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La nuit mene une existence obscure
Nicolas Repac |
Nicolas Repac - La Nuit Méne Une Existence Obscure
This track is sizzling with French sensuality. I first came across La Nuit Méne Une Existence Obscurefrom the So Frenchy, So Chic albums seven years ago. I hold this compilation series responsible for introducing me to a plethora of French talents including Emilié Simon, Spleen, Camille and We Were Evergreen to name a few.
Enjoy.
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Vivace From Concerto In C Minor
Jacques Loussier Trio |
Jacques Loussier Trio - Vivace From Concerto In C Minor
Take one percussionist, one bassist, and one pianist with an impressive aquiline nose. Add classical training, and juxtapose with the desire to break rules. Combine, and the result is the Jacques Loussier Trio.
The Trio (originally comprising bassist Pierre Michelot, percussionist Christian Garros, and Loussier leading on piano) began recording during the 1950’s, transposing compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach - taking them from former lives as strictly classical pieces, and transforming them into fresh jazz numbers.
During the mid-1970’s, Loussier disbanded the trio, in order to develop some original compositions. However, the Trio re-formed (with a new lineup) in 1985, still focusing on Loussier’s love of Bach, but also branching out to include pieces by Handel, Mozart, and Satie (among others) in their repertoire.
Of the Trio’s Bach interpretations, Vivace From Concerto In C Minor is a personal favourite. While the ear is drawn to the elegant piano, the percussive and bass work is impossible to ignore, gifting the listener with the best of not one, but three worlds. This recording is taken from the Trio’s 50th Anniversary release, and features the post-reformation lineup of Vincent Charbonnier and André Arpino (handling bass and percussion, respectively).
Despite octogenarianism calling, Louisser still has a lot of Bach to work with. Here’s hoping for a few more recordings of the man with the masterful hands.
~R.
Shigeto - Ann Arbor Parts 3 & 4
As much as I would love to claim that I know about Shigeto, truth is I’m not really familiar with his story, back catalogue or other mumbo jumbo. But I do know that he makes great electronic music.
A little glitchy, a little jazzy, a little sample-based and a little ambient all rolled into a sumptuous track. Brimming with rich textures and subtle flourishes of production wizardry, Ann Arbor parts 3 & 4 makes for an enchanting listen.
Enjoy.
Arts The Beatdoctor feat Pete Philly - The Zone
In Dutch, the word “arts” means “doctor,” and I think that this was intentional name choice judging by the theraputic brand of organic hip hop the Dutch native has been cooking up.
The Netherlands has one of the best hip hop scenes in the world right now. Artists such as Pete Philly & Perquisite, Pax & Pree, Skiggy Rapz & Keynote Speakerz are world class artists. Arts The Beatdoctor definitely qualifies as one of my favourite producers although he has only released one album to date - 2007’s Transitions.
The Zone is the closing track on the album and tops off a memorable mellow, jazzy hip hop album. Pete Philly is the perfect guest emcee and his vocals compliment the authentic sample-driven beat.
Enjoy.
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Dayglo Reflection (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Bobby Womack |
Bobby Womack feat. Lana Del Rey- Dayglo Reflection
Yesterday Bobby Womack released the third leak, Dayglo Reflection, from his upcoming album.
Produced by Damon Albarn (of the Gorillaz) and Richard Russell, this jazzy duet features the ever divisive Lana Del Rey and it is the third track to surface from The Bravest Man In The Universe, Bobby’s first album in the last 18 years.
It’s a bold collaboration between musical camps but it features a classy and likable arrangement that comes complete with touches of orchestration.
Enjoy.
(Source: stereogum.com, via musicmeds)
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Ain't No Sunshine [Feat. Joe Gil]
Opus Orange |
Opus Orange are an indie-surf-pop band based out of California. Fronted by music producer Paul Bessenbacher, the group make unmistakably catchy music that resonates with you after just a single listen. Their latest single is a contemporary rendition of Bill Withers‘ Ain’t No Sunshine that showcases Paul’s knack as a producer. The sustained keys and haunting backing vocals create a cloudy atmosphere while Joe Gil’s smooth vocals sprawl the cool bluesy mood that is also present in the original. Paul had a chat to us about his musical projects and shed some light on Ain’t No Sunshine.
Q1. Could you explain how the band came to be called Opus Orange?
PB: Frederic Chopin’s “fantasie impromptu”, Opus 66
Q2. Does living in California contribute to the beachy sound in much of your music or is it coincidence?
PB: Living in California must somehow contribute to the beachy sound, but yes, it is a coincidence. Since picking up a ukulele for backpacking in the woods (due to it’s light weight and small size), it became quickly apparent just how inherently “beachy” sounding it is, wherever it might be played (like at the top of mount whitney, miles away from any beach). Though the ukulele initially helped color the sonic palate for the early songs, its energy is still evident in its absence (like in Crystal Clear or That Is To Say).
Q3. Ain’t No Sunshine is a classic. Could you tell us about what it means to you?
PB: While we’re on the subject of California, it seems the sun is almost always shining here. This song captures the fact that it can still be clouded by someone’s absence. The lyrics help this resonate in their simplicity. when covering such a gem like Bill Withers’ classic, it’s essential to look at it from a different perspective than the original, while still giving it the reverence it deserves. Joe Gil’s voice is a great fit for this song, and we wanted the track to let it shine through.
Q4. Any plans to release a full length LP in the future?
PB: While a full-length LP would be an incredibly fun project, we’ve been excited about producing music in smaller singles and EP’s. Often longer projects can get bogged down with overthought (not really a word, but it should be) and overproduction. So to always keep creating and pushing our sound while still releasing cohesive projects, we have found it creatively liberating to keep the projects smaller. Our next four song EP (currently being mixed) is completely tracked to 2-inch analog tape. It will hopefully be released within the next few months. Also with producing other artists, like Joe Gil, Emy Reynolds, and Eleni Mandell, it’s really great to have a sort of tunnel vision to make a single song the best that it can be with that particular artist. That being said, we definitely hope to someday have the time to do a full-legnth release.
Q5. Who are 5 artists you’re listening to at the moment?
The Walkmen
The Pixies
Radiohead
Richard Buckner
Thanks to Paul for the interview. You can listen to and buy music from Opus Orange via their Bandcamp website. Ain’t No Sunshine will be made available there in the very near future.
