The New
And Not So Familiar -
Every now
and then, I like to take you Groove Line readers on a trip way
outside of the box and this time we're headed toward the world
of Drum 'N Bass. Over the years I've been a distant yet enthusiastic
fan of DnB, an electronic dance music sub-genre also known as
"jungle." [Wikipedia: "DnB emerged in the early
1990s and is characterized by fast tempo broken beat drums (generally
between 160-180 beats per minute) with heavy, often intricate
basslines.] It's a style of music that's not meant for everyone,
but for those with an open mind and an adventuresome rhythmic
spirit - and in no need of vocals - DnB can be a most satisfying
experience.
Whether a virgin to DnB music or already
a connoisseur, there are two new mixed CDs out by DnB master
DJs that will be impressive additions to your dance music collection.
THE SECRET ART OF SCIENCE 2 by DJ DB (Koch Records)
is a great introduction to DnB as it focuses on the musically
softer, chiller side of the genre with a Then & Now presentation:
nine classic tracks from the mid-1990s and seven modern day takes
on where chill DnB has evolved. On the other end of the DnB
spectrum, with its hi-energy, harder edged, electrified beats,
is WEAPONS OF TOMORROW by AK1200 (Moist Music).
A collection of 20 tracks representing the future of hardcore
DnB, AK1200 has put together a devastatingly intense and relentless
mix that's not for the squeamish. With these two CDs, you're
guaranteed a top-notch introduction to the rhythmically fascinating
world of DnB.
The Familiar
-
I must admit
I was only "kinda" looking forward to the new mixed
compilation CD from Centaur, GLOBAL GROOVE: LIVE 2
mixed by Roland Belmares and Mike Cruz. By the time the last
notes and beats played out I was only too excited to hit the
<Repeat> button and listen to the
mix again. The creative combination of Belmares and Cruz really
works and produces a mix that is sure to please a wide range
of late night clubbers, from those who want lots of tribal beats
and groovy rhythms as well as those who needs to wrap their minds
and lips around dance music with vocals. LIVE 2
is not incessantly filled with fluffy and "gay"-ly
soaring diva tracks, instead there is a glorious offering of
sultry and penetrating progressive vocal performances amidst
the 12-song mix. Whereas the recently released THE EVENT by
Tony Moran is a nonstop big room peak hours (Midnight - 2am)
presentation for the masses, Belmares and Cruz have crafted the
perfect soundscape for the afterhours (2am-4am) crowd with tracks
by The Perry Twins, Dave Audé, Peter Presta, and Deep
Influence with Zelma Davis. If this initial fantastic effort
is any indication of things to come, Belmares & Cruz may
be headed toward a level of duo fame achieved by the likes of
Rosabel and Sasha & Digweed.
Singles Life -
I got three
new tracks that I highly recommend you go buy and add to your
MP3 playlist. Angie Stone's "Baby," from her new album
THE ART OF LOVE & WAR (Stax Records), features
the incomparable Betty Wright and a delightful neo-soul slow
funk groove. The Matty Heilbronn dance remixes are on point,
perfect for lounge play and early evening dance floor airing.
Leann Rimes is back on the scene with her new CD, FAMILY
(Curb Records), and has a hit on her hands with the single "Nothing
Better To Do." Dance treatments come from Bimbo Jones,
Soul Seekerz, and Jason Nevins. Finally, dance act Cassius delivers
an infectiously plucky Bob Sinclar-ish "Toop Toop"
off of their latest album 15 AGAIN (HBF/Justice).
The full complement of dance remixes, five in all, is available
at iTunes.
Whether a virgin to DnB music or already
a connoisseur, there are two new mixed CDs out by DnB master
DJs that will be impressive additions to your dance music collection.
THE SECRET ART OF SCIENCE 2 by DJ DB (Koch Records)
is a great introduction to DnB as it focuses on the musically
softer, chiller side of the genre with a Then & Now presentation:
nine classic tracks from the mid-1990s and seven modern day takes
on where chill DnB has evolved. On the other end of the DnB
spectrum, with its hi-energy, harder edged, electrified beats,
is WEAPONS OF TOMORROW by AK1200 (Moist Music).
A collection of 20 tracks representing the future of hardcore
DnB, AK1200 has put together a devastatingly intense and relentless
mix that's not for the squeamish. With these two CDs, you're
guaranteed a top-notch introduction to the rhythmically fascinating
world of DnB. 
<Repeat> button and listen to the
mix again. The creative combination of Belmares and Cruz really
works and produces a mix that is sure to please a wide range
of late night clubbers, from those who want lots of tribal beats
and groovy rhythms as well as those who needs to wrap their minds
and lips around dance music with vocals. LIVE 2
is not incessantly filled with fluffy and "gay"-ly
soaring diva tracks, instead there is a glorious offering of
sultry and penetrating progressive vocal performances amidst
the 12-song mix. Whereas the recently released THE EVENT by
Tony Moran is a nonstop big room peak hours (Midnight - 2am)
presentation for the masses, Belmares and Cruz have crafted the
perfect soundscape for the afterhours (2am-4am) crowd with tracks
by The Perry Twins, Dave Audé, Peter Presta, and Deep
Influence with Zelma Davis. If this initial fantastic effort
is any indication of things to come, Belmares & Cruz may
be headed toward a level of duo fame achieved by the likes of
Rosabel and Sasha & Digweed. 
Singles Life -