Review: Quantic & Alice Russell with The Combo Barbaro 'Look Around The Corner'

QUANTIC & ALICE RUSSELL WITH THE COMBO BARBARO
Look Around The Corner
[Tru Thoughts]

I love the music of Will 'Quantic' Holland. I love the music of Alice Russell, too. I've been following them both for some time. Still the best-selling artists on the Tru Thoughts label, they were my (and probably many folks') introduction to the little Brighton-based label-that-could. Indeed, my love for both musicians runs so deep I was afraid my expectations of this album were too high, my hopes too great. And upon first listen, I didn't know what to think. However, it doesn't take long for the full charms of this fantastic record to reveal themselves. Recorded in Holland's adopted hometown of Cali, Colombia, during two visits from Russell, and utilising much of Holland's regular recording and touring band the Combo Barbaro, Look Around The Corner is (remarkably) the first album project Russell and Holland have worked on together. Like a great melting pot of the contributors' differing styles and blend of influences - blues, soul, gospel, an underlying Latin feel which is always present - the album has huge and varied appeal. Big string sections, memorable melodies, intoxicating percussion; the momentum barely lets up, the energy and enjoyment levels seldom dip. Russell is superb throughout, with her effortlessly powerful voice showing shimmering layers of subtlety. Special mention must be made of pianist Alfredito Linares and violinist Mike Simmonds (a regular Russell collaborator), both of whom seem to sprinkle gold dust over everything they touch (particularly on the outstanding instrumental track Una Tarde en Mariquita); while Holland's trademark warm production compliments the immaculate ensemble playing. Look Around The Corner is not only everything we could have hoped for from an Alice Russell/Quantic collaboration - deeply soulful, extremely funky and beautifully rendered - it is arguably the best work yet from either of these artists.

4 and 1/2 stars from 5

There are plenty of links to follow in the review above, but also check out the cover version of I'll Keep My Light In My Window below. Purchase your copy of the album on vinyl and/or on CD...

Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Bárbaro - I'll Keep My Light In My Window by Tru Thoughts

Review: Gilles Peterson In Brazil & In Africa

Various Artists

GILLES PETERSON IN BRAZIL

[Ether Records]

Various Artists

GILLES PETERSON IN AFRICA

[Ether Records]

While neither of these compilations are new releases, much of the music will be new to most of you. That's the way things are with compilations curated by Gilles Peterson, legendary UK DJ, label owner and talent-spotter. He has established himself as one of the world's most influential DJs - indeed, "taste-makers" - of the last twenty years, with a proven track records in exposing exciting music old and new. These two compilations, released on Ether Records in 2004 (Brazil) and 2005 (Africa), follows that pattern, each with two discs featuring a tailor-made selection from Gilles himself. The Brazil compilation's Classico disco does what it says on the tin, with tracks from Wilson Simonal, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '77, Mario Castro Neves and Tim Maia; while the second disc, Da Hora, brings the sound of the Latin nation's future, with DJ Marky and XRS (and the still-magical Moments Of Lust, with Vikter Duplaix), Drumagick, Spiritual South, 4Hero (with Patricia Marx) and Marcos Valle, alongside remixes from Edu K (featuring Bebel Gilberto) and Bruno E. The entire compilation sparkles like your stereotypical sun-kissed Brazilian beach scene, sambas nuzzling drum and bass while bikini-clad girls dance suggestively. The Africa compilation is also a joyful celebration, and tribute to the originators of Afrobeat. Disc one, Soul, features classics from Fela Kuti, Manu DiBango, Miriam Makeba, Lette Mbulu, Mulatu Astatqe and Oscar Sulley (with my favourite Afrobeat song, Bukom Mashie); and the second, Spirit, bringing together artists and remixers such as Masters At Work, Cesaria Evora, Carl Craig, IG Culture and Thievery Corporation. Though labels like Soundway have mined deeper into the musics of Africa, this selection covers all bases, providing the perfect introduction to the essentials. Indeed, both compilations are essential for fans of Latin and African music - and of Gilles Peterson. As usual.

4 from 5 stars (for both)

Check out the Brazil compilation here and the Africa compilation here...