Shock horror! Nippon Nik smokes a pipe!
So what happened in Wien this week!
Well, we did get a lot of love regarding last weeks piece on the Balkans and my travels to these new inspiring territories. Many thanks to all of those who wrote in with wonderful words regarding my trip to such places as Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Trieste, Debrecen. Thanks to Alex and Maybe Blue for the translation of Croatian to English.
Other things in Vienna?
Well the strangest thing happened to the Cuki last week! Dinner date last Friday night with DJ Gumix, Felix the K&D VJ and the P_EACE man. So Cuki rides the U6 to Josefstadter for some Turkish nosh in the 16th district. Cuki finds himself a seat on the tram and makes himself as comfortable as one can. Man opposite, eyes me up and down, his eyes shuffle from the page he is reading to Cuki's freshly mown goatee, he's confused, not as confused as me. 30 seconds, the longest 30 seconds I may add. He hands Cuki the magazine he is reading! I'm glad to say that Cuki had his favourite Evisu sweater on. Thanks for not telling me the magazine I was in Judith! Cuki avoids all public transport these days and is getting used to cabs.
And another thing happened ........
Cuki got a new job. Yep, its official. Cuki now works for the Soul Seduction Distribution company here in Vienna. In the role of export affairs. It will take a bit of time for me to settle in but in time I will gladly take on board any matters regarding the export of all things musical. They even gave me cukipapa@soulseduction.com as my new e-mail address. Many thanks to Alexander for the opportunity to seek some stability in Cuki's mad scheduling.
Most will know 'Soul Seduction' as a legendary club night here in Vienna for many a year. Even Gilles Peterson was a monthly resident here. Well, the Soul Seduction club night was replaced at its peak for a new venture for Alexander Hirschenhauser the original club promoter with a distribution company for the growing number of musical influences that sprung up in the city. Vienna really is a hot bed for much great and undiscovered music even today. Soul Seduction handles many respected labels for exclusive world wide distribution and of course the cream of the crop regarding the best labels that need distribution here in Austria. Home also to the famous 'Black Market' record store, which every visiting DJ wants to check out! You can visit Black Market in Cyber mode if you can't visit it in a physical one! http://www.blackmarket.at Certainly one of the most organised and respected distribution companies I have ever seen here in Europe. Totally representative and respectful to all things musical and extremely diverse in the selection of artists, labels, genres within the Soul Seduction family. It's gonna be fun.
And........
Miami or Meierei? Meierei of course, and because the Recloose is in town! Big love to Matt Chicoine aka the Recloose for his wizardry behind the decks last Friday in Vienna. Check the Recloose long player very very soon and check the new label every one is talking about, Omoa records, home of Matts buddies and all. Respect sir
Anything else happen in Vienna this week?
Yeah, something very special happened this week! We all got a mastered version of the Stefan's album. Yep, Vienna's boy wonder Stefan Morth better known as the Stereotyp. Stefan has been turning Vienna's underground scene upside down for a while now. The Flex sound system has been rocked many a time with a Morth production. In fact punters would ask for their money back if they didn't hear a Stereotyp production at some stage during a G Stone or Dub club party night. Finally Dr Rich and the P_EACE man give him the platform to get his sound (and it really is his sound) out of the Flex and into your backyard too. My colleges at Soul Seduction have termed this 'music for third millennium future Raggastepperz'! They ain't too far off the mark too. They have also realized the originality and in his programming skills. Skills that Stefan has learnt in a very short time. So how did he learn this? Who are his mentors, his inspiration? Could Stefan's studio and home actually be the space where those infamous smoked out dubby Simon and Garfunkel look a likes recorded so much great music?
I remember many years ago, Pete Herbert at Atlas records having the only stock of twelve's called the 'Stash EP' in London. I knew then that something very special was about to come out of Vienna. I remember too Samy Morpheus from SSR sending me a Ian Simmonds test pressing with a Stereotyp remix on. Man, I really did need oven gloves as I removed it from its inner sleeve. On my travels I get asked a lot about the music of Vienna, some already knowing that the day of the Stereotyp is coming. Boys and girls in Japan, Norway, Sweden, London. The 'Dub Club' track being an essential rewind at the Friday night session of the Nefertiti club in Gothenburg or 'Jahman' being a summer anthem at Co-op.
