Search - Atjazz :: Labfunk

Amazing!

07/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD will suit you if you're into Jazz (Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Monk) or deep house (the Naked Music Crew). To me this CD not only showcases Mr. Iverson's ear for great music, but it also tells us that the real root for dancemusic is jazz. I was swept away (right off the bat) by the opening track and the airplane sounds soon dillute into a whicked synth and slick bass groove that will rock your chair. A solid vocal hook from a luch female voice tells us Bring A New Day. What a way to start the show! But wait, it soon evolves into Miles Davis type horns, before the entire song is elevated by a three chord progression that screams Herbie! The next song has a bridgey-bass line that twists and turns, with soft melodic keys looming. Track 3 is a NuJazz groove with a deep flap bassline that will make you move - if it doesn't nothing else will. Track 4 is the perfect NYC subway song - if there ever was one - I love how surreal it is. The next song is one of my favorites, smooth vocals, sound horn section, great percussion, key-arrangements, all are fused to form a slowjam that will make you "Feel It". No doubt. Up next is a weird track that's a bit off place, but it's OK as Harmony follows up. That song has a very interesting break that breaks the roof! Tracks 8,9, and 10 feels like a combo to Track 4 - somewhat similar vibes, yet they all have a different groove. To close things off is what is, for my money, the absolute gem - Touch the Sun. It puts me on such a natural high that makes me feel like Icarus! Dancefloor heaven! So, get this CD and spread the word!"

Cooler than the other side of the pillow

diro | Atlanta, GA | 06/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Harmonious, adj. 1. Sweet-sounding, tuneful. 2. Forming a pleasing or consistent whole; concordant. 3. Free from disagreement or dissent. The liner notes speak for itself. This album has an attitude to it. Breakbeat, House, Downtempo, and Jazz equate to Labfunk being a well pieced together free flowing form which echoes a throwback to the 70s with plenty of funk included. Those muted horns, driving keyboards, and garage-tinged bass lines are excellent. Do not expect any sounds to get your party hopping but the finesse and ease of delivery would be a perfect night cap for any fan of the above noted music genres. Herbie Hancock was one of the primary motivators behind this album and is directly credited in the liner notes. This album has 1974 written all over it. Gotta love it. Gotta have it. While I can't give it a 5-star rating, it is a super solid 4. For a slower version of Labfunk be sure to explore Muki's Quiet Riot album."

House+Jazz=Atjazz

Endless Karma | Pittsburgh | 04/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It seems like such a simple equation but it must be more difficult than we think since so few artists can calculate the answer correctly. Fortunately for us, Atjazz found the proper solution. Nice house/broken beat (I hate sub-genres) fused with jazz elements that reach back through time and tap Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock for inspiration. This is eclectic enough to appeal to more than just house fans. It's laid-back enough to chill to but there's enough going on musically to hold your attention. A very solid release!
If you're seeking something that fuses jazz and electronica a bit more organically you should try Erik Truffaz-Revisite or DJ Krush & Toshinori Kondo-Ki Oku. Both are outstanding records."