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Artiste: Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin featuring special guest Ivan Lins
Album: Harlequin
Spotlight Track: Before It’s Too Late (Antes Que Seja Tarde)
Label: GRP
Catalogue No: GRP-D-9522

Ivan Lins: Vocals
Lee Ritenour: Guitars
Dave Grusin: Keyboards
Harvey Mason: Drums
Carlos Vega: Drums
Jimmy Johnson: Bass
Abraham Laboriel: Bass
Paulinho Da Costa: Percussion
Alex Acuna: Percussion
Regina Werneck: Backing Vocals
Carol Rogers: Backing Vocals
Marietta Waters: Backing Vocals

A number one scorcher at the HOT-4-U camp, one of the classiest smooth jazz albums ever made, Harlequin is VIBIN’!! The combination of legends like Dave Grusin, Lee Rit, Paulinho Da Costa, Abraham Laboriel, Carlos Vega and not forgetting the maestro himself.. Mr. Ivan Lins, Harlequin is one of those gems you feel absolute pleasure when tuning in time and time again. The vibe here is amazing with clean ass sounds and rockin’ soul! Make suer you check it out!

This album tiok the full marks all the way with ultimate steam tracks like Harlequin, Early A.M Attitude, San Ysidro, Cats of Rio, Silent Message and the spotlight cut for this week, Before It’s Too Late aka Antes Que Seja Tarde. This track is pure class from start to end, vibin’ high with that classic Bahia feel. Hat’s off to Ivan Lins who’s skill in composition and songwriting is truly hardestcore and well displayed in the two songs he wrote for this album – Harlequin and Before It’s Too Late. The beats here are super tangkap which compliments Ivan’s singing to a tee and Ivan Lins’ voice man.. sounds like an instrument by itself! The track just progresses to pure euphoria and the listener will sure to end up with hands in the air one time.

Thanks to YouTube, we are now able to view live performances of a 1985 show featuring Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Carlos Vega, Abraham Laboriel and yes.. Ivan Lins! Tune in to their performance of Harlequin (check out the whole band tangkap steam!) and Before It’s Too Late (deep yet soaring!) and you’ll soon realise why GRP is always DA SHIT!!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: The Lions
Album: Choices Volume 1
Spotlight Track: “Think” (About It) featuring Noelle from Rebirth
Label: Ubiquity

Production Credits:
Produced by the Lions, Arranged by Todd Simon
Recorded at Lion’s Den studios, Topanga, CA by Dan Ubick and Todd Simon.
Mixed by Steve Kaye, Dan Ubick and Todd Simon.

Ubiquity records have been holding fort over the last decade in pushing new grooves and expanding genres across the board since 1990. The label is owned by both Michael Mcfadin and Jody who both started their dream in San Francisco as an outlet to their strong passion for music. Over the last decade, Ubiquity has forged a very strong catalog of releases in the genres of Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco, Electonica and Nu Jazz. A cult like customer base has been developed through this last decade providing customers with a choice of quality recordings and hard to find gems over hugely publicised and advertised musical productions.

Most notable of their sub labels apart from the Ubiquity label, is the “Cubop” Imprint which focuses solely on Latin, South American, Brazilian sounds. Artistes featured here range from the infamous Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, Soul Bossa Trio, Snowboy, Bobby Matos and many others. For lovers of rare gems from the past, do check our their other sub label “Luv N’Haight” which features Disco, Deep Jazz and Funk classics rehashed and brought to life!!! Thanks to Mcfadin and his crew, we the people get to enjoy much of the sought after recordings of Arthur Verocai’s self-titled album (a true Brazilian Lo-Fi experimental blending of funk and superb soundtrack style music!!) Also for lovers of Rare Groove and Funk, you can now legally get your hands on Harry Whittaker’s “Black Renaissance” which many honchos regard as the holy grail of rare groove music.

Now, coming back to the spotlight track this week titled “Think”, originally composed by James Brown in the early 70’s. JB originally released this back on his own record label called PEOPLE which is still available under the Polydor label (Another must have for fans of this Dark Lord of da Funk). The reason why I chose this version is due to the way it was rehashed into a Ragga, Ska’ish feel instead of the usual funky playing styles. It of course still retains the funky elements from the original version, but with a little more spice and oomph! Raise Your Hands in da air posse………………………; )

My ratings for this EP are: “Must have”, “Die Die must buy”, “Bo Lui, Rob A Bank” , ” Bestest of the Restest” and finally “10 stars and 100 Moons.”

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Rance Allen Group
Album: Say My Friend
Spotlight Track: Reason To Survive
Label: Capitol Records

Produced by The Mizells

I’m a bloody kotek, confirmed kotek. Sometime ago, I told Crispian I wasn’t feeling Rance Allen Group, but last week I put the Mizell record on, and the track Reason To Survive came on. Ten re-plays later, I am fully convinced that I’m a bloody kotek.

It’s been a while since I kerna the flying feeling from any song. Reason To Survive is TKO from the start to the end, and it doesn’t hurt to have the Mizells onboard. This is CLASSIC rare-groove Comet straight from Cosmic Soul Space!

The group consisted of brothers Rance, Tom and Steve, and were originally under Stax label. The lead vocals supplied by Rance are spiritual and uplifting. My hair stand when he hits moments of falsetto. ‘Reasons To Survive’ is a very positive song, simply reminding us all not to lose sight of what life is about.

The whole album oozes of sublime classics, Truth Is Marching On, Norman Jay favourite Peace of Mind, and something I like, Got To Be Ready, a nice gospel number. I salute the Mizells for the tight production in Say My Friend, they are truly the Masters of the Jazzy Feel. I really don’t need to elaborate any further, just listen for yourself.

For the record, I wanna state that everyone should listen to music without prejudice, keep a positive outlook on life and always heed what Uncle Lye says. Happy B Day Kiat!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Eddie Henderson
Album: Sunburst
Spotlight Track: Galaxy
Label: Blue Note

Eddie Henderson: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet
Bennie Maupin: Saxello, Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet
Julian Priester: Trombone, Post Horn
George Duke: Electric Piano, Clavinet, Synthesizers
Bobby Hutcherson: Marimba
Alphonse Johnson: Electric Bass, Effects
Buster Williams: Bass
Harvey Mason: Drums
Billy Hart: Drums

Feelin’ like some abstract groovin’? Then check out Eddie Henderson’s debut Blue Note release, the fresh and brilliant ‘Sunburst’. An album that opens up new moods and grooves each time you tune in. Constantly surprising the listener with it’s freeplaying freshness and gerum grooves. Comprising of ex-members from the Herbie Hancock Sextet (of which Eddie was also a member) along with fonky honchos like George Duke, Alphonse Johnson, Harvey Mason and Bobby Hutcherson, the album was set for some abstract sleazy jazzin’ with this mad cast of players.

Listen carefully and you’ll soon discover strong influences from the rich instrumentation of the Hancock Sextet, the ghetto sleaze of The Headhunters and the kinetic funk arrogance of early Electric Miles. Basically this album is good shit from start to end and kudos to Eddie Henderson for incorporating all the right influences and sounds in this recording. Truly refreshing stuff!

Again, choosing the Spotlight Track was a damn headache cos I love the entire album. But in the end, I decided to go with the fonk for this round. I really wish you could hear the whole of ‘Galaxy’ cos the 2 min sample here is really not enough and quite sad cos this track is hardcore kerna all the way. Like foot reflexology kinda kerna.. damn bloody pain but damn shiok at the same time. The vibe here is primarily laid back but yet, kinky as hell!! Seriously, the last part of the track (which is not in the sample unfortunately) is full-on galactic free-bop climax! Super duper dope! If you want me to make a visual replication of this track, I’ld say it’ll most probably be porn in Death Star Gunner uniform. Hahaha!! Shit is crazy!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Oh No
Album: The Disrupt
Spotlight Track: Every Section (featuring Cornbread)
Label: Stones Throw
Catalog: STH2097

Producer: Oh No & Madlib

Musicality runs deep in the blood, especially for this Jackson Family (Not your Jackson 5 crew) but West Coast soul and jazz heads Otis Jackson Senior, Otis Junior AKA (MADLIB) and younger bruddah Oh No.

The Disrupt, is the first full-length offering from multitasking California rapper and producer Oh No. The full length is kind of a family affair with Madlib behind the engineering and mixing board and Oh No on emcee for most parts. On the whole, The Disrupt has sounds similar in the veins of predecessors of the West Coast underground hip-hop styles such as Peanut Butter Wolf and, of course, Madlib. The album has about 17 tracks which showcases a collection of singles featuring a framework of different tempos, tones and musical atmospheres.

I guess I chose this spot light track due to the fact it has that heavy weight groove samples at the backdrop, yet at the same time shows how the underground head-knodder is done. ; ) In light of Hip Hop being commercial and compared to Pop music these days, I strongly urge you eager groovin folks out there to check out tunes from Oh No, in particular this LP.

It could perhaps make your sexy dance a bit more stylish.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Steely Dan
Album: Aja
Spotlight Track: Black Cow
Label: ABC Records
Catalog: AA 1006

Producer: Gary Katz
Song composed by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen

If your taste is skewed towards jazz+rock+funk+R&B+pop, and your ears demand a quality Atas Sikit feel, then you better check out all of Steely Dan’s six albums from the 70’s.

Fronted by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the real maestroes of songwriting!! You won’t find straight up lovesong lyrics in their music, but a more novel-esque, poetic style type of writing, really glam and akward at the same time. Their music is also characterized by complex jazz-tinged structures and very unusual harmonies.

Here’s a recap of their popular albums, all must-haves in any jazz collection: Can’t Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho. For collector’s, hunt down a 1978 12″ European EP titled “Plus Fours”. Also check out Donald Fagen’s later album Nightfly.

I can’t really decide which track to spotlight this week. I almost settled with my all-time favourite “Glamour Profession” from Gaucho, but finally Black Cow wins the day for it’s sick hip-hop beat, Seow Lang lyrics (Black Cow is a drink like a ice-cream float) and that Jam at the end. Taken from the incredible album Aja (it’s Asia not Aiyah), straight from the title track (featuring a Wayne Shorter solo), to Peg (with Michael Macdonald’s backup vocals), it’s pure Class 95. Maybe 96.

On the later albums, Walter Beck and Donald Fagen dissolved the need for formal band members, and experimented with established jazz sessionist in the studio. On Aja alone hosts names like Wayne Shorter, Lee Rit, Larry Carlton, Steve Gadd and Tom Scott.

Even if you don’t trust us, just give it a listen for youself lah, you won’t be disappointed.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Bah Samba feat. The Fatback Band
Spotlight Track: Let The Drums Speak (Harvey Lindo Edit)
Label: BKO Productions Ltd.