I first met Stefan in May of last year here in Vienna. I was on a 11 day trip and I had asked one particular DJ in town to arrange for me to meet him. I wanted to tell him that I knew of his music in London and that his music was the most original thing I had heard in years. I wanted to tell him also that he made my job as a DJ easier with the baddest bottom end in the business. I remember having a white label of his new twelve 'Jahman' in the toolbox and all the other vinyl getting warped by yet another super hot remix. Oven gloves again were a necessity on my travels. In his studio I asked about an album and he played it to me there and then. This though the final and most up to date version. Yes, I have waited almost one year to chart this mutha and his sound still captivates me. The album is called "My Sound' and is an apt title for this the most original piece of music out of Vienna since Messer's K & D hit the jackpot with High Noon.
Dr Boots prescribes the following for your forthcoming aural pleasure.
*Nu Bitz to chart this week
*Stereotyp - My Sound (G-Stone)
This a real true sound of creation, this a real true sound of revelation. So hear this! 18th district, 21st century, the protégé and time to blow the myth about Viennese music once and for all! ST comes with my personal favourite album of the year. And we know Cuki's judgement counts on this one! Yep I've been waiting to chart this album for over a year and it might just stay here at the top for another one! Forget two step, we go Ragga step! This the lick
*Peace Orchestra - Reset (G-Stone)
The P_EACE man sits proud! His protage has delivered! His remix pals have come through with the 'readies' too. Talking about chums like Jimbo, those tango boys from Paris, the Chateau Flight crew also from Paris, the legedary DJ DSL, the wine collector from Freiburg, the Fluid Ounce boys, Messer's Rutten, Meitz, Komsa to name but a few. All good at Casa K's then. Now you can start the next album Mr P_EACE man ;)
*Bobby Hughes Combination - Kerma Elastica (Stereo Deluxe)
Taken from the forthcoming 'Coming Home 2' selection for Oli's Stereo Deluxe label. This though the track that every one has been bugging out for for so long. I first heard Lil Tony play this one night at the Kerma Club well over a year ago in Helsinki and maybe it really is dedicated to one of the best clubs in Europe. Anyway, soon come on a BHC album and twelve and soon come on another worthy comp from Stereo Deluxe. We just lost a big 'hush hush' there boys.
Seiji feat Lyric L - Loose Lips (Bitasweet)
2.30 in the am, Dr Boots dropping west London musical bombs and dem hi hats are being throw all over the Kontrapunkt joint. This enough for Eddy Ramich! ''What the f**k is this'' he screams at the good Dr. Yeah, loose lips may sink ships and tings but this is the big one outta Bitasweet. Mad applause cause its Bugz in the attic of course.
Recloose - Cardiology (K7)
Matt Chicoine aka the Recloose, this the album and this what all the headz been waiting for! So is it any good? Err, no, its not good, it's blinding. But you weren't really surprised was you. This man has a sound, he has the imagination, he has the goods full stop. Expect a deluge of up and coming artists to sound like this man in years to come. Recloose though will always be the leader. Cardiology will be one of the best albums you'll buy this year.
Kaidi Tatham - Feed the Cat (BB Boogie remix)(Laws of Motion)
Anthem in a certain BMW in Vienna! Yes the P_EACE man goes home the long way when this is playing on his 'in car' entertainment system. You'll need extra springs in the seats too if you follow suit. The Boogie have the bounce and this a perfect remix for Kaidi's next single. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say we want a BB album! You on it Mr I-Kue.
*Obe Funke - Bush workout (Karma Giraffe)
Monumental workout it is too. Epic journey through the heart of Africa via Philadelphia. King Britt involved somewhere in this journey and that should be enough to pencil in the details. Seek cheap airline tickets for Japan, cause that's the only deck on the ship who will get this. Others have to wait for the Obe Funke album to experience the workout. Yep the hype starts now.
Shanti Roots & Scheibosan - Afrique/Believe (Vienna Scientists)
Flex anthem alert. Two killa tracks that start off on the phat and chunky trail and travel to divine holiness. Two tracks that really do take you higher. Yes, in Vienna there is a spirituality in the music too! This spirituality is complimented with the biggest bass found in the cellar. I got a gig coming up at the Flex and there will be four DJ's fighting to play this track. Be on it and respect to the Scheibo.
