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Will Page | Keep It Moving 2007 | Liner Notes |
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On the Mix: Will Page
At the Controls: Chris Hall
1.
Dan Kleiman: ‘A Lemonade
Kind of Day’ (Tova Artistic Projects). Kleiman is a highly respected Philly-based composer whose band ‘Siora’
was featured by Will in Chaser, 2005. Dan created this moving piece of poetry
as the curtain raiser for the ‘Beyond the Walls’ theatre production.
The community based play united the victims of crime with the convicted
criminals. As Kleiman explains: “It's
the setup to everyone’s story. It has been performed at schools, churches and
prisons all over Philly. [Even]
the police commissioner recommended it be required in the Philly schools”.
Congressman Dwight Evans (Democrat) funded all the performances, and he’s due
to run for Mayor in 2007.
2.
The Cuban Cowboys: ‘Salome’
(Unsigned). Discovered by Will at SXSW 2005, the world’s first
and finest Cuban surf rock band showing another deeper side to their [un]usual
take on American indie rock which they infuse with traditional Cuban music
forms. Guest bassist, Madelyn Burgess takes the vocal focal, showing the
strength in depth and diversity which made Paul Leary choose to take on
production duties for their debut album. The haunting tone achieved by the
simple song structure is something truly remarkable; bigger and better things
sure to be soon come.
3.
Tim Moore: ‘Aviation Man’ (Edsel Records UK) Plucked from second-hand record shop
obscurity on Leith Walk in Edinburgh, this 1973 record showcases Tim’s
excellent understanding of pop structure and melody. However, "Aviation
Man" is a real departure from the album’s theme, stretching out with
gritty Cajun blues and garage rock. The understated production by Nick Jameson,
who also plays drums on "Aviation Man," is just perfect for the
performer. Also worth noting is the bass drop’s in the break down sections - a
must for sample spotting Hiphop DJ’s everywhere! No website, no nothing.
4.
84
Hip Hop: ‘Ella’s Theme’ (Unsigned) “No Thought Necessary – that’s how to sum up 84’s
approach to hip-hop, we base it on pure feeling and emotion” asserts
Fatnice, who, along with fellow emcee Aulpurpis and DJ Blaak the 9th Man have,
for the past three years now, been steadily building up a rep in Philly. For
sure; 84 are truly rooted into the principles in which hip-hop was founded:
beats, rhymes and life. This unreleased track proves their point – a hypnotic
beat work-out which terrorises the mind with a wailing vocal sample looped over
the top of a trance-like riddim.
5.
Devon
Dixon Jnr: ‘When People Finally See My Pain’ (Unreleased) The Michael Tucker
documentary-film ‘Gunner Palace’ reveals the complex realities of the situation
in Iraq. Despite the film being premiered at festivals worldwide, the
soundtrack, to the best of my knowledge, has yet to be released. Devon Dixon Junior
of the 2/3 Field Artillery, a.k.a. "The Gunners" offers this
freestyle rap over a pounding beat, re-worked by ourselves to be in response to
a (then) optimistic speech by Donald Rumsfeld which he makes the current
situation feel even darker.
6.
Coldcut: ‘Colours the Soul’ (Ninja Tune) Jon More and Matt
Black of Coldcut, are such an important part of British dance music’s
evolution, it’s a crime that their recent album went largely overlooked in
terms of sales. Featuring vocalist Dom Spitzer, “Colours the Soul” opens with
the deepest lunging bass notes available, which make way for a multi-stringed
ambient masterpiece. It’s a welcome - if not thrilling - reminder of the value
of Coldcut who deliver a standard which Matt Black and Jonathan Moore can
rightfully call their own.
7.
Chris Hall aka B-Burg: ‘Bananas in
Piranhas’ (Unsigned) Ridiculously
talented Edinburgh-based guitarist, producer and scratch
DJ Chris Hall is fast making noise. Recent credits include performing and
producing the soundtrack to the award winning climbing film EH11. According to Chris, the musical
interpretation for this piece came from: “…Waking up on a Desert Island,
surrounded by the unknown, drowned in searing sunshine and your mind struggling
to grab on to something true in the sand”. Featuring oceanic
soundscapes and picking up on a Spanish guitar style, it’s got that Desert
Island Disco feel, which is
apt as that’s the working title for his debut album.