Credits:

Backing Vocals – Alice Russell
Bass – Johnny Flippen
Drums – Bill Curtis
Flute, Saxophone – Finn Peters
Guitar – Mark Ralph
Keyboards – Julian Bendall
Percussion – Satin Singh
Trombone – Nicol Thompson
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Dom Glover
Vocals – Bill Curtis, Johnny Flippen
Written-By – Bill Curtis, Johnny King, Richard Cornwell

This is a spot-on cover version, encapsulated in the perfect groove with the help of Mr. Harvey Lido aka Modaji aka Dominic Jacobson. ‘Let The Drums Speak’ was first heard in 1975 on The Fatback Band’s Yum Yum LP and I guess caught the ears of Bah Samba’s team members big time.

A bit here about Bah Samba, formed in 1996, Julian Bendall, Kevin Alexanda and Geoff Holroyd are a group of very talented musicians who experimented on a fusion of modern dance techniques with straight-up classy musicianship. This resulted in a great new sound that showed longevity and most importantly… maximum enjoyment. But for this cut, big props to Dominic Jacobson who did a fantastic job on keeping the vibe modern but yet retaining that funky 70’s groove throughout.

On musicality, I think you will have to agree that from the very start of the track – synths, bass, all the way to the brass and ghetto slangin’ – the summer groove is spot-on berms and slipper inna jazz stance kinda feel. The section parts are on all counts in true jazzfunktaztical form, inviting the listener to some hands-in-the-air, finger snappin’ goodness.

With the sun coming out in full force these past 2 weeks, I think this will be a great track to celebrate on the beach with “happy hands, happy feet”. All you need is a picnic mat with some keropok and cold beers and you’re good to go with ‘Let The Drums Speak’ in the background as you relak under the coconut tree with quality vibes all around.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Dee Edwards
Album: Gilles Peterson Digs America Volume 2
Spotlight Track: Why Can’t There Be Love
Label: Luv N’ Haight

Writer – Herman Weems/ We Do We Do (BMI)

Howdee folks! It’s been a mad crazy last 3 weeks, with the weather being erratic and everyone falling sick etc. The good news is that Jazz honcho, Gilles Peterson is back with some really great selections from America.

It’s definitely a must have for 2007 due to the fact that he has selected some of the really rare shit and one that I feel he has put in all ears to make it a classic in the making. (reminds me of the early Capitol Rare grooves done by Kevin Beadle back in 1991)

Gilles digs deep in various used-record stores and gives us 18 selections, dug deep in the regions of America and Canada in early 2007. In the liner notes of the album, you can see why Gilles gives his all in this really proper compilation of super solid tracks. (to find out why, go purchase the album and then u will find out!!)

Moving on to the selections, I had a pretty hard time selecting the spotlight track, as I realized that there are just too many killer ones such as Ray Camacho’s “Movin’ On”, Ramp “The Old One, Two” (I also just found out that RAMP actually means Roy Ayers Master Production ; )) , The Diddy’s “Intergalatic Love Song”, ok ok, sounds like I’m trying to hard sell this album, but really folks, its pure quality and the honcho really gives his best in this one.

Not much anecdotes to go along with this review, just letting you peeps know since the market is filled with so much compilation materials, why don’t just save yourself the headache and go grab this LP now. It’s going to be one of the very last few crate digging classic albums to be released ever again…

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Alan Hawkshaw
Album: Synthesizer And Percussion
Spotlight Track: Mile High Swinger
Label: Themes International Music
Catalog: TIM 1012

OK Brothers and Sisters, this joint is FULL ON SWINGIN!!!! Mile High Swinger is tough on the breaks and heavy on the ARP, my bo bei zhao sound. I can’t belive this was composed and produced in 1974, it just sounds so fresh!!! Pure Sophisticated Groove, dem sick! Alan is not your typical artist, simply cos he’s the undisputed king of library music.

Beat Diggers look out! Synthesizer And Percussion is filled with DOPE loops. There’s plenty of organ licks, and funky breaks. So if you’re looking for inspiration, this is a good LP to check out. It will make your drum n bass 100% more kinky. After all the album IS composed as library music.

A little about the man himself: Alan Hawkshaw is a legendary British composer and performer of music soundtracks for film and tv. You’ve probably heard a lot of his stuff on tv shows (like UK’s Channel 4 News) and won’t even know it’s him. I don’t blame you, cos I also dunno. Also, this fella has bagged a few awards for his work. Respect!

Collectors’ note: Alan fronted the band, The Mohawks in the 60’s. They released a one-off LP of incredibly groovy and funky library music tracks. Eric B & Rakim, EPMD, KRS-One are a few of the artist who sampled this album.

So moral of the story, it’s not always about what you know, it’s about what you can discover that will shock you. Take Mile High Steamer for example, it’s totally under-rated, from one of the greatest unsung heroes of funk, but you can’t fake a groove. Big Up Alan!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Roland Clark
Spotlight Track: Alright (Original Mix)
Label: Polar Records
Catalog#: POL-001
Released: 1991

Executive Producer – Freddy Sanon & Manny Diaz
Producer – Roland Clark for Centerfold Productions.

The 28th of September will be a happening day for the camp as we take a journey to Zouk to witness one of the chongs of the ‘Jersey Deep House Sound’. Yes yes y’all, the tua pwee kia Mr. Tony Humphries will be hitting our shores later this month to kick our asses all over the Zouk dancefloor and we’re mad excited about it. To check out more on New Jersey House, Club Zanzibar and the man who championed the sound, click here.

I’m looking forward to the event so much so that I’ve decided to review a Garage classic from 1991, a track that I first heard on a Tony Humphries mix back in the day – “Alright” by Urban Soul aka Roland Clark. Listening to this track again brings back fond memories of Adidas Gazelles, slick baggies and serious jives to the sounds of the underground. The stabs here are PHAATTT, the militant breaks are rockin’ and Roland’s singing on this cut is pure Garage Soul flava! Oooooohh yeah… makes ya wanna shake that money-maker.. keep them heads a boppin’, bringin’ ya down to ya knees AIGGGHHHTTTT ; )

We strongly urge everybody who’s reading Zao Gng to drop all your 28th September engagements, make your way to Zouk and prepare yourself for some sexy movin’ and heavy sweatin’. Wooohoooooo!! Shiokkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!

“My friend say it’s gonna be ALRIGHT” : )

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Quintetto X
Album: Novo Esquema Da Bossa
Spotlight Track: Esquema Da Bossa
Label: Schema SCCD 358

Artistic Production by Nicola Conte
Quintetto X band members:
Franceso De Giosa- Guitar
Piero Vincenti- Piano & Fender Rhodes
Anton Giulio Galeandro- Flute and Hammond
Marcello Piarulli – Electric and Acoustic Bass
Fabio Accardi – Drums

The new scheme of Bossa is for Quintetto X a movement of rhythm, which draws inspiration from the Afro-American, Brazilian, Italian Jazz and beat poetry styles. The music featured in the full length album here is really top draw stuff which these Italians can really call their own. Thanks to the artistic vision and production skills of honcho Nicola Conte. All I can say is that Conte really delivers the quality goods in each and every production that he touches his hands on. Sublime folks, SUBLIME!!!

The spotlight track here “Novo Esquema Da Bossa” is the real deal I say. For lovers of dance floor jazz, this is one of my Jazz anthems which features heavy bass lines, finger snappin’, body swaying, headz a boppin, snazzy flavas that caters to any occasion. Actually I really recommend this track when you wake up on Sunday mornings. It will sure to brighten up your day and keep you on the go with notions of positivity and to keep your mind geared for the week ahead. Also highly recommended when you are sipping your coffee and munching down these killer donuts found all over Singapore now. (those with Peanut Butter fillings are really the JAM- GEM!!)

Needless to say, the balance 13 songs found in this full length would also cater to your itchy ears and compliment other days in the week and also different flava’s of donuts. The rest of the song experiments, I let u the audience decide and test for yourself. Which reminds me, I cannot wait to head back to Jakarta for Java Jazz 2008, which of course features some of the best music acts in one package stretched over 3 days, and not forgetting the company of my music buds and Dilla’s donuts to savor through out. Big Up to all Jazzin Donut Headz….

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: George Duke
Album: Faces In Reflection
Spotlight Track: Capricorn
Label: MPS

Bass – John Heard
Drums – Leon Ndugu Chancler
Keyboards – George Duke

Before his Columbia days, George Duke rocked it on German label MPS with a few seminal albums that you ABSOLUTELY MUST MUST listen to before you die. Not quite the smooth, soul/funk stuff George is known for, on MPS he worked a groove that’s jazz/fusion/funk/soul/psychedelia, extremely experimental!

The year is 1974, old Georgy just got his hands on an ARP (god bless the ARP!!!) and that’s the end of it, the fella is a born master of synthesis! The whole album is a killer, especially on the keyboards, it’s trippy like Tron. The music on Faces is intense! George experiments with odd time signatures and various synthesizer textures, it’s also probably the first time he solos on a keyboard for a recording.

With tracks like North Beach and Faces In Reflection (title track, I like the non-vocal version), it was hard to choose which to feature on this week’s spotlight, finally I’ve picked Capricorn solely for the genius vocal arrangement and sick sick sick, mellow groove. Pure genius!

When I first asked Crispian to recommend a few tracks in the soul/jazz/funk genere, he sent an email which I still keep till today. I quote “George Duke – Don’t Let Go (if you don’t have this.. the funk has unfortunately not hit your fan! ; )”. Today I have 3 copies on LP and 1 on CD, thanks BRAH!

PS: George Duke on MPS you cannot miss: The Inner Source (SABA Records), Aura Will Prevail, Feel, I heard The Blues She Made Me Cry, and Liberated Fantasies. Peace!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Joris Voorn
Spotlight Track: A Thousand Lost Souls
Album: From A Deep Place
Label: Green

Joris Voorn came via high endorsement by a couple of ghettomuzakjunkieeez we know – Norman C & Ren The Man – and we were not disappointed at all. Joris Voorn is hands-down on top of the game and his brand of techno is 100% spot-on bo beh chow.

A Thousand Lost Souls gets the chop of approval with it’s simplistic yet outstanding taste in the way-out sound and absolute control of the groove, the progression.. the vibe. Ten gun salute! Other tracks on this album like ‘Revelation’, ‘The Deep’, ‘No Revolution’ are also damn shiok and worth checkin’ out.

The recommendation came at a good time as well, cos it gave us much inspiration to stay focused on our 4D results. The luck over the past few months at the HOT-4-U camp has not been very good in the 4D department and it’s during times like these, you realise how much a track like A Thousand Lost Souls can give you the power to huat and keep that 1st Prize dream alive.