Defcon 5 and Blue - Goodbye/Welcome (Moving records)
Blue is the colour baby! Short, sweet and sexy little seven that is sure to blow up if we can get copies over to GP and the Forgemaster. Blue is the lyricist and if she looks like she sounds that she is drop dead gorgeous. Beats supplied by Defcon 5 are of the twisted jazz hip hop style and perfectly compliment Blues sweet and sexy tones. Those who enjoyed the Sarah Jones/DJ Vadim excursion with the 'Revolution, be on the lookout.
*Seelenluft - Out of the woods (Klein)
My six track sampler just turned into a full blown album! Next level of eccentric mood making and sonic soundscaping getting ready to be released at the end of April. Even those who enjoyed the excellent Synchronschwimmer EP last year in for a shock and a treat. Typical late night listening here at 'Bootsville'. Who needs dreams!
*High Contrast - Return of Forever (Landslide remix)(Hospital)
Another quality rework from Tim Land, this one though a slight detour from those spacey Rhodes sample he uses so well. Still though Landslide in every other respect. The bass and the beats jump around in all the right order, the flow and rhythm of the track always in conjunction with everything else going on. Two step soul, UK garage for grown ups. Another essential Hospital purchase soon come. Respect to the Red Door
The Bug feat Tikiman - Live & Learn (Klein)
Those adventurous boys at the 'small' office on the ball with this one. But then again, Klein the most fearless label I know and that's why I love them. Something called the Bug with that man Tikiman doing the do. Told ya, it's about future Raggastepping bro.
Focus - Find myself/Spaceship Rocket (Versatile)
Focus aka Phil Asher aka Phlash aka west London Don Dadda. A sample from the forthcoming and long awaited album for Gilb-r and co. Phil another who can twist and turn like a ballerina on acid. One excellent house mutha which cries out to be played in a club and another excursion in the form of a ragga come reggae groove that had Sugar BE asking for a copy. If this is a sample of the album then we are in for a treat.
V/A - Music & Movement (Climate)
And about time someone gave Nik Weston a proper musical journey to compile. One of my favourite musical selectors gives us his vision on all things latin, broken, phuture and nu. 21 track CD with a few top exclusives to keep the headz happy. A 8 track vinyl sampler is keeping the junkies happy too. You'll be pleased to hear that there are 5 tracks from the land of the rising sun. Only 5? Hats off to my bro and his pipe.
Jimpster - Domestic Science (Kudus)
Another complete album from Jamie. The man with the groove in his bones and talent all the way from his shoe laces to his big generous smile. Yeah he really is nicest guy and his music is the bomb. Another CD that keeps on getting stuck in the player here at 'Bootsville'. And with all Jimpster productions, diversity in abundance. Songs, grooves, everything you need in album. If music really is a journey and Jamie's music is one in the first class seat. Excellent stuff.
Uschi Classen - Album (Earth Project)
Uschi pushes the envelope even further. 10 top selections from the forthcoming album and reinforcing the super consistent Earth Project imprint. Past favs like 'Home', 'Now Illuminate are included too. Eska and Robert Owens list as featured singers.
Quant - Stimulus (Hollow)
New Hollow single with Joans Quant this time at the controls. Expect super richness and many textures in the keyboard work out as ever from Jonas. Add some soulful beats and a hint of that Gonkyburg bass and you get a recipe for another monster groove from Sweden.
Chari Chari - In Time (Toys Factory)
Excellent musical experience and everything a modern day sonic soundscape should be. Everton Nelson steals the show with the most amazing string arrangements. A truly epic aural journey with the music captivating the listener from the very first note. This is exactly what the Japanese do so well at, arrangements, production, sonics.
Zero 7 - Distractions (Bugz in the Attic remix)(Ultimate Dilemma)
Who's bigger? Zero 7 or Bugz in the Attic? Round our way, its the Bugz! West London musical hooligans deliver a distinctive north Acton rub for the next Z7 single. Check for the minimal and darker second mix if you can find a secret CD-R supplier with it.
