MUSIC REVIEWS
Contact Francis Tanneur at:
francistanneur@hotmail.comBOBBY LEAL: Journey from the planet
freestyle (CD album) CLUB RED ENTERTAINMENT [USA]
Score:
3 stars
It
is really sad to see that this album was released in total indifference, and honestly that
seemed to me incomprehensible. I sincerely invite all Freestylers to buy this good album
as fast as possible, even directly from Bobby Leals label.
This
first album from Bobby Leal gathers all the tracks sung from this Bay Areas artist
from his beginnings (1990) until our days, and will permit you to hear Bobby Leals
style whose low, raucous and smooth voice is very close from the voice of Kenny
KennyFreestyle Moulton. Most of the 15 tracks are Freestyle except for 3 House
tunes Thats why I love you, Blue and Mind games
and a R&B song Feels so good which left me a little bit indifferent, to be
honest with you!
As
for Freestyle music, there are splendid and thrilling songs that will irremediably seduce
many of you and especially the Old School Freestyle and Miami Sound amateurs with some
titles as For you, No more waiting, This love,
One more chance 96 (the remixed version out on Tolga Katas record
company Summit Entertainment in 1995), Take me away, the live
version of Where is the love, the reprise of Take me away and the
bonus track One more chance, the 1990s version from the label Red
Entertainment. Misdirected love offers a vocal performance and Planet Rock
beat fairly convincing. And at least, the two remakes of Judy Torres No reason to
cry and Holdin on didnt not convinced either. Bobby Leal,
this time, doesnt sing well!
Bobby
Leal has certainly committed a few mistakes about his musical choices and sometimes also
on his way to sing for a few songs. Its also a little bit prejudicial that a few
tracks are not always well recorded. Otherwise, his album deserves listening and most
importantly be bought because in a few months it will have become an indispensable
collector with indispensable tracks
some titles are really terrific!
BOBBY LEAL: 3 plus 1 CD (EP CD
single -Limited edition-) BFLY PRODUCTIONS [USA]
This
is the third limited edition EP CD from Bobby Leal. Once again, its a product to get
quickly!
The
Old School Freestyle fans, and in particular those who adore the Miami Sound, should enjoy
the track Take me away. In a more New School Freestyle genre No more
waiting is a collaboration between Bobby Leal, and Chako Beilin on the backing
vocals, whose manner of singing will remind you of Miguel Reyes. Love to love
you is a New School song that uses a low tempo which also includes a catchy chorus
dedicated to a fantastic 70s hit Love to love you baby from the Soul
diva Donna Summer. The last superb track Your love (feels so good) contains a low
Old School Freestyle beat and its sung by the divine Danielle Martinez. She simply
has a beautiful and sensual voice.
You
know what you have to do
BUY IT!
CERES: Deep from my heart (CD
album) FLIC FLAC RECORDS / DMG / SONY MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
3 stars
Its
true; her manner of singing comes deep from her heart! And each time you listen to this
album you will hear it and feel it by yourself
believe me.
She
sings with plenty of enthusiasm and passion each song of her repertoire. Her first
full-length album plebiscites Freestyle and Dance music, and not only Freestyle music. Her
enthusiasm is very communicative, I only want to say beautiful things about this album!
Vocally, she feels comfortable whatever the musical genres, and it is certainly her
strength and asset. She distinguishes herself in Euro Dance with her two hits Inside
to outside and Open your eyes, in Ballad Te quiero, in Latin
Dance with the convincing remake of Shannons Give me tonight or finally
in commercial Trance with Deep from my heart. But it is in Freestyle music
that you will succumb to her charm with some tracks as Inside to outside (Lady
Violets reprise), Open your eyes, Show me your love or maybe
for her two duets with M.C.G. Gabriel: Dancing with an angel (Double
Yous remake) and Self control (Laura Braningans remake). In my
opinion, as far as these two duets are concerned, its not the best thing shes
done. Personally, Im not a big fan of M.C. G. Gabriels voice.
I
sincerely hope that this album will encounter a quick and big success because she
definitely deserves it. Deep from my heart
I wish you good luck Ceres!
CERES: Open your eyes (CD
single) FLIC FLAC RECORDS / DMG / SONY MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
2 stars
So,
we have had to wait 2 years before this new single from the beautiful Italian
lady! After waiting this long, we should be very satisfied by her second CD single?