So, if you feel like you need the inspiration to tiok big, please proceed to the nearest online shop and whack this record. The rave vibe will definately keep you groovy while you wait in the 4D queue.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Digable Planets
Album: Beyond The Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles
Spotlight Track: 9th Wonder (Blackitolism) Elaine Brown Mix
Label: Blue Note Records

Originally issued on the 12″ single 9th Wonder (Blacktolism) from the album BLOWOUT COMB (E-230654,1994)

Produced, conceived and arranged by Digable Planets

Engineered and co-produced by Dave Darlington

Recorded at Bass Hits Recording Studios, NYC

Mixed at Chung King Studios NYC
Featuring Jazzy Joyce
Dave Darlington, Vintage Keyboards
Huey Cox, Guitars
Dave The Prince, Lavish and Mood Dude, add-on Vocals

Oh man, it’s been a while since I heard this track when it was originally released back in 1994, which is about lucky 13 years ago Yo!! It still sounds dem fresh and vibin if u know wahdamin. What I really dig about the vibe to this whole track is the Guitar licks sampled from the “Superappin’ theme” from non other than Hip Hop maestros Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Old Skool stylin rhymes and phat graff lines suit this soundtrack visual perfectly (reminds me of the Wildstyle movie back in the early 80’s). It’s one of those tunes that everyone just goes crazy banana’s and want to showcase their poppin and lockin, puma’s and boogaloo stance. The verses are just slick and smooth flavas lahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh WORD TO THE MO.

Lucky for you folks out there, Blue Note Records re-released this same album in 2005 with a couple of added features such as this Elaine Brown Mix and the newly remastered sound from the original analog tapes. Thanks to the vision of Eli Wolf, A&R for Blue Note, we the audience get to really appreciate good quality releases from this astounding label. Another point to note from this album, is the other tracks that will sure to ring a bell and put a smile to headz out there. Check out some other sick tracks such as “Nickel Bags”, “Where I’m from (remix version)” and of course the ever popular “Rebirth of Slick” (cool like dat).

What else can I say folks, “check clear” and make sure u lock in this LP in your collection. :)

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Peabo Bryson
Album: Reaching For The Sky
Spotlight Track: Reaching For The Sky
Label: Capitol

Peeeee Boooooh!!!!!!

Mr ALADDIN! A whole new world! A new fantastic point of view! So so so true for me… I never thought I’ll be one day writing a review about Peeee Booooh. But man… his first outing at Capitol is CAPITOL SIIIIIIICK!!! I don’t think anything else in his career can better this album, it’s as if he’s been flying on a magic carpet long before he had some Disney “magic”.

I say… MAADD Props to Richard Evans!!!! Chicago soul-jazz bassist, accomplished producer/arranger for the Cadet label. It’s the latter talent that led to this wonderfully blended modern-soul album for Peeee Booooohhh. I’m not sure which carpet Evans was flying on at that time but it definitely flew him high enough to make such smooth arrangments for this album, which goes so well with Peeeee Booooh’s deep sexy (ahem) voice. This IS Capitol RARE.

Did I mention “Reaching For The Sky” LP went GOLD and the title spotlight track made it to number 6 on the R&B Charts? Clap clap! Reaching For The Sky has got all the right moves, the catchy steps, the Capitol Rare grooves, and Peeee Booohh’s want-to-cum-but-don’t-wanna-ram-2-hard kinda tone, damn best. It’s also best for morning 5BX, touching your toes then reaching for the sky. Peee Boooh! So if you are the real kinky type of humsup like me, I totally recommend that you ONLY listen to this Peee Boooh LP.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Matt Bianco Feat. Basia
Spotlight Track: Half A Minute
Album: Whose Side Are You On?
Label: Atlantic

Vocals: Mark Reilly
Vocals: Basia Trzetrzelewska
Keyboards: Danny White
Bass: Kito Poncioni

Matt Bianco was a British jazz-pop band formed in 1982 and made up of ex-members of modern jazz ensemble Blue Rondo a la Turk. Later on, for the release of this album, they hooked up with then unknown Polish vocalist Basia Trzetrzelewska. With the combination of Matt Bainco’s jazz-pop stylings and Basia’s SICKKK vocal arrangements, the vibe on this album turned out to be a synthesis of pop, jazz, salsa, samba, and electronic music – absolutely hardcore purist and ready to lay a deep impression on England’s 80s jazz-pop scene.

There’s some quality stuff over here with tracks like More Than I Can Bear, No No Never, Matt’s Mood and the spotlight track Half A Minute. A real carribean, sit back in the sun and drink pineapple jooce inspired kinda track with all the right hooks in the right places. Upon listening to this track, you will agree with me that it’s really the ideal song to listen to when you’re lying on the beach and chillin’ out to some cold drinks and kacang. It’s quite clear cut that the overall vibe and especially Basia’s stylized vocals really hit the nail on the spot here… absolutely spot on.. si beh steam ah…

In the past week we’ve seen some gloomy weather but I do hope the sun comes out soon so we can go to the beach and lay back to some Basia salsa vibin’ without a care in the world…

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Herbert
Album: 100lbs
Spotlight Track: See You On Monday
Label: K7/ Accidental Records

Production Credits:
Track written by Matthew “Avebury” Herbert
Originally mastered at the exchange by Mike Marsh.

Recorded in Swingtime.
Published by soundslikemusic/ bucks music group ltd.

This album is a re-release of the first Herbert album originally released in 1996 on the phono record label. Thankfully for us, K7 picked these recordings up to showcase this English dude’s versatility in his music compositions. All I can say is that this dude is really the sort to push the boundaries of music and will not stop till he gets it right. Herbert has worked with many well known producers namely Bjork and REM.

Listener’s will be pleased to know that this album contains a 2 disc set with extra tracks and some b sides that will sure to rock your boat any time any place. 100lbs was never intentionally written as an album but instead gathered together three vinyl ep’s entitled parts one, two and three during the day. This album showcases Herbert’s earlier works which consisted of the odd techno, deep house and quirky electronica.

The spotlight track this week starts the month of August fresh with some really deep chuggy house. Not sure how I can really describe this one, but it always gives me the goose bumps when I pop it in my player mainly because it’s kind of moody but at the same time damn stylin’. This is not your usual American house vibes, but rather a tangkap type of sound that usually works well from the 3am till 4am time slot. More like a floor filler than an anthem but nonetheless, the groove is heavy and very edgy.

This track is highly recommended for folks who wake up on Monday morning needing an aural fixation to ensure smoothness of the day and to showcase your 101% positive work attitude for the week ahead. A must have for Herbert fans and those struggling to slog out over the work week…

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Family Of Eve
Spotlight Track: Please be Truthful
Label: Jeree-Eve Records

Notes:
First released in 1979-80 on Jeree-Eve Records
Second release on Full Sail records (751) on blue wax (50 Copies). Reissued on Lotus Land Records (LL 1002) in 2006

Ok, this one is hard to get. Real hard to get. I can’t even find the image of the original on Google. I first heard it on an online radio show and I almost wet my pants. Not sure exactly how to categorise this into a genre, sounds a bit funk and soul, a pinch of northern/modern soul but it’s all disco to me.

I dunno much about the group Family of Eve, but I do know that Please Be Truthful is a mad mad mad track. It’s spot on, all the grooves are in place, making this totally danceable. The vocals keep the track ever fresh, still so applicable today. No wonder why it got reissued on a 45 Lotus Land Records in 2006.

Doing a little research on Google and you’ll realise that Please Be Truthful is also available on Keb Darge’s Legendary Funk Vol 1 Complilation. For the serious collector, good luck. First released on a very small Jeree-Eve Label, second released in limited blue vinyl records on Full Sail in the 80’s. I saw that on Ebay going for more than $80USD.

If you like the stuff we have been putting out, and if Zao Gng has helped you in anyway, please feel free to contact anyone of us, we’re more than happy to meet like-minded folks for a Guinness Draught.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: David Axelrod
Spotlight Track: The Smile
Compilation: The Edge
Label: Capitol Jazz

Bass: Carol Kaye
Guitar: Howard Roberts
Drums: Earl Palmer

Conductor: Don Randi
Strings: Arnold Belnick, Harry Bluestone, Douglas Davis, Alvin Dinkin, Harry Hyams, Ralph Kramer, Richard Leith, Leonard Malarsky, Nathan Ross, Henry Roth, Myron Sandler, Harold Scheneier, Marshall Sosson, Tibor Zelig
Violin: Bobby Bruce, Freddie Hill, Sid Sharp, Jack Shulman, Harry Sigismonti, Tony Terran
Viola: Anne Goodman, Gareth Nuttycombe
Vibes & Percussion: Gene Estes, Gary Coleman
French Horn: Vincent De Rosa, Arthur Maebe
Trumpet: Allen Di Rienzo, Ollie Mitchel
Trombone: Lew McCreary

Composed, Arranged And Produced By David Axelrod

Recorded in 1968, this cut along with the rest of the tracks released under it’s original LP ‘Songs Of Innocence’, changed the face of jazz forever and it was aptly coined ‘A Jazz Fusion’ . Suffice to say, David Axelrod was thus called ‘The Father Of Fusion’.

Now, in comparing Axelrod’s sound to the fusion jazz artists of the 70s and 80s, you will find a marked difference especially in the tonation and instruments used, but why critics saw this as the birth of jazz fusion was because the expressions and arrangements were so fresh during those days, it seemed like a brilliant mish-mash of jazz styles and harmonics – always interesting to the listener nevertheless.

The intro for The Smile starts off nicely with em’ melancholic violins, obviously preparing you for some serious down-tempo psychedelic funk action. Soon, the rest of the band and orchestra will let lose the jazz jooce – the vibe confirm steam to the brim liao – and I suspect you will most definately be blown away. Special shoutout to Carol Kaye who is always sublime with her bass licks and in this track, absolutely gave that special woman’s touch to the overall groove. Round of applause!

The Edge is basically a compilation of some of David Axelrod’s Capitol Jazz recordings and my hat’s off to the A&R who chose the tracks (Eothen Alapatt) cos they are ALL spot on swifty vibin’ ifyaknowhaddaimsayin. Of course, 10 kow taos to the maestro himself Mr. David Axelrod for his forward-bound brilliance and musical foresight.

I remember putting this CD on one day in the office after lunch. The music pulled me in so much that I spent the next 3 hours analysing the tracks from top to toe. I don’t think I got much work done that day but I was very happy that David Axelrod was instrumental in one of my ‘work-not-work’ escapades. If one day, you feel like skiving at work, please feel free to head down to Borders and tangkap a copy of The Edge in US Press. You will not regret and I guarantee your Outbox will see very little action that day ; )

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Gene Harris
Album: Nexus
Spotlight Track: Koko & Lee Roe
Label: Blue Note/ Toshiba-EMI Limited TOCP-65752

Produced by Jerry Peters, Jim Shifflett and Keg Johnson (The Magnificent Three)
Cover Art by Scott Russell
Art Director & Designer – Bob Canto
Executive Producer- George Butler
Personnel- Gene Harris, Jerry Peters, John Rowin, Kenneth R. Rice, Chuck Rainey and Lee Ritenour

The supreme artistic funk quality of Gene Harris is really displayed and felt in this Spotlight piece titled “Koko & Lee Roe.” I don’t even know where to start in complimenting this very versatile and most accessible of all jazz pianists. Gene Harris was tutored by the great Oscar Peterson who taught him much of the ropes in his early years. Most notable of his works were during his stint with The Three Sounds during the period stretching from late 50’s to early 60’s (all early Blue Note recordings).

