[acid-jazz] Reviews & Previews

From: Jon Freer <jon-freer_at_excite.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2006 10:29:21 -0500 (EST)

Jon Freer’s Reviews – 1st March 2006

Singles:
The Source feat. Candi Staton – You Got The Love (Positiva)
Antibalas / Psyco – Family Affair / Mr. President (Mind Records & Services)
Spirit Catcher – Rise And Shine (Rotax)
Lee McDonald – We’ve Only Just Begun (Favourite)
Lindstrøm – Another Station (Feedelity)
SUMO – Nini (Heya Hifi)
Lindstrom & Prins Thomas – Mighty Girl (Eskimo)
Broken – Dreams (FAT/Mind Records & Services)
Erik Rug feat. Dynamax – Tribute To My People (Les Disques Du Telegraphe)
Grant Phabao feat. Lone Ranger & Carlton Livingston – Rudie (T.I.M.E.C.)
Danny Clark – The Sun EP (Digi-Peng)
Sada Brahma – Damodara EP (Digi-Peng)
Isoul 8 feat. Paul Randolph – On My Heart (Still Music)
Eelko & Olaf – Jazzyaa EP (S-Sens)
Pete Moss – Keep On Shining EP (Nordic Trax)
D’Julz – Fast-Forward (Brique Rouge)
Ils – Loving You (Atomic Hooligan RMX) (Distinctive Breaks)
Future Funk Squad – Audio Damage (Default)
Andy ‘Touchfingers’ – Touch Of Jazz EP (Kwaito)

Thanks to Matt at Alchemy PR, Pascal at The Pusher, Hans Peter at Feedelity, Magnus at Heya Hifi, Andy at Peng, Jerome at Still Music, Mehdi at S-Sens, David at Brique Rouge, Luke at Nordic Trax, Anton at Trailer Media and Jafar at Kwaito for these…

The Source feat. Candi Staton – You Got The Love (Positiva)
Available Now.
Due to the personally affecting nature of music, certain records can become incredibly significant to one person and mean next to nothing to the next. Sometimes, the significance can be down to the situation in which the record was heard or the memories that it invokes, which can have little or nothing to do with the actual music. However, other times, it can be the record itself that is the important factor, and certain tracks can alter your perception or even change lives. For me, hearing the Source’s version of “You Got The Love”, which places Candi Staton’s faithful vocals over the arresting synth led groove of Frankie Knuckles’ “Your Love”, for the first time, was an incredibly special experience. This mindblowing record showed me the emotional power that electronic music can have. On this release, the ‘Original Bootleg Version’ is accompanied by well-made steadying string led revision, but for me, the original mix will never be eclipsed.

Antibalas / Psyco – Family Affair / Mr. President (Mind Records & Services)
Cat No: Mind 1003. Release Date: March 2006.
This Afrobt 7” doubleheader finds both Antibalas and Psyco in fine form. Antibalas supply a fine cover of “Family Affair”, where relation tribute paying vocals are subjected to attack from full-bodied guitars and nifty bass work. Psyco show their annoyance at political set-ups on “Mr. President”, backed by fluttering flutes and serious percussion.

Spirit Catcher – Rise And Shine (Rotax)
Cat No: R021. Release Date: March 2006.
Spirit Catcher have been rather busy of late, here turning up on France’s ace Rotax imprint with a gorgeous cosmic House effort. Dazzing synths and shimmering guitars provide the sparkle on the original. Pascal Rioux’s ‘Philly Remix’ amplifies the strength of the original, as primed strings and tantalising keys prove their worth.

Lee McDonald – We’ve Only Just Begun (Favourite)
Cat No: FVR 001. Release Date: March 2006.
Originally released in 1981, this smile-inducing slice of dancefloor moving soul deserved another outing. Life-giving strings, buoyant guitars and happy drums back those euphoric vocals on the original version. Meticulous brass and cute guitars do the work on TM Juke’s remix.

Lindstrøm – Another Station (Feedelity)
Cat No: FEED 006. Release Date: March 2006.
Norweigan Cosmic Disco disciple Lindstrøm has seen his profile soar of late, with clueless tastemakers claiming to have ‘discovered’ this talented multi-instrumentalist in the last few months. Lindstrøm has been an underground leading light for a while, and this sky gazing 12” should bring him even more converts. Flamboyant synths take centre stage on the excellent original version, as trustworthy keys and unruffled guitars provide encouragement. Todd Terje gives “Another Station” a housier treatment, where quick beats and an eager bass guitar join those hypnotic synths.

SUMO – Nini (Heya Hifi)
Cat No: Heya 1206. Release Date: March 2006.
“Nini” is another great afro-nodding Houser from the heavyweight SUMO duo. Willing beats, high-spirited brass and a typically bouncy guitar groove back Clarisse Muvemba’s positive vocals on the original version. Claude Monet adds babbling synths and caring strings, whilst stretching out those vocals a little bit further on his remix. “Boningisa” is likely to tire the listener out, courtesy of Clarisse’s energetic vocals, military band type percussion and threatening bass action.