Hmm
YES and NO.
YES,
because she always sings so marvelously well with her little arousing accent, and whatever
the musical style she decided to go, she managed to convince us. And because the Freestyle
version is lively and entertaining too. NO, because unfortunately there is
only one Freestyle mix for 4 Euro Dance mixes. And this news will be certainly a big
disappointment for most of you.
Okay,
but do I have to incite you not to buy this CD? Well, once again
.YES and
NO!
YES
if dont like Euro Dance and you think that only one Freestyle version is
unacceptable and too much expensive for one CD. NO if, like myself you are not
an Euro Dance fan but nevertheless you think that those Dance versions are agreeable to
listen to.
Of
course, the Freestylers will be disappointed to see on this CD only one mix. But Im
sure that you will understand that a label or an artist doesnt make the decision to
release a song after two years (that was already available as a bonus track on her first
CD single Inside to outside) only to propose new Freestyle remixes.
Apparently,
Ceres producers have opted for the Dance market. Can we forgive them?!? Well,
YES and NO, because the disappointment is palpable and easy to
perceive
in my humble opinion!
We
can just expect that next time, the Freestylers will be less forgotten because this single
is not bad
in my humble opinion!
CHRISTINA MARIE: Turn the lights down
low (CD album) VAZRAM RECORDS [USA]
Score: 4 stars
Christina
Marie has finally released her first album! I say finally because
since her promising beginnings in 2001 with the splendid hit Turning away and
most recently with her both sided single Turn the lights down low and
Beautiful night, we have come to expect many great things about this announced
album. What a great surprise this album gave me!
Over
12 titles, she offers you a nice and succulent summary of her talent and she will mainly
ravish the Freestyle fans. In fact, there are only two non-Freestyle songs on this album,
one is a Latin Pop track Do you want me and the other one is
Teardrops, a song which marries Trance and Dance styles.
Even
if you have a few Old School versions of some tracks, this album privileges the West Coast
sound. But the West Coast Freestyle sound, this time, allows however some musical
variations due to the ingenuity of all the producers (Willie Valentin, Mario Vazquez and
Shonn Moox Bonnett) who brought their own personal touch. They mixed different
kinds of sonorities of Old School Freestyle and West Coast Freestyle, and the final result
we obtain is an innovative, wise and refreshing new sound of West Coast Freestyle. Each
producer did a remarkable work.
As
for the Freestyle content of this CD, you will find the first 3 songs Turning
away, Turn the lights down low and Beautiful night, each of
those 3 gems are proposed in two different versions (the ones available on the singles).
But also two excellent productions from Willie Valentin (In my dreams &
Summer thang) and from Moox (Now I know & Youre my
life).
So,
we can thank her uncle John Milo Pro (one of the Spanish Flys members)
who discovered her singing skills and talent and pushed her to sing; thank you to Mario
Vazquez who has believed enough in Christina Marie, and of course thank you very much
Christina Marie for your incredible energy and talent. But also thank you to the other
contributors to this wonderful album, such as the producers (Willie Valentin & Moox)
and the writers (Willie Valentin, Kenny KF Moulton, Michael Anthony Bertot
& Hugo Gomez).
Thank
you for this magnificent and remarkable album
CPRS
CLUBHOUSE NEW ENGLAND FREESTYLE CLASSICS (CD compilation) CPRS CLUBHOUSE [USA]
Score:
3 stars
Its
certainly the first compilation which has ever been created and produced (at the beginning
of the last summer) on the Internet by some fans and Freestyle pros, and the initiator of
which is CPR Jose Ortiz.
It
contains some productions from artists and bands from the Massachusetts state. I found the
idea very good since this state also produced Freestyle music, but it seems to be less
famous than some other states as New York, Florida, California, Texas, etc.
This
CD produced by CPR Jose Ortiz, who hadnt produced any new compilation since the one
on Artistik Records (CPRs Clubhouse Freestyle Madness in 1998), proposes a
panel representative enough of New Englands Freestyle music (Old School & New
School Freestyle) throughout a whole series of excellent Classics as Release
me by Adelis, Beginning of the end by Marisol, Those lonely
nights by 3 To Da Max, Dont let me go by Ashley, Let me
know by Poze, Have I lost you by Mystic. But also some interesting
titles (less known or renown) as Without your love by Vocal Image, I
know by Omar or If tomorrow by Da Fellaz.