Karin Krog - Raindrops, Raindrops (Crippled Dick)
Excellent compilation of Norway's first lady of Jazz. Nice to see such compilations of true underground jazz singers such as Karin Krog and Kitty Winter appear on labels such as Crippled Dick and Spinning Wheel in these times. This compilation of music just showing how far forward her music really was. There will be some really interesting remixes of KK coming too.
UFO - V (Cutting Edge)
This is deep. Forget that campness in past close encounters with UFO, this goes very deep and very spiritual. Only really towards the end of the selection do UFO remember their roots. Personally I think this is their best album ever. Heart felt, deep, sincere and very moving.
Gotan Project - Triptico (Peter Kruder 'Trip De Luxe' remix)
This back in Fall! Secret rendezvous at the Wirr! Dr Boots undercover bizniz with his big mac on. Man dressed in black walks in with a package. Dr Boots unnoticed, slips this package into his raincoat. Thankfully the raincoat is heat resident cause this package is hot. So hot, he needed oven gloves to put it into the CD player when he got home. Aiight, the best dance record of the new century gets the Viennese treatment. And oh my god, what a treatment it is. P_EACE ,man delivers what Dr Boots thinks is his finest and most respectful remix ever. A tough job to remix the Triptico track. Its just so f**king awesome as it is. But Mr Kruder comes through with flags, horns, bells, flying colours and a big smile on Cuki's face!
Jazzanova - In Between (JCR/Compost)
Well, if you need oven gloves for the 'Trip De luxe' mix then you need full asbestos lining to protect you from the heat with this 13 tracker. Jazznaova come through with the first of what we hope will be many long players. 'In Between' is everything Jazzonva promised to be. All the other tracks they did before, all the remixes! They were just the paving the way for this baby. And you know how good the tracks before were! Hold your horses for April release, because thats when it arrives.
Neon Phusion - Its Another EP (Laws of Motion)
Yes the boys are back! Alex, Kaidi, Orin and probably a few more of those giving us the Nu phusion lick. Do they ever sleep? Thankfully for us it seems not! 3 tracks including a vocal of 'Timeless Motion' apear on the new twelve.
US3 - Get out (Afronaught mix)(Universal)
Bugz come through yet again. No I'm not on the payroll at Minerva road though it may seem that way! Afronaught to be more precise, and Mr Orange Water even manages to blow away a reasonable Truby Trio mix too. Daddy O-Bug on top form and check out their weekly new night at the 'Cherry Jam' venue in Royal Oak. West London of course
Rima - Try to Understand (Papa)
Pressure mix the one for me. Another worthy outing for the Rima crew and Papa just going from strength to strength. Already at number 9 and no signs of holding back. Expect all the west London boys to be playing this. Check the excellent Everyday People twelve too featuring Marcus Begg
Difusion - Khamelion (Far Out)
Nice to finally see this surface as a twelve after many a month on CD-R. Another super strong outing from Jamie and Daniel and those who worshiped the 'Illusive Angel' track sure not to be disappointed.
Dudley Perkins - Flowers (Stones Throw)
Madlib on his magical music journey again. This man dosen't need mushrooms! On a roll with everything he touches and this my favourite incarnation of him with the low fi minimal soulful jazzified hip hop flava. Yesterday New Quintet all over again.
Plej - V/T (?)
My exclusive CD-R just got better and I'm not kidding when I say this is the best unsigned music out there. The Plej consortium come through with a 14 track CD for the Cuki and selected friends. New cuts, tighter mixes. Its the best soft electronica I've heard in ages folks and is the Cuki choice for future success. Arvid, Jabo and Eerik (Plej) also get this sound out live.
Jol - V/T (?)
Yes its the Gothenburg section of the chart, and why not with what's coming out of Gonkyland. They weren't kidding when they told me the west coast is the best coast. New and improved selections from the Jol man and one CD containing his awesome soundtrack stuff.
Stateless - Falling into (Swell Session remix)(Freerange)
Andreas Saag aka Swell Session teams up with Jamie Jimpsters Freerange label to give us a slightly more electronic side to his soul. This chart is containing at least 4 positions form the crews in Gothenburg and believe me there is plenty more to come. Check the remix for the soulful voice of Ernesto.
