HAVANA CULTURA MIX: THE SOUNDCLASH!
In 2009,
there was ‘Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura’ followed by a remix album.
After that ‘The Search Continues’ (2011) and then ‘Mala In Cuba’ (2012). Now we
have ‘Havana Cultura Soundclash’, a compilation of collaborations between Cuban
vocalists, musicians and unsigned artists from around the world. All projects
have brought musical exchanges to Cuba — with its illustrious yet traditional
music scene — a nation where rhythms (salsa, rumba) exist as the lifeblood of
its people; where access to new music is limited, barely any broadband internet
service and decent home studio technology is rarely affordable. Despite this,
Havana boasts a solid homegrown hip-hop scene and vibrant nightlife ruled by
reggaeton, with house, techno, EDM, dubstep, trap and moombahton breaking
through.
SWINDLE - WALTER'S CALL
Swindle
- one of the most exciting, charismatic young producers coming out of the UK -
received outstanding reviews last year in response to his album “Long Live The
Jazz” where, according to XLR8R, “the South Londoner… settled into a brightly
embellished, jazz-inflected style of dubstep”. He also played piano for the
Mala in Cuba Live shows in 2012/13, a testament for his ability to waver
between styles and genres impeccably. As well as this, Swindle holds a key role
in the Butterz label and Collective, and has produced for the likes of Roll
Deep and Footsie. Now well known for his dynamic live shows, Swindle’s sound is
truly unique and constantly developing. With the
title track ‘Walter’s Call’, Swindle dives straight in at the deep end with
sirens and footwork inspired drums, gradually building themes of energetic
brass brilliance into the mix. Seamlessly produced, this sets the EP off to a
blazing start, introducing the influences of early 20th century chaotic jazz,
which run throughout.
BUNNY 'STRIKER' LEE – FULL UP: EARLY REGGAE PRODUCTIONS 1968-72
Mindblowing
sounds from the great Bunny Lee – and exactly the kind of collection that makes
us love the Pressure Sounds label so much! The track selection is wonderful –
and most numbers are balanced in a unique space between reggae and rocksteady,
and often have some crucial influences from American soul and funk as well –
but they come across with a mode that's very different from more standard
reggae, especially the style of the music that would be more codified a few
years later. Instead, there's a really rich sense of experimentation here – as
Bunny Lee and his All Stars work on instrumental tracks, or alongside other key
artists like Delroy Wilson, Rico Rodriguez, Tommy McCook, U Roy, or Winston
Williams. Some tunes have amazingly trippy touches – and a few points even mix
in some wild moog too – and titles include "Double Attack",
"Ivan Itler The Conqueror", "Scarface", "Joe
Lewis", "War", "Wet Vision", "When I Get My
Freedom", "Smooth & Sorts", and "Death Rides A
Horse". ~ Dusty Groove
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