Best of 2003 - so far (Detroit Experiment)

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In fact, it is the only release I know of that meets my standards :-)

Detroit Experiment (2003) - Carl Craig [CD, Amazon US]
[FR] [DE] [UK] http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000089CP8.01.TZZZZZZZ.jpg

1. Think Twice
2. Space Odyssey
3. Midnight At The 20 Grand
4. Too High
5. Revelation (Instrumental)
6. Interlude
7. Church
8. There Is A G-D
9. Baby Needs New Shoes
10. Space Break
11. The Way We Make Music
12. Unknown
13. Bonus Track 1
14. Bonus Track 2

In this talent-packed project, a varied cast of Detroit players were thrown into a studio for a few days to see what would happen. Produced by techno pioneer Carl Craig, the lineup includes jazz heavies (reedist Bennie Maupin, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, pianist Geri Allen, and violin sensation Regina Carter), Motown session players (guitarist Percy Hughes and drummer Ron Otis), and various hip-hop and electronic people. The result is a tidy musical package crammed with rich ambient textures, percolating rhythms (stellar percussionist Francisco Mora sees to that), and strong grooves that still leave enough room for the jazz folk to solo comfortably. Ranging from the smooth-jazz-like "Revelation" to the interstellar bop of "Space Odyssey" to the outright hip-hop of "The Way We Make Music" to a surreal reading of Stevie Wonder's "Too High," the 14 tracks here have a little something for everyone, without sacrificing quality. Rarely has this new electro-jazz-hip-hop hybrid had such soul, but what else would you expect from Detroit? --Tad Hendrickson for Amazon.com

And the question is: Does anyone share my opinion?

― Jan Geerinck (jahsonic), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 10:09 (twenty-two years ago)

electro-jazz-hip-hop hybrid

This fills me with equal parts excitement and dread. If you're saying it's good though...I have to get this.

― Nordicskillz (Nordicskillz), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 10:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Carl Craig and Bennie Maupin on the same record? I can't wait to get my hands on this one!

― Tuomas (Tuomas), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 10:28 (twenty-two years ago)

Midnight at the Twenty Grand and Space Odyssey are both great. After that, it's very hit and miss -- bland 2PM freeform public radio in spots.

― Andy K (Andy K), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 10:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Space Odyssey does not stray far from the original, so not my fave.

Current faves:
Think Twice, great playing by Belgrave
There is a God: Regina Carter, first time I hear of her

Andy,
Your fave release for 2003?

― Jan Geerinck (jahsonic), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 11:24 (twenty-two years ago)

So -- is this Detroit Experiment joint REALLY any good? Craig is one of my favorite artists, "69", "More Songs...", "Landcruising" --- all jewels IMHO. but it seems like recently he's taken a turn in his tastes toward icky Jazzanova-esque fusiony crap. Even with the name players on this record, is there a chance that this may just be some boring sludge? I'm really afraid to pick this up.

― Jay Vee (Manon_70), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 15:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Detroit Experiment is depressingly ehhh, just as you fear, Jay Vee

― M Matos (M Matos), Wednesday, 16 April 2003 15:55 (twenty-two years ago)

question to ppl who've heard both:
how is this Detroit Experiment thingy different from, or better or worse than, DJ Spooky & co's Optometry??

― t''t, Thursday, 17 April 2003 08:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Andy, Your fave release for 2003?

It's easily Coloma's Finery. Tim F has linked to this elsewhere here (you have to scroll down to April 8 'cos the permalink doesn't). I'd apprehensively link my own review but 1) it hasn't gone up yet and 2) it's essentially an ultra-condensed version of what's on Skykicking, and it's not nearly as eloquent.

but it seems like recently he's taken a turn in his tastes toward icky Jazzanova-esque fusiony crap.

Craig's own productions on that Workout mix from last year are the direct opposite of that. The alias -- Tres Demented -- is an indicator.

― Andy K (Andy K), Thursday, 17 April 2003 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

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