Now coming back to this review, the first time I actually heard this track played was during the heydays of the Acid Jazz scene, when Brand New Heavies and Mother Earth took the spotlight during the mid nineties. It was either Patrick Forge or Gilles who actually played this in one of their rare groove sets that I was blown apart to pieces by the style and arrangement of this piece. Full on headz a bopping, fingers snappin’ lahhhhhhhhhh.

The track starts off with a sicko mi loco drum groove break and toned down guitar licks and placid keyboard sounds and then at 25 seconds when u least expect it, Gene KILLS you immediately with his synthesized funk keys. Oh, and u can also sing along to the chorus “GET ON DOWN TO THE MUSIC NOW”. I mean how “get down” can you get when u doing the chicken flap dance and groovin’ to Gene’s artistry?

Gene’s preaching to you in more ways than one in this piece as the track consists all of the essential elements of funk, soul, cosmic and fusion grooves. If Gene were alive today, I probably would have customized for him a trophy engraved with the text “Heavy Weight Champion of Funk” for Koko & Lee Roe. This track really keeps you in the zone and I would rate it Eleven outta Ten… Perfection!! <<...>>

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: The Soul Searchers
Spotlight Track: Ashley’s Roachclip
Album: Salt of The Earth
Label: Sussex

Bass – John Euwell
Congos, Bongos – Lino Druitt
Drums – Kenneth Scoggins
Flute, Saxophone – Lloyd Pinchback
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Chuck Brown
Organ – Bennie Braxton
Percussion – Donald Tillery, John Buchanan, Kenneth Scoggins, Lino Druitt, Lloyd Pinchback
Trombone, Piano, Synthesizer – John Buchanan
Trumpet – Donald Tillery
Vocals – Bennie Braxton , Donald Tillery , John Buchanan

These days I’m pretty big into my breakbeats. Too bad there’s really no where to crate dig in Singapore, nothing better than to go through piles of old dusty records, except maybe the burgers at Harbour Bar Cafe (SICK!) Crate digging will help you discover classic breakbeats like that of the Soul Searchers, actually Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers on Sussex.

The thing I love about seventies’ funk tracks/albums, is that you never have to try too hard to listen. The groove is always happy, uptempo and catchy. So catchy that everyone in the biz is sampling them today. It’s especially perfect for my busy lifestyle when I have no time for la-la-la songs, funk tracks always keep me from tearing my head off under stress.

Ok spot the breaks on Ashley’s Roachclip! What? Paid In Full…? Salt of the Earth is a solid album through and through and it seems like Sussex is putting out all the classic breaks at that time (check out Dennis Coffey). Chuck Brown is a heavyweight funky chicken on guitar and voals! Other standouts are party classics Blow Your Whistle and Funk To the Folks.

So if you’re kinda like me, with no time to dine and wine, work in front of the computer all day with your work piling up, try listening to some pure Funk and Breaks. It’ll save you from tearing your skull off.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: The Manhattan Transfer
Spotlight Track: Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone
Album: Extensions
Label: Atlantic

Piano, Synthesizer, Arranger: David Foster
Piano, Synthesizer, Arranger: Greg Mathieson
Bass: Abraham Laboriel
Guitar: Steve Lukather
Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
Drums & Percussion: Alex Acuña
Conductor: Clare Fischer

Produced By Jay Graydon

Released in 1979, this week’s album recommendation takes us to the vocal jazz trend with Grammy winners, The Manhattan Transfer. For more than 3 decades, the quartet of Janis Siegel, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul and the forever hot Cheryl Bentyne have continued to impress jazz audiences worldwide with their slick vocal interpretations on highly complex material stemming from boogie-woogie to bop to vocalese.

Produced by studio wizard Jay Graydon (remember Al Jarreau), the album we’re focusing on this week is by far the best one I’ve heard from this amazing quartet, setting the scene for some early morning jivin’ in the office with a few Old Chang Kee curry puffs and Vitasoy. From the very first track – which is a class take on ‘Birdland’ – the vibe is set for some high points in the morning while you attend to some emails with a smile on your face.

Since I’m a sucker for the jazz fusion sound, I was having some difficulty in deciding which track to put the spotlight on since 90% of the cuts on this album are pure fusion delight. ‘Twilight Tone’ won the toss for this one – with it’s upbeat tempo and groovy spaceage arrangements, I felt it might be a good number to recommend for those early morning Inbox/Outbox action.

Other album tracks which should most definately not be ignored are ‘Birdland’, ‘Wacky Dust’, ‘Nothin’ You Can Do About It’, and ‘Shaker Song’. Go get the album from Amazon and I guarantee your early morning office face will not be so cram.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Ralph Lewis, Marty Lewis, Don Lewis
Album: Return to Cold Mountain (songs inspired by the film)
Spotlight Track: Whoopie Liza Jane
Label: Compendia

Written by Ralph Lewis Lewol Music (BMI)
Vocals & Guitar: Ralph Lewis
Guitar: Marty Lewis
Fiddle: Dom Lewis

Engineered and mixed by Bil VornDick
Mastered by Glenn Meadows at Compendia Music Studios

This album compilation has got to be country music at it’s deepest. An album of 12 songs to ensure everyone has a fair chance of enjoying real traditional bluegrass sounds. I highly recommend to folks out there who are tired of the overplayed Dolly Parton and Clint Black styles. This soundtrack is as purist as it gets.

I have to warn you that this album ain’t for the faint hearted and meant only for country purists. This week’s spotlight track titled “Whoopie Liza Jane” is pretty deep and stomping, just like when you are vibin’ to a Masters At Work set, but only this time, your grooves are slowed down by half with the sound of killer banjoes, peaking violins and crackling vocals. (Check out the vocals by Ralph…U’ld know what I mean.)

The music is set in Civil War era North Carolina and is produced by acoustic music guru Bil VornDick (a kind of PHOTEK but in the country genre, hell what a name!!) Bil compiled this set of traditional music as a touchstone and assembled players from the region of North Carolina. Bil claims that the rugged mountains (Cold Mountain, high up in the hard-to-reach Appalachians) gave him the inspiration to preserve antique British folk songs in a purer state than he could find back home in his home country.

Finally, if you want to immerse yourself in country bliss and become a bluegrass honcho headz like Bil VornDick, here are some handy tips when u go to Mount Faber:

1) Purchase the novel by author Charles Frazier and go deep in the vibe.

2) Buy some Colonel Sanders original recipe chicken to chow down (same posse in the States but different gang)

3) Plug in your iPod and rave at the mountain.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Earth Wind & Fire
Spotlight Track: Reasons
Album: That’s The Way Of The World
Label: Columbia Records

Bass – Verdine White
Drums – Fred White, Maurice White, Ralph Johnson
Guitar – Al McKay, Johnny Graham
Kalimba – Maurice White
Percussion – Al McKay, Fred White, Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Verdine White
Piano, Organ, Synthesizer [Moog] – Larry Dunn
Producer – Maurice White
Co-producer – Charles Stepney
Vocals – Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Verdine White

Oh Shiiiiitttttttt!!! The love song for the ages, Reasons never grow old. From the classic album That’s The Way of The World, this is a ballad your mama and papa have enjoyed and now hopefully you enjoy. That’s why we do ZaoGng at Hot-4-U, not to boast our music library nor is it to sell you anything, but really to share all good music with you, and I’m loving every review we have done. Some may already know this tune, but who cares, it’s always good to dig it up and have a listen again.

What does it for me is Philip Bailey’s amazing vocals, the falsetto may be too much for some, but you can’t deny the groove. The horns imply that you should bop your head at every off-beat, the vocals command you to get down and love the one you’re with. The lyrics in itself is another story, have a read yourself here.

The whole album is great, originally the soundtrack from the movie of the same name which starred Harvey Keitel and EWF. Check out the title track amongst others for some real vibing. If you dig the groove, the genius combo Maurice White & Charles Stephney have a few more tricks up their sleeves, check out Deniece William’s This is Niecy, sick!

I did some digging and I really think you should check out this live performance of Reasons, Philip Bailey sounds even better than the SAX! Steam Konek!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Kamar
Spotlight Track: In Every Way
Written By: Kerri Chandler & Maryam Abdulihad
Producer: Kerri “Kaoz 6:23″ Chandler
Released: 1991
Label: Movin’ Records

I’m going back to the deep house sound of New Jersey and giving mad props to one of my all time favourite producers – the king of the deep bassline, the honcho of house himself – Mr. Kerri Kaoz Chandler. Spotlight of the week is something close to my heart, a track that blew me away the first time I heard it and still blows me away till today, Kamar’s In Every Way on the legendary Movin’ Records.

How do I describe a song like this… it’s simplistic in composition yet something that not every producer can pull off. It’s hard groovin’ yet only for the real movers. It’s sexy yet expensive… it’s the reason this thing we do is called HOT-4-U.

Kamar otherwise known as Maryam Abdulihad was destined to sing this song. The voice, the emotion, the desire, the need, the sleaze.. phoooooo.. in every fuckin’ way. On the production side, Kerri jacked this song like there was no tomorrow. The beat, the kick, the bumpin’ b-line, the organs, heavy… in every way.

It’s almost impossible to buy this song on mp3 so if you don’t own a turntable, my best suggestion would be to go to amazon or ebay and look out for this song on Kinky Trax 2. Even if it’s for this song, I say buy the CD cos they don’t make class like this anymore. Enjoy the sample and have a good week.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Joyce with Dori Caymmi
Album: Rio-Bahia
Spotlight Track: Rio-Bahia
Label: Victor Entertainment VICP-63037

Music and Lyrics by Joyce
Joyce – vocal, acoustic guitar
Dori Caymmi – vocal
Kenny Warner – piano
Nailor Proveta – clarinet
Teco Cardoso – flute, bass flute
Rodolfo Stroeter – acoustic bass
Tutty Moreno – drums

Tap, tap, tap, finger snapping, heads a bopping…music doesn’t get any snazzier than this….

Ultra Cool sounds for aspiring Jazz heads, and peeps who just want something extra special in their groove.

The spotlight track for this week features Dorival Caymmi, a famous composer who pens and composes many classic samba material in his own distinctive style that is prominent and have become standards of MPB (musica popular brasiliera). Joyce makes the perfect combo for this LP, has she herself is also an accomplished singer/ songwriter that does the genres of Bossa Nova, MPB as well as early fusion jazz.

