- The Next installment from Straight Ahead Records is One Step Ahead 3 - Compiled by Alex Dallas & Mixed by Domenico Ferrari. A fusion of nujazz, soul and "Jazzanova" esque House. Alex Dallas moves to make a selection 13 tracks which consist of 3 exclusives and 2 yet unreleased tracks on the compilation. Alex's selection of tracks is by people he rates for their unique music and whom also share the same passion for mid-tempo, soul fulled jazzy tunes. Domenico Ferrari has worked as a producer / musician since the early 90's. After graduating from guitar and theory at jazzschool in Switzerland, he has moved on and worked in various projects with Dana Bryant (Ronny Jordan), Scott Colley, Christy Doran, just to name a few. Domenico won the music-prize of of zurich in 95, playing also in various jazz festivals in Germany and at "jazzonjazz" festival in zurich in a coproduction with Dana Bryant.
Straight Ahead records are home to the likes of Gilles Peterson, Raw Deal, Jazzanova, and Kruder & Dorfmeister. Figureheads for the label comprise of Raw Deal, Hidden Agenda, and
Domenico Ferrari, whose albums show their passion of composing, producing and creating new sounds. Straight Ahead's philosophy is " Breaking the boundaries between the styles", it shows how the artists regard the different music styles and more than anything the love of music.
Sliding in is Magic Number with nice smooth lengthy chords accompanied by slow 1 + 2 on the kit, tight little sax stabs and some light but soulfull vocals, making for a relaxed chilled out tune. Alison Crockett comes in sharp crisp up-tempo beats teaming up with a bit of bongo and chilled vocals a light R&B track moving into a jazz tip. Domenico Ferrari track is a nice filtered jazz tune with spoken work in between lush strung out beats, a definate stand out track for the album. One of my favourite tracks at the moment is Reel People - Can't Stop reminicent of Jazzanova at their height with lush melodies and simple beat backed up by Soulfull as it comes vocals making way for a cracker of a tune. Bakura brings in the funk element with Thinkin' about a relaxed track with subtle bass squelching, smooth sythy chords and a high hat loop travling in the back. Whether Broken Beatz, Nu Jazz, Trip Hop, or Electro Soul. Straight Ahead is always One Step Ahead and caters to the music lover as well as to the dance boffin. With it's mid-tempo, soul fulled jazzy tunes. Nice Collection.
TRACKLISTING
Magic Number - It's A Sad Sad World
Alison Crockett - U R (Yam Who? Rework)
Domenico Ferrari - Joe's Bodega
Reel People - Can't Stop
Focus - Havin' Fun
King Britt feat. Ivana Santilli - Superstar
Dallas & Gustafson feat. Gary Bardouoille - Giants In The House
Bakura - Thinkin' About (Original Mix)
KVS feat. Lyric L - You Know This
Raw Deal - Used To Be (Boogie Down Remix)
Clyde feat. Capitol A - Serve It Up (Wah-Chu-Ku Vocal Mix)