by Juno Plus on 16.02.2010 at 12:19pm
Artist: Teddy Presberg
Title: Outcries From A Sea Of Red (Remixed Volume 1)
Label: Timewarp Greece
Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues
Format: Digital
Buy From: Juno Download
Teddy Presberg is an American underground jazz and funk improvisation performer. A guitar player of an incredible talent and blessed with an ability to conjure mass amounts of soul and emotion with his music, Teddy is one of the most exciting acts in an already unrestrained and explosive scene. This compilation is a selection of tracks from his most recent album, Outcries From a Sea of Red that have been remixed and re-edited by Timewarp artists.
Many Timewarp artists have been admirers of Presberg’s work and once approached, have embraced the challenges of fusing his work with modern electronic grooves. Following on from Timewarp Inc’s opening remix of “Bella’s Boogaloo” we get a selection of groove-laden mixes from the likes of Niles Philips, Atfunk, Medras and Quasamodo & Trotter. Each adding their own style and flavour, the overall feel of Teddy’s vintage soul sound remains present throughout. Along the way, we encounter nujazz, funk, disco, house and even elements of reggae and dub. To put it simply, this album has a sound all of its own.
With promises of a second volume already made, fans and musicians alike will be extremely excited to see what sounds can be merged next. If this album is anything to go by, then we can expect even more talented artists wanting to get involved and make their own unique interpretations of the legend that is Teddy Presberg.
Review: Tom Jones
by Juno Plus on 08.02.2010 at 19:07pm
Artist: The Bamboos
Title: On The Sly
Label: Tru Thoughts
Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download
Australian band The Bamboos have been holding down things on the funky side of town since 2001, gaining fans all over the world with their authentic, dirty funk nuggets. In the same vein as bands like El Michels Affair or Breakestra, these guys are students of the classic breaks that underpinned the sample-hungry glory days of hip-hop. They’ve also had the incredible honour to back up some of funk’s most revered names, notably New Orleans hit-machine Eddie Bo, Syl Johnson and Eddie Floyd.
Ahead of their new album 4 comes single “On The Sly”, a perfect slice of mid-tempo joy, which has the same rollicking cowbell-driven vibe as classic UBB staple “Get Me Back On Time, Engine Number 9″ by Wilson Pickett. Soulsides MC and singer Lyrics Born joins them on 2nd cut “Turn It Up”, another popcorn funk winner complete with chicken-scratch guitar parts worthy of James Brown stalwart Jimmy Nolen. Hanging out with the Aussies seems to have rubbed off on the Californian MC, as he even sings “Turn it up mate” at one point. DJ’s get taken care of with an accapella and an instrumental too, making this release a good way to put some funk back in your trunk.
Review: Oliver Keens
by Juno Plus on 04.02.2010 at 15:32pm
Artist: Mavis
Title: Mavis presented by Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris
Label: K7
Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues
Format: CD, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download
Anyone with any preconceptions about this album had better read the small print first: this is an album concept that beggars belief! After getting back into the seductive soul of Mavis Staples, House legends Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris made a 58 bpm ballad in the style of their new obsession, and sent it to Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner (previously a guest on X-Press 2’s Give It). Thankfully, the idea snowballed into a whole album. The boys sent the same beat to a host of other vocalists, and made adjustments to each backing track over the course of the whole album.
It starts appropriately with the original, complete with Kurt Wagner’s smokey vocals. But despite the apparent limitations, every song is fresh, unique and essential. Candi Staton’s “Revolution” is anthemic, string-laden genius and absolutely dripping in soul (also included is a well-earned extended mix). The stripped-down Ed Harcourt track “Puzzles and Riddles” is also a gem, made up of his smooth vocals, some piano and some mesmerising effects and production. Cerys Matthews also turns in a wonderful performance on “Nemesis Required”, which has the brilliant chorus “Things been awful quiet, nemesis required”. Other vocalists to lend their talents for the love of Mavis include Chris Coco, Crazy P’s Danielle Moore, Edwyn Collins and St Etienne’s Sarah Cracknell.
As a tribute to a legend, this is top notch. But don’t let the novelty fool you – Ashley and Darren have unexpectedly made one of the most sweet and soulful albums in recent years. An amazing idea, and more importantly, an album full of brilliant and beautiful songs. Highly recommended.
Review: Oliver Keens
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