Review: When it comes to fusions of modern house music and indigenous music from around the world - most prominently the African continent - few are quite as skilful as "ancestral soul" innovator Boddhi Satva. It's for this reason that we're not surprised that Local Talk has snapped up this single from the long-serving producer, though "Basic Knowledge" is a far more straightforward proposition than many of his house tracks. It's available in two distinctive versions: the Ron Trent style loose-but-groovy drums, drifting chords and glassy-eyed synth riffs of the "00's Mix" and the bass-heavy, analogue-rich breakbeat-house shuffle of the "90s Mix". Arguably best of all, though, is the ultra-deep Afro-house delight that is "Together" - a wonderfully atmospheric number that's available in both vocal and instrumental formats.
Review: Over the last few years Boddhi Satva has carved out a unique "global house" niche, where deep and soulful, Ron Trent style musicality is expertly fused with Asian and African influences. He's at it again here in cahoots with vocalist Soulstar, serving up some breezy and life affirming jams for dancefloors that like theur sounds sun-kissed and groovy. Ignore the functional radio edit and head instead of the Main Mix, where Soulstar's ashram-friendly vocal rises above snappy, polyrhythmic house beats (very Osunlade), dreamy chords and all manner of cute instrumental flourishes. These tasty touches can be heard in greater detail on the accompanying Instrumental Version, which is arguably a little more attractive than the vocal version.
Review: "Papa" is a tribute to Boddhi Satva's father who has passed away a few years ago due to a sudden illnesses. The song features Malian/Ivorian singer Mohamed Diaby; considered by many as of West Africa's most promising Griot. Mohamed tells not only the story of Boddhi's late father, but for all of those who have lost a father. A poignant tribute enhanced by not only the vocal skills of Mohamed Diaby, but the Balafons and guitars of Adama Conde who happens to be one of Mory Kante's musicians. The bass is played by another great friend of Boddhi: the very talented and highly demanded Slikk Tim.
Review: African deep house specialist Boddhi Satva steps out of the Yoruba cartel and back onto Offering Recordings with three versions of "Xe Mana Bella", a stepping house rhythm built to carry the summer through into the winter. The radio edit flutters its snare-heavy percussion to a vocal-heavy groove and, while the bass is hidden deep in the mix, Fredy Massamba and DJ Satellite ensure that that the tune is full-bodied and primed for the floor. There's a main mix, too, which strips the vocals down ever so slightly, followed by the tribalistic instrumental mix for the DJs. Rough and recommended.
