Black Jazz Consortium, Codes and Metaphors Part 1

[Soul People Music]


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Codes and Metaphors Part 1, the first in a three-part album series to be released through Soul People Music, feels suitably introductory. The trisected LP project sees Fred Peterkin once more donning his Black Jazz Consortium guise, shedding his tougher, tech-heavy DJ cloak in favor of housier, less dance-floor-centric sensibilities. That’s not to say, however, his BJC output lacks any of his trademark depth. On the contrary, this four-track lead-in is deep, sensuous house at its most emotive. Most exemplary is “Free Your Mind,” a lengthy expedition through the serene, balmy fields of lounge-house country. Leading the vocal line on the record is Minako, a Japanese vocalist Peterkin met while on tour in Tokyo (and who, incidentally, is rumored to have her own LP dropping soon on SPM). The combination of her dulcet tones and inviting, human lyrics work beautifully, both in isolation and when layered over BJC’s unimposing kicks, soft pads, and warm, humming bass line. As is custom, the track weighs in at roughly nine minutes, but not once does it feel drawn out. Rather, its seemingly endless ebb and flow is its most redeeming feature.

On “Science And Art,” Peterkin descends further into the soothing abyss. Improvised jazz piano plays out over an ethereal wash of sporadic, distant vocals, oceanic soundscapes, and light, rhythmic maracas. An off-kilter and again very subdued kick provides some structure, but in reality, this is not dance music in any shape or form. It is, nevertheless, a calming and entirely pleasant piece of music. Interestingly, “Kleem” instantly detaches itself from the previous two, leading from the off with the EP’s most solid kick drum yet. Indeed, an introductory patchwork of sterilized, mechanical blips and bleeps even suggests a departure towards techier terrain, only for a sudden, unforeseen swath of rich, sultry sound to envelop and quash all such semblances. Minako’s plea to “take me as I am” pervades the track, urging the listener to relinquish the baggage of preconception and engage fully with the material — another lovely, conscientious, roller of a record. Wrapping up proceedings is Simbad with his jittery, quasi-epic remix of “Free Your Mind.” Pitching the vocal slightly down serves to age Minako, giving her words a wiser, more mature appeal, which when fused with Simbad’s swirling, subtly electrifying synth work, helps form an intense and sensitive whole. Having commenced so elegantly, it will be interesting to see where Peterkin takes us next.

Blaktony  on November 14, 2012 at 8:52 PM

Niceness.

DJ Ali-Tribe aka Tefo Mokoena in SA  on March 13, 2013 at 4:54 AM

Hey music is universal I can relate to the beat since it sounds very mature and mellow…..HOLLA.

Trackbacks

Fred-P, on The Corner (BQE) | TUNED MASS  on May 17, 2013 at 10:21 PM

[…] Peterkin leaves those summery lovesick pads and jazzed-up keys (as sublime as they were) at home for one of his toughest records yet for former […]

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