MUSIC REVIEWS
Contact Francis Tanneur at:
francistanneur@hotmail.comADAM MARANO:
“Love me now” (CD single) WAAKO RECORDS / ZYX MUSIC (Germany)
Score: 3 stars
This
production is really interesting, but also very simple to realize when you are a
professional!
Indeed,
Sonia’s voice is superbly captivating and hypnotizing; it does the entire job on this
track. Adam Marano just needs to embroider the song and propose a very slow tempo that
languishes around Sonia’s voice, and compose some atmospheric and oppressive keys.
This choice is particularly successful and clever!
This single
also contains six mixes, four of which are Freestyle (two are in Spanish) and two are
Dance music, and should convince a lot of Freestylers and Dancers. “Love me now”
is definitely a production from Adam Marano that will entertain you. Enjoy!
ELECTRICITY
FREESTYLE VOL.6 (2CD’s compilation) SPV RECORDINGS (Germany)
Score: 3 stars
Year after
year, this compilation series has imposed itself to the eyes of the German Freestylers as
one of the most convincing series on the market, even if in my opinion, some volumes of
this edition were extremely plain.
The
particularity of the “Electricity Freestyle” series is to blend some recent
products with old Freestyle jams mostly from Old School and well known American and
Canadian artists. But for the first time, SPV Recordings offers to his
“faithful” buyers two CD’s in a same box.
The first CD presents 16 tracks in a more classical Freestyle trend
(mix of Old School classics with few Planet Rock / Electro titles) including some groups
and singers as April, Holly Cole, Frankie Boy, Free System, The Officer & Elios,
Stevie B, Smash… On the contrary, the second CD contains 15 tracks more oriented
towards the German Electro genre and Planet Rock sound with some bands as Flying Steps,
Strip-T, Music Instructor, Freestyle Project, etc. Even two American productions are part
of this comp with the remixed version of “Energy” by The KromOzone Project and
“Wanna be your lover” by Kenny Moulton.
This sixth
edition is undeniably one of the most successful (with Freestyle Electricity vol.2) and
should seriously put the other compilation in the shade since they will appear less
abundant in titles. 31 tunes on a same compilation is a very rare occurrence, especially
when the quality is here. Buy it without any hesitation!
ELISSA:
“Mamboleo” / “Back to me” (CD single) TI AMO RECORDS (Canada)
Score: No star
(for “Mamboleo”)
Score: 3 stars (for “Back to me”)
Let’s
not linger on the Y2K re-issue of the Latino Dance track of “Mamboleo” under the
Canadian Ti-Amo Records which really annoys and bores me (even sang by Elissa), to talk a
little bit longer about the other song “Back to me”, and especially its unique
Freestyle version.
Of course, it’s in this kind of register (Freestyle music)
that Elissa excels the best! “Back to me” is a delicious mixture of Euro Dance
keys (those of the Dance version) with a lively Old School rhythm beat. Elissa also
possesses one of the most beautiful and charming voice of the Canadian scene which confers
to this production a supplementary asset and seriousness.
This new song is really awesome, and proves once again that Elissa
is full of talent and very inspired in her choices.
FIVE OF TEN
FEATURING J.W. SCALE: “Feel the groove” (CD single) FREEFILES RECORDS / SPV
(Germany)
Score: 3 stars
The second
track by Five Of Ten is way more exciting than “If you want my love”.
This is due to different factors: 1/ J.W. Scale’s voice is
outstanding, powerful, sexy, full of good mood and warm. 2/ The use of a slower Electro
Freestyle beat, more groovy and commercial, should appeal to a larger audience (even to
those who are not very familiar to Freestyle music). 3/ An irresistible melody and catchy
chorus.
The amateurs
of the “2 Step” musical movement will appreciate the two nice and very rhythmic
versions of this track. Moreover, this very fashionable musical genre that comes from
England is just an alternative mix of different genres (Drum ‘N Bass, R& B and
Speed Garage) and becomes month after month more popular throughout Europe. Just Groove
and only Groove!!!
Just feel the
groove…
FREE SYSTEM:
“This love is not right 4 you” (CD single) FREEFILES RECORDS / SPV (Germany)
Score: 4 stars
(Psycho remix)
Score: 3 stars (other mixes)
Free System is incontestably one of the most original Old School
Freestyle groups in Germany.
Over four
singles, the Free System members easily got a name, and they definitely have an approach
and style which are unique. It is more refined than most of the German products thanx to
the beautiful voice of Tina and also to the duet that she formed with Gianni (he is doing
the vocoder and Rap), and to the melodies always well done and superbly crafted.
Even though the three mixes (radio, club and original mix) are
destined to the Electro fans, the “Psycho remix” (the best version of this CD
single) heads towards to the Old School tradition. But this version is so insane in its
realization (psychotic I should say!) that it’s very difficult to categorize it. The
version combines melodious, extremely incisive and splendid keys.
A wonderful
and original song not to be missed.