8.
Lauren Ford: ‘Sweet Nonsense’
(Recorded Live @ Forrest Café Bunker, Edinburgh) Once upon a time …Chris Hall called me up
and demanded I turn up at the Forrest Café studio bunker immediately. Why?
Because he had discovered an American singer-songwriter – and she was due to be
deported back to the States the very next day. We quickly wired the keyboard
and mic, got the tapes rolling and hoped for the best. What came out of that session was
unforgettable. Effortless songwriting at cafe terrace pace with smooth powerful
vocals over simple yet assured keyboards bringing home the earthy feel and
gives space to the depth of content in this soon to be yearned for superstar.
You are now on standby – we’ve found someone special! No website, no nothing – yet!
9.
Rich
Medina Featuring Lady Alma Horton, Ivana Santilli, Maya Azucena: ‘Out Of Nothing’ (Kindred Spirits USA) DJ, Poet, and
Personality on the underground Rich Medina delivered his debut album
‘Connecting the Dots’ which twists and turns eclectically through an array of
modern day Philly masterpieces. The album climbs into soulful house territory
continuously, peaking with 'Out of Nothing' featuring Ivanna Santilli, Maya
Azucena & Alma Horton – three of the finest performing at their very, very
best – culminating in what is arguably the strongest soul dance track of 2005.
What makes this track special is the fact that all three singers recorded their
vocals independent of each other, making it feel very free.
10.
Tanya
Morgan: “Take the L” (Loud Minority
Records) Deceivingly titled ‘Tanya Morgan’ to evoke images of a
neo-soul songstress, this pseudonym hides behind it a group of three male MCs
comprised of Von Pea from Brooklyn and Donwill and Ilyas from Cincinnati. The
deceptive profile of this loosely assembled undiscovered talent may well aid
its edge: the ability to bridge gaps which definitions can’t fill. The widest
gap of them all is that which joins hiphop and house at the hip. ‘Take the L’
does just that with an air of confidence which tells you they knew this
opportunity was always theirs for the taking. Listen closely to how they stab
phrase over 4/4 – it’s an achievement that’s been long overdue. My choice as the best track of 2006 –
Worldwide awards take note.
11.
Styles of Beyond: “Mr
Brown” [Dirty Remix] (White) Little is
known about this Californian based group, who released this 12” in 2003 to
promote their album Megadef, which is now out of print, and hard to find. A
well-known Augustus Pablo sample is at the core of this track, but there’s
something addictive about the phrasing of the rappers. Fusing reggae riddims
with hiphop vocals and DJ cuts gives rise to an unexpected hit which never ever
was. When you come across unknown tracks like this, from artists who are off
the A&R radar, you always wonder what might have been, given the mediocre
standard of rap music which somehow seems to make it.
12.
Lunar
Heights: ‘Lick Shot’ (Nataural High) In terms of lyrical content, phrasing
ability and sheer impact on delivery, it’s hard to recall a hip-hop act making
such a profound impression than when I first heard Oakland’s Lunar Heights at
SXSW ‘05. Jern Eye, Sizwe & Khai, Lunar Heights bring the elements of
Rastafari knowledge, wisdom and understanding to their lyricism. It shows – as
the influence is coming from within. The album is simply outstanding, and it
confuses me to this day why Lunar Heights are not chart topping the world over.
‘Lick Shot’ is perhaps the strongest of the tracks, and keeps this interesting
merger of reggae and rap moving for this year’s mix.
13.
