DJ Cam "Liquid Hip Hop" (Inflamable/Studio Distribution)

There’s no doubt that DJ Cam is an accomplished producer capable of versatility- just check his resume for stellar releases like Mad Blunted Jazz, Soulshine, Loa Project Volume II and others. After 10 years in the business, and much eclecticism later, Liquid Hip Hop is billed as a return to his hip-hop roots, although spiced in his typical style with influences from across the musical spectrum. Liquid Hip Hop turns out to be a mixed bag, stylistically and in terms of quality.

Never one to colour inside the lines, Cam runs up and down the spectrum between electronica and hip-hop with ease, although it’s the elastic hip-hop tracks like “6 Sense” and “The L” that are the best. They feature classic Cam beats - nice and crispy with lots of soul and jazz. “6 Sense” demonstrates Cam’s feel for a bumpin’ beat but also laces it with the extra ear candy that many straight-up hip-hop producers neglect. Cam drops chopped up vocal samples in the mix – both rapped and sung to provide variety, and on the instrumental tip, builds out the track with soaring strings and a prominent bassline. “Love Junkee” feat. Cameo and J Dilla is another high point, subversively seductive with a suggestive bassline and Larry Blackmon’s understated vocals.

The distinctive style of famed producer Premier has definitely left its imprints on Cam, and shows up in the sharp drum programming of the better tracks. However, “Premier”, a tribute to the legend himself, doesn’t stand up so well - it lacks the discerning intricacies, of Cam’s better work, for which the competent scratching cannot fully compensate. Likewise “Ghetto Supastar” is a bit on the dark and plodding side with a hint of an electro influence that further grates (on my ears, at least).

The Gangstarr influence re-emerges on “Espionage” which features Guru and harkens back to the Jazzmatazz days with the prominent piano loops and Guru’s typically laidback flow.

Liquid Hip Hop is worth checking out for its eclecticism and Cam’s all-around competence, but it’s not exactly classic Cam and in that respect might be received with mixed feelings by those familiar with his previous releases.

Fat Jon Bio

fat jon is a member of a progressive hip hop outfit hailing from cincinnati ohio called the five deez. in this group he is an emcee/producer/dj. they were first introduced to the world market with their debut 12" "bluelight special". they have since gone on to produce over 40 more releases. their critically acclaimed introductory full length "koolmotor" (counterflow) hit shelves in december 2001. hip hop infinity.com summed it up best, "if the five deez continue making music like this, they are looking to establish themselves as the next big thing." in 2002 to support koolmotor, five deez toured the world extensively hitting france, germany, austria, the czech republic, switzerland, denmark, belgium, holland, poland, sweden, japan and the usa. at the end of 2002 five deez signed with german mega-label k7! their new album "kinkynasti" is scheduled for a fall release.

fat jon has also stayed quite busy by producing several solo offerings. following up his 2001 instrumental opus "humanoid erotica", fat jon released two instrumental albums in 2002, "wave motion" (mush) and "lightweight heavy" (dimid). he was featured in urb magazine as a member of its next 100, and was also highlighted by a feature story in billboard magazine. he now lives in berlin. he is also half of the numerical super group 3582, where he provides vocals to lush soulful soundscapes. their 1st ep "the living soul" (hum drums) hit shelves early 2002. their 2nd ep "situational ethics" (hum drums) was released in the fall of 2003..

fat jon is also has a new collaborative project with morr music's styrofoam. fat jon also toured the world with electronic minimalist producer pole. after meeting in 2002, they recorded new material which appeared on pole's album "pole" (mute). fat jon has also recorded new music for the television show “samurai champloo” which has been released across several soundtracks. another chance meeting in 2002 led to the formation of ‘rebel clique’ which is the group of fat jon and amleset Solomon. Their debut album is being released in the fall of 2005 on fat jon’s new imprint, ample soul.

RETURN TO ALBUM PREVIEW

David Harness "Heartbeat Vol. 1" (Loveslap Recordings)

House heads listen up – Loveslap are doin’ the damn thang! In recent years they’ve been responsible for representin’ lovely the west coast sound, with some deep and soulful house releases such as their Loveslapped compilations mixed by the likes of Julius Papp, Jay-J, and David Harness. Said Harness kicks off their new Hearbeat series, laying down some chunky, groovy and deep house tracks to kick your new year off to a good start. Heartbeat Vol. 1 had me smiling from the blazing opener; the slinkily funky “Gimme That Music” featuring the husky vocals of renaissance woman, Lady Alma with whom the Gilles Peterson set will be well familiar - she has leant her vocals to tracks by 4hero, King Britt and Ursula Rucker amongst others. “Don’t U Worry” is a similarly bangin’ and funky jam that continues to build up the momentum of the first part of the disc.

Harness displays versatility in his selections, moving from the energetic opening to the more percussion-heavy sounds of DJ Spinna’s rework of Goapele’s “Closer”, breaking things down in the middle with the broken beat style soul of Fertile Ground. He then builds the atmosphere up again with a deeper, more garage-y selection of tracks such as Beady Belle’s “Hindsight” to round out the compilation. One such highlight is Spencer Gray’s “Pillow Talk” featuring Heather Johnson lovin’ up the track proper-style with her seductive vocals. Blaze’s gospel-tinged, uplifting “Found Love” closes out the mix leaving warm fuzzies and beatific smiles all around.

Hopefully the Loveslap crew will be holding the mantra “start as you mean to go on” close to their heart – if so, we’re in for a good year y’all. Heartbeat Vol. 1 should be one of your first purchases of 2005.