LINDA LOW:
“Dancing in my heart” / “I gave you my heart”/ “Over you”
(CD single) CERTIFIED MUSIC L.L.C.
Score: 3 stars
What a
beautiful outset for Linda Low’s career that this EP, which introduces us to three
titles… but only “Dancing in my heart” is highlighted with a torrent of
mixes (a total of 7).
If you are
fond of the West Coast sound, you should appreciate her musical style and you will be
overcome by her emotional and attractive voice which she is surrounded by a bunch of local
producers and remixers (Kenny Moulton, Slammin’ Sam Maxion, Randy Taylor-Weber et
“Lenny Linus” Douglas) for the Freestyle part. As far as the three Euro, Dance,
Trance versions are concerned, she appealed to two European mixers (Cosmic Dreamer from
Belgium and Magnus Ekelund from Sweden) and to Craig Carpenter from New York City, maybe
also to conquer the Europe Dance music market. Smart, isn’t it?
Whatever your
musical domain of predilection in Freestyle music, you will participate to the success of
Linda Low in buying this CD single because the work done by all the remixers is also very
nice. A new talent to discover!
We haven’t had news about the beautiful and ravishing Sharyn
Maceren since her last hit “Hard to get”. Pressed for the first time in 1996 on
the compilation “Slammin’ Compilation vol.1” (where you can also find
another track from Sharyn “You’re my everything”), this song has
nevertheless been officially released one year later under the name of The S Factor on
Slammin’ Sam Maxion’s label (S.E. Records). Straight away, “Hard to
get” revealed the talent of this young artist from the Bay area.
Fortunately,
the year 2001 heralds her comeback on Captaur Records (located in San Fancisco) with this
new jam “One and one”. The two producers of this brand new record company
(Jeremy Davis & Mario Bonilla) had a good nose to license Shary Maceren and to secure
Joe Grandberg’s services (he wrote some titles on Alexis’ album) because this CD
is definitely really interesting. You may listen with a huge pleasure to the terrific
Freestyle version “Hyperspace Club Mix” which is very close from Buffy’s
style with a more German musical orientation (vocoder, and powerful & melodious keys).
A very good job!
You may also
delight yourself with the good Latin Dance mix of this tune (I particularly liked the
guitar sequence done by Joe Grandberg himself on his keyboard, it’s very nice!) and
the pleasant House music version of “Hard to get».
This CD is
definitely to get before it is out of stock. A wonderful comeback assuredly!
SILVERBACK RECORDS
PRESENTS THE SBP PRODUCT (CD COMPILATION) SILBERBACK RECORDS
Score: 3 stars
This
compilation on Silverback Records is the fruit of several years work by Josey Santos (the
initiator of this project) and then, of the association with two his friends (Benji Quiles
Jr and DJ Pauly). This is why this comp is called “The SBP Product” (S for
Santos, B for Benji and P for Pauly) and whose main vocation is to propose the best
products as regards Progressive Freestyle music!
To
achieve success, they called two “musical experts” from New York City (Victor
Franco and Carlos Berrios) and a newcomer in the Freestyle business, Ryan Paltrow from
Florida. They also asked the participation in this project of Freestyle personalities as
Miguel Reyes, 2 AM, Fred Nice, and especially George Anthony and Julian Hernandez (for the
backing vocals). And then, they used some unknown, but talented artists (Sonia Merced,
Zeyda, DeJa and DJ Pauly). The result is simply awesome and this Progressive Freestyle
compilation is globally succesful, one of the best since the birth of this genre. Even if
I keep repeating that this kind of Freestyle is not really my cup of tea. Yet, Progressive
buffs should appreciate this CD more than I do.
However
the only thing I’m sure of is that you will find some superb productions and upcoming
hits as the splendid tunes as Zeyda “I’ll show you love”, DeJa “We can
do it”, DJ Pauly “What am I to do”, Fred Nice “Do you believe in
love” and the Dance music song “I’ll wait for you” by Sonia Merced
(What an amazing voice!). The Progessive remix of “Those were the times” by
Miguel Reyes is quite interesting, even if I largely prefer the Old School versions out on
Tazmania records. The remixed version of “Celebrate” (this track is also
available in Euro Dance style on the 2 AM’s full-length album “Waiting for this
moment” out on Hot Productions, Inc. in 1997) and the Ryan Dreamscape mix of
“Hands up” are also quite original.
A Progressive
Freestyle compilation that deserves a prize!
THE OFFICER &
ELIOS: “Baby gimme all your love” / “Don’t break my heart” (CD
single) FREEFILES RECORDS / SPV (Germany)
Score: 3 stars
This
second single (after the “La musica” EP) is certainly the most captivating since
the association between Stonay (a.k.a. The Officer) and Elios. It’s also one the rare
German groups to sing in Italian and English languages.