The
Dix: ‘Here Come the Dix’ (Smacks Records) Think of
Spinal Tap if you want to get to grip with the Dix - the latest project from
the non-conformist Prince Paul, producer of De La Soul. Roll call the band
members and you’ll get the message: Orgynius, Peter O’Tool, John Handcock, Dik
Gracin, Tro John, Don Jonsun, Magik Jonson, Burn Hard Gets (Mr. Len), and
others. Making for an X-rated detour away from Outcaste’s retro-hiphop success;
the thick high-hat rhythm of
‘Here Comes the Dix’ is pounding in its profanity. The project might have been
shelved, but that doesn’t stop this track from packing dance floors on first
listen. Nor will it stop you splitting sides in laughter with the lyrical
content either. Be warned.
14.
Geology:
Geology: ‘Imagine’ (Female Fun) Ge-Ology
is a producer’s producer and it’s hard for me, as a simple DJ, to explain
why. Championed by Radio 1Xtra’s
Benji B, his showcase album captured the attention of anyone in possession of
Pro-Tools or Nuendo. His approach to this debut release has been a modest one:
a mix tape style retrospective of past 12”s, classic collaborations and unheard
beats mixed in a manner that’s his. When asked about ‘Imagine’, G-Young recalls
how he: “cut that one up bad”. Bad, huh? There’s
no other word for it; and no other producer like him either. Appreciate.
15.
Deadbeats ‘Funky for You’ [Mark Rae
Remix] (20:20 Records). I first heard this
record whilst a warm up DJ was preparing for my set in the Smithfield’s Market
area of London. I’ve never forgotten the instant appeal of the ‘bumpin’’ riddim
and chime. Somehow, somewhere, it had to make the editorial cut for this Mix
CD. Mark Rae delivers the remix but one should not overlook the Deadbeats: a DJ
troupe that I was fortunate enough to witness perform in Edinburgh’s Cabaret
Voltaire – phenomenal. It’s rare to see a DJ set that has the crowd so
captivated, and to hear cutting so precise. Anyway, you have it now – and don’t
expect it to leave your dome anytime soon.
16.
The Louis
Bellson Explosion: ‘’Movin’ On’ (Pablo) This self-titled album represented a fine
mid-'70s date that was both a showcase for Bellson's bombastic drumming and
also a nice straight-ahead date with great contributions from Blue Mitchell,
Snookey Young, Dick Mitchell and others. There are some immense tracks on this
record, and a more obvious pick would have been ‘Chameleon’ – a stellar cover
of Herbie Hancock’s masterwork. However, I opted for ‘Movin’ On’ as it comes in
with that soundtrack to a US chat show feel, and then goes out stratospheric
with an array of tight solos and time changes. What really draws me to Louis’
work is simple – you can hear the musicians having fun in the studio – and you
only need to look at a photo of the great drummer to imagine how much fun was
being had.
17.
Don Ellis: ‘Beat me Daddy, Seven to the Bar’ (Columbia Jazz) Not only
was Don’s out-of-print Columbia album ‘Shock Treatment’ finally reissued on CD
by Koch Jazz, but it has been restored in its entirety. There are at least
three different vinyl pressings out there, all of them frustratingly packaged
with songs either severely edited or just plain omitted (despite what the album
jacket said). It's been a big, confusing mess, until now. As the eye-catching
title of this track suggests, expect some unconventional time signatures, but
also prepare yourself for the intensity of jazz at its most overpowering. It’s
what I call the ‘lock in effect’ of Big Band which Benny Goodman initiated and
people like Louis Bellson and Don Ellis have mastered. Those with open ears
will find it a rewarding listen. Let's hope that other Ellis reissues will
follow, so that those ears open up that little bit more.
18.
Henri Salvador & Lisa Ekdahl: ‘All I really want is Love’
(Blue Note Records) The Grandpa Moses of
bossa nova, people - take note: this man has history! Henri Salvador was born
in 1917 in Cayenne, French Guiana and is known to have recorded the first
French Rock ‘n’ Roll song in 1956. In the sixties Salvador was the television
host of several popular TV variety shows on French TV. In 1964 he scored a hit
with "Zorro est Arrivé", and his song "Mais Non, Mais Non"
(1969) inspired Jim Henson’s Muppets' song Mahna Mahna. A seven-decades-long career that shows
no sign of abating, Salvador came out of retirement to record ‘Room with a
View’ in 2005, which included the bossa nova track "All I Really Want is
Love" with Sweden's most
talented singer/songwriter Lisa Ekdahl. Special thanks to Eumir Deodato for the
heads up on this track.
