It's not a
problem
that I can't fix, coz' I can do it…
IN DA MIX
2K3 flyes week after week,
month after month, to bring us into its ultimate third. One may think about its
finishing festivities — some of us already do — but judging by what we're going
to talk this week, it's not even autumn but summer time ; at least, indian
summer time ! In other words, get ready for some (more) sunny vibes…
Can't remember heats like those
we've had during the summer this year, but an extreme could fairly well lead us
to another one this winter, if you see what I mean. So if there's anytime to go
for some more hot stuff, it's right now, as epitomized by the recent Abstract
Latin Lounge collection, number 3 in its genre on Nitegrooves. If half of
the vinyl EP part 1 isn't necessarly what we might expect on the latin field,
the second one should reach the fans' hearts and minds with the classy "Las
Luces Del Norte" from Los Ladrones. While, on a more jazz/funk downtempo
ibizenco tip, we also have the stunning "Sunshine" from What's Happening,
back on offer ten years after its original release, and this is pure silk.
Somewhere between guys like
Joe Claussell and Frankie Valentine is Antonio Ocasio, a
nuyorican who explores the numerous sides of his inspiration, going this time to
some afro/jazz caribbean feel, associated to vocalist Def Räädu on the
sensuous "Eesti"that looks like a tribute to Estonia (Tribal Winds). On the
opposite side of the map is Argentina, a country that gave birth to tango and
its absolute king, Astor Piazzolla. Well, the man in question who
inspired Gotan Project amongst others, sees his repertoire being revamped
and the least we can say about the first single is that the rework of "El Viaje"
by 4Hero has probably a more cinematic feel. Meanwhile, swedish outfit,
Koop, maintains a more original atmosphere on "Vuelvo Al Sur" built on a
soft boogie jazz rhythm
(Chicooligan).
Thievery Corporation's
18th Street Lounge is definitely a place to stop if you happen to go
to D.C. (Washington), as is their label in terms of cool audio vibes. This being
proven once more on Ursula 1000's latest single. A cut called "Samba
1000" that, despite its title, turns into a cool bossa feel as relifted by
Italia's maestro, Nicola Conte. Far Out Recordings gives us another slice
of beauty called "Chuva" by Vertente. There, you have to options. Either
stay on the A-side and its sensuous cool bossa feel, or go to the flipside where
the ubiquitious Seiji has added some rhythm and subtle beats.
Nevertheless, have to say that the must of this latin issue is none other than
The Dining Rooms' latest. A tune called "Flamenco Sketches" that stands
like a diving in the very depth of some ritmo suave, with the help of the
inevitable Nicola Conte. Meanwhile the group himself provides us with
some solid groove with his phonky remix of "Astro Black" (Schema Records).
Don't usually talk that much
about real jazz in this column, but after all what is jazz if not some space for
all kinds of improvisations. Into it for a while ? Well, check out Doctor
Abstract's "Struck On Jazz" on that same label and go for some boogie oogie
!!! Funny how those tifosi bring us back to the souvenir of a classy past,
should it be in terms of harmony as well as vocal arrangements. Another proof is
given by The Easy Access Orchestra with their subtle "Las Chicas" as
retouched by King Kooba. Not to mention the Flying Fish's remix on
a more rhythmed experimentation (Irma). In love with bossa/jazz house ? Well,
Thomas Deschamps & Fred Gien aka 4 Siders have everything you
may search for on both sides of the cool and classy "Sol y Mas" (Project
Recordings)
INTERVIEW
