album was supposed to be, but I think that they were in a catatonic state (but that's just me).

    A who's who of future music luminaries are spread over this 17-track album, including Ursula Rucker, Valerie Etienne, Rob Gallagher, and Vikter Duplaix (featured on two tracks). I mean, you'd have to be crazy to say "no" to working with Jazzanova. And you would be just as crazy not to at least investigate a body of work that has been, and will continue to be, talked about long after the last track. The domestic release is set for July 2.

    Cinematic Orchestra--Every Day (Ninja Tune) I had the pleasure of interviewing Jason Swinscoe not long after the release of "Motion." Quite a pleasant guy to chat with, indeed. During the interview, he's mentioned that his next album could take him in a Latin-style direction.

    "Every Day" would not be that album. Nevertheless, the jazz-laden follow-up to the Cinematic Orchestra's wonderful debut long-player gets deeper and more confident with its direction. On top of its melancholy richness, Jason and crew also has some guest vocalists this time around.

    Many have already heard of the spellbinding vocal contribution lent by Fontella Bass (she of "Rescue Me" fame...something that I was totally ignorant of) on "All That You Give" and "Evolution." But like its predecessor, every tune on "Every Day" is worth exploring, investigating, and just simply worth getting lost in musically-speaking. Individual members of the band are able to stand out more, as J. Swinscoe allows them to shine and flourish (take a listen to "Flite" for an excellent example). And "All Things To All Men," featuring the commanding voice of Roots Manuva, is just exquisite.

    If there has been any doubts that the Cinematic Orchestra has all the makings of talent longevity, then "Every Day" should cease such doubts. This is so absolutely beautiful, words cannot do justice in place of what you'll feel.

    Focus--Having Your Fun 12" (Versatile) The second single from the forthcoming long-player for Versatile in France by Mr.Phil Asher is on deck. "Having Your Fun," scheduled for release in early July, features an extended version of this tasty, funky vocal tune.

    Then the master Dego from 4 Hero goes to work, laying down three different mixes that includes a re-rub that gets the beats broken and smokin'. There's also the 2000 Black version that takes the beats to mid-tempo--but adds a dirty, grimy bassline as only Dego can.

    Gotta thanks Didier from Versatile once again for supplying the goods. Versatile shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. By the way, the Focus album "Sugar Or Spice" is scheduled for a September release.

    Various Artists--Local People EP 001 (Local People CD-R) Mr. Ennio Styles from Melbourne is letting me know that Down Under representin' big time. He has his pulse on the scene by hosting a weekly show, doing his club DJ thingie alongside some of the most prolific artists in the underground scene, and writing up about the scene for various publications.

    And just to prove that there really *is* a scene, he delivers a forthcoming EP from Australia's new Local People Records.

    Ennio Styles & Lanu start the ball rolling. "Psybossa" is a midtempo bossa-tinged delight that breezes along with the summer (cept it's winter in Oz right now!). And the tunes just moves onward with some fresh cuts from that of Suburban Light's "Jump Jazz." Lanu's "Outrigger" definitely takes me back to the fresh jazz fusion of the 70s with the fresh Fender bizniz, and yet it's very 2002. Lovely! And "This Time," with Benjamin Tobias and the vocals of Wolfgramm, rounds out the EP nicely.

    Watch out for Local People in yo' neighborhood. The Aussies are coming, and doing it inna jazzy vibes style. Thanks very much to Mr. Styles for supplying the goody-goods. Seek out come next month.

    Various Artists--Carte Blanche 3 (Naked Music/Astralwerks) Acclaimed Bay Area-based label Naked Music is back in top form with the third installment of the Carte Blanche series. This is perfect late-night cruising music after hitting the clubs. There's just not that much to say about it...listening to it is what's important. Most of the tunes, unlike many other compilations, are very recent (if being released during 2002 is called "recent"). Full-bodied soulful tracks are included from the likes of Blu Mar Ten, Stateless, P'Taah (who has a brand new track), Central Living, and more.

    The quality of the Carte Blanche series remains very much intact. Pick it up, listen, and relax!

    SHOUTS I gotta say hey to Cuki, Landslide, and Noah--T-shirts are going out this weekend (promise!). Thanks again to Kaman, Stylin' It from Melbourne...big things *do* come in small packages. Also thanks once again to Didier from Versatile for coming through with the sweet new vinyl! Tip off to Jason Swinscoe...busy as ever (looking forward to chatting with you again soon!). Shouts also to Nick at Mantis (not quite there, but will try next week man!). Thanks very much to Noah at Earthproject and Alison at Far Out Recordings--a pleasure to hook up with you both from afar. Chris V., I'll be calling you in the UK very soon. And if I missed anyone along the way, well...it's now 1:45am Friday morning, so forgive me! You all know who you are, anyways...and your support is greatly appreciated.