Mushroom Jazz 5!!!

hell yeah!! Mark Farina is returning with a new installment of the famed Mushroom Jazz series. Volume 5 will be released on March 22nd.....we've heard a promo, and its tight! see the tracklist below. full review to come soon.



TRACKLISTING:
1) J Boogie Afros In Ya
2) Colossus The Tribute
3) Soundproviders Autumn Evening Breeze
4) DJ Numark Chali 2na Comin' Thru
5) Red Astaire Come Down
6) Zion I Flow (instrumental)
7) DJ Spinna Nostalgia
8) Mark Farina Cali Spaces
9) Blu Bizness Funky for You
10) Wee Bee Foolish Puttin' In Work (instrumental)
11) DJ Dez Hollywood
12) Jazz Liberatorz Music Makes the World Go Round
13) The Strange Fruit Project Maintain (instrumental)
14) Presto feat. Lowd Back in 92' (instrumental)
15) Shortie No Mas You Like My Style
16) The Earl Here's the Proof
17) Jonny Alpha Modern Women’s Short Stories
18) Starving Artists Crew He Kick Clap (instrumental)
19) Pete Rock It's a Love Thing (instrumental)
20) Thes One The Yacht Club
21) The Foreign Exchange Nic's Groove

check out: DJ Mark Farina and OM Records

Kyoto Jazz Massive EPs

V/A For KJM EP 01 (K) (Especial Distribution)
Kyoto Jazz Massive are one of the few eastern protagonists of modern dancefloorunderstanding jazzual grooves to have a high profile outside of their native country. The release of this clutch of EPs (and the CD they are taken from) containing exclusive tracks from major artists underlines the esteem in which KJM are held around the world. Phil 'Restless Soul' Asher contributes the buoyant "Time To Fly", where positively minded keys and a subtle bass provide an excellent backing to Rasiyahs vocals that suggest the only way forward is to take matters into one's own hands, instead of having an ostrich-like approach to making decisions. There's also a slightly more relaxed LP Mix of this track,with resting keys, smiling synths and simple percussive action. Alison David joins the Afronaught on "Now Or Never", a demanding outing where a darkly minded bass meets excited strings and keys with their head in the clouds. "Faces NoFear" has been produced by the illustrious Dego, and her musically minded vocals sit comfortably over slowly walking guitars and a murky bass. The vocals on Markus Enochson's "Listen 4 It "track might not make much sense, but the strolling percussion and happy keys work nicely together.

V/A For KJM EP 02 (J) (Especial Distribution)
These EPs are a little demanding on the wallets and purses of the record buying public, but the calibre of artists that KJM have brought together means that many music fans will find it difficult to resist purchasing at least one of the 3 releases. The pick of J is Dego & Kaidi Tatham's "Come With Me", a persuasive vocal outing with lifted synths, cluttered beats and sure keys. There's also an instrumental for those who want to feel the full force of the joyous keys, pouring bass and tinkering guitars. Da Lata's Ronco De Cuica uses trustable guitars, battering drums and straight to the point brass to create an ideal springboard for the trio of vocalists that contribute to this track. Louie Vega & the EOL Band's version of "Aphrodite" is a merry vibraphone-addled groover, whilst Domu contributes "Take Flight", an elevating string-kissed cut.

V/A For KJM EP 03 (M) (Especial Distribution)
On the final EP, KJM themselves pop up with a track, but they are outshone by London's super Reel People crew. The Reel People have donated two versions of the outstanding philosophically toned "Tomorrow Never Comes". The RPs Club Mix sees abrupt beats, piercing synths and a blackened bass link up under Vanessa Freemans reverential vocals. The Album Version pits Vanessa's dedicated vocals against riveting guitars, enamouring strings and shiny keys. Lars Bartkuhn of the deeper than deep Needs crew gives us "First Friendship", a welcoming track with happiness inducing keys, contorted guitars and flowing strings. KJM's own "Endless Flight" in 12 edit format is a musically cultured composition, where charming keys, magnetic synths and rising vocals link up. (Jon Freer)

Dobie - The Sound of One Hand Clapping: Version 2.5 (BBE/Magnificent 7)

Dobie cut his teeth as a member of the infamous Soul II Soul crew, before going solo. This album of polished hipped hop and smart soul originally got an outing on Pussyfoot in the late 90s without the necessary support. "The Ride" features Lain Gray, the voice of Wookie's struggling battle", and here Lain sounds cheerful, backed by laidback beats and light-footed beats. "Love Song" with Helena Paul is exactly that, where healthy guitars, tender strings and committed vocals hook up. "Way Over" is an ace harpsichord-driven beatless ride, with downcast guitars, teary strings and coping pianos. This seven-year-old album hasn't really aged and Dobie is up there with today's homegrown talent. (Jon Freer)

V/A - Love in the House (Slip'n'Slide)

Release Date: 14th February 2005 (Naturally!).
Sugary vocals, fluttering keys and heartbeat quickening percussion are all important elements on this compilation of smooching house. A decidedly insincere tone emanates from some of the cuts on this album, but others are visibly sincere. The Dennis Ferrer mix of "Stephanie Cooke's "Rain" lets a damp bass, magical brass and happiness instilling keys back Steph's begging vocals. Mood II Swing give us their sadly over-looked "Can't Get Away", where ideal guitars, spellbinding synths and bewitched vocals remind us of the power of romantic feelings. The CD finishes with "To Be In Love" by MAW, and that sweeping bassline will still lift you off feet each time you hear it, beforeIndia even gets round to opening her mouth and confessing her devotion. How sweet. (Jon Freer)