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Joe Claussell Language (IBADAN US)
The first four bars of Joe Claussells Language album start off much like
any other house record with a familiar 4/4 kick hi-hat pattern. The next
bar explodes into a multi-layered conga groove and mix of bird noises, bass
lines, strings and guitar chords. The rich organic sounds and undeniable
groove explain why Claussell and the Ibadan imprint have become such an
influential force in dance music.
Jerome Sydenhams Ibadan label is renowned in dance music circles for its
rich output of organic house music that combines world music influences and
the more conventional elements of New York house and garage. Together with
Claussells own Spiritual Life Music, these two labels have spearheaded a
movement which has re-incorporated live instrumentation, organic
instruments, African influences and more traditional notions of musicality
into a genre previously dominated by samples, loops and electronic
instruments. While this doesnt discredit the merit of the wealth of
incredible material made using the old framework, it has broadened the aural
and emotional palette of house music and taken the ever-mutating form in a
new direction. Claussell is one of the pioneers of this sound and one of the
most accomplished producers this album only serves to reinforce his
reputation.
The second track Git Wa is characterized by the distinctive notes of Jay
Collins bamboo flute meandering over the percussion and bass groove. As the
track progresses, Collins playing becomes more animated and is emphasized
by the subtle introduction of rhythm guitar and keyboard strings. The mood
shifts from placid to celebratory. Marco Polo is at once jazzy and tribal
with bass-guitar licks and the intricate rhythmic interaction of grand piano
keys with smatterings of percussion.
Kryptic Elements is one of the stand out tracks. It begins with rolling
tribal percussion, which is soon punctuated by a forceful bass drum. United,
these two elements build towards the introduction of wallowing upright bass
and moody violin notes courtesy of Miri Ben-Ari. The violin gradually
gathers energy and intensity firing off startling patterns of short chords.
Offset against the fluid bass the fiddle-like sounds generate a remarkable
uplifting effect.
Gbedu demonstrates the influence of Nigerian legend Fela Kuti
(responsible for the afro-beat genre) matching closely his distinctive
sound. The track is defined by the absence of bass drums, these being
replaced by trap drums which leaves the bass line much more noticeable.
Gbedu winds along, mixing electric guitar chords with the melting notes of
the Fender Rhodes, occasionally punctuated by a saxophone blare.
Earlier last year, Ibadan released an instrumental promo of the track Je
Ka Jo. I loved the track then and the inclusion of a vocal version on the
album had me equally excited. The track itself doesnt disappoint with its
sensuous bass line, soaring Latin vocal, emotive cellos, delicate guitar and
the sparing use of violins. Je Ka Jo is plaintive, soulful and drenched with
emotion.
Joe Claussell has put together an album that goes beyond pop hooks and
shallow rock conventions. Language is an album with lasting appeal and
significance it looks beyond national boundaries and draws influence from
a global musical community. The result is a rich and varied array of sound
with an equal focus on groove and emotional significance - spiritual life
music.
- Joshua Taaffe
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