19.
Apollo
Novo: ‘Soap You’ (Crammed Discs) Apollo Novo (aka
"Apollo 9") comes forth with that fresh new Brazilian sound which is
quite simply on it. ‘Res Inexplicata Volans’ consists of twelve atmospheric
soundscapes which hover somewhere between psychedelic Easy Rider rock, eerie
Stockhausen electronica and spaced-out Brazilian folk. The lullaby-like
“Ensaboar Voce” (Soap You) puts you to sleep with the most tranquil of bass
notes, and then gives you sweet dreams with intimate heartfelt vocals.
About
the Producer: Chris Hall
Edinburgh-based
Chris Hall, aka B-Burg, comes with a three-fold force. A talented jazz
guitarist, scratch DJ and highly respected producer, whose skills are now in
demand from artists, labels and filmmakers alike, he is probably best known as
the guitarist of the band Livesciences but he’s soon going out solo, and is
currently putting finishing touches to his solo album "Desert Island
Disco". He has just finished soundtrack work on recently
released "E11", [www.hotaches.com], an award
winning mountaineering film which is to be shown at film festivals all over the
world. He's also resident DJ at Ninja Tune’s Solid Steel club night and can be
found rocking parties across the city. The man got skills in ample supply.
Watch him!
About
the DJ: Will Page
Will’s approach to Mix CDs is simple: ‘To Get The Message Across, Without
Crossing Over’. This
age-old quote from a timeless Jungle Brothers track aptly captures what’s been
a decade of diggging in the crates and constructing mix tapes. The goal has
always been to expose people to music that they would of otherwise not have
come across, and present it in a way that pushes its potential to the max. One
of his peers, Philly-based DJ Rich Medina, once phrased the art of mixing like this:
‘Its not about the nuggets
you dig up, but how you thread them all together – that’s how you really add
value, that’s what earns you respect. Anything less, and you leave yourself
looking like a jukebox!’ Dan Williams (‘No More Trouble’,
2002) took you on a musical trip from scenes of NYC on 9/11 to Palestine, via
Jamaica, and then Chicago in one smooth journey. Similarly, AJ Nuttall
(‘Digging in the Vaults’, 2004), masterfully diced latino poetry into
gospel-like soul with hiphop, rock and broken beat to such effect that its
still receiving critical acclaim to this day. This year, Chris Hall (‘Keep it
Moving’, 2007), has managed to find a thread that somehow connects a
Philadelphian street theatre to a haunting speech by Donald Rumsfeld, then
travels through ambient beats into an unplanned uncut studio session with
unknown female vocalist. It’s about threading a new message together, in its
undiluted form. That’s what differentiates a real Mix CD from a compilation. A private
good for public consumption - Enjoy!
The way this, and other mix CDs’, have been threaded together has been a
torturous process at times, with complex studio re-editing work forcing huge
demands upon the chosen producer. Yet that should go unnoticed to the listener.
About the Mix CD ‘Drops’
In previous ‘mix downs’, Will’s opted to
work with a commentator-style host of the Mix, so that the liner notes were
effectilvey in your ear. This year, we’ve gone for ‘drops’ – short segmented
shout outs from the artists who provided the tracks: name checking Dan Kleiman,
Cuban Cowboys, Tanya Morgan, IllVibe Collective and 84 Hiphop. We’ve also got
special contributions from Rich Medina, along with Ben Rubin and Marilyn Carion
from the excelllent Mudville. Massive THANKS to all involved.
More Information, Line Notes and Updates on Radio Broadcasts:
Check
in with www.analysislost.com/will for updates
and downloads
Or email him at:
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keep_it_moving_2007_liner_notes 
Keep it Moving 2007 Liner Notes 
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Deodato.mov