“Baby
gimme all your love” remains in the line of his previous singles (“Hold me
tight”, “Waiting”, or more recently under his new artist name The Officer
with “Cry”), even if this time his new production has more an Electro than an
Old School flavour.
The
“vocal backup” from Elios brings an undeniable edge to this friendly
collaboration that we wish would last forever. This male band should become a redoubtable
and lethal weapon for the German Freestyle scene. Their vocal performance is already an
asset and really appreciated by Freestylers.
Don’t
forget to listen to the only original mix of “Don’t break my heart”, which
could be their upcoming hit! Who knows?
THE UNDERDOG
PROJECT: “It doesn’t matter” (CD album) LOOP DANCE CONSTRUCTIONS RECORDS /
KONTOR RECORDS / UNIVERSAL MUSIC (Germany)
Score: 4
stars
I can not say
that this first and very successful full-length album from this popular German band can be
labelled as a Freestyle album, it wouldn’t be completely true. But it contains
nonetheless some Electro tracks combined to the R & B style which should thrill and
convince the bunch of Freestylers who already enjoys these two genres, poles apart from,
musically speaking, but that merge marvelously due to the originality brought about by all
the members of this band.
The Underdog
Project is a band which stands apart because of his style. This album, at first sight, was
mainly oriented to R & B and Rap styles, but otherwise it mixes with a certain cunning
and creativity some songs including an Electro beat particularly slow and groovy. As
regards Freestyle, you can listen again to their two hits, but also discover the
formidable “I can handle it”.
So if I were
you, I would familiarize rapidly with this group, because you can be sure in the future
that you will hear about The Underdog Project… but this time on the International
scene.
THE UNDERDOG
PROJECT: “Tonight” (CD single) LOOP DANCE CONSTRUCTIONS / KONTOR RECORDS /
UNIVERSAL MUSIC (Germany)
Score: 3
stars
Don’t
change a winning team! So, we take the same people to work with, and let’s do it
again…
If you liked “Summer jam”, you will adore this second
song which sounds like their first hit. You will appreciate once again the smooth and
particular vocal asset of Vick Krishna that can rival without any trouble with the most
magnificent R&B voices (the accapella is inevitable to make your own opinion!). After
you’ve listened to the two Electro Freestyle mixes, practically identical to
“Summer jam”, I also suggest you take a look at the two good versions by DJ
Wickel (very groovy) and of O.M.O. (N.C. Thanh and Ernest T.D.) in a Drum ‘N Bass and
2 Step genres. Once again!
After
“Summer jam”, The Underdog Project should encounter the same success with
“Tonight”. Keep your fingers crossed!
It’s
advisable to join and support this musical project called Underdog quickly!
V.T.: “Laura
non cé” (CD single) MNF RECORDS / ZYX MUSIC (Germany)
Score: 3
stars
In 1998,
“Laura non cé” (sang by the Pop-song singer Nek) became a not to be missed hit
for the Italian repertoire winning a very nice and critical success all over Europe.
By the end of
the year 2000, the producers of MNF Records’ label have decided to cook this tune to
the Freestyle gravy! They used a faster Electro Freestyle rhythm beat than usual that
nevertheless takes (a little bit) the Old School direction. The male voice of V.T. gives a
commercial side to this promising track.
The result is
astonishing… in the good sense of the term!
1]
Myrna Li: “Still I cry” Santana Music
2]
George Lamond: “Lately” (original long version) Robbins Entertainment LLC /
3]
Jazmine: “Justify” Santana Music
4]
Sammy C: “My mother warned me” Roman Empire Productions
5]
Flying Steps: “We are electric” JetSet / Dance Street / ZYX Music (Germany)
7] Sharyn Maceren: “One and one” Captaur Records
8]
Anthony Norris: “Just 4 you” MNF Records / ZYX Music (Germany)
9]
The Underdog Project: “Tonight” Loop Dance Constructions / Kontor Records
/Universal Music (Germany)
10]
Elissa: “Back to me” Ti Amo Records (Canada)
(Compilations
& medleys)
1]
George Lamond: “The hits…and more” (compilation) Robbins Entertainment LLC
/ Timber! Records
2] D.J. Damon Cain A.K.A. Devious D. Presents Vintage Freestyle Grooves:
“Collector’s Edition vol.1” (medley) MainSource Distribution
3] The World Of Electro (compilation) ZYX Music (Germany)
4] Silverback Records Presents The SBP Product (compilation) Silverback Records
5] Fierce Freestyle Classics “ The Mix Tape” vol.3 (medley) Ubl Recordings /
StreetBeat Records, Inc.
(Albums)
1]
Sammy C: “Taking it through the millenium and beyond” Roman Empire Productions
2] Rockell: “Instant pleasure” Robbins Entertainment LLC
3] The KromOzone Project: “Love & energy” TBC Productions
4] The Underdog Project: “It doesn’t matter” Loops Dance Construction
(Germany)
5] Kenny Moulton: “Baby it’s you” Hit Factory Records / SideBusters
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