    VELANCHE'S SOUNDSCAPES FOR JUNE 2002 1. Cinematic Orchestra--Every Day (Ninja Tune) 2. Jazzanova--In Between (Rope-A-Dope/JCR-Compost) 3. V/A--Fluid Ounce: Unmeasured (Fluid Ounce/Ubiquity promo) 4. High Contrast--True Colours (Hospital/Breakbeat Science) 5. Grupo Batuque--Rhythmix: Reluque Batuque (Far Out) 6. Nicola Conte--Jet Sounds Revisited 2x10" (Schema) 7. Super Collider--Raw Digits (Rise Robot Rise) 8. Coppe--all albums (Mango & Sweet Rice) 9. Focus--Having Your Fun 12" (Versatile) 10. V/A--Local People EP001 (Local People) 11. The Herbaliser--Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ninja Tune) 12. Chris Bowden--Slightly Askew (Ninja Tune) 13. Dino & Terry--Deep:Inside Vol. 1 (e:motion) 14. Prefuse 73--The '92 vs. '02 Collection EP (Warp) 15. Dabrye--Instrmntl (Eastern Development) 16. Bassnectar & Sayr--Float 12" (Colourforms/Om) 17. V/A--Carte Blanche 3 (Naked Music/Astralwerks) 18. Bobby Hughes Combination--Karma Elastica (Stereo Deluxe) 19. V/A--Rewind! (Ubiquity) 20. Atjazz--Lab Results (Mantis)

    LAST WEEK'S PLAYLIST The Halfway Rewind Show: Part One (Due to technical difficulties last week, stream is unavailable)

    1. Jaymz Nylon--One Nation (Recloose Remix) Irma On Canvas #3 EP 12" (Irma)

    2. Fauna Flash--Mother Nature (Dzihan & Kamien Remix) Confusion--Fusion Remixes (Compost)

    3. Snorre Seim--Brassepark 12" (Hi-Fi Terapi)

    4. Diffusion--Second Future Om Lounge 6 compilation (Om)

    5. Trouble Man--Lullaby Where We Stand 12" (Far Out)

    6. Atjazz--Day 2001 Labfunk (Mantis)

    7. Nitin Sawhney--Sunset (KV5 Remix) 12" (V2)

    8. Tony Free--Deep Soul Phuturesole compilation (Solemusic)

    9. Nepa All Star--The Way Vikter Duplaix: DJ Kicks compilation (!K7)

    10. Brandy--The Ritual 12" (Yellow)

    11. Buscemi--Feliz Viaje (From Dusk Till Dawn) Midnight Session 12" (Downsall)

    12. Eli Goulart E Banda Do Mato--Meu Samba (Nicola Conte Bossa Ahead Mix) 12" (Unique)

    13. Joeski & DJ Chus--El Amor 12" (NRK)

    14. Masters At Work--Work (Work The Walk Mix) 12" (Tommy Boy)

    15. Chateau Flight--Percola Basic Laws Vol. 1 EP 12" (Neroli)

    16. Jammin'--Unstable 12" (Bingo)

    17. DJ Maxximus--Mercedes Bentley vs. Versace Armani (Dub Plate Mix) 12" (Warp)

    18. Nordstadt Union--The Drum EP 12" (Lo-File Selecta)

    19. DJ Abstract--Noxema CDR

    20. Maddslinky--Future Chicano Departures compilation (Om)

    21. Beatless--Like Sugar, Like Rain (Alex Attias Afro Dark Mix) 12" (Ubiquity)

    22. Dom Um Romao--Sanctuary (G-Force Remix) Dom Um Romao Remixes EP 12" (Head-To-Toe)

    23. Son Of Scientist featuring Eska--The Drum The Allenko Brotherhood Ensemble compilation (Comet/Shanachie)

    24. Koop--Summer Sun (Markus Enochson Remix) 12" (JCR/Compost)

    25. Serge Gainsbourg--Aeroplane (Readymade Remix) I Love Serge "Electronica" Gainsbourg compilation (Pagan)

    26. St. Germain--Deep In It Boulevard: New Version (F Communications)

    27. Black Mighty Orchestra--Ocean Beach (Cybophonia Cinematic Remix) Irma On Canvas: Exhibition #1 compilation (Irma)

    Other Recommendations from January-March 2002 -Kabuki--Tempest 12" (Head-To-Toe) -Vikter Duplaix--Sensuality 12" (!K7) -Koop--Waltz For Koop (JCR/Compost) -Alison David--One Last Look 12" (Bitasweet) -Masters At Work--Our Time Is Coming album (Tommy Boy) -Soulive--Next (Blue Note) -V/A--Phil Ranelin Remixes (Hefty) -Marc Moulin--Top Secret (Nettwerk) -V/A--Another Late Night: Zero 7 (Kinetic) -Flora & Fauna--Schoehn (Codek)

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    Please feel free to send your musical submissions (CD, vinyl, and minidisc) for airplay and/or review consideration to the following location:

    Velanche Stewart, Urban Landscapes c/o KCPR 91.3 FM Graphic Communications Bldg. Room 201 Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 PERSONAL

    If you're available for interviews, we welcome them as well. Just e-mail me at velanche@kcpr.org.

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    Have a great weekend!



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