2009-04-15

【堅實】Rex Rideout(二)

 
 Rex不間斷的顯露他製作與作曲才華,例如在Richard Elliot《Ricochet》專輯中的〈Seven Secret Pools〉、〈Sweet Memories〉和〈So Good〉;以及Paul Taylor的《Steppin' Out》專輯中的六首歌,包含了在排行榜名列前茅的〈On The Movement〉和〈Steppin' Out〉。(Rex continued to show his production and writing talent, with songs on Richard Elliot's Ricochet ("Seven Sacred Pools", "Sweet Memories" and "So Good") and on Paul Taylor's Steppin' Out (6 songs including the chart topping singles "On The Move" and "Steppin' Out").)
 
 Rex最感驕傲的是:曾在傳奇歌手Luther Vandross那張受到高度讚揚、登上「告示牌」專輯榜首位,且迅速的達到白金唱片(如今已達到雙白金)的專輯《Dance With My Father》裡,為當中的三首歌共同製作和編曲:〈Apologize〉、 〈Hit It Again (featuring Queen Latifah)〉和〈Once Were Lovers (featuring Stevie Wonder)〉。在這張值得紀念的專輯裡(譯注:Luther Vandross逝世前的最後一張錄音室作品),Rex確確實實貢獻了三首突出的歌曲。(Moreover, Rex is most proud to have co-written and arranged three songs on the highly acclaimed album Dance With My Father from the legendary Luther Vandross, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album chart and quickly reached platinum certification (now double platinum). "Apologize", "Hit It Again" featuring Queen Latifah and "Once Were Lovers" featuring Stevie Wonder are standouts on this memorable collection. )
 
 在電影方面,動感的熱門歌曲〈Rain Down(featuring Angie Stone, The O'Jays, Montell Jordan, Melba Moore and Zane)〉,Rex名列共同創作及製作團隊,收錄於Paramount Pictures/MTV所發行的電影,由Cuba Gooding Jr.和Beyoncé Knowles主演的《The Fighting Temptations》(億萬唱詩班)。這張電影原聲帶隨後熱賣成為黃金唱片,〈Rain Down〉亦共享榮耀。(On the film side, there is the high energy hit "Rain Down" featuring Angie Stone, The O' Jays, Montell Jordan, Melba Moore and Zane, which Rex co-wrote and produced for the Paramount Pictures/MTV Films movie The Fighting Temptations starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé Knowles. "Rain Down" is also on the accompanying soundtrack, now certified gold.)
 
 最近(譯注:此篇文章寫於2004年左右),Rex的作品〈Rhythm Of U And Me〉收錄在Will Downing《Emotion》專輯中並排定在宣傳單曲之列,還有由Peter White演唱的smooth jazz冠軍曲〈Talkin Bout Love〉。另外值得一提的是:Rex替Luther Vandross製作的〈Take You Out〉,被George Benson選中翻唱;為Gerald Albright最新專輯《Kickin' It Up》量身訂作了兩首歌,包括了充滿情感的〈Condition Of My Heart〉,這首歌的賣點不單只有Albright擅長述說情愛的薩克斯風,搭配Boyz II Men的Shawn Stockman動人歌聲堪稱直指人心。(Most recently, Rex's work can be found on Will Downing's Emotions, including current single "Rhythm Of U And Me" and on #1 smooth jazz hit "Talkin' Bout Love" by Peter White. Also to Rex's credit is his production of the Luther Vandross' hit "Take You Out" performed by the renowned George Benson, as well as two songs for Gerald Albright's current set, Kickin' It Up, including the emotion filled "Condition Of My Heart" which matches Albright's caressing sax with touching vocals from Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men. )
 
 爾後,Rex的發展只能以「持續茁壯」來形容,他偕同GRP/Verve Music Group的製作人Bud Harner,再次擔綱製作向已逝的Luther Vandross致敬專輯《Forever, For Always, For Luther》,重新詮釋了一些熱門且受到大家喜愛的歌曲,由smooth jazz名家Dave Koz、Kirk Whalum、Mindi Abair、Boney James、Lalah Hathaway和Rick Braun等共襄此舉。(譯注:2006年繼續出版的《Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume 2》,也是Bud Harner與Rex Rideout的音樂產物)不僅只紀念Luther,這系列專輯也有一個有意義的起源:捐贈部分收入給美國糖尿病協會。這些成員都被集合在紐約,以Rex為音樂導演,負責替這個活動募款,特別的是這個活動是以Patti LeBelle(譯注:Luther的多年摯友)為主要號召。該音樂會門票最終售罄,這以愛為名的專輯和Rex本人雙雙獲得葛萊美獎的提名,甚至由Lalah Hathaway和Richard Elliot所演唱的單曲也在排行榜上留下足跡。(Still going strong is a project close to Rex's heart, Forever, For Always, For Luther. Together with Bud Harner of GRP/Verve Music Group, Rex produced an entire tribute album to Luther Vandross covering hits and favorites interpreted by some of THE names in smooth jazz including Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Boney James, Lalah Hathaway, Rick Braun and more. While celebrating Luther, the collection also supports a worthy cause by having a portion of the proceeds donated to the American Diabetes Association. In fact, the whole cast would gather in New York where Rex would be musical director to raise money for the organization with special headliner, Patti LaBelle! The concert was a sell out. This labor of love tribute album and Rex went on to receive a Grammy Nomination and top the charts with singles from Lalah Hathaway and Richard Elliot. )
 