As you guessed it, the track comes in with much gusto and style and the mumbling sounds (don’t really know what Dori is singing, but you know it’s heavily armed with passion) really does compliment the clear and crisp style of Joyce’s vocals. The steam parts of the song is summed up in the lyrics below:

“Acontece que a gente se gosta”

“Acontece que e pra casar”

You got to hear it and u will know exactly what I mean. It’s kind of a serious climax sound but at the same time I would describe it as Koooooolnesss personnified…. (this is the sort of track one of them Credit Card companies would use in their TV adverts, I’m sure you get the picture.) Other comments on this track would be the killer piano solos. If you reckon yourself as an urbanite, jazzin’ in the Urban Jungle, then perhaps this track sums up big time the situation in this day and age. KUDOS and much respect to Dorival & Joyce.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Tarika Blue
Spotlight Track: Dreamflower
Album: Tarika Blue
Label: Chiaroscuro Records

Produced By – Hank O’Neal and Tarika Blue
Piano, keyboards – Phil Clendeninn
Bass – Barry Coleman
Drums – Kevin Atkins
Guitar – Ryo Kawasaki

In 1976, a young band called Tarika Blue unleashed pure musical genius to the world. The first self-titled album is a cult classic (with a sick cover design as well) released on the small Chiaroscuro Records and I thank God that Crispian introduced me to Tarika Blue everytime I pop in the CD. For me this was the turning point, it changed my perception forever. Jazz fusion at its finest.

The leader was a fine pianist/keyboard artist named Phil Clendeninn. He not only led the band, wrote most of the songs, and played any instrument that had a keyboard. My standout track is Dreamflower, number 1 on the LP. From the start, you get sucked into the groove and you’ll feel light and easy, soon you be flying. It’s timelessness is evident because 30 years later, the following and appreciation for their music is amazing. (Dreamflower was sampled for Erykah Badu’s Didn’t Cha Know, and it ended up with a Grammy award for “R&B Song Of The Year” in 2001).

Tarika Blue only released 2 albums ever, Tarika Blue and The Blue Path, both produced by Hank O’Neal. I strongly urge you to buy the re-issue CD on Amazon, because both albums are released in the same CD, and every song is a confirmed hit! If my review wasn’t convincing enough do check out the sample, and if that’s not enough, plenty of samples available at the Amazon link. Or you can be like me, I have both albums on LP, and also the re-issue CD, and also the re-issue LPs, I’m thinking of customizing the neon lights on the cover too for my home…

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Various
Album: Platinum Breakz
Spotlight Track: Doc Scott – Unofficial Ghost
Label: Metalheadz

Slightly over a decade ago, a special kind of freshness dawned upon the global dance music scene and future jazz in the form of hard breaks and dark basslines was hitting the fan like no tomorrow. Scotty’s ‘Unofficial Ghost’ hit me so bad when this seminal compilation came out, I found myself obsessed, listenin’ hard, analysin’ hard and jivin’ HARDDDDDD. The freshness was undeniable!

From a visual perspective, this mad Drum & Bass number invites the listener back to Episode 6, back to the battle scene between the Rebels and the Imperial Army. At the beginning of the track, the ridin’ beats are basically making you feel like one of the X-wing Fighter pilots, on-route to the Death Star and some serious warfare. During the first breakdown near the 2 min mark, you know that the Tie Fighters and Imperial Tie-Interceptors are just a few miles away waiting to pia chwee with you and your hai tee kias, so you grip your steering wheel tight and pray for the Force. Once the hardcore bladerunner sounds come in, it kinda feels like the lasers from the Tie Fighters are barely grazing pass your X-wing. And last but not least, when the heavy b-line flava hits yo face, you know that the Chong’s (Darth Vader) Imperial Tie-Fighter is on the way to show you how happening the darkness is. Wooooo shitttttt!!

This track and compilation is so shiok, I have it on CD and vinyl and if they have cassette tape, I will buy also. Good shit like this don’t come everyday so I recommend all who are interested in expanding their horizons and beat orientation to get your hands on a copy.. pronto!

There are so many solid tracks on this album that reflect the high style and sophistication of futuristic jazz for the new generation – tracks like J Majik’s ‘Your Sound, Photek’s ‘Conciousness’, Alex Reese’s ‘Pulp Fiction’, Digital’s ‘Down Under’ and Source Direct’s ‘A Made Up Sound’. It will mos def leave you breathless… Luke… Luke…

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Ana Mazzotti
Album: Ana Mazzotti
Spotlight Track: Feel Like Making Love
Label: What Music/ wmcd-0012

Production Credits:
Director of Music and Producer: Romildo Santos
Fender Rhodes, Moogs, Melotron: Jose Roberto
Baixo, Guitar: Alexandre
Baterista: Romildo T. Santos
Percussions: Ariovaldo
Recorded in November 1974 in Estudios Do Haway outrubro.

Whatmusic is a label that has reissued some really killer gems from the past. The label carries a killer catalog spanning from soundtracks, brasilian, latin and jazz funk. This album was originally recorded and released in 1974, but thanks to Charlie Leach and his team, we are now able to enjoy these vintage sounds of summer over a cup of kopi and wan tan noodles.

The album sleeve notes reveal that three of its members played with legends Azymuth. If you are a sucker of the Fender Rhodes synth sounds, this album is right up your alley. It is full on Brasilian jazzy funk flavas that would appeal to folks who are tense and need some aural sex to soothe their soul. The track in focus “Feel Like Making Love” is most evident of this from start to end. You really kind of feel like you are being transported back to the 70’s.

Other tracks in the album to look out for are “Agora Ou Nunca Mais” , “Roda Mundo” and many more. It will certainly appeal to cats who love their music groovy yet laid back in a stylo mylo kind of way. Highly recommended in my books. For those still seeking more of such killer stuff, visit their wicked site at www.whatmusic.com. Actually right now while writing this review, I feel kind of itchy and really feel like making love…

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Nuspirit Helsinki
Spotlight Track: Seis Por Ocho (Azymuth-Live!-Rejam)
Found On: Honest 12″ SK023EP
Label: Sonar Kollektiv

Arranged By [Re-arranged] – Azymuth
Bass – Alex Malheiros
Drums, Vocals – Ivan Conti
Keyboards [Additional] – Tuomas Kallio
Piano [Rhodes] – Jose Roberto Bertrami

And this is what we call easy listening. Nothing difficult here folks, it’s not an exam nor a driving test. Ain’t no mountain high enough, cos this one here is coooooooooooool…

The original by Nuspirit is okaaaayyyyyy only laaaa, if you know what I mean, like jogging in Bishan Park, it’s ooooooookkk. But our dear friends, José Roberto Bertrami, Alex Malheiros, and Mr Ivan Conti decided to flex their Samba Muskcal and show us all how to properly jam it one time. Damn! May I repeat: AZYMUTH LIVE RE-JAM.

So check it out, it’s strategically re-arranged: it opens gently, ever so gently… then without warning, it drops into a massive electro-samba jam! But just when you think it’s gonna build up, it drops back to the gentle groove, sick. This is about the time the singing starts….eassssy! Almost like making love. Makes it worth hunting this SONAR KOLLEKTIV single, honest?!

They weren’t exactly Brad Pitt or Jude Law but if you played songs like that, I swear you can get any chick you want. Big up Marcel above for the Azymuth mention! For more fun and facts, check out Azymuth’s Myspace

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Bob James
Album: Joyride
Spotlight Track: Sweet Talk Me Now

Bob James: Fender Rhodes, Keyboards
David McMurray: Keyboards, Drum Programming
Rasheeda: Lead Background vocals
Wayne Gerard: Guitars
Produced by David McMurray for HIGHLIFE Productions

We at HOT-4-U understand that it’s not easy to drive 12-15 hours a day to earn a living and especially when difficult passengers are involved. So, this week, my ‘prescription’ for the taxi driver will be something he should play when a stressed passenger boards his cab. My favourite smooth jazz album of all time – Joyride by the one and only Bob James.

The spotlight track in review is a very sensual one with a very matured attitude vibe and especially good for the stressed passenger as it will help the mind to escape while heading to his/her destination. Rasheeda’s delivery in the vocal section is sexy as hell and firmly stamps her womaness in this cool number. Bob James provides the 10/10 foreplay with his forever stylish work on the keys and David McMurray dropped the perfect beat to ride this song to the end.

I think this song will be especially good when you are crusing down the PIE, AYE or ECP in one of the newer taxis like SilverCab’s Skoda, Comfort’s Hyundai or Premier’s Benz. But this song will definately suit ol’ skool Comfort Toyota Crowns and SMRT Nissans as well, just make sure the air-con is strong so that the ride is comfortable. With the sophioscated sexy mellow kind of grooves coming out from the speakers, the taxi will feel like a jazz lounge.

Like I said, this is my favourite smooth jazz album and it’s full of solid tracks that should not be missed, especially – Take Me Higher, Swingset, Fly By, Strollin’ and Bisso Baba. You can check the samples here.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Gary Bartz
Album: The Shadow Do
Spotlight Track: Mother Nature
Label: Victor Entertainment JVC / Prestige

Gary Bartz – Alto and Soprano Sax, Synthesizer, lead and background vocals
Hubert Eaves- Piano, Clavinet, Synthesizer
Larry Mizell- Synthesizer
Reggie Lucas – Guitar
Michael Henderson – Bass
Howard King – Drums Synthesizer
Mtume – Congas, Percussion

Produced by Larry and Fonce Mizell for Sky High Productions, Inc.
Co-Produced by Gary Bartz
Arrangements by Gary Bartz

This week our musical selections take us on our Taxi escapades (good or bad) in which all of us have encountered in one way or another. Now this piece of musical advice will come in bladdy handy for all you out there rushing to get to your destination of choice in the Taxi. Go get your hands on this track and ask the Unkle to pop it in his CD player and see the results….

Now, talking about Choice, we at the HOT-4-U camp have done all the homework for you lazy bums who need some music to soothe your taxi ride blues and calm the nerves for both Unkle James and you. What we recommend to you folks will surely work coz we ourselves have done the tests.

Witness funky nursery rhymes with a touch of Mizellness in your escapade. Ok it’s like this, you get caught in the rain and your clothes are all wet, or you walk in the hot sun for 30mins and feeling really sticky and sweaty (feel dem dulan right????), now start to sing along this part:

Stanza 1:
She Gave us You, She Gave us Me, She Gave us Oil and Redwood Trees.
From Molecules, Red Giants and to Spiders
Kwaku Ananse was so slick his words beguiled you.
Thunder is not rain, Roaring lions kill no game
And half a loaf is better than no.

So u see after singing to stanza 1, u realize that you ain’t so moody afterall because the lyrics in itself makes it worth the while to appreciate mother nature and of course your comforting taxi ride with the air con and all. The melody is ultimate catchy, Gary’s voice ultimate melancholy and the overall production Sky High. Sibehhhh TOK KONG lah this track!!!
Now why in the world are you still moody??

