Follow up to 'Higher Than the Funk.' Recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel in early 1999, Shantel utilizes a combination of acoustic instruments such as strings, guitars and horns with minimalist beats and grooves. Musically, 'Grea... more »t Delay' does not focus on one genre. The sound is more of a specific vibe, a veritable bouillabaisse of various musical styles. From dub to classical to hip-hip and jazz, Shantel has created a sound which touches upon elements of music from all over the world.« less
Follow up to 'Higher Than the Funk.' Recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel in early 1999, Shantel utilizes a combination of acoustic instruments such as strings, guitars and horns with minimalist beats and grooves. Musically, 'Great Delay' does not focus on one genre. The sound is more of a specific vibe, a veritable bouillabaisse of various musical styles. From dub to classical to hip-hip and jazz, Shantel has created a sound which touches upon elements of music from all over the world.
CD Reviews
Perfect Bliss
Peter A. Carbonaro | Oceanside, NY | 06/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stefan Hantel (AKA Shantel) has long eschewed the tech-heavy elements of dance music in favor of a more organic sound. Though born in Frankfurt, Shantel's journeys through Europe and the Middle East seem to have freed him of the allegiance that many of his countrymen share to a clinical techno/electro sound. Instead, his creative output has been a study in genre-bending.Like Shantel's last full-length, 1998's highly-acclaimed Higher Than The Funk, Great Delay crosses genres seamlessly. Great Delay touches on all the phases that Shantel has explored as an artist -- tracks range from house to bossa to trip-hop to batucada to deep dub -- but instead of coming across as an incoherent mess, Great Delay is unified through a genuine, organic soulfulness. A track like the exuberant and funky "Crystal" is followed directly by the downtempo, orchestral "Believe", but it all works thanks to a blissful and irresistible vibe. In addition, the combination of organic and synthetic, acoustic and electronic, and the collaboration with guest artists reveals the experimentation and ambition behind this album. The opening track, appropriately titled "L'Intro", sets the pace for all the songs that follow: acoustic guitars, a string section, and a Brazilian tempo define the song's open, spacious mood, and the twelve tracks that follow continue the interplay of various musical elements. Most importantly, Shantel even treats the delay effect as an instrument, utilizing it on nearly every song, and having the overall effect of giving a sonic unity of ambience to the album despite the diversity of each track. Whether Great Delay's release just in time for summer is a coincidence or not is a matter of conjecture, but either way, Shantel has created a perfect soundtrack for the sensual, warm months ahead. Highly recommended."
SUPER TIGHT ELECTRONIC AND DOWNBEAT
09/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This later album by Shantel is more sophisticated than club guerila or auto jumps and remixes, and i believe him to be one of the most finely tuned electronic artists on earth. Flowing melodies based upon latin and far eastern rythms make this album a joy to listen to. If you are put off at first, listen and listen again and you will become addicted. I first heard shantels' bass and several cars, from "auto jumps and remixes" on Kruder and Dorfmeisters DJ Kicks compilation, and have since purchased all of his albums without disappointment"
Where has Shantel been hiding?
Rob Banzai | Los Angeles, CA | 05/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes another wonderful surprise from CDs I've bought based on hearing a track on internet radio.
Shantel really is a genius and the best way I can describe "Great Delay" is as a soundtrack for a very cool movie that has not been made yet. You can put it on and leave it on and you will not regret it. Slow tracks, soulful tracks, shining production, it's got it all."
Eclectic, original musical genius
George Hunt | Austin, TX | 05/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a tough CD to describe, but it spans genres and tastes and I have found that friends of varying stripes have all appreciated it to at least some degree. Influences from acid jazz, lounge, electronica, folk... I mean, what can you do with a mix like that? I would love to compare it to something else, but the only thing that really comes to mind is Shantel's other work! This is great as background or for straight listening - - it's not an annoying or demanding CD at all so it allows casual listening and mood setting, but if you DO listen carefully there is plenty to dig into. Very inventive use of vocals and a wide variety of tracks and instrumentation."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1