 Rex最近的作品其中之一是Boney James的新專輯《Pure》,裡頭包含了〈Think About Me〉和單曲〈Better With Time (featuring Bilal)〉(該曲從成人榜受到矚目,並得到許多廣播電台的熱力放送)。(One of Rex's latest collaborations is for the new Boney James album, Pure!, including "Think About Me" and the single "Better With Time" featuring soul singer, Bilal (which rose up the Urban AC charts and receive much radio airplay). )
 
 此外,如前所述,Rex藉著寫曲和製作電視電台廣告歌曲讓自己忙得不可開交,其中包括Bill Cosby的新製作動畫《Fatherhood》(譯注:為「Nick At Nite」電視影集系列,Will Smith飾演該常春劇男主角Nick)。緊接著完成Will Downing的聖誕專輯製作之後(譯注:《Christmas, Love and You》〔2004〕),Rex期待著來年更多教人興奮的企劃,其中有2005年K-Swiss新的活動、藉「美國偶像第三季」獲得一紙唱片合約的歌手LaToya London未來即將發行的首張專輯(譯注:《Love and Life》〔2005〕)等等。(Additionally, Rex kept more irons in the fire by writing and producing music for TV and radio commercials, including spots for the new Bill Cosby produced animated show Fatherhood on Nick At Nite. After writing and producing on a Christmas album for Will Downing, Rex looks forward to many exciting projects in the coming year, including the new 2005 K-Swiss campaign, songs for the debut album of American Idol Season 3 finalist, LaToya London, and much more to come. )
 
 最後,與Rex始終合作的靈魂歌手Ledisi,在Verve/Universal唱片發行的專輯正在籌備中(譯注:《Lost & Found》〔2007〕),他也製作了許多歌曲給Paul Taylor在Peak唱片即將發行的專輯(譯注:《Ladies' Choice》〔2007〕(Rex has been working with soul artist, Ledisi, over the past year for her album coming out on Verve/Universal. He's also producing several songs for the next Paul Taylor album on Peak.)
 
───

 後記:
  1. 日前Rex Rideout成立了他的label「4847唱片」,並繼續致力於R&B音樂的製作。更多的資訊請參考http://www.myspace.com/rexrideoutsongs
  2. 本文翻譯感謝張琇婷小姐的鼎力相助! 
 

【祈施】Shai - Together Forever

 
 
與塵埃沉浮
 那場寂寥雨
挾帶轟烈的愛與吻
冷卻 生出心的爪牙

 爬梳 默禱

斷裂指痕抹上凜霜
隨逝去的夜寧靜
凍結彼此
 

2009-04-10

【格道】Soul Movement

   
http://www.soulmovementmusic.com/(很賞心悅目的官方網站)
http://www.myspace.com/soulmovement

Soul Movement是來自美國麻薩諸塞州的六人團體
混合了HipHop、Jazz、Soul等音樂類型
以現場演奏的方式在該州小有名氣
這裡有他們的介紹

E Reece和Othello也嘗試組合成類似的音樂思維模式
專輯分別是
 E Reece & Core Elements《L.I.S.n 2 This Live.In.Studio.》
 Othello《Alive At the Assembly Line》
 Othello & the Hipknotics《Classic》
http://www.myspace.com/ereecemusic
http://www.myspace.com/othello

另一個對照組是由Jonathan Dagan為首的J.Viewz
該團可能更接近Soul Movement的音樂內容
http://www.myspace.com/jviewz

 注記:Soul Movement的Sarah G的長笛(Flute)在我認為是具有龍點睛之效,在聆聽的時候不妨注意一下!
 

2009-03-31

【禁瞌】King Coz - The Observations of King Coz Vol. I

  
If you don't like this, you don't like Hip Hop—You just like talking about it. And I don't like you.
  
Tracklist
  
01. The Beast
02. The One featuring Joe The Plumber
03. Feasting On A Luther
04. Never Die featuring H.I.S.D.
05. Dreams featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation) & Median
06. Four Men featuring Tanya Morgan & Kay (of The Foundation)
07. Barock with Us
08. The Maxwell
09. The Maxwell Part II
10. The Caldwell featuring H.I.S.D.
11. The Caldwell Part II
12. Eddie
13. What U Want featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation) & Damien (of KO)
14. No Fears featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation)
15. Summer So Good featuring H.I.S.D. & KO
16. Spitterlude featuring Scottie Spitten (of H.I.S.D.)
17. Lil' Big Yung
18. A Kimmy J
19. A GM
20. Planet X
 
All Songs Produced by King Coz
 

2009-03-29

【窒息】Marc Dorsey - I Crave

  

I wake up to shadows,
touching your pillow,
looking for a trace of your smile.
And that’s when it hit me,
you’re no longer with me,
in fact is been quite a while,
since I sit here drinking coffee as you sipped your tea,
and you swore you’d always love,
and care for me,
And even though there is no more us to save.

Its you I crave

I crave your touch,
I crave your lips,
I miss so much,
the excitement of your kiss,
and since your gone,
my heart won’t behave,
its your love that I still crave.

It may look like I’m happy,
people who know me,
they know I’m not doing so well.
I heard that you been dating,
and though I been waiting,
I had found you and no one else.
And just the thought of never waking up with, you again,
always turned me inside out,
how could, we let it end,
And even there is no more us to save.

Its you I crave...

 

2009-03-25

【MV】Sev Statik & Dust - Steamroller

 


 Sev Statik是實在的東岸白