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Album: Maze
Spotlight Track: Happy Feelin’s
Label: Capitol Records

Frankie Beverly – Producer

To all honorable Taxi Uncles out there, this is for you when you receive a passenger with happy vibes. Picture this:

It’s one of those days where the sun’s tucked away behind some clouds, so it’s bright but not hot and the breeze is coming in gently, damn best. Passenger A feels particularly cheerful, and the fact that he is able to get a cab without waiting tooooo damnnn looonnng (most peeps out there can relate) sets him in a really really good mood.

In such an event, the Taxi Uncle must provide the sweetest ride for the happy camper. To maintain the spirit, HOT-4-U recommends Frankie Beverly’s Happy Feelin’s to be played. From the opening, Frankie’s soothing vocals will instantly mellow the soul, and the passenger’s ride will be the best he ever had. Very soon, the passenger will request to move into the front seat and will be swaying and singing with you.

When Frankie sings the chorus wooooo Happpppy Feelin’s…. if you’re a cool cat of a Taxi Uncle, you will stop the fare meter. The rest of the ride is all good. At the destination, there’s no better satisfaction when your passenger requests for you to take him back to where you first picked him, because he enjoyed the ride so much, he wants another go with Maze, Frankie Beverly, and you. You kindly accept his request, and he thanks you for such a SPOT ON selection.

For this, HOT-4-U salutes the Taxi Uncle, and the importance of a good song to provide the best journey for your passenger.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Level 42
Album: Running In The Family
Spotlight Track: It’s Over

Mark King: Bass & Vocals
Phil Gould: Drums
Mike Lindup: Keyboards & Vocals
Boon Gould: Guitars

plus

Wally Badarou: Keyboards & Vocals
Gary Barnacle: Saxophone
Krys Mach: Saxophone

Produced by Wally Badarou and Level 42

For this week’s review, I’ld like to recommend this seminal album and especially review a song on behalf of the ol’ cats who’s been with me over these past few decades, something that strikes a chord in all our hearts when this song is played, whether over a girl or over a friendship. But definately something that hits the spot even after so long, and more importantly, a ballad that never ceases to amaze us all until today – Level 42’s ‘It’s Over’.

I think the best way to write about this song is just to list the lyrics out, let the listener vibe to it and appreciate the simlicity of it’s meaning :

I won’t be here when you come home
I’m sorry if you don’t understand, forgive me if you can
but I can see another road
and I ain’t coming back

Feel the tears
I can feel the tears
running through the years

The genius of Mark King, Mike Lindup and the Gould brothers in song no doubt. The songwriting is top form to the max and the music is of course sublime. Although the sample is a bit on the short side, please feel free to check out the full song on my Move Memoir mix in our Mixes section.

Apart from ‘It’s Over’ and other famous cuts on this album like ‘Lessons In Love’, ‘Running In The Family’ and ‘Children Say’ – don’t overlook ‘Two Solitudes’, ‘To Be With You Again’ and ‘Freedom Someday’… pure class!

If you’ve got some extra dosh, I urge you to go buy the mp3 of ‘Leaving Me Now’ which is on their earlier album ‘World Machine’. Peep here for a video of ‘Leaving Me Now’ and check out the way the song builds to the part where Mark sings ‘mesmerized’.. bueh tahan.

And as I walk into the lonely afternoon
I feel sad enough
I feel bad enough
and all the times when you are lonely where you are
please don’t hate me then
I just could not pretend… oh no

Phoooooooooo! Steam…

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Pete Rock
Album: PeteStrumentals
Spotlight Track: Take The D Train
Label: BBE

Produced by Peter Phillips for Soul Brother Number 1 Productions.
Executive Producers: BBE hitmen Peter “Monty Burns” Adarkwah, Lee “Scratch” Bright and Peter Phillips.

Traveling Music hits our railroad in this week’s review.

Rush hour in the mornings, black faces, packed like sardines, stone faced peeps all around. This is the usual vibe faced by most commuters who take the M.R.T everyday. I am one of those, but here is the good news. Pete Rock created this super duper killer track for such occasions, and my suggestion is that you just loop the same track over and over and over again for the effect to take over those negative vibes. Thereafter, witness positive vibes to make your day a Sunny and Pleasant one.

Hence the title “Take The D Train”, ‘D’ I presume is (Dope). Besides this spotlight track in review, I also highly recommend this album for all hip hop headz who like abstract dope beatz. This album was created in early 2000 when BBE hooked up with Pete Rock and he decided to produce an eclectic album for our Beat Generation. A fusion of Jazz, Pop, Folk, Rock and Soul lace this ground breaking album.

So if you wanna be Number 1 Soul Bruddah or Number 1 Fly-Gal or just vibe to some eclectic fusion done with technical precision and class, do get your hands on this album and the force will really be with you. For more information on the Beat Generation series and the players involved, visit www.bbemusic.com for the full range of maestros.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Radiohead
Album: The Bends
Spotlight Track: Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was
Label: Parlophone Records

Artwork By – Stanley Donwood & The White Chocolate Farm
Artwork By [Pasting] – Green Ink
Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Arranged By [Strings] – Thom Yorke
Bass – Colin Greenwood
Cello – Caroline Lavelle
Drums – Phil Selway
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Ed O’Brien
Guitar, Organ, Recorder, Synthesizer, Piano, Arranged By [Strings] – Jonny Greenwood
Written By – Radiohead

Notes: Recorded at Rak, The Manor Abbey Road. Mixed at Forte Apache & Abbey Road. Mastered & edited at Abbey Road.

Zao Gng ain’t always about funky soul and jazzy grooves, we at HOT-4-U dig all music, that means Alternative too (except the stuff that my neighbour plays, it’s utter rubbish) This week, I’m covering an old favourite. Some of you may know it, some may not, but for those who do, take the time to remember. Go home and dig out The Bends and enjoy the album from start to end. For those who aren’t so blessed, here’s a chance to feed your ears.

Before Radiohead came out with their sounds for a new frontier, they wrote bracingly fresh songs, and to this day, the meaning of Thom York’s tortured lyrics still remain timeless (check it here).

For people who have just broken up with their GF/BF, try Bullet Proof instead of your usual chinese sob-sob ballad. After that, you wished you were bulletproof, knifeproof, fireproof and waterproof. But that’s exactly what makes The Bends so remarkable as an album, every track fuses insane soundscapes with hauntingly melodic lyrics. It grows with every listen and 10 years down the road, you realise it’s been 10 years down the road, and you’re still singing along to songs like High & Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Blackstar, Street Spirit…

Why Bullet Proof…? In my opinion, it’s Radiohead at their best. Timeless.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Mark Murphy
Album: Night Mood – The Music Of Ivan Lins
Spotlight Track: Madalena
Label: Milestone Records

Mark Murphy – Vocals

with special guests

Azymuth :
Jose Roberto Bertrami – acoustic and electric piano, Kurzweil synthesizer
Alex Malheiros – electric bass, percussion
Ivan Conti (Mamao) – drums, percussion

Frank Morgan – alto saxophone
Claudio Roditi – flugelhorn, rotary valve trumpet

For this week’s review, since I’ve been tremendously inspired at Java Jazz ‘07, I’ll be reviewing a CD that I bought whilst I was there. This album is hands down cigarette smokin’, jazz loungin’, finger snappin’, crosslegged tappin’ vibes to the end. Not surprising at all since it’s assembled by jazz legends like Mark Murphy, Azymuth, Claudio Roditi and most importantly, songs written by the WWF champion of bossa melodies, the don himself Mr. Ivan Lins.

For his first Milestone installment, Mark Murphy – who’s always been into finding material worthy of expanding the jazz singing artform – chose (what was basically inevitable) the songs of Ivan Lins to showcase ‘one of the richest and most seamless programs of his career’. Looking at the musicians he chose to work with on this LP, it’s pretty clear that he intended to give Ivan Lins’ material as much respect and attention as possible. Jose Roberto Bertrami on the keys, Alex Malheiros on the b-lines, Ivan Conti on the skins, Claudio Roditi on the brass, I mean… the fella chose legends lah. Game over liao. I didn’t even need to test the CD when I bought it cos confirm the vibes are going to be Mild Seven Lights, Cognac Dry and the Thumbs Up Kacang big time.

The only regret I have with this album is: after standing and jumping like monkey in Java Jazz, my calves were aching like hell and it would have been perfect if, when back in the hotel, this CD was on and I have my Mild Seven Lights, cognac, kacang and a foot reflexologist to come to my room and massage just my calves while I tangkap the sounds of the underground. Wah, that would have been really shiok but unfortunately the hotel’s foot reflexologist didn’t work till 1AM so programme spoil. Wasted.

I also had a really hard time choosing the Spotlight Track cos I loved almost all the tracks, but in the end I decided to choose something a little more upbeat yet still maintaining the classic Mark Murphy improv style. ‘Madalena’ was written by Lins and first recorded by the late great Elis Regina. It was after this song that peeps like George Benson, Quincy Jones and Sarah Vaughan took notice of Ivan’s mastery on the melodies and many covers of his songs soon came out in the following years. In fact, I heard Quincy and George Benson cover almost half the tracks in this album alone. Anyway, back to Madalena, I guess the sample here really speaks for itself and the listener will 100% feel the seaside breeze on his face once the Bahia scats start rolling. Check out also, Claudio Roditi’s stylish trumpeting on this cut, you might just bottoms up the cognac and pour one more straight away. Sick on all counts.

Other tracks on this album that should not be missed are Night Mood, Before We Lose Tomorrow, Sails (Velas Icadas) – Toots Thielemans rendition of this on the harmonica is shit hot as well, Love Dance (Lembranca), Maos de Afeto and Believe What I Say. So…

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Dave Grusin
Album: Collection
Spotlight Track: She Could Be Mine
Label: GRP

Produced by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen
Executive Producer: Agira Taguchi for JVC
Arranged by Dave Grusin
Recorded by Larry Rosen at A&R Studios NYC.
Assisted by Ollie Cotton
Mixed by Larry Rosen and Dave Grusin

Dave Grusin: Acoustic Piano and Fender Rhodes
Lee Ritenour: Guitar
Steve Gadd: Drums
Dom Grusin: Oberheim Synthesizer
Lincoln Goines: Bass
Ruben Bassini: Percussion

After a weekend of jazzin’ and absorbing massive inspirations over in Jakarta (Java Jazz) with the boys, I head home to find myself chilling to the old skool jazz sounds of GRP don, Mr. Dave Grusin. This is one album on CD you should get your hands on as it spans a very nice spread of jazz styles and moods over a 12 year period from 1976 to 1988.

The track in focus is the first in the CD titled “She Could Be Mine” conjuring up good vibes throughout from the very start of the track to the end. A nice array of musicians gathered on this one with Steve Gadd providing a solid and I must say very stylish brasilian vibe to the track. Whistles reminiscent of the samba carnival and the sick Rhodes provide a perfect situation for your goose bumps to be evident from head to toe.

