[acid-jazz] Reviews & Playlist

From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-12-21 16:23:53

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    Season's greetings to one and all. Here's a bumper pre-xmas mailout.

    Cheers,

    Jon

    Jon Freer's Reviews – 18th December 2005.

     

    Albums, Comps and online mixes.

    ***

    suSU compilation round-up:

    Southport Weekender Vol 4

    cLuB suSU "Get Lifted"

    baR suSU Ibiza/Manhattan

    ***

    Roy Ayers – Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (BBE/Rapster)

    V/A – The Original Jazz-Funk Selection (The Original Selection)

    Hell – Größenwahn: 1992-2005/Automation Durch Monotanie: NY Muscle Interpretation (Gigolo Records)

    Public Enemy – New Whirl Odor (Slam Jamz/Proper)

    V/A – Jazz Toys (Perfect Toy)

    V/A – Overdrive: Mixed by Aphrodite (Feed)

    ***

    Greg Wilson web mix round-up (electrofunkroots.co.uk/samuraifm.com):

    No Sell Out (For A Guy Called Gerald. Online at samuraifm.com)

    The Best Of 83 Mix (For Piccadilly Radio, Manchester. December '83)

    Music Is Better Re-Edited Highlights (Taken from a set recorded live at Music Is Better, Manchester)

     

    Thanks to Sarah at Favouritizm, Lee B at BBE, Anton & Chris at Trailer, Garo at Rooftop, Lucius at Outpost, Catherine at Funky Dumpling and Greg Wilson for these…

     

    ***

    suSU compilation round-up:

    Southport Weekender Vol 4.

    Cat No: SUALBCD14. Available Now.

    cLuB suSU "Get Lifted"

    Cat No: SUALBCD13. Available Now.

    baR suSU Ibiza/Manhattan

    Cat No: SUALBCD12. Available Now.

    Champions of a soul touched form of House music, suSU end two thousand and five in style, unleashing three compilations of soulful goodies. The finest is the fourth Southport Weekender compilation, which sees vocal House thoroughbreds Tony Humphries and DJ Spen at the controls. Humphries supplies a set of polished divarish vocal outings and strong instrumentals. Hot cuts on this disc include the eerie synthed 'We Deliver' rerub of "Closer Than Close" from Rosie Gaines, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Henrik Schwarz's sombre chorded "Leave My Head Alone Brain". Spen has submitted a CD of jazzed out groovy House moments, jackingly keyed soulfulizers and slamming vocal numbers. Highlights from Spen appear in the shape of his own heartwarming "My Devotion", where Vonita White supplies the vocals, and Dennis Ferrer's unapproachable key licked "Son Of Raw"…"Get Lifted", a bountiful display of invigorating vocal House ware, has been put together by suSU bosses Neil Rushton
    and Everton Webb. They've brought in Bristol's Deli G to blend the smiley and stirring House cuts together, in a rather appealing fashion. Quentin Harris' clear-thinking keyed overhaul of Bah Samba's "Calma", Ron Hall & The Muthafunkaz's joyous "The Way You Love Me" and MAW's confrontational "Backfired", as touched up by Joey Negro, work wonders on this disc…It is Kevin Hedge of Blaze, who has compiled the deeply focused "Ibiza/Manhattan" compilation. Bringing together a number of subtle Housers from the mighty West End Records alongside other touching recordings, this album complements the full on vocal stormation of the "Get Lifted" set nicely. Fine tracks here include Ian Friday's catchy "Carib's Leap", Jihad Muhammed's key blessed "Loungin'" and the melting beauty of Divinti's "Find A Way"…All three of these compilations contain a disc of unmixed hotties for the budding CD jock and the Southport set even boasts a double vinyl sampler!

     

    Roy Ayers – Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (BBE/Rapster)

    Cat No: RR0048CD. Promo.

    One of the smoothest groovers of them all, the influential Roy Ayers gets his sunshine soul and sweet funkiness twisted by a group of hot producers. Due to the source material, each track moves along effortlessly, with each remixer adding their own stamp. Kenny Dope gets to grips with "Holiday", as a shapely bass pulls the moves under ethereal strings and magical vibraphone tinkering. DJ Marky & XRS add breakneck paced beats and bass power to "Mystical Voyage", but it's the euphoric vocals and loving keys that really make the track special. Mr V supplies a squelchy bassed touch up of "I Am Your Mind Part 2", whilst Basement Jaxx opt for a more loving overhaul, where caring keys and gorgeous strings dominate. Lovely.