Lindstrom & Prins Thomas – Mighty Girl (Eskimo)
Available Now.
L & PT show no sign of slowing down their production output, dropping another likeable release for Belgium’s igloo dwelling Eskimos. Gorgeous keys, order following synths and likeable percussion meet on the title track. An untameable bass calls the shots on “Feel PM”, as crazed synths wreak havoc on “Vrang Og Vanskelig”.

Broken – Dreams (FAT/Mind Records & Services)
Cat No: FAT 004. Release Date: March 2006.
Fractured jazz is the sound of choice on this EP from Doctor L. “Dark Soul Aiff” is the standout track, where pushy keys and frowning sitars back smudged vocal imagery. Confused keys and twitchy percussion meet on the computer praising “Click To Move On”, whilst “No Fashion” is a hyper beaten number and “Got Something To Say” mixes whiny vocals with a corrosive bass.

Erik Rug feat. Dynamax – Tribute To My People (Les Disques Du Telegraphe)
Cat No: LDT 001. Release Date: March 2006.
The Rugster is back with a record that celebrates the work of pioneering Hip Hop clan, The Zulu Nation. Dynamax a member of the crew, blesses the record with his old-time vocals, which are backed by thudding beats. The Dub makes room for vigorous synths and jabbing keys.

Grant Phabao feat. Lone Ranger & Carlton Livingston – Rudie (T.I.M.E.C.)
Cat No: TIMEC 091. Release Date: March 2006.
Made famous by a late 70s cover by The Specials, “(A Message To You) Rudie” returns to Jamaica on this version, which has been put together by Grant Phabao and features the vocal stylings of Lone Ranger and Carlton Livingston. Hearty brass and plucky guitars back the cautionary vocals on the ‘Extended Version’. Grant’s dub is a shootout between valiant brass, gallant guitars and an engulfing bass.

Danny Clark – The Sun EP (Digi-Peng)
Cat No: 007. Available now from Traxsource.com.
Jazzually angled House in the flavour of this delightfully musical two tracker from Danny Clark. “Sunset” places an adorable flute over sweeping brass, likeable keys and ever so nice guitar play. “Sunrise” opts for butterfly flute fluttering and muted trumpet magic.

Sada Brahma – Damodara EP (Digi-Peng)
Cat No: 008. Available Now from Traxsource.com.
Sada Brahma is not one person, but the alias of a Finnish pair, Sampsa Kaukua and Jani Jaatinen, two classically trained musicians who make thought provoking House and Downbeat. “Bhakta” is a wow inducing key led number, whilst “Yoga Junkie” is a synthilating number. Precise keys do the work on “50 Metres Of Water Per Head”, as Kaukua’s magnificent bass guitar shines on “Lakshmi & Narayan”.

Isoul 8 feat. Paul Randolph – On My Heart (Still Music)
Cat No: STILLM 009. Promo.
Isoul 8 aka Volcov hooks up with Paul Randolph on this smooth House outing. Randolph’s hurting vocals ride skating keys and a hazy bass on the vocal version. Overpowering synths and flying keys spread their wings on the Dub, as sweet keys and romanceful strings meet on the ‘Jazzstrumental’.

Eelko & Olaf – Jazzyaa EP (S-Sens)
Cat No: S-Sens Project 10. Available Now.
Hailing from Amsterdam, Eelko & Olaf make lovely jazzed out House. “Jazzyaa” glides an unable to keep still sax over persuasive keys and keen percussion. Remix duty on this release falls to Luke McKeehan (Nordic Trax), Ty Tek and Vernon.

Pete Moss – Keep On Shining EP (Nordic Trax)
Cat No: NT045. Release Date: March 2006.
Respected Philadelphian Pete Moss has been churning out wonderfully subtle Deep House records for a good long while, and this EP for NT doesn’t disappoint. The finest track is “Keep On Shining”, a shining synth led number tucked away on the B Side. “Let Me Hold U” slides guitars over a heads down bass and beats combo, with “The Big Move” travelling along at a slightly more frantic pace.

D’Julz – Fast-Forward (Brique Rouge)
Promo.
D’Julz applies the minimal House pressure on this fine three tracker for David Duriez’s respected Brique Rouge imprint. Bleepin’ keys and precise beats are held together by a pitch black bass on “Fast Forward”. Acid dipped synth patterns colour “Forward”, as the controlling bass comes to the fore once more on the nasty “Rewind”.

Ils – Loving You (Atomic Hooligan RMX) (Distinctive Breaks)
Cat No: DISNT161. Release Date: 3rd April 2006.
Atomic Hooligan has turned “Loving You” from a sweet request to a desperate beg for affection. Nagging synths, heavy cymbadelic percussion and a growling bass meet behind devoted vocals on the Hooligan’s impressive remix.

