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 V.A. Ian O'Brian presents: Abstract Funk Theory 3x12" Logic Records |
A lot, if not all, of today's music is in some way influenced by the funk, jazz and the first experiments with electronic instruments from the '60s and '70s. The objective of this compilation was to bring together a variety of producers who have all used these same influences and composed totally different music. The compiler himself, Ian O'Brian (misspelled about a dozen of times in the sleeve notes as Ian O'Brien), comes up with the opening track "Midday Sun" which is a fine piece of downtempo lounge. The "Deep Joy mix" of Classen Collective's "Close to Greatness" sounds like a People records product but it was the much respected compost label that released this eclectic track. Eclectic in the sense of abstract mid-tempo beats and jazzy keys combined with the gentle plucking on guitar strings and scarce female vox which take this track very "close to greatness" indeed! The electronica part of this compilation is introduced by the contribution of Antony Shakir called "Fact of the Matter" with it's lingering bleeps and peeps on the background of the 80s styled electro breaks and percussion. More of the same is available in the "Doidy Dawg" track produced by L.A. Synthesis vs Johnny Astro (a pseudonym of Tom Middleton from Global Communication) adding more spacey synths and funky beats. "Motion" is an intense electro track by Claude Young featuring cut-up beats and heavy synths bathing in a dark atmosphere. I've seldom heard Jazzanova being as dreamy as in "Introspection", starting with '60s easy-listening-soundtrack samples, jazzy instrumentation and slowly introducing light-weighted beats and conga rhythms to blend it all together in a confusing climax near the end ... "Space Jam" from Neon Phusion is an uncomplicated funky track, but very enjoyable nonetheless. Chill time again with the smokey jazz-beats of "Piano Black" coming from the Soundtrack from Cowboy Bebop. If the TV animation series are half as good as the soundtrack, I would sure like to see them once! The ultra-funky bassline, the optimistic chants, the squeeking moogs, the swingin' rhythm, the weird beats, there's only one label that could have released "Vonga Vongue" by New Sector Movements and that's People of course! The closing track "Full Circle" is a performance by saxophonist Nathan Haines and his band. It's a mix of live sax & bass, dreamy synths, and blunted beats. Smokey atmosfear guaranteed. Say Vegin march 2000 |