Sometimes the gap between the release date for that coveted CD can seem so distant. Sure I have other selections to hold me over but I’ve been teased with the pending release of the Politik for quite some now. Almost a year to be exact. It’s enough to make a music fiend go postal. Fortunately, the anticipation has paid off and the Politik is finally in my possession. Who is the Politik? New Zealand born and now London resident Mark De Clive Lowe and Bembe Segue, that’s who. Mark has become adept at merging his jazz influenced background with soul, funk and broken beat. His last CD, “Tides Arising,” is proof of that and should be picked up if you don’t have it already. Bembe is one of the most sought after vocalists in the UK today. Having worked with Bugz In The Attic and 4 Hero, among others. On the Politik, Mark and Bembe build on the foundation they created from “Tides Arising” and the “Freesoul Sessions”, the latter being their weekly jam sessions with several other musicians. The chemistry between them is evident on “Moonlight Feat. Blu”. The combination of Blu’s superb rhyme flow, Bembe’s complimenting vocals and Mark’s keyboard wizardry make this one a highlight. “Money” is another pleasing track that has an irresistible groove, great synth work and Bembe’s soulful vocals. On “Mistaken” and “She’s Gone”, Mark slows down the tempo and creates gorgeous melodies that gives these songs a richness and character that will remain with you well after the song has completed. If you picked up the import, “Black Sun” is another treat that you’ll enjoy. It’s one of their first singles but didn’t make the US release. Don’t feel like you need to pick up the import for that one. You can check it out on the Politik myspace page. Bottom line, this is a very good CD with thirteen tracks that fuses the improvisational techniques of cosmic jazz with soul and broken beat. Simply put, this will have your head nodding from start to finish. Refreshing and enjoyable.
