Mario Basanov

reviews:92

Art Of Tones
Elephants & Flies
Lazy Days Recordings

270481_10152972909750257_1205986177_nLudovic Llorca aka Art Of Tones first release on the label comprises three originals plus one dub version. And it’s all too easy for me to say that title track Elephants is a simply outstanding slice of music that cuts the atmosphere it generates with a knife. I’d be intrigued to know what the Elephant reference is, but in the meantime this captivating exploration of tones sees punchy keys and swirling notes feel cinematic and thoughtful against a backdrop of shuffling rhythms and stinking sounds. The Dub tweaks the elements providing something altogether more dancefloor orientated, although doesn’t capture quite the same emotions. Next Myself, My Body has bluesy voices over tougher beats, bass and accompanying strings, while The Right Movement’s intense, jazzy inflections provide yet another reason to pay attention.

https://www.facebook.com/fredeverything.lazydays

https://twitter.com/fredeverything

 

Darius Syrossian
Anything Weird EP
Lost Records

LR001-Darius Syrossian-Anything Weird EpAnother Darius Syrossian production, time for another killer bassline. I’ll Do Anything does anything but disappoint with its funky Detroit flavoured bass offset by soulful vocals and abrasive yet seductive drums. Straightforward and straight to the point, how could you not like this? The remix is from label heads Leftwing & Kody and they give it a fresh sheen with snare rolls and infectious House riffs complimenting the original perfectly. Second track I’m Not Weird, You’re Just Normal says all that needs to be said as jazzy keys get lost in another slammin’ succession of big time beats completing a great debut for this brand new label.

release: July 22

https://www.facebook.com/LostRecordsUK

 

Bonar Bradberry
3two5
Needwant

Don’t know why, but I wasn’t expecting Bonar Bradberry’s vocal to be quite so appealing in such an infectious way, but it is. The title tracks deep, shuffling rhythms underpin it all as the voice intones with a uniquely English quality which provides such a refreshing change here, that of course and that the music’s so hot too. Mario Basanov provides the remix with trademark eighties influences sounding tastefully funky as always, and indeed gives the vocal that extra something. Rollerball doesn’t have the same charm but is none the less is an atmospheric journey through the landscape of European electronics.

release: July 22

twitter.com/bonarbradberry

www.facebook.com/bonar.bradberry?fref=ts

https://soundcloud.com/seanneedwant/sets/needw029-bonar-bradberry-3two5

 

Disclosure
F For You
PMR Records

Overground/ Underground? Never mind all that. I’d much rather this deeper, funky number in the charts then most of the rest of it. Lifted from their album and with remixes forthcoming their latest single sees Howard Lawrence on vocals sounding rather fine. Judge it all for yourself….

release: August 18

 

First Choice
Hold Your Horses – Expanded Edition
BBR

You know that expression: beg, borrow or steal? Well, this is exactly what they were referring to. Time to get very excited!! The history bit reads a little something like this: After scoring major dance classics such as Let No Man Put Asunder in 1977 the group went on to record their second album also in part produced by Norman Harris, but now with the additional magic of Tom Moulton and Thor Baldursson was released in 1979. Not only does it include Let Me Down Easy but also the seminal Love Thang with that ‘gets you every time’ vocal delivery from the trio, and Double Cross which both appear here via various remixes including Larry Levan, Tee Scott and Bobby DJ Guttadaro. Once again there a superlative sleeve notes care off Christian John Wikane whose invaluable reading of history is essential.

Buy: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/bigbreak-exd.asp?id=4195

https://www.facebook.com/BigBreakRecords

https://twitter.com/search?q=big break records


 

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Mario Basanov interview

Your excellent new album ‘Journey’ features a range of styles but can you tell us about the creative process involved in writing the opening song ‘Just Think About’?

I always like to try out different styles so my music can evolve. Talking specifically about this track, I thought about the inspiration and mood. The inspiration came from Disco style and the mood I guess came from traveling and visiting many beautiful beaches, you can hear it in the rhythm. And not much to say about the creative process because usually I don’t spend days or weeks or months on a track, if it comes it comes like a ray of light – quick and sharp.

How did your relationship with Needwant come about?

First of all I was just sending Sean my tracks and he released an EP. Through that we started talking, which led to working together and collaborating and now we are kind of like partners.

You have obviously had a wide range of influences to inspire you in the making of your album. Can you tell us about some of them?

That is very hard to put into words, because inspiration comes along in a lot of forms and signs, it is like trying to explain what is love – we all want it, we all think we feel it and sometimes even think we know what that is, but in the end we have no clue. Or sometimes all I need to do is come to my studio, choose some sounds and rhythms and with that the inspiration kicks in.

When did you begin to DJ and who inspired you to do so?