Yukihiro Fukutomi - Play back (Forma)
Yes, my ol' mucker Nik Weston been teasing me with this for too long! I didn't even have a CD-R. But my bros far east come through wit readies and I get to slam this in my toolbox with a big grin :) Just to show there is truth in the old saying, ''good things come to those who wait''! Or that you have the right contacts! Limited Japanese pressing and guess what? Some big boy American label got twitchy enough to sign it up. Expect Nitegroove bizniz and a release for the UK soon from Disorient.
Guida De Palma - New Morning (Soul Source)
Kitty Winter classic produced by Da Lata and friends. Typically Japanese and enough campness to move the floor at any time. Seek out on a Routine album or twelve. Japanese so you'll have to seek hard.
Atjazz - Lab Results (Mantis)
A selection of remixes from the excellent Lab Funk album with some new remixes and new tracks to boot. The ever consistent Atjazz and Mantis records never letting go of the groove. This may not see light of day as a vinyl album but you can bet your last Euro/Penny/Cent that there will be some tasty twelve's in the stores in months to come
Paradox - A Black Sun (Archive)
The B side with its roots strictly imbedded in proper breakbeat. This is heavy metal for he jazz headz. Hard and fast, so you'll need some of Austria finest Red Bull to keep up with the pace. Takes me back to the good ol' days of Reinforced.
Sun Ra - The Satellites are spinning (Zero dB mix)(Mo Smog)
6 in the am. Flex regulars leaving the very first party of December 01. But wait, the P_EACE man has one more tune to drop. In the back ground crashing drums and horns introduce an exclusive. Someone too is calling planet Earth. Could that really be June Tyson? Er, it's at this time that we totally lose control of our boots! Neil and Chris watch on in amusement. So here it is, the maddest, the craziest remix of the year already. Zero dB excel themselves with this, their most outrageous remix. Some how and in some place far from this planet, the Ra is dancing his cosmic boots to the Z dB! Respect to the Ra, respect to the dB.
Joseph Malik - Diverse (Compost)
I'm getting lost with how many great albums coming out of Haggar St. The first, second and thrid are all on Compost. Every damn track hitting Cuki's neurological, biological and physiological systems. Wow, upbeat, downbeat, nubeat, even beats with drum n bass in it. All songs too. Yep it's all here and it's all very very good. Totally awesome album, it really is. Start saving your local currency now brothers and sisters!
Sun Ra - Sunset on the Nile (Eddy & Dus remix)(Mo Smog)
Think the boys from Zagreb must have been pushing a supermarket trolley with a wonky wheel when they conceived this remix. It really does go all over the place. Sun Ra gets to go all broken beat. Right now, Eddy & Dus are two of the most exciting producers around and this adventurous remix shows how fearless they are with it. Two Sun Ra tracks in Cuki's chart. Maybe we should give Saturn a call and get him over for a gig?
4 Hero - Hold it down (Bugz & Osunlade mixes)(Talkin' Loud)
Dollis Hill gets the Bitasweet treatment. The favourite track from the awesome 'Creating Patterns' album in clubland gets two excellnet Minerva Road rubs. Bugz as a collective and by the free spirited Kaidi Tatham. Osunlade gets a slab all to himself to warm you up even more.
This weeks Java Joint.
Bobby Hutcherson - Happenings
Blue Note 4231 (1966)
One of my favourite 'Hutch' records. Again appearing with Herbie and featuring Bob Cranshaw and Joe Chambers on bass and drums. Hutch keeps it simple with classic modal bizniz throughout, tracks like 'Bouquet', 'Rojo' and 'When you are near' being perfect examples of how to captivate the listener with the minimal amount of fuss. Herbie plays only like Herbie can, perfectly that is, a great version of 'Maiden Voyage' pitching Hancock and Hutch in a battle royale. Not sure if this ever got a vinyl reissue but worthy edition to your CD collection it would make if your vinyl is like mine! That is mine is 'struggling'! More clicks then any other record in my collection I think!
Bussi babba
Till the next time
Stay lovely
The one sweet daddy
Mail to Alan Brown
Pillergasse 7/20
A-1150 Vienna
Austria
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Those wishing to continue mailing me in London
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