Review: Chad Will - Sky Be Blue EP (Colour and Pitch)

You might be forgiven for thinking the label Head Honcho at Colour & Pitch has been sent to Coventry for their latest release 'Sky Be Blue' but remarkably, Austin, Texas is nearer the mark!

Chad Will first came to light by winning a remix competition for Danny Howells' 'Breath' and  since another life changing event, he's now putting his heart and soul (you could say, "literally") in his music production work. 

Strongly recommend checking out the links below to hear 3 great versions - or this months' Colour & Pitch Radio show with Will Sumsuch that went live this week. 

Each mix is great and can easily fit the main room or the backroom,  Does the orignal mix have a bit of 80s ESG vibe?  Either way, it just has the right level of good time blue sky dreaming moody cloud-synths.

Finest Wear (Nite Grooves, Nordic Trax) goes even deeper into the synth dream whilst New York's Sleepy & Boo get really bouncy synth for a loft / appartment / underground party in any direction heading out of Williamsburg (that's the Brooklyn one of course). 

Expect much more from Chad in the new year as this Austinite has a desire to get it out there.

li.sten.to/skybeblue

colourandpitch.bandcamp.com

www.colourandpitch.com

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - October 2022

Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch October 2022

Artist: Chad Will 

Title: Sky Be Blue inc remixes by Finest Wear and Sleepy & Boo.

Single Release Date: 28/10/2022

Label:  Colur and Pitch

Format: DIGITAL

Review: Degrees Of Freedom - Time Won't Save You (1HX)

If you mention 'stunning house anthem' and start thinking of a golden age of Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud, jazzy MAW and Pete Tong's Radio 1 show, Degrees Of Freedom's 'Time Won't Save You' will confirm that nothing changes when it comes to classic house stunners. 

The duo of Isha Campbell and Charlie Bierman have managed to a Dr. Who seemlessly spanning the past to the future with original extended, instrumental and radio edit versions - but as the next incarnation will tell you, 'Time Won't Save You'. 

The only thing missing from this release is a Gerry Hectic extension; but that's only a matter of time, or should I say, imminent:)

Another winner from the label curated by the world famous Goldie.

Artist: Degrees Of Freedom

Title: Time Won't Save You EP

Release date: 24th October, 2022

Label: 1HX / Fallen Tree 1 Hundred

Cat. No: 1HX009

Format: Digital

Review: Per Husby Septett - Peacemaker (BBE MUSIC)

It's clear from the BBE J-Jazz series that Mike Peden does love a rare record but in addition to tracking down the best of the rare in the land of the rising sun, this time he's got a gem from the land of the midnight sun with a super rare LP (original only 500 so an instant collectors item) from the Per Husby Septett. 

With covers of tracks by the be-and-post-boppers Kenny Wheeler, Cedar Walton and Charlie Parker you'd thought that'd be enough to covert this album (that features the finest of Norway's Jazz musicians that's led by pianist & arranger Per Husby) but the title track is a killer (erm, let's try 'is a peacemaker'). 

Getting back to Peden, he does like 100mph bop and 'Au Privave / Bloomdido' is that. And then, by contrast, 'Nokve' has the pace and vibe of a 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' whilst the Kenny Wheeler compositions 'Smatta' and 'Introduction To No Particular Song' hark back to Peden's usual sidekick, Tony 'Impressed' Higgins and his Brit-Jazz revival [this release being Peden's equivalent to Higgins' recent BBE post bop re-issue release on BBE, Shamek Farrah & Norman Person 'Live' - get the feeling these guys are in friendly competition?]. 

So jazz-heads and dancers will know 'Fantasy In D' (the Walton track) , 'Confirmation' (Parker) and 'Lush Life' (Strayhorn) that are all impecable interpretations in both small and big band arrangements. 

What really stands out is the title track, 'The Peacemaker' written by Harold Land. Perhaps we just need to give peace a chance today (bearing in mind this set was recorded back in 1976) along with Per Husby's own 'Adgang F.'. 

And then the original artwork is kinda Monty Pythoneaque and Per Husby has done some new sleeve notes for what is now a 2xLP/CD/Digital release thus making this a necessary addition to any record collection. 

Nice one Mike, lets hope there's more to follow in a series.

BBE Music · Per Husby Septett - The Peacemaker

Artist: Per Husby Septett

Title: Peacemaker

Release date: 21st October 2022

Label: BBE Music

Cat. No: BBE641

Format: 2xLP / CD / Digital

Review: TALC - De Gui Ding (The Reflex Revisions) (Wah Wah 45s)

 

I can remember Dom Servini being so excited about TALC when Wah Wah 45s first exposed the duo on the world.  It might have seemed like a lonely crusade at times but Dom’s quallity ears are the proof in the pudding as DJ cognoscenti such as Bill Brewster, Gilles Peterson, Ashley Beedle and Detroit legend Moodymann (‘Modern Sleepover Pt.2: Robot’s Return’ being on his “DJ Kicks” compilation) have all had their dancefloors covered in TALC. 

