| Arision Recordings / Music Blog |  | | SANTUCCI SCOPPA - NEW TRADITIONS OUT NOW | | Santucci Scoppa are the old-skool kings of Italian Jazz. The trumpet and tenor players Cicci Santucci and Enzo Scoppa led the group. Having been playing together since the late 60’s they are the most iconic duo that the Italian collector jazz scene has seen ever. Their album On The Underground Round was a milestone in the European jazz-funk collectors’ movement. That is an excellent hard bop session recorded in Italy in the early 70's. The whole thing grooves along with a sound that's similar to the late 60's recordings on Blue Note. | | 2009-06-10 10:44:30 | | | Leon King - The Digital Church Ep Out Now | | In a world of dim trends and suspicious consumers, singer songwriters who capture the collective soul of the people – in other words hopes, dreams and everyday experiences – hold the key to international success.
Leon King (no, not Simon Cowell’s crooner but a proper talent) is British talent championed by Tyler Askew and soon to release an EP on Tyler’s My Favourite Things imprint. If you’re pining for an original UK artist to further the soul sound after Lewis Taylor then Leon could well be your man…
Besides being grateful to his mum (a collector) and dad (another musician) for the inspiration, he would also mention early Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone and George Benson as major influences.
Leon is a very soulful vocalist with a strong sense of honesty that comes through; fresh and surprising. Bilal, D’Angelo, and Eric Roberson are in his opinion real artists and just like him. As a listener there is something different to offer from every true artist whether it be the general sound, texture or tones in the voice that are sweet to the ear.
Leon played guitar since he was five, and professionally for artists from 15 years old. Then he started getting into keys combined with programming and producing, then playing bass guitar. He loves also playing drums but would not call himself a drummer quite yet. He’s self-taught with everything he plays for he enjoys it more that way: as a journey of progress and it will never end. Leon is very self-disciplined, which has served him well. He believes there’s something new to learn every hour!
This debut extended play showcases his talents as well as his songwriting skills. These seven tracks cradle the listener into his world and sound. “Remedy” is the opening jam on a hip-hop beat, which unfolds immediately strong soulful vibes. In the 2nd tune “Lizard-Lude”, Leon’s vocal talent is already on display, accompanied by gentle bass and guitar chords. “ You’ll Never Know” is a very fine piece of contemporary Soul, winking an eye to R’n’B. “Fazed” is a romantic, heartfelt wail. The E.P. ends with 2 rather deep, soulful grooves. “Knowingness”, is a very fine, production floating on a gentle breeze. Whereas, “The Digital Church” is a very harmonious, elevating song, some kind of testament of what’s to come out of Leon King’s music.
We believe there’s a bright future ahead of him as long as he sticks to his weapons: Soul and Inspiration.
| | 2009-05-26 15:21:31 | | | THE DEALERS - DOWN IN LAFAYETTE - ARI053 EP OUT NOW | | Check this Out ...
1) - MAKEDA - Crisp Latin Jazz. Impeccably played...Trumpet stands out...quiet but solid start.
2) - PRIME THOUGHT – brano mooolto interessante e differente, in 3/4 credo: Orishas invocations at the beginning (and in the middle of the piece), prelude to a polyrhythmic structure of the track played by Bata drums, trumpet and keys in evidence
3) - LAST EMPEROR - Gillespie-style piece... Cool and exotic...lead by horns section...slightly retro; very cinematic echoes of Blakey and Krupa on the drumming...Mooolto ballabile
4) - THE HIPSTER – Closing track...convincing Funk/Jazz cross-over...standing out trumpet, flute and vibes; vague 70s atmosphere...nice Jazz piece...pretty flute and percussions dialogue in the middle
| | 2009-05-26 14:07:11 | | BLOG ARCHIVE
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