Future Funk Squad – Audio Damage (Default)
Cat No: DEFAULT 010. Release Date: 27th March 2006.
It’s the D Ramirez remix of this cut from Future Funk Squad that is set to cause the mightiest rumpus on the dancefloor. Pounding beats, unforgiving synths and a brutal bass workout colour his tuff House revision.

Andy ‘Touchfingers’ – Touch Of Jazz EP (Kwaito)
Cat No: KWAITO04. Available Now – Download Only!
A few of the tracks on this jazzually flavoured House EP are a little too polite for their own good, but the final cut, “HaHa Made You Look”, is charismatic enough to demand repeat plays. Heidi Stewart relays the tale of a temptress over pointed keys and a bass that doesn’t mess around this funny little track. Elsewhere, “Are You A Jazz Fan” lays the piano keys on thickly over a chin scratching live bass, whilst “The Key Maker” and “Moving Finger” plod along courteously.

Jon Freer’s Previews – Manchester Nightlife – March 2006

Early March showdown!

Friday 3rd March sees two legendary producers bring their musical boxes of tricks to Manchester. It’s a shame these events take place on the same night, but both guests should cook up a tasty musical storm.

THE DETROIT MASTER RETURNS!
EYES DOWN W/ MOODYMANN
Eyes Down proclaimed that 2006 was going to be a year where the music and atmosphere alone would entice partygoers into the cosy Roadhouse on the first Friday of the month. They aimed to do this by putting on mainly resident only events, thus doing away with the alluring promise of a guest spinner or band. However, only three months into the New Year, the musically focussed partiers have opted to put on a party where resident DJs Kelvin Brown and Jon K won’t spin a single record.

The opportunity to hand over the reigns to a reclusive and surprisingly affable figure from Detroit doesn’t come along every week, so it’s fair enough that Kelvin and his ED comrades have decided to make an exception this month. The all singing and all dancing craziness of last year’s ‘Moodymann Live’ performances showed Kenneth Dixon Jr as ‘the entertainer’, with him introducing performances from artists on his soul kissed Mahogani Music imprint. These shows undoubtedly disappointed those expecting ‘Moodymann Live’ to be a full musical show from the man himself, which would match the intensity of his own records such as the petrifying “JAN” or respectful “Tribute”. However, KDJ’s DJing performance at the Roadhouse in November 2004 did just that, as he played music from all walks of life and spoke to his audience whilst hiding behind a bed sheet. After his showmanship on last year’s live tour, one expects Moody might be willing to forgo his veil, as he spins a set
encompassing everything from sedate soul to thumping House. KDJ famously refuses to play promotional games or speak to the press, thus seeing him DJ in an intimate environment will give fans a rare opportunity to get inside the mind of a true musical maverick.

Read what KDJ’s last DJing visit to the Roadhouse was like:
http://www.mosoul.co.uk/mos/content/view/450/2/
More info on Moodymann: http://www.jahsonic.com/KDJ.html
Listen: http://www.djbillywoods.com/music.htm

A SPIRITED PERFORMANCE
DEVELOPMENT W/ OSUNLADE
Development is a monthly soiree at the Mint Lounge from the people behind Tweak and Under The Stairs. After a number of separate and collaborative parties, which have taken place at various venues, the guys have settled to follow UTS’s soulful House sound and seem to have found an ideal home in the Mint Lounge. This ridiculously trendy NQ basement has a generously sized main room, where a good atmosphere can be generated rather well, and a secluded second room for relaxation when the throb of the House beat gets too much.

Guest DJ wise, Development have pulled out over the stops over the past few months. They have stumped up big money for a raft of high quality of soulful angled House DJs, who rarely visit to Manchester. March sees the continuation of this theme, with an appearance from gifted musician and beat constructor Osunlade. Connecting the African rhythms of our ancestors to a soul invigorating emotionality, born from masterful instrumental play and arresting vocalizations, Osunlade’s brand of House is his own. The emotional intensity and dancefloor firepower of his musical creations means that his work appeals to a range of music fans. Osunlade started his own Yoruba Records imprint in the late 90s, which gave him an outlet for his own startling productions and established him as a force in modern dance music. As you’d expect, his deep spirituality and heartfelt devotion to music influence his carefully thought out DJ sets, which mix afro-rhythmised House with Latin grooves and
Soul kissed flavours. Expect an energetic workout for the mind and feet!

Read about Osunlade’s set at Electric Souls:
http://www.mosoul.co.uk/mos/content/view/414/2/
Interviews: http://www.keconnect.co.uk/~carl/osunlade.htm
http://beatz.uol.com.br/arquivo/index.php?itemid=88
Listen: http://www.yorubarecords.com
 
Night – Date – Place – Time – Cost – Info.

Eyes Down – Fri 3rd March – Roadhouse, Newton St – 10pm/3am
£15 adv – www.eyesdown.net

Development – Fri 3rd March – The Mint Lounge, Oldham St – 10pm/4am
£8 adv – www.developmentonline.co.uk

Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
***Freelaunce Journalist***
Website = www.mosoul.co.uk.

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Received on 2006-03-01 17:39:50