I started DJing around five years ago, I guess. Actually the idea of me DJing came from Vidis, so I thought why not and started practicing at home. It was not too hard for me, because I was already working with music and producing music for more that fifteen years, and as all these things are connected it just felt right.

How would you define your style of Dj’ing? What do you like to play on?

It all depends on the situation: the place, the gig, the crowd, the mood and vibe, even the weather. But in this period of time I prefer playing good Deep House. There was a time I was just hooked on Disco, but now I am inspired and like to play stuff that sounds like for example Ame, Dixon, etc..

Do you have any particular favorite pieces of software/ hardware that you like to use in creating music?

I prefer mostly hardware. My favorites are Buchla and Arp 2600. There are more, but these are the best for me at the moment.

Your song ‘Changed’ (with Vidis featuring Ernesto) has reached over an amazing one million plays on YouTube. Can you tell us about the making of the striking video?

To be honest I did not really take a big part in the making of the video, for me it is all about music so it was given to professional team who are making videos and with great trust they did it as they felt, and thank God, the result is perfect and it is proved with all the love of fans and that million you mentioned.

What is the Dance Music scene like in Lithuania – what are your favorite clubs etc?

Lithuanian scene is very colorful music wise, we have a lot different artists who work a lot and represent Lithuania in different music scenes. I could favorite Downtown Party Network, Few Nolder and Darius Vaikas for example. And my favorite club in Lithuania is definitely club Opium.

What plans do you have for the new year 2013?

Work a lot, move forward and keep on touring around the world.

http://www.beatport.com/release/journey/995467

http://mariobasanov.com

https://www.facebook.com/Mariobasanovmusic

https://twitter.com/mariobazz

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reviews:69

Pete Dafeet
Family Affair
Lost My Dog

The third in the series of compilations from Lost My Dog’s catalogue of Deep House, and other imaginings, sees one of the label heads Pete Dafeet mix together a smooth blend of moods into one altogether very satisfying experience. As with previous editions this features old and new music from the imprint, although this time is the preserve of Pete’s own productions, along with the added twist of some hot remixes such as Giom’s excellent take on Beneath The Fold and Moodymanc’s likewise Dub of Stutter. Got to say my favourite track has to be Hit Em Up, which appears both as the uplifting intensity of the Original version along with the stab nirvana of Pezzner’s remix. Generously an unmixed selection is also available so you can unpick all those favourites for yourselves.

release: November 19

http://soundcloud.com/lost-my-dog/sets/pete-dafeet-family-affair/

http://www.lostmydog.net

https://www.facebook.com/lostmydog

 

Hot Coins
Geek Emotions EP
Sonar Kollektiv

If you’re looking for a viable alternative to the current vogue of 90’s inspired House then try Danny Berman’s innovative interpretation of the Post-Punk/ No-Wave sound. It’s got all the elements right down to a T from the enviable, deadpan cool vocal of City Hayes to the chopped-funk guitar by Crazy P’s Chris Todd, which you will find draws you into the after-dark world of late seventies/ early eighties New York. Trans-Media-Lab artist Jacob Korn provides a stunning remix with a more contemporary electronic twist featuring lush pads and probing bass. Freestyle Lover then sees Berman’s own vocal delivery cut across ‘Fripp’ guitar and an assortment of caustic percussion. But, perhaps looking at the cover alone will reveal all you need to know about this, and more!

release: November 12

listen/ buy http://www.sonarkollektiv.com/releases/SK249/

 

Mario Basanov
Journey
Needwant

Mario Basanov’s debut album for Needwant is little short of stunning. Not only does it sound perfectly polished but the breadth of styles it indulges in is equally as impressive. From down-tempo ambience to dancefloor madness just about everything you can imagine is touched upon here, including at times even Pop sensibilities. From invigorating instrumentals like Skywalker to classy songs such as the deliciously soulful Something About featuring Edwin Williamson it’s all about the quality. The title, Journey is certainly an apt one running to some sixteen tracks in all. And when experiencing the cosmic-funk of music like Damn Girl you can only really refer to this as highly accomplished.

http://www.facebook.com/Mariobasanovmusic

https://twitter.com/mariobazz

https://www.mariobasanov.com

 

George Duke
A Brazilian Love Affair
SoulMusic Records

George Duke’s Brazilian celebration cumulates in the title track of this reissue album by redefining the possibilities of Jazz/ Funk at that time (in 1979). Recorded with a handful of Brazilian musicians you can hear their influence along with the sounds of sun and the sea throughout. You’re also left in little doubt as to the dexterity of the players involved, although at times it can feel a touch muso, however lighter relief is always on hand via the hot Latin melodies experienced on the likes of Cravo E Canela. Generally regarded as a classic in its field it is probably fair to say that they don’t actually make them like this anymore.

http://www.soulmusic.com/index.asp?S=1&T=38&ART=2646

 

 

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