Man vs. Machine vs. It just sounds good

Album Review: Crackazat, Rainbow Fantasia (Local Talk Records, 2017)

I came to know of Crackazat (a.k.a. Sweden-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Jacobs) because of “What You’re Feeling,” a single released on Joey Negro’s Z Records label last year. It had a driving old school house vibe, kind of like Inner City and also reminded me of Lone’s excellent 2014 album, Reality Testing (R&S Records).

Jacob’s new album, Rainbow Fantasia, is more synth-centric than the Z Records single and, being a full length record, offers a range of mood and sound. On most cuts, Jacobs serves up synth melodies, vocalizations and driving dance rhythms.

On constant repeat for me since I discovered this album is the opening track, “Welcome Speech.” It has multiple hooks and showcases the most freewheeling keyboard work on the record. The opening vocal sample evokes ‘a timid emcee at a meagrely attended yoga gathering’ and gives the track kitsch, which makes it all the more addictive.

Among the uptempo tracks like “Sundial” and the title track, Jacobs includes some variety in the trance-like vibe of “The Only One” and the vocals on “Holding You Close.”

I have to admit, the magic of electronic music fades a little as I learn more about the tools that make it easier and easier to produce. This tutorial in particular, by Incognito collaborator and celebrated producer, Ski Oakenfull, is very revealing for a non-musician like me. Oakenfull is a highly talented keyboardist in his own right and this video was produced as a demonstration of the technology, rather than a glimpse into his creative process. Still, the technology makes one wonder if some producers will favour it over musicianship.

With this peak behind the curtain, it is tempting to judge Crackazat as machine music without soul. But that is ultimately up to the listener. For me, Jacobs brings the melody, the beats, and perhaps most distinctively, a dose of fun to Rainbow Fantasia.

 

Related Listening:

“I Can See the Future” – Incognito, No Time Like the Future (Mercury Records, 1999): One of my many favourite Incognito tracks, featuring Ski Oakenfull on drum programming and keyboards

 

 

 

 

The Creator Has a Master Plan

Album Review: Harmony of Difference, Kamasi Washington (Young Turks, 2017)

Kamasi Washington’s last album, The Epic (Brainfeeder, 2015), was my standout pick for album of the year. It was, well, epic. Washington’s follow-up reaffirms, he is one of the most important innovators, songwriters, and arrangers in jazz today.

The precursor to this album’s full release was a single called “Truth,” released in April. “Truth” is a 13:30 minute epic in and of itself. It contains strong echoes of its predecessor, most notably the choir arrangements of Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

As a fan of Washington’s, I was eager for the release of “Truth” and kept it on high rotation while awaiting the full album. Now that Harmony of Difference is out, the project’s intent comes into focus. It is a study of sorts. The core melody of “Truth” is played upon in various forms in the other tracks on the album. “Desire,” “Knowledge,” and “Integrity” play with the melody using varied time signatures and arrangements, achieving distinct moods.

If you haven’t yet listened to “Truth,” wait. Listen to the whole album, starting with “Desire” and finishing with “Truth.” You’ll be awestruck as the thoughful and playful variations come together in a grand opus-like climax.

Harmony of Difference is a wonderful follow-up to an astounding debut. It’s exciting to think what Washington will do on his next outing. It will be awesome, but in a manner as yet unimagined to we mere mortals.

Related

Short film made to accompany the release of “Truth” (Young Turks, April 2017)