All aspiring jazz fans or music junkies should check out Grusin’s discography and career history over here. My wish is to check out the Don himself over at the 2008 Java Jazz Festival. Big up to this honcho!

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Flora Purim and Airto Moreira
Album: The Magicians
Spotlight Track: Garimpo
Label: Concord Records

Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Kenny Loggins – Vocals
Jeff Elliott, Mary Fettig, Rolando Gingras, Daniel Reagan – Horns
Larry Ness, Ricardo Pelxoto, David Zelher – Guitars
Kel Akagi, George Duke, Marcos Silva – Keyboards
Gary Brown, Bob Harrison, Keith Jones, Randy Tico – Basses
Celso Alberti, Airto Moreira, Tony Moreno – Drums
Airto Moreira, Doug Scott, Chas Thompson – Drum Machines
Airto Moreira – Percussion

Produced by Airto Moreira for Airflo Productions

Back from Java Jazz 2007, the boys have well expressed the highlights of the trip already, so I’ll spare you the details. Instead I’ll focus on Mr Airto (Eye-Ear-Toe) Moreira, and his very sublime wife Flora Purim. These two jazz legends were for me the highlight of the Jazz Fest. When on stage, they have a magical presence and a good sense of humour. Airto seems to have a thousand hands, makes a million sounds (the baby crying plastic bag takes the cake!) and beats the hell out of the drums, while Flora, the tai tai she is, has a voice to melt all the ice kachangs in Singapore.

Garimpo is a perfect example of how diversed their sound can be. The freedom of jazz is evident in this track as the feel-good rythmn grooves you, and Flora’s heavenly voice makes you crave for more ice kachang. It’s so easy to listen to, and impossible not to like. The trademark breakdown with Flora’s soaring scatting picks up again and drops in with a killer groove. Mad.

I am very happy to have witnessed these 2 legends live at Java Jazz. Big up the whole crew at Jakarta, and may more cats turn up for the Festival in 2008. EZ!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Alix Alvarez & Franck Roger ft Arnold Jarvis
Spotlight Track: Take Good Care Of Me
Label: Soul Channel Music

A few peeps have been sendin’ us big ups about our Zao Gng page and we would like to thank you all very much for the encouragement. It’s very good to know that peeps are diggin’ the reviews and most importantly, the sounds.

However, a few have been asking why we of all people have not yet reviewed any deep house cuts, so for this week, I would like to recommend a track that has been rockin’ the HOT-4-U boat for a second and it’s none other than Arnold Jarvis’s collaboration with the modern honchos of House – Alix Alvarez & Franck Roger simply titled Take Good Care (Of Me).

Let me start off by saying that I for one am not into that lala kinda soul shit, but for this cut, I gotta say, the musical simplicity and matured soul jivin’ is balanced so nicely that it’s absolutely right on time. If you listen to the sample carefully, I’m sure you will know what I mean. The bouncing b-line will start you rolling with a gerum look on your face, and when the singing and stabbing smooth into the song you know that the subtle sleaze senses are gonna take effect very quickly and there should be a nice parntart around for some squeezing action.

In this song, Arnold Jarvis is saying to all the sexy mamas in da house to take good care of their man, to treat him right and cut out the koo niang pattern. Additionally, he is also hinting that all the chicks should have a nice parntart for squeezing. Unfortunately, not all chicks in Singapore got nice parntarts, so if you are one of those unlucky fellas with nothing to grab, please don’t worry because you can ask your girl to refer to this page for maximum results.

If you are one of those fortunate guys who’s got a nice girl with lovely long legs and a parntart that is toight like a toiger, HOT-4-U is very happy for you and we suggest you let us know asap so we can call Arnold Jarvis to go to your house and sing the song for you in person.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: GB (featuring Flora Purim)
Album: Soundtrack for Sunrise
Spotlight Track: Livre
Label: Sound In Color

Written by GB.
Additional Percussions by Airto Moreira, Bass By Alex Al. Guitar by Platonic.

The legendary couple Airto and Flora team up with upcoming LA producer GB in this new album filled with Hip Hop, Soul and Slick New Jazzy beats. The featured track here showcases some really slick styled fusion grooves not so evident these days by “Nu Jazz, Broken Beat” artistes.

Firstly it’s the kind of Cut-Cards (Triple 777 ’s) you get when playing Black Jack with your friends and family during CNY. You know you going to be in for some real heavy weight action here when Flora does her Brasilian scats live over the cool Rhodes showcased by GB. I mean 7 Times the pleasure when you chow down the rare flavors of Bak Kwa Biscuits and Abalone Cornflakes only available once a year at Chinatown in Tim Buk Tree.<< (do make advance orders as these new year goodies sell out fast!!)

Folks, on a serious note, do get your hands on this album since it's the start of the Lunar New Year, and you 'll be in for other treats with 11 other tracks guaranteed to whet your listening pleasure in the year of the Pig.

Gong Xi Fa Cai to our beloved readers...

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Rufus and Chaka Khan
Album: Masterjam
Spotlight Track: Do You Love What You Feel
Label: MCA Records (MCA 5103)

Produced By: Quincy Jones

Wah wah wah, Quincy at his peak, how can anyone lose? The year is 1979, Rufus and Chaka Khan came back together for this Quincy Jones produced album, Masterjam. The track that made my tummy rumble and toes tingle is “Do You Love What You Feel”. It’s a funky disco stomper, and it sounds as fresh today as it did 28 years ago. I heard DJ Spen mix it in with House and it was sibei steammmm (very excellent)!!

Speaking of steam, I’m reviewing this because in 3 days, HOT-4-U will be off to Java Jazz and we’ll be enjoying it live from the Chaka herself. Man, I can’t wait, I think I should go and buy some dancing shoes tomorrow cos I know I won’t be able to control when those horns come in. And by the time Chaka’s honey dipped vocals arrive, phooo…confirm Love What I Feel!

The rest of the album is equally highly recommended. And for the truly interested, try albums, “Rufurized”, “Ask Rufus”, “Rags to Rufus”, they are all belly belly belly good.

Chaka, here we come!!!!!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Modaji
Album: Modaji
Spotlight Track: Shook Up
Label: Laws Of Motion

Written By: Dominic Jacobson & Kaidi Tatham

Love is in the air this month and I’m sure the nation’s deep sea divers are gettin’ their gear ready for the BIG plunge! For this week’s Valentines Day review, I would like to recommned a track that is guaranteed to enhance the diving pleasure for both you and your partner. So without further ado, I point you to Modaji’s love making song for the new millenium – Shook Up. Peep the sample and you will instantly know what I mean cause there is no Robinson’s Sale on the expensive chops over here. Once the rhodes hits your face, you know you will have to turn off the aircon and take a deep breath cos the dive sessions will be starting very soon.

Apart from the steaming keyboard work, the lyrics, melodies and subtle beat programming are on the money and half way into the song when the scatting begins, you will realise that there is some fonk in the air as well and you will kinda know that the mixture of fonk and love in the air will give your room a very fragrant smell. You will also later realise that the fragrant aroma and Shook Up’s rhodes sounds are complimenting each other very well and you will feel inspired to extend your dive session for another hour.

For those of you who wanna go more abstract with this song, you might like to check this out and feel like Miles Davis while you are underwater.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Isaac Hayes
Album: Branded
Spotlight Track: Let Me Love You

Produced and Arranged by Issac Hayes for Issac Hayes Productions.
Rhythm and lead guitar: Michael Toles, Charles Skip Pitts. Keyboards: Lester Snell, Issac Hayes. Bass Guitar: Jimmy Kinard, Drums: James Chucki Burke. Percussion: Milton Comeaux. Lead Vocals: Issac Hayes. Vocals Solo Rap: Chuck D. Back Up Vocals: Myra Walker, Brenda Jones Williams.

Music that gives you goose bumps usually has a striking chord or hook that sticks in your mind when you listen to it intensely. This is one of those tracks that grabs you by the balls(for Men) Tits (for Women) from the very second you hear it all the way to the last bit when your ears have reached maximum, I mean maximum climaxxx.

Isaac’s bassy voice stands out immensely (he is a true pimpmeister in every essence) and the backdrop and sound image to this is further enhanced from the killer keys and strings that never fail to give you the cramped up steam kodoke face.

In terms of the hum suppness of the sound, I would rate this 11 outta 10. Just because it’s Valentines Day, I have especially typed out the first few stanzas of the lyrics for you sexy peeps. (see the part where he sings “eradicate…..”)

mmm…Just let me touch
Let me hold,
Let me feel,
Let me loose control,
Let me taste,
Let me savour,
What I’ve been so hungry for, my only flavor.
Let me roar
From so much pleasure
Just let me soar to heights no one can measure
With all my heart, with all my mind, with all my body, with all my soul,
Let me love you, let me love, please let me love you.
Let me live with you, please let me stay,
Let me wake up beside you…everyday
Let me treat you with kindness, and so much respect, let me eradicate from your vocabulary the words “abuse” and “neglect”.

So dudes out there, you can finally croon a Love Song for your girl on the 14th, and we can guarantee you, your chick sure confirm love you forever. By the way if you can’t sing don’t fret, this song can mumble your way through. (Just remember the lyrics lah..)

Once again from all of us at Hot-4-U, Wishing you a real Sexxxy HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!! : )

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Aretha Franklin
Album: Hey Now Hey (The Other Side Of The Sky)
Spotlight Track: That’s The Way I Feel About Cha
Label: Atlantic Records

Produced By: Quincy Jones and Aretha Franklin

I don’t even wanna be corny about this cut, with a combo like Franklin/Jones, you gotta have respect. Originally a Bobby Womack cut, Aretha sings her guts out on this cover version, and Quincy’s (THE MAN) magic seems to really drive the point right home.

Valentines’ is when you remember your partner and why she/he is there in the first place. Time may zoom by and but this is the day you pay homage to what you stand for as a couple. Werd.

Check out the groove of this song, it’s mad real. The multi-tracking Aretha Voices make you go weak in the knees. Man, I won’t elaborate no more, just listen to the extra long sample and you know what I mean. If that’s not enough, head to Gramaphone and pick up the CD at a cheap deal, $20 is nothing for something this good.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Skitz & Rodney P
Spotlight Track: Dedication
Label: Ronin Records

Produced By: Mad Money Wah & Skitz
Scratches: Deckwrecka
Written By: J. Cole & R. Panton
Recorded and Mixed : Roninscope at Precinct 23

Much respect to the UK massive for steppin’ up with the real rasta flavour on this cut. Skitz as usual gets the kangkong cookin’ with some heavy jeepstyle beats and b-lines which gave the sound a very good papaya jooce kind of feel. The combination here is perfect as Rodney P big ups the whole world adding some uplifting flavour to the overall vibe. The fonky scratches were supplied by Deckwrecka and he did a good job by expressing how itchy he was when crabbing the crossfade. The total combination I must say was very well matched

I personally would like to recommend this track to people who are feeling a bit down or depressed. For instance, a few weeks ago, I wack 10 big on my 4D numbers but kerna pluck cos I miss 2nd prize by one number. After that I was damn sian but when I listened to ‘Dedication’, I felt a lot better and was encouraged to huat again for next week’s 4D.