Not only that, this release has a vocal and instrumental overhaul by The Reflex that brought both version into a post Zapp disco with Hall’s Oats and Steely’s Dan. Really mesmerizing stuff and for the benefit of new fans there’s the original version of ‘De Gui Ding’.  Hard to believe that the original 'version' is the Michel Le Grand classic from the 60s.

And the aforementioned ‘Robots Return’ and ‘Modern Sleepover’ are now appropriately on a 12″ (nudge, nudge etc) which will be a collectors treasure as soon as its released: buy it on sight. Great artwork too!

“Absolutely loving the Reflex mixes. Will play with happiness!” Ashley Beedle (Heavy Disco, Afrikaanz On Marz, X-Press 2, UK)

Artist: TALC

Title: De Gui Ding (The Reflex Revisions)

Release date: 21st October, 2022

Label: Wah Wah 45s

Cat. No: WAH12046/WAH046DD

Format: 12" / Digital

Review: Daniel Wang - DSDN EP (Paloma)

Daniel Wang is the DJ version of Phil Wang - is it all in the name?  Both are incredibly knowledgeable in thier respective fields of expertise and are great entertainers.

If you want of know about disco/house/jazz-funk, Daniel Wang is one of the know alls as he's moved from Californian to Taiwan to New York to Chicago and for the past few years Berlin [at one time he was a same block neighbour to Peggy Gou] and DJ'd all over the world. 

This 4 track is full of Daniel's dancefloor know how and fun that he's had ever since his Balihu Records days. 

Whether it's the 10 minute long vocal mix (that includes Eva Be & Clé rap (I met Eva backstage at the London Astoria in her Best Seven/Sonar Kollektiv period and she's another funny one) or the 303 dub/instrumental, this squeezes the disco out of 90s NYC with some Italo house, post-punk funk, synthpop, Balearic and Balihuese vibes: it's a killer of kitchen sink approach. 

 

Best advice is to leave the washing up and keep dancing.

P.S. I love Daniel Wang and it's great to have him back.

P.P.S. I love Eva Be too!

Paloma · Daniel Wang - DSDN (Vocal Mix)

Artist: Daniel Wang

Title: DSDN EP

Release Date : 14th October, 2022

Catalog Number : PALOMA 008

Label : Paloma Records

Format: 12" / Digital

Review: Shamek Farrah & Norman Person - Live (BBE Music)

If you're the impatient jazz type that can't wait to get their hands on this rare LP lovingly re-issued by BBE and have been trying to get up to speed on Bandcamp, the nearly 13 minute version of the opening track 'Aisha' by Shamek Farrah and Norman Person, you'll know that there is one massive problem, it's not long enough! 

Don't panic, the album has a second 9 minute version! 

It's a shame they both fade out but what can you do when this release was recorded live between 1988 and 1991 and previousy only avaliable in cassette form at their gigs, this release is a 'lost' jem of post-bop spiritual soul-jazz with a huge Latin kick. 

You'll kow the cover versions of 'Footprints' (Wayne Shorter, RIP) and 'I Remember Clifford' like the back of you hand, like the band here but you'll need this album as much for 'Aisha' as 'Negative Forces' - this time a 12 and 55 minute version on the double vinyl 45rpm disc/CD/Digital. 

This release sits perfectly with BBE/180 Proof Records' Strata East re-issues and helpfully there's a 'get to know you' interview with Shamek Farrah and Norman Person by The Jazz Dad himself, Tony Higgins (J-Jazz with Mike Peden, Impressed with Gilles Peterson and much more). 

Absolutely fantastic that all involved have now shared this brilliant jazz with the rest of the world and can't recommend it enough.

 

Artist: Shamek Farrah & Norman Person

Title: Live 

Release date: 7th October, 2022

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE679 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Hollie Cook - Move My Way (Black Science Orchestra Remixes) (Merge Records)

Hollie Cook's new single, taken from her album 'Happy Hour' is all you'd expect from the 'Lil' Slit' with her reputation for bouncey lovers rock that here is produced with the help of Youth. 

It's backed by a track called 'Unkind Love' and if you are a fan of her 2011 debut album on Mr Bongo (produced by Dennis Bovel that got full  Prince Fatty dub overhaul) you'll won't be surprised by the quality of this new material.

What perhaps will surprise you (thanks to Mrs Ramrock, Jo Wallace for pointing this out) is that there's a Black Science Orchestra remix and dub versions.  We've not seen/heard these guys since Junior Boy's Own/Afro Art way back. 

The remix is very much in a disco-shuffle-jazz-funk groove and with a proper 'dub'; it's going to get you moving as the synths and percussion take on a very 80s go-go vibe with reggae island horns and organ; what more could you ask for? Kitchen sink? (only kidding).

Lets hope this is the start of Black Science Orchestra taking on more remixes like this.

P.S. There's an interview with Ashley Beedle in the new DISCO POGO magazine [#2] in which he covers his Black Science Orchestra days and much more.

Artist: Hollie Cook 

Title: Move My Way (Black Science Orchestra Remixes) 

Release Date : 14th September, 2022

Catalog Number : 

Label : Merge Records

Format: Digital

Review: Ghetto Priest X D.Foe - Snapshot Of Reality EP (Ramrock Records)

When it comes to the team behind Ramrock Records, who would be surprised that their latest release is Marvel styled 'dystopian' goodness.  

This 4 track EP is themed with an end of the world vibe brought on by toxic waste (are you listening utility companies?) via a Bristolian dub heritage.  The title track speaks for itself but you want to get heavy?  Yes I do - the deeper 'Self Dialogue' goes off into a strings vs. spaghetti western dub, twangy guitars seem to be 'in' at the moment.  The Sly remix is fully dubbed touching Bauhaus way (good one for forthcoming Halloween - I take it Bela Lugosi is still dead]'

'Land of Origins' is a anitdote to the dystopia with a theme of "love not hate"; it'd be cool mixtape starter but so is 'Self Dialogue' as there's lots of tension and growing hypnotic angst.

Equally mad is that the cover artwork is from fellow Ramrock artist, Greg Blackman (yes, he of the last review on YOU AND THE MUSIC with Mr Bird ft Greg Blackman - Over Again (Ramrock Records)  Who'd have guessed and more evidence that it's best to buy all of the label's releases.

Ramrock/ Ramrock Blue/ Ramrock Red · 01. Ghetto Priest X D.Foe - Snapshot Of Reality

Artist: Ghetto Priest x D​.​Foe 

Title: Snapshot of Reality EP

Release date: 19th September, 2022

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR032

Format: Digital

Review: Mr Bird ft Greg Blackman - Over Again (Ramrock Records)

Once in a while a tune turns into a classic; even more rarely you know a tune has classic status from the very first play.  This is one of those occasions.

Make no mistake Mr Bird and Greg Blackman – with the aid of two genuine masters of the remix, Tom Moulton and Ashley Beedle – have crafted something very special indeed. “Over Again” is simply beautiful, a gentle masterpiece that oozes soul and Summer; if it was any more honeyed the bees would have claimed it back by now...

The original “Lo-fi Classics” version, previously available on digital from BBE, is genuinely great in itself (and always has been) but the Tom Moulton and Ashley Beedle reworks take it to an even higher level. It’s a matter of personal taste which one works the best for you (I love ‘em both!), but if it’s the Tom Moulton version you’re after, you’d best be quick – it’s vinyl only, and there are only 200 of them out there.

So – terrific song, great production / vocals and top notch reworks from the man who invented the art of the remix, and the man who’s done as much as anyone to redefine it. Sounds like an absolute monster to me.



Buy via Juno

Review: Q-Burns Abstract Message - QBAM RMX1 (Colour and Pitch)

The Colour & Pitch label has been a go-to source for ultra high quality melodic deep house since its inception, but their latest release steps things up a good couple of notches...and then some.

Having slowly developed an excellent relationship with self described “shadowy figure” Q-Burns Abstract Message, following his remix of their first release, the label’s gentle persistence in seeking new music from the Orlando based producer has paid off in fine style with this package of previously unreleased and unavailable re-works from Q-BAM’s elusive back catalogue.

After months of work tracking down artists and rights holders all of these previously hidden gems are now fully cleared, and have been newly remastered for this release – and there’s not a duff note in any of them.

First up is an excellent atmospheric and dubby rework of Church Williams’ “Touch The Sun” – sped up considerably from the original and ditching most of the vocal and piano, what we have here is a naggingly hypnotic piece that is hard to categorise (although it sounds like Summer) but very easy to love.

Track 2 is a deep and delicious rework of The Antirealist’s “Abscence” that is somehow brings elements as disparate as a classic reggae drum hit, Johnny Marr style shimmering guitars, analog synths and steel pan sounds together, binding them with a powerful but lazy bass line to create something that is – in my worthless opinion at least – nothing short of magical. Be careful what you’re smoking when you listen to this – you might not come back.

The wonderfully named Japanese Insanity’s track “The Lobster” is next for the Q-BAM treatment. I have no idea what the original sounded like, but this version is another hypnotic delight. Layers of sound coalesce to create another mini-masterpiece, with an arpeggiated key line providing an unavoidable brain-hook that will either entice you to dance or drive you insane – your call. Dubby explosions and sudden stops add to / release the tension as required. Brilliant.

Robert McCoy’s “Damascus” follows. It’s got a darker, deeper and more intense feel than the tunes that precede it, but with recognisably Q-BAM touches. Perfectly crafted, it sounds like 6am in the dark to me and it’s all the better for it, and the ethereal whispered vocals definitely help edge it towards creep out territory. Which is never a bad thing.

Mathew Scot’s “Trauma” as re-imagined here is a wonderful piece of work. Deep and just the right side of dark, it’s atmospheric, enveloping and twisted just enough to slightly mess with your head – in a nice way of course. A late night / early morning gem that sounds like you’ve known it forever, and one you'll be playing for the foreseeable.

So there you have it – a frankly excellent 5 tracker from an excellent label that is well worth your time and money. Please give both freely.