Home » Posts tagged 'Detroit'
Tag Archives: Detroit
Esteban Adame – Bittersweet [UTx]
Los Angeles based pianist Esteban Adame’s debut album “Bittersweet” glides from bebbop to techno and fusion. Adame’s career spans more than twenty years, He spent several years in Detroit working with legendary producer MAd Mike Banks of Underground Resistance. Through that relationship he would contribute to the electronic jazz band Galaxy to Galaxy. In 2022 Adames formed a quartet to showcase his love for improvisation. Those members of the quartet are on board for this release. Tenor sax man Frank Fontaine’s glorious flurries are sprinkled htroughout the hard swinging title track. Joey De Leon’s congas light a fire on the afro cuban flavored “Bottom Up”. Adame’s Detroit influence is prominent on “Hi Tech Jazz”, a soulful fusion burner. The “Bottom Up” remix is a mash up of Detroit dub and straight ahead jazz. It displays the beauty of two worlds colliding seamlessly. Adames may not be a household name but make no mistake, he’s a talented pianist and composer. A marvelous record worthy of repeated listens.
Glenn Echo & Daniel Meinecke – What Happened To Yesterday Vol. 2 [MotorCity Wine]
“What Happened To Yesterday Vol 2”, the third lp from Glenn Echo and Daniel Meinecke picks up from where Vol 1 left off. That means a heavy dose of dub rhythms and wobbly synth tunes. Meinecke displays his command of the moog and the rhodes while Echo’s production keeps the listener heavily engaged. “Three Season Crank” is filled with infectious reggae rhythms. Electric guitarist Raja Kassis pushes the rhythm forward with his hypnotic chords. “Pull My String” is another mellow tune punctuated by outer world synths. “Off The Rails” differs from the rest of the tunes in tempo only and could easily be found in club roation. The combination of ear popping percussion and psychadelic synths adds up to a certified banger. Echo and Meinecke deliver another dubbed out gem that hits the mark.
https://glennechodanielmeinecke.bandcamp.com/album/mcwr019-what-happened-to-yesterday-vol-2
VA – Reference Point [BBE Music]
Mark GV Taylor and George Arthur are the curators for Reference Point. Since 201
2 Reference Point has hosted events that have attracted listeners and musicians
world wide. The twelve track lp features a global menu of glorious music old and new. “Palavras” erupts with warm Samba vibes courtesy of Caixa Cubo. “We Don’t Have To Talk About It” is classic rock with a touch of mellow jazz from the NYC based band Bell Helium. “A Place In Space” is a laid back seventies boogie tune from Joe Thomas. “Factory Rhythms” is sublime modal jazz from the JR Quintet. Once again BBE delivers with another marvelous compilation certainly worth checking. A great combination of reuniting with familiar tunes as well as an introduction to something new.
Illa J – No Traffic [BBE Music]
Rapper Illa J has consistently built his reputation as one of Detroit’s premiere MCs with a number of projects over the years. The former member of Slum Village and younger brother of the late great J Dilla has cemented his own place in hip-hop. “No Traffic” is his first release for BBE. The nineteen track lp is well represented by some of Detroit’s veteran MCs along with a number of MCs on the rise. Along the highlights are the cosmic funk of “Off The Tap”. The banger includes fellow lyricists Zay Bcuz and Nicx Rhett. Detroit native Amp Fiddler applies his signature brand of funk and vocals on “Get Down”. UK vocalist Harleighblu adds her distinctive vocals to “Not Ever”. Illa J serves up a heavy dose of mid-west boom bap while showcasing a plethora of talent. As evidence here, real hip-hop runs deep in the Motor City.
Vince Watson – Another Moment In Time [Everysoul]
It has taken nearly twenty years but finally we’ve been treated to a new full length release from DJ/Producer Vince Watson. “Another moment in time” glides with rich heavenly chords and sublime house rhythms. “Rendezous” is a ten minute cascade of ambient melodies and seductivee rhythms. The track first appeared on Carl Craig’s Planet E label in 2006. “Piece of Mind” is another floor burner aided by the sweet piano rhythms from Detroit’s own Jon dixon. With Dixon’s gentle touch and the unrelenting house rhythm, you’ll no doubt get swept away. “Lost in the Deep” is exactly what title implies. It’s seven minutes of gorgeous synths and atmospheric chords certained to transport you to another moment in time. Watson’s marvelous release takes you on a cosmic journey. The grooves are infectious and the chords will warm your soul. All along the way your feet will never stop moving.
https://vincewatson.bandcamp.com/album/another-moment-in-time-lp
Divorce From New York – Sausalito [High Praise Edits]
https://divorcefromnewyork.bandcamp.com/album/sausalito
John Beltran presents Sol Set – Ola de Novo [All Good Music Label]
https://solset.bandcamp.com/album/ola-de-novo