     

    V/A – The Original Jazz-Funk Selection (The Original Selection)

    Cat No: OSEL 009. Available Now.

    The Original Selection wheels keep on turning, and this time it's the turn of jazzed-up Soul, Disco and Funk lovelies. As usual, a broad range of material has been selected for this double CD set, with quickstepping numbers appearing alongside acid-jazz slouchers. Gil Scott Heron's cautionary "The Bottle" and MFSB's spinning bassed "Mysteries Of The World" light up the first disc. Two prime moments on number two come in the shape of an elated Jocelyn Brown instilling joy on Incognito's "Always There", and Azymuth taking us to a key powered "Jazz Carnival". Another delectable selection…

     

    Hell – Größenwahn: 1992-2005/Automation Durch Monotanie: NY Muscle Interpretation (Gigolo Records)

    Available Now.

    In the last few years Hell has spearheaded a nu-wave German electronic invasion, but in the past he made thumping House and Techno workouts. This compilation bridges the gap between his mechanically industrial vibed Techy material from the past, and his electro fraternising output. "My Definition Of House" shows that Hell's vision of the genre, at least in the early 90s, was one of non-stop beats, displaying strings and hammering keys. "Take A Shot" sees gritty percussion and an evil bass hook up, whilst "Allerseelen Edit" floats strings over an acidic mess and a growling bassline. The second disc revisits five tracks from his recent "NY Muscle" album, with various mastermixers supplying hardline Housey and Technoey vibed mixes, as well as the inevitable probing electroid reworks. Dominik Eulberg's mix of "Follow You" watches a spitting bass and dripping bass do their worst over sharp beats. Hi-octane stuff!

     

    Public Enemy – New Whirl Odor (Slam Jamz/Proper)

    Available Now.

    Combining neat sample work with intriguing instrumented phrases, PE deliver a strong musical backing for Chuck D's issue confronting rhymes. Chuck's delivery seems a little more relaxed than it used to be, but he's still talking sense and asking questions that many people would prefer to brush under the carpet. "Makes You Blind" watches truth telling vocals move over stood up keys and brass power. A plea is made on "Preachin' To The Quiet", backed by scuffed keys, scratchadelics and strong beats. Insistent vocals rise over roughened guitars, lively drums and reliable brass on "Superman's Black In The Building". A lot has changed since PE burst onto the scene with their revolutionary take on Hip Hop, but this album shows that they've still got something to say in 2005.

     

    V/A – Jazz Toys (Perfect Toy)

    Cat No: PT.021 CD. Available Now.

    Organic jazzual, soulfried and funked out tasty pieces are on show here. There are a few absolutely gorgeous cuts on this comp, but certain tracks are a little too inoffensive, and thus drift over the ears rather too easily. "Sara" by The Voices sees admiring vocals sit upon ever so happy keys, guitar niceness and rustling percussion. A resonating bass and smilin' brass show their worth on the Kaatee Fritz Quartet's "Cameleon". "Photographs (Edit)" from Swegas marries joyful brass and strong guitar work under expanding vocals. Did I mention that all these tracks are painfully rare?

     

    V/A – Overdrive: Mixed by Aphrodite (Feed)

    Available Now.

    Partying D&B still rules in Aphrodite's house, if these dancefloor earthquakers are anything to go by. Featuring over twenty jump up gems, this mix CD is for those who like it energetic. Aphrodite brings in Beverly Knight for "Sometimes", where her she despairs over a snarling bass and trustworthy beats. Sketch & Code hook up with Kim Nile on "Evolution", as she looks to the future, backed by smile-inducing keys and brass happiness. Shocked synths, persistent beats and a highly energetic bassline meet on Aphrodite & Mickey Finn's "Bad Ass!", as remixed by Finn and Special K. Jumpin' fun for all the family.

