Pete Rock, John Coltrane, J-Dilla, Doug Carn, Madlib, Terry Callier, Gil Evans, James Brown, Kev Brown, Cinematic Orchestra, Detroit Experiment, Jazzanova, Ubiquity Records, Stones Throw, Rza, Alice Coltrane, Omar, Loose Ends, American Gypsy, Andrew Hill, David Axelrod, Common, Sun Ra, Jill Scott, Patrice Rushen, Stevie Wonder, it's endless........!!!!
Image created at MySpace Image Code Image created at MySpace Image Code
If I was to conjure up in my head a musical soundtrack for this cramped, smoky, vibrant and utterly beautiful city that I call home, I’d be hard pushed to think of anything more appropriate than the sonic science that’s been coming out of the Abstract Blue studios over the past few years. The rumbling of the bass lines, the clack clacking of the tweeters, more often than not tied together with a sultry vocal or two, make up nothing less than pure, undiluted London soul.
Abstract Blue epitomise the deeper side of this irrepressible metropolis; a melting pot full to the brim with sublime musical talent. With Break Reform’s Nanar Vorperian being of Armenian descent, and the likes of Tris Brown, Marcia Escoffery and Randolph Matthews having Afro-Caribbean roots, ethnic heritage spreads far and wide within the label.
This collection of low budget beauties and horizontal head nodders will go some way to giving you the full Abstract Blue story; and like any forward thinking compilation, it starts in the future. Ohaji Kamara’s glorious ‘We As One’, featuring Nanar on vocals, is a gem yet to be released to the listening public, but is available here as a mouth watering taster of the forthcoming EP.
Prolific producer Tris Brown is also heavily featured. An unassuming character who’s been knocking out tracks for time, in both his Low Budget Soul guise, and as the one-man beat maker, Ol’ English. ‘You Are The One’ and 'She Won’t Let The Summer In’ show off his ability to pick a quality vocalist, and write a beautiful song. The Ol’ English exclusives, ‘Yesterday’s Boy’ and ‘You Can’t Tell Me’, on the other hand, illustrate how cleverly the man can conjure up a dope beat.
Check the brilliant Alison Evelyn too, for another exclusive, as one of the UK’s finest soul voices gets a re-rub from label bosses, Break Reform, who, as you would expect, are all over this selection. Bedfordshire’s Domu and outer space’s Yam Who provide the remixes, and the highlight of the new Break Reform LP, ‘It’s Love’, is an absolute must! Sa-Ra, move over!!
Finally, there’s an added bonus in the shape of Aztec Productions. An unreleased project from the best part of a decade ago, co-produced by Simon S and Kamara, and featuring outrageously soulful strings, an intense double bass, and vocals from a very youthful Nanar.
Now, stop reading this nonsense and treat yourself to some modern, 21st Century blues.
Dom Servini (London, October 2005)
I know you probably get lots of these but Pressplay have got an E.P. out on itunes. If you like the sound of our music (you can check out our profile), please feel free to buy a copy by clicking on the picture below. Thanks for the support
A. Sweet Love – 4’25” B. Sweet Love (instrumental) - 4’25”
Yet again Spengler showcase some of the best songwriting talent around, this time in big band swing mode. A collaboration with Max Grunhard (Impossible Ark) and the 16-bit Horns, Sweet Love features explosive brass, stinging solos and deep dark melodies.
The vocal version is on the A side, with a superb instrumental reworking on side B, perfect for late night sessions.
Responses to Sweet Love:
“Love it...swinging!!” – Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s) “…wonderful track!!!” – Simon Harrison (Basic Soul) “Goddamn this is tasty!....a dope blend of classic swingers jazz of the past with the nu-jazz feel…..It's clear that Spengler can pull anything off…” DJ Mike Biggz (Youth Radio California) “…like it…” Rob Luis (Tru Thoughts) “…wicked tracks!!!!!.... 10/10!” Kay Suzuki (Coopr8) “This tune is hard not to feel…” Mr Goju (Migrations Radio Show) “Very nice...jazzy, soulful vibes. ” DJ Obah (Giant Step)
With many artists under his belt
J.ChopBeats has become one of the most sought after producers out and is quickly becoming a HOUSEHOLD name.
Tracks done with Dipsets' JR Writer, and
currently shoppin' beats to all major stars in the industry including Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Mobb Deep, Papoose, and many more of your favorite artists.
Be on the lookout for up and coming tracks getting daily NATIONWIDE radio play!!!
Have you been looking for that ONE beat that sparks that UNDESCRIBABLE emotion for your track? Have you been in search for that HIT radio single, but haven't found it in other producers catalogues??? Are you tired of producers not meeting your needs and deadlines??? Check out www.decapbeats.com. If your talent and work ethic matches that of DecapBeats, I would be glad to network with you and build a lasting business relationship. I'm looking for artists that want to GRIND their way to the TOP!!! DecapBeats is grindin' DAILY, NONSTOP.
Be on the lookout for songs with artists from Ghostface Killah, Royce Da 5'9", Edo G, Masta Ace, D12, Aftermath, Def Jam affiliates (can't mention specifics yet) and many more of your favorite emcees all on DecapBeats!! Decap is also currently shopping beats to several MAJOR artists, some including, JR Writer (Dipset), Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Papoose, and MANY more.
