Melting Pot Germany At Juno Download

Review: Melting Pot Music delivers volume three of their producer series with the super talented Dexter at the helm. The German producer follows Hulk Hodn & Twit One and Suff Daddy to lay down his take on the 2010 Beat Generation.

The Jazz Files is a journey in which Dexter takes a fresh look at the long standing connection between jazz and hip hop. Infusing distinct hip-hop beats and matching attitude with a jazz ethos, the album assumes a vintage feel but with a very modern twist. The tracks take their jazz influence not too much in sound, but rather in their freedom and artistry. Sounds are given an improvisational feel, crafted within a free thinking composition. The hip hop slant is one that oozes out of Dexter seemingly unconsciously. The twenty six year old DJ/producer/MC is part of the Wortsport collective from Heilbronn and has previously produced for the likes of Morlock Dilemma, Damion Davis, Jaques Shure, Audio 88 & Yassin and Retrogott. A self confessed fan of Madlib, Flylo and Oh-No who also listens to psychedelic and rock, Dexter has a broad palette which he delves into throughout the album. With countless samples and recordings, the album is a fun and entertaining exploration through Dexter's take on the combination of the two disciplines. There are even quotes from The Mighty Boosh in there, with Howard Moon's "Deep in the Juju" even becoming a track title.

True to the Hi Hat Club's bluebrint, Vol 3, The Jazz Files is not bound by a particular sound. Instead it is an expression of today's beat generation from one of its most talented producers who is given the artistic freedom to best represent it.

Review: Not to be confused with Klakson's electro-hero of the same name, this Dexter is an acclaimed 26 year-old producer with more of an interest in the jazzy side of things. A teaser for forthcoming album, "The Trip", "Pictures" reveals the producer's newfound 'psychedelic hip-hop' direction. It's a fusion that works extremely well especially in non-album tracks "Church" (West Coat 60s harmony rock) and "Shroom Travels" (disorientated hippy-hop).

Review: Having recently grabbed our attention with lead single "Pictures", this 26 year old producer now unveils his self-proclaimed 'psychedelic hip-hop' album aptly titled "The Trip". Aside from the single, there's a further 17 tracks on here brimming with strange sounds and ideas, from the Public Enemy-sampling "Once Again Back (Tune In)" to crackling 60s piano clips with hip-hop beats ("Psychedelic Club Scene") and the stoner DJ Shadow-isms of "Dexy Lovecraft" via hammonds and big beat ("Clouds of Zero"). Far out man!

Review: Man like Dexter comes through with that head nod ish for Melting Pot, smartly revisiting some classic breaks but splaying them with bass heavy brilliance. "Gimme No More (Psycho Theme)" takes Busta at his word and does the flip mode, cutting those famed strings up brilliantly over a smart low end throb. Up next Bob James gets turned inside out, married to a Neptunes bump whilst the ever present crackle of vinyl gives proceedings a real charm. Finally a certain pint sized crooner from the Stones Throw imprint gets sprinkled with the Dexter dust. Get involved!

Review: At last DJ Day and Miles Bonny's 2009 EP of Raphael Saadiq covers, "Instant Saadiq', is available in digital form. Featuring two tunes, this sees the collaborators pay homage to the RnB veteran in a way that still sounds fresh four years later. "Still Miles" is smooth and romantic with a smooth vocal and particularly squelchy synth, the same one which later duels with a trippy trumpet on the floaty "What's Life Like".

Review: Flatpocket are a duo from Cologne who are hoping that this here debut album (on the esteemed Melting Pot label) will help make those pockets that bit fatter. Boasting a mighty 19 tracks, Twit One and Lazy Jones explore a variety of influences all connected by some impressive hazy hip-hop beats. Highlights include the 60s soundtrackish "Flatpocket Theme", the swing-hop of "Nomoneynohoney", the jazzy, mellow Sunday vibes of "Sofortrente" and the retro bossa nova of "Redebedarf".

Review: A much-loved beat maker and MPC wizard who's not afraid to bring the buttons out for live shows too, Frenchman Fulgeance has finally released his debut album - with each track dedicated to a city that's hosted him over the years. The Moroder-esque slo-mo opener "La Cite Des Anges" shows of his love of all things bassy and skwee, as does the billowing bass-quake that is "Glasgow Lunacy". Elsewhere though, sampled kids choirs add a Halloween vibe to the dubby half-step of "Montefalco Mato" while anyone seeking a straight-up electro delight should head straight for the epic "Sweet Sofia".

Review: The debut release from this new collaboration between producer Isaac Aesili and vocalist Rachel Fraser, "Chequered Thoughts" weaves a path between mellow, synthy songcraft and raw '60s funk - reminding instantly of contemporaries like Electric Wire Hustle. Songs like the Erykah Badu-esque "Dandelion" will make fans of classy neo-soul sit up and take notice.

Review: A new alias of Isaac Aesili, who's Karlmarx moniker will be familar to fans of the Melting Pot stable, Funkommunity sees Aesili teaming up with a 5-piece band and singer Rachel Fraser for this new single, "Pass It On". Nicely soaked in laidback '70s horns and '60s funk rhythms, Fraser flexes her vocals perfectly over the slinky backing, picking out an addictive melody among the guitar arpeggios and chanking guitars. If the single whets your appetite, look out for the full-length album ("Checkered Thoughts") in March.