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Sweet vocal jazz for the post-club generation that could have been made decades ago, Koop's debut album finely treads the line between the hipster posturing and lounge perfection that is the specialty of acid jazz radio guru Gilles Peterson. Lush orchestration and hard bop rhythms make Waltz for Koop a pleasing sensation, but it is the rotating cast of vocalists that gives the album a strength beyond kvetch. Newcomers Cecilia Stalin and Yukimi Nagano both follow the fluttering vocal lineage of Astrud Gilberto on two songs each. The ladies perform effortlessly next to songs featuring certified vocal greats Earl Zinger and Terry Callier, each of whom wrote the lyrics to their respective numbers, "Modal Mile" and "In a Heartbeat." Callier's turn is the highlight of the album, with Koop augmenting the master's voice and their own retro melodies with subtly modern sounds, creating a fusion that remains true to the traditional form while staking their own 21st century musical claim. Though Koop occasionally steps into pretension (the album contains several unnecessary vocal interludes taken from old jazz programs), Waltz for Koop is one of those rare albums that succeeds in paying homage to the artist's heroes without sounding like watered-down versions of said forerunners. Put any of this album's songs on a mix tape next to a classic by Elis Regina or Chet Baker, and see if it doesn't fit together. ~ Joshua Glazer, All Music Guide
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Take Me Back Tinchy Stryder |
| The formerly gritty and underground genre of Grime, a distinctively British distant cousin of hip-hop, dancehall and garage, is experiencing a huge transformation, moving from its dark East London street roots towards a glossier, radio-friendlier sound. First signs were given by Dizzee Rascal teaming up with Calvin Harris in their recent summer smash "Dance Wiv Me"; followed by Wiley's courting Mark Ronson and bordering novelty record levels in some of his latest offerings. Now, the nicknamed Prince of Grime, Tinchy Stryder, is taking the next step in the process. After recent high-profile collaborations with Craig David and leftfield Brooklyn arties Gang Gang Dance; Stryder seems ready to hit big time with "Take Me back", the first taster from his forthcoming second album. The Ghanaian origin artist convinced rising UK urban star Taio Cruz to feature on vocals; toyed with the Autotune software for that popular "cheesy-rap" effect and threw some electro touches and a rather commercial beat in, bringing a flavour of Eurodance from the Nineties back to mind. ~Roberto González~ Copyright © Shazam Entertainment Limited 2009. All rights reserved | |
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