As
for the other titles, they spoke less to me, as Surrender by X-Cel, My
summer love by Touch of Quality, Play it right by Bibi,
Memories by Freeze, Hold back your tears by J. Alams. And finally
the three 2002 releases (Youll never know by Ruben Gonzalez, I
thank you by Nathan and Endless by Jay) arent bad, but they
didnt totally convince me.
I
only regretted not to see in the content of this good CD two formidable Freestyle anthems
by Billy Ray I need to know on Premiere Records (the same label than 3 To Da
Max) and No more tears on X-Clusive (Florida), certainly one of the most
talented singer from this state.
FLYING STEPS:
Greatest hits (CD compilation) DANCE STREET GMBH / ZYX MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
3 stars
No
doubt that Flying Steps is one of the most idolized German Electro Hip-Hop bands (with
Music Instructor and Freestyle Project) by the B-Boys and B-Girls of the beginning of this
millennium. Since their solo musical career (which started in 2000), they have enchanted
more than one Breakdancer and more than one amateur of this Freestyle genre.
This
Greatest hits will delight mainly those who dont know very well this
band. Except for the 2002 remixed version of We gonna rock it, all the
extracts from this compilation are available on their three singles or on their album
B-town (out in 2001). In order, here is the playlist that Flying
Steps and Dance Streets label propose you: Breakinit down
(Extended mix), We gonna rock it (2001 remix), In da arena (Video
show cut), King of rock (Zip mix), We are electric (Radio mix),
B-Unitor 2 (DJ Mesia mix), Body rockin (Crashi cut) ,
Elektrik (Sonixtended), B-town power (Bassheadz edit), We
are robotic (Radio mix), In da arena (Bassheadz remix), We gonna
rock it (Jetset remix) and We are electric (Bassheadz remix).
And
if you are an eternally unsatisfied person, you will also find 4 video clips of their main
success: Breakinit down, In da arena, We gonna rock
it and We are electric. Those videos will permit you to appreciate their
agility and quality as Breakdancers. Some pure talents on the Dance floors, you will be
amazed!!!!
I just hope that this CD doesnt mean their retirement, but just a break! Whatever their decision, Flying Steps will remain one of the most outstanding and talented band of this musical movement.
FREESTYLE PROJECT: Dont stop 2
body rock / Megamix 1 & 2 (CD single) MNF RECORDS / ZYX MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
2 stars
Well,
Freestyle Project continues releasing their singles to an insane and amazing speed. Maybe
it will be time to slow down a little guys, because the style doesnt differ from a
title to another. Of course, the melodies and keys are still superb, and the chorus are
still very catchy. But this time I have a big problem concerning the vocoders: I
dont understand all the lyrics and you really need to prick up your ear to
understand some scraps about what the singer says!
If
you know their style, I agree with you, this is the kind of track that always makes a good
score during a party or in the nightclubs, and you always have fun and rock your body on
their singles! But the main difficulty for Freestyle Project is to renew their music. Even
if I adore this band, I really start to be bothered to hear the same thing over and over
again.
As
far as the two bonus tracks are concerned, its simply the radio versions of the two
megamixes; both are already out on maxi CD singles!
So
guys, give us something different and more original whenever you want
coz
there, its the same old thing.
Is
it too much to ask?
JESIKA: Always next to me (CD
single) PHAT CAT RECORDS / AMPLE ENTERTAINMENT [USA]
Score:
2 stars
This
new single from Jesika is definitely more interesting than the first track
Tonight out two years ago on Phat Cat Records.
Her
style is oriented to this new form of Freestyle music which mixes different styles as an
accelerated Electro beat and especially the Breakbeat genre but also some Dance keys and
sound effects. Its DJ X (a.k.a. Eric Muniz) who took care of remixing Jesika once
more, and who certainly appears as one of the best representatives in this Breakbeat
style. Maybe he thinks that its Breakbeat, but other people will tell that its
a faster and Dance form of Freestyle music. Personally, I will favor this second solution
even if, to me, Breakbeat is close to the Freestyle genre.
Anyway,
the style of this song sounds nearer to some products of artists as Plummet, La Rissa,
Paradigm, Star and Robin Fox to name but a few. I said nearer, not exactly the
same!!! You have three mixes to make your own opinion.
The
4 other Dance and House mixes have been composed by Jesikas producer, Chris
The Greek Panaghi, whos been following her since her first steps as a
singer!
Its
fairly good, but nothing to go bonkers though!
JOEY ALTURA
FEATURING POZE: You are the only one (CD single) STATE OF MASS ENTERTAINMENT [USA]
Score:
4 stars
Since
the beginning of his career in Freestyle music in 1996, Geraldo Cotton has only realized
one single Its not over, and his other songs The moment,
Let me know & Know, have been only available on compilations
(Freestyle Parade series) produced by Artistik Records, Willie Valentins
record company. And in 2001, he released his last track Come back to me my
love on Freestyle Parade 2K1 compilation. After that, nothing new, which
started to worry me because Poze possesses one of the most beautiful voices from the
Artistik camp.
So,
I was extremely happy to hear that he was back with this time a new single release
You are the one from the young and new label State Of Mass
Entertainment (located in Massachusetts).
This
time, his new single is a family affair because his cousin Joey Danger Altura
has produced, written and remixed Pozes gem. And I have to say that it is assuredly
his best song, even if he sang nice songs with producer Willie Valentin.
We
can only be satisfied and happy with this single. Everything is here to seduce a maximum
of Freestylers: he interprets magnificently well this song, and his way to sing is
irresistible and you will be submerged by the emotion that follows. Its ineffable
and so good! Joey Alturas work is also formidable, he composed a sublime melody and
the Old School beat perfectly suits Pozes moving voice.
Even
if my choice goes to the Radio mix, all the other versions possess his own
charm and quality. You will find three vocal versions, two instrumental versions and a
version called Drums beat but that includes vocals, and the last version from
this CD is a mix dedicated to the fans of edits that are more and more numerous. For this
last multi-edited mix, I will only have one remark to address to Joey; he should just
structure a little bit better his edits sessions and different effects, because sometimes
it grows confused.
After
you have listened these seven mixes you will corroborate my words, this is a terrific
single!
KATHY PHILLIPS: I wish (CD
single) ROBBINS ENTERTAINMENT LLC / BMG DISTRIBUTION
[USA]
Score:
4 stars (Freestyle versions)
Score: 2 stars (Dance versions)
Its
been a while since we hadnt seen a new production from Chris Phillips! He came back
in great health, and once again in family with his wife, Kathy Phillips.
Even
if they are lively and interesting, I will nevertheless pass quickly on the 6 Dance mixes
composed by Chris Euro Dance Phillips and Giuseppe Trance/Dance D.
(the home remixer of Robbins Entertainment) to stop longer on the Freestyle
mixes proposed by Chris Old School Freestyle Phillips. When you listen to
these two versions (Radio & Club) sublimely and powerfully sung by Kathy Phillips, you
can only be seduced and charmed.
Chris
Phillips offers a style similar to the 80s sound. The beat is extremely percussive
but slower that, for instance Let the music play by Shannon to which it might
be compared.
Thank
you Chris
MR. SUMMERJAM:
I just called to say I love you (Promo CD single) MIAMI BASS RECORDS / DMG/
SONY MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
2 stars
Who
is hiding behind the name of Mr. Summerjam?
What
a tough question isnt it?
So
You
have no idea?
Well,
I wont make you wait any longer, its Vick Krishna.
Who
is this guy by the way?
What!
You dont know either? You really surprise me guys!!!
Hes
simply the man behind the The Underdog Project band.
At
least, now you see who Im talking about!!!!
After
having invaded most of the playlists of DJs and radios from all around the world with
their huge hit Summer jam, this year hes starting a solo career with
this first jam I just called to say I love you originally sung by the Soul
music legend: Stevie Wonder.
SHARYN MACEREN:
Always dreamin (CD album) PLANET HYPE
[USA]
Score:
4 stars
When
she appeared to the Freestyle community eyes in 1997 with her first title Hard to
get, she was still a young teen perfectly unknown who was singing with the The S
Factors band distributed by S.E. Records (the Slammin Sam Maxions
label). Many people started to be puzzled by this mysterious voice. It is only 3 years
later with her second and splendid single One and one on Captaur Records
(Jeremy Davis and Mario Bonillas label) that Sharyn Maceren earned bigger notoriety
and respectability; and its also at this occasion that many Freestyle fans
recognized the mysterious voice behind The S Factor. But its really in
2002 that the career of Sharyn Maceren was to be launched after she met one of the most
famous Bay Area Freestyle producer Glenn Gutierrez (who has produced Stevie B, Jaya,
Jocelyn Enriquez, M:G to name a few). A friendship was born, and a few months later this
fructuous collaboration provoked the first project of Glenn Gutierrez on his new record
company Planet Hype and the first album of Sharyn Maceren.
The
quality of this album Always dreamin is a real pleasure to see because
Sharyn Maceren has composed and written with maturity, sensuality, passion and pleasure 12
brand new songs. Her preceding hits Hard to get and One and one
are of course available on this album, and also one Dance remix of A little more
time and a New School Freestyle version of Rainbow concocted by the
talented Joe C. Grandberg. Ive never stopped to thinking personally that Joe C.
Grandberg has largely contributed to Sharyn Macerens success by proposing good
Freestyle and Dance remixes as for instance on the One and one single or on
A little more time, a title which is only available on some compilations). I
also advise you not to miss the bonus track Sharyn uncovered, Sharyn uncovers
herself (musically and vocally speaking of course!); she offers us a studio and an
acoustic version of Hard to get, One and one and of I love
to
. Its really captivating, and I especially love her giggling laugh!!!
What
is very astonishing and satisfying is the quality of the songs on this album. She wrote
the music and the lyrics of the whole album while Glenn Gutierrez worked on the musical
composition and on the production of each track. Both have done a wonderful and superb
work. Besides, Sharyn Maceren has this personal and unique way to sing that will charm
everybody. And this sensuality and beauty which emanates from this original artist and
album just do the rest.
Over
the 12 tracks, most of them are Freestyle, and the style of most of these gems is really
good quality and extremely innovative, particularly in the West Coast Freestyle genre.
Sharyn Maceren and Glenn Gutierrez simply brought a new and renewing look on this style
(well appreciated in California and also in Texas, particularly) but also in the Old
School Freestyle.
This
Freestyle album is undeniably one of the most original albums of the year 2002 in West
Coast Freestyle.
Bravo
Sharyn and Glenn!!!
SHARYN MACEREN:
In just one night (12 vinyl) PLANET HYPE
[USA]
Score:
4 stars (Freestyle mixes)
Score: 2 stars (House mix)
This
is an amazing gem which proposes with efficacy an Old School Freestyle mix: the
Extended mix is very close from the Latin Hip-Hop sound of the eighties and it
allows a very powerful beat, a few wonderful sessions of edits and a few samples wisely
used by Glenn Gutierrez as Hooked on you by Sweet Sensation and
Dreamin of love by Stevie B.
Glenn
Gutierrez did a superb and wonderful job, and Sharyn Maceren, as usual, serves divinely
well the work of Glenn Gutierrezs composition. And if Im so enthusiast for
this title, its only for one reason, because it is VERY exciting. You can only be
positive for this kind of heady, gripping and exciting products.
Yahooooooooooooo!!!!
USA FREESTYLE
COLLECTION (CD compilation) MIAMI BASS RECORDS / DMG / SONY MUSIC [Germany]
Score:
3 stars
This
compilation is definitely destined to the German market, but should interest a bunch of
non European fans because there is an amount of hard to find and very rare tracks. Some of
the titles are from the end of the eighties and others feature on compilations from labels
that dont exist anymore.
For
this first compilation, there is a bunch of productions from labels as Ten-Lion Records
(Teaz II Pleaz I want you, 2-Sex-Z Next 2 me, Kaadanz Feel
the magic, Teaz II Pleaz I was the one, Mara Games of love,
Felix Dont cry over him; as Epicenter Records (Serrani Till the
end of the time, Giana This isnt love, Modern Energy Feat. Kenny
Moulton Angel). And also from some tracks from Tolga Katas (Ray Guell
You took my heart, Tony Marino Love you feel and Dr. Lateness
Feat. Anti-Clock Rivers of passion).
Other
producers and artists are also on this CD as Tommy With all my heart (produced
by Giuseppe D & Frank Lords), Christine Turner Lost in love (produced by
Chris Sammarco), The KromOzone Project Energy (produced by Randy Lance) and
Bobby Leal Misdirected love.
In
a near future, we can expect other volumes dedicated to the American productions and
classics. So the ball is in your camp dear American producers to let the European fans
discover your productions!
WILLIE VALENTIN:
Nothing but Freestyle (10 years of music) (CD album) ARTISTIK PRODUCTIONS /
GROOVE EAST MUSIC INC. [USA]
Score:
2 stars
It
will be extremely difficult, but certainly Pharaonic and impossible to resume the huge
work built by Willie Valentin Rivera throughout these 14 years of Music
business (if I dont make any mistake). Even if his Freestyle career really began in
1992 as a singer of Self Image and his classic One true love affair on Reiter
records / Onna Roll Records (this track is on this album, available in a multi-edit by
Freddy The Edit Rivera), Willie Valentin spent most of his time producing
other singers. To sum up, he looped the loop because he started as a singer and will
finish his career as a singer too. I remind you that this CD means his retirement.
Personally, I would talk about a break instead of a retirement!
This
album contains 15 titles all interpreted by Willie Valentin Rivera but some of
them are sung in solo or in duet (Daisey, Henry Vargas, Synthia Figueroa, Freeze, Olga
Rivera). All of those who have followed and, in general, loved his songs and his style
should completely adhere to this new album. As for me, well, I remain mitigated because I
simply cared less about some songs while others deeply enchanted me as Isaacs remake
In my heart, Cant take it anymore, Shes
mine, You, Ill never leave you. For the songs that
appeal to me less, I dont hate them, they simply didnt speak to me.
The
main problem with Willie Valentins style and productions its that in my
opinion he locked up himself rapidly in an Old or New School Freestyle genre rarely
innovating but on the contrary redundant. I always had the bad impression to listen to the
same old thing (same rhythm beats, same keys or melodies) whatever the song or the artist.
This is for this main reason that I didnt often talk about his products in my
column. I have nothing to say unfortunately! Thats always really bothered me because
Willie Valentin Rivera is definitely a Freestyle fanatic and he gave a lot of
his time and energy to this music.
On
the contrary, we only can be enthusiast and happy when he proposes us such superb
productions as for instance those available on Christina Maries album.
I
hope that this break will be profitable, and will permit him to get his innovating spirit
and inspiration back, as he had at the beginning of his career. I wont ever talk
about retirement because when you spent more than 10 years in the Freestyle business, you
dont leave it like that, do you Mr. Willie Valentin?
My
Top 5
(12 &
CD singles)
1]
Nu Image: Ill always love you (Multi Edit) Aria Records [USA]
2]
Christina Marie: Beautiful night (Mooxs darkgroove mix) Vazram Records
[USA]
3]
Joey Altura Featuring Poze: You are the only one State Of Mass Entertainment
[USA]
4]
Sharyn Maceren: In just one night (Extended mix) Planet Hype [USA]
5]
Kathy Phillips: I wish (Freestyle club) Robbins Entertainment LLC / BMG
Distribution [USA]
My
Top 5
(Compilations
& medleys)
1]
DMA Dance Best of Freestyle File volume 1 (medley) Tantrum Music, Inc. [USA]
2]
Stylin Free Presents Metropolitans Ladies Of Freestyle Vol.1, 2, & 3
(medleys) Metropolitan Recording Corporation [USA]
3]
Bad Boy Joe Presents The Best Of Freestyle Megamix Vol.2 (medley) What If Productions /
E-Lastik Recordings, Inc. [USA]
4]
Freestyle Fevers Divas vol.1 (medley) Fever Records / Warlock Records [USA]
5]
Freestyle Heaven vol.4 (medley) SPG Music LTD [Canada]
My
Top 5
(Albums)
1]
Aby: The Greatest hits Empire Music Werks / Hot JWP Music [USA]
2]
Christina Marie: Turn the lights down low Vazram Records [USA]
3]
Sharyn Maceren: Always dreamin Planet Hype [USA]
4]
Lil Suzy: The greatest hits Empire Music Werks / Hot JWP Music / BMG Music
[USA]
[5]
Ceres: Deep from my heart Flic Flac Records / DMG / Sony Music [Germany]