So if one day you feel lucky and want to wack Singapore Pools, I suggest you listen to this track first before going to NTUC and you will be more brave to play big. Good Luck!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Domu
Spotlight Track: Love Devine
Album: Enter The Umod

Time keeps moving so fast, before you know it, we are already into the 2nd month of the new year. This week’s aural palette, Domu (AKA Dominic Stanton) takes us forward by moving backward to the sampled vocals of Janice Mary Johnson from 70’s outfit “A Taste of Honey.” It’s one of dem broken beat tracks that deserves much respect from the complex layout of his spacey melodies, slick and acidic beatz and use of the sampled vocals.

For the sound imagery, it’s like when you are queuing up to buy prata, the minutes spent in the line allows you to see how the dough is kneaded by the honcho and how he throws the dough up in the air and waves em’ like he just don’t care(………..go on sing and dance along.. somebody say “OH YEAHHHHHHHHHHH……”).

Mos def a divine soundtrack to eating prata, checking chicks out and just stoning away. If you need more information on how to capture this divine soundtrack in its full essence, kindly visit this site.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: James Mason
Spotlight Track: I Want Your Love
Label: Mighty Fine Records
12″ Info: I Want Your Love/Nightgruv (12″ UK MFR 003, 1996)

Written By & Produced by James Mason.

Need to impress your sayang for Valentines’ Day? Here’s an idea: beg, borrow or steal this record, learn the lyrics then brush up your gyrating dance moves. On Valentines itself, sing along with the beats while slow grooving with your loved one, I confirm you she/he will steam konek.

Something different from Mr James Mason; I Want Your Love should really be named I Wanna Take Off Your Clothes. Mr Mason has successfully achieved what every producer hope for: the ULTIMATE HUMSUP groove. By the time the tribal percussions kicks in towards the end, you’ve already half taken off your underwear ; )

On a more serious note, taken from Discogs.com from James Mason himself:

“Although these recordings were never meant to be released, i hope you will enjoy them.
If you have enjoyed my work in the past, i believe, perhaps, you will.
These recordings were made for record industry decision makers to judge the worthiness of my efforts versus their risk in financing another album recorded by me. I had always thought that, if my effort was found worthy, these recordings would be redone. Except for this release by Mighty Fine Records, for which i am grateful, neither of these dreams have come true, and, therefore, this labour of love is being forwarded to you as is.
Please do not take this message as an encouragement to pass this recording by. It is not. I have put a great deal and effort and hope into these songs and sincerely hope you enjoy them”. -James Mason
… “Benita…Thanks for hanging in.”

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Stanley Turrentine
Album: Don’t Mess With Mister T.
Spotlight Track: Pieces Of Dreams

Stanley Turrentine: Tenor Saxophone
Bob James: Piano / Electric Piano
Richard Tee: Organ
Eric Gale: Electric Guitar
Ron Carter: Bass
Idris Muhammad: Drums
Plus Ensemble

Produced By Creed Taylor

In 1973, Stanley Turrentine recorded what was known to be his creamiest album because he had recently discovered Ben & Jerry’s and was inspired to make a creamadelic jazz album. The spotlight track – Pieces Of Dreams – was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and somgwriting genius Michel Legrand. It is best heard when you are riding a bicycle down East Coast beach and because it is such a cruiser, I really think our alien friends would enjoy it whilst they are flyin’ the skys between 60-70km/h.

The arrangements were done by Bob James who is very good in travelling music (i.e. Joyride, Theme From Taxi, Sunrunner, etc) and his keyboard work on this tune really reminds me of the wind in my face when I’m on my bicycle. I hope when our alien friends are flying in the mothership and the Bob James electric piano riffs are on, they pop their head out of the window to tangkap some wind. I’m sure they will feel just as refreshed as me on my bicycle.

The rest of the album is also pretty dope with other classy cuts likes I Could Never Repay Your Love, Don’t Mess With Mister T (alternate version), Mississippi City Strut (bonus) & Harlem Dawn (bonus) which is pure sleaze. Get the remastered CD cos the bonus tracks are pretty happening.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Patchworks Ginger Xpress
Spotlight Track: Brothers On The Slide (Brooklyn MIX)

Label: Still Music
Release: 2006
URL: http://www.itstillmusic.com

Disco Disco Disco.
This week’s tribute goes to the Aliens that invaded Singapore on the 7th Jan during dinner time last Sunday. For all you know dem Green Funksters wanted to check out our local food and sexy girls. Apparently dem Green Lights were spotted for 10 seconds from Changi, Sengkang all the way to Marina South. Anyways, back to the tunes, I have to tell you lahh, this one really gives me goose bumps all the time and the groove is really dem one of a kind. They hardly make tracks with this sort of bassline riff, sick Rhodes and mad bongo’s playing while you doing it in the park, doing it after dark. Check the vocals and u know u gonna be in for some major face cramping and head shaking, bopping (Yo Tao Vibes).

Patchworks AKA Bruno Hovart was born in 1975 Versailles France (the city that gave Daft Punk, AIR to the world). So from this, you kind of know you gonna get some purist stylized groove to rock your soul etc…if you want to find out more about the kind of diet he has and what are his favorite shows on TV etc, just go to http://www.itstillmusic.com coz I quite shack to type out. By the way with all the buzz about Green and Rare, if you do happen to find Jolly Lolly Ice Cream at your mama shops, kindly give us boys a buzz. Dat Ice Cream is one Rare Alien Flavor….

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Tania Maria
Album: Taurus
Spotlight Track: Tranquility

Label: Concord Jazz Picante
Tania Maria: Vocals, Piano, Keyboards
Rob Fisher: Bass
Vince Lateano: Drums
Eddie Duran: Guitar
Kent Middleton: Percussion
Willie Colon: Percussion, Congas
Carl E. Jefferson: Producer

Do Do Do Ba Ba Ba Dop Bop Bi Bi Bop Ba Doooo… Tania Maria was born to communicate with our unidentified friends. Flying back to intergalactic space may be a tough and stressful ordeal, so this week, I wish our alien friends godspeed and peace with this song.

Try this: Find a starry night, take a stool, sit in an open space and tangkap Tranquility on your ipod while looking up into the vast open sky. Soon the you’ll know why the album was named Taurus. Tania does it effortlessly, listen to this 10000 times in a row, I swear you might achieve the state of nirvana. I even heard a rumour if you played it backwards, it’s the national anthemn in native alien tongue. Out of this world!

Tania Maria’s Taurus and Come With Me albums on Concord Jazz are both essential in any alien’s collection.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Casiopea
Album: Eyes Of The Mind
Spotlight Track: Asayake

Issei Noro: Electric Guitar – Yahama SG-2000
Tetsuo Sakurai: Bass Guitar – Yamaha BB-2000
Minoru Mukaiya: Keynoards – Febder Rhodes 73, Roland VP-330, Prophet 5, Yamaha GS-1, Mini Moog, Poly Moog, ARP-2600, Korg 800 DV, Korg Trident
Akira Jimbo: Drums – Yamaha YD-9000R
Harvey Mason: Percussion
Paulinho Da Costa: Percussion

In 1976, Issei Noro, Tetsuo Sakurai, Minoru Mukaiya and Takashi Sasaki formed Casiopea. Four years later in 1980, Akira Jimbo replaced Takashi Sasaki and after that, they went out to buy some samurai swords.

The spotlight track for today, ‘Asayake’, is a funky jivin’ jam which made it’s first appearance in Casiopea’s 1980 LP – Super Flight. This track definately hits the spot and is best heard during the morning of your off day with 2 half boiled eggs and some tea-o.

When jazz legend Harvey Mason heard Casiopea’s first two LPs – Make Up City and Super Flight (both released in 1980), he fell off his drum seat and dropped his fried chicken on his skins. He then called Casiopea to visit him in the US and after they went rollerblading and sun tanning in California, they decided to get Bob James to tweak on some synth arrangements and Paulinho Da Costa to cut their hair. What came out in the end was basically an album that would be best heard while you are bathing, shitting, eating, skiving and 69ing – Eyes Of The Mind.

Asayake is a buffet in itself, with emotional melodies running between euphoric riffs and cosmic chops – much like having Hainanese Chicken Rice with Hor Fun and Kiam Chai Soup – you can’t tell which is better but you’ll dig in anyways.

Peep Casiopea performing ‘Asayake’ live in a 1984 concert. Eyes Of The Mind should be available at good internet sites for jazz collectors.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Herbie Hancock
Album: Mr Hands
Spotlight Track: Spiralling Prism (6.23)

Herbie plays: Fender Rhodes, 88 Suitcase Piano. EMU Polyphonic Leyboard, Clavitar, Waves Mini Moog, Prophet 5, Oberheim 8 Voice, Yamaha CS-80, Arp 2600 Synth, Hohner Clavinet, Sennheiser Vocoder, Linn Moffett Dum Synth, Modified Apple 11 Plus Microcomputer, Acoustic Piano.
Leon “Ndugu” Chancler- Drums.
Byron Miller- Bass.
Bill Summers- Percussion.

This track reminds me of the days when u have nothing to do on Saturday and when you pop this CD on, u suddenly feel like the day’s going to be more jazzy just because the bassline compliments the kopi and yu char kway that you are eating. Plus the way Herbie wacks the EMU Polyphonic sounds, u know u gonna have to drink 2 more coffees and then smoke half a pack with goosebumps all over your back, neck, hands. At 1min 45 seconds, you suddenly feel the urge to be an astronaut because the sounds are so damn exhilarating. All I can recommend to you folks is go buy the full length album and get inspired. By the way if you feel you are up for it, kindly visit our close friends and associates at www.nasa.gov as they are still hiring potential candidates.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Two Tons O’ Fun
Spotlight Track: Just Us
12″ Info: Got the feeling / Just us (US Fantasy 12″ D-152, 1980)

Mixed by Buddy Brundo.
Produced by Harvey Fuqua.

All good, feel good Paradise Garage anthemn. Orignally backup singers with Sylvester on the US Fantasy label, Izora Rhodes and Martha Wash soon recorded together as Two Tons o’ Fun. Look out for their first self titled album which contains several disco classics. “Just Us” makes you wanna take off your clothes and feel worldwide love. Make sure to hold your love ones close while hussling to this cut. Remember the ingredients of a boogie classic, big momma vocals, shifting basslines and solid slap of humsup disco breaks.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny