Freestyle review: Between or beyond the black forest


V.A. Between or beyond the black forest 2 1xCD EFA		To start with, all credit for the fact that a review of this album is featured here goes to Skallie, the former musical brain behind what used to be the greatest place for creative music explorations Komeet Planeet in our own hometown. Skallie shaped Komeet Planeet as the place to be to discover the freshest music with his own dj sets as Platendraaier Skallie or his Born to Jazz movement, legendary deep and risky sets from Martin the Martian, the ever great and unique sets of Sweet M&M and we also tried from time to time to bring something nice there as Freestyle Crew. At home, Skallie goes even deeper with piles and piles of the freshest jazz sounds from this planet. On such a night being together and talking about music, Skallie brought the MPS label to my attention and the compilation "Between and beyond the black forrest". There is a whole story behind the MPS label that could span lots of pages here, but we'll limit ourselves to the music on the album. Over 11 tracks, we meet unique and fine jazzfunk outlets of the seventies on the legendary MPS label. Finding the original vinyl releases might be difficult, but this compilation offers a great chance to discover these pearls from the past. And pearls they are for sure. Dieter Reith is here again with the simply stunning "Knock Out". His jazzfunk spans over almost 10 minutes but is constantly evolving and varying around the theme and not boring for a second. George Duke and "Faces in reflection 2" shows once more how George Duke was lightyears ahead in the very early seventies and created everlasting gems like this delicate smooth jazz outlet with spacey effects and touching vocals. Jasper Van 't Hof and Poobli is another fine smooth jazzfunk track full of warmth & depth. Then there is Rolf Kühn and Miss Maggie funkin' and groovin' so subtle and so smooth, one immediately gets goose bumps. We leave these and more funky & jazzy pearls for your discovery, but one thing is sure, "Between or beyond the black forrest 2" has already deserved the essential status. Check it out and once more respect & big shouts to k-town's jazz brain Skallie. ez nov/2000