     

    ***

    Greg Wilson web mix round-up (electrofunkroots.co.uk/samuraifm.com):

    No Sell Out (For A Guy Called Gerald)

    Online at samuraifm.com.

    The Best Of 83 Mix (For Piccadilly Radio, Manchester. December '83) Online at electrofunkroots.co.uk.

    The legendary Greg Wilson pushed the original electro sound back in the early 80s at Wigan Pier and Legend, and his "No Sell Out" mix showcases a huge number of tracks from that time. Futuristic synth lines, body popping acrobatics and sweet melodies come to the fore on this mix, with Greg's sample and editing trickery gluing the tracks together in fine style. Generous chunks of certain tracks appear alongside snippets of others, with high points including the powerful instrumental of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's "Message", Dimples D's straight-talking "Sucker DJs" accapella and the proto-futuristic tones of Afrika Bambaata & The Soul Sonic Force's "Planet Rock"…"The Best Of 83 Mix" was originally recorded by Greg for Piccadilly Radio in December of that year, and still has the power to charm listeners today. Featuring a whole host of souly, discoey and electronicy gems, segued in a rather silky style, this mix gives a good account of tracks that had worked
    wonders for Wilson in 1983. Hot numbers include Mary Jane Girls' inviting "All Night Long", The Gap Band's inspirational "Outstanding" and Shannon's "Let The Music Play", an ode to finding love on the dancefloor…Hopefully, Wilson's "Music Is Better Re-Edited Highlights" mix is also still available somewhere on the web. This comp, originally recorded at fine electronically focused club night "Music Is Better", sees Greg mix up his special re-edits alongside cutting-edge dancefloor gems and familiar classics. Treats from this well programmed set include Q's spacey "Voice Of Q", Metro Area's romantic "Dance Reaction" and Sinnamon's buoyant "Thanks To You". Get searching…

    Jon Freer's Playlists: Roots Before Branches at Dry Bar Basement, Manchester. 17th December 2005.

     

    Goldie – Believe (Photek RMX) – FFRR

    Rae & Christian – Spellbound – Grand Central

    Kid Sublime feat. Lady Alma & Jneiro Jarel – Lookin' At Me (Inst) – Kindred Spirits

    MAW feat. Luis Salinas – Pienso En Ti – MAW

    Bémbé Ségué – Effi – Visions

    Soulphonic Soundsystem – Sonido (Nu-Bossa Dancefloor Mix) – Transistor

    Susumu Yokota – King Of Darkness (Swell Sessions RMX) – Exceptional

    Blakkai – Afrospace (Thylord RMX) – Schtum

    Phil Asher – Namby It Ain't (I Ain't Sorry) (Instrumental) – Restless Soul Music

    Status IV – You Ain't Really Down (Jazzanova's 'Hey Baby Remix') – Sonar Kollektiv

    Calm – Above The Cloud – Kriztal Entetainment

    Lekan Babalola – Asokere (IG Culture Remix) – 51 Lex

    Quantic – Mishaps Happening (Prins Thomas Edit) – Tru Thoughts

    Juan Maclean – My Time Is Running Out – DFA

    Jersey St – Brand New Day (Larry Heard's After Dark Vocal) – Glasgow Underground

    Syclops – Nelson's Back – TIRK

    New Mastersounds – Nervous – Kay-Dee

    Nu Yorican Soul – The Nervous Track – Nervous

    Terrence Parker – Your Love – Studio K7!

    Janet Jackson – Go Deep (MAW Spiritual Flute Mix) – Virgin

    Amp Dog Knight – I'm Doing Fine (RMX) – Mahogani Music

    Ji Hoo – Let Me Luv U – Pan

    The Rapture – House Of Jealous Lovers (Morgan Geist RMX) – DFA

    Pépé Bradock – Deep Burnt – Kif

    Underground Resistance – Jupiter Jazz - UR

    Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
    *Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
    *Freelance journalist.
    Publications include -
    Keep On Magazine
    Blues & Soul Magazine
    City Life Magazine
    Blowback Magazine
    Rant Magazine
    cratertech.com
    pitchadjust.com
    manchesterunderground.com
    beyondjazz.net
    mundovibes.net
    deephousenetwork.com
    skansen.no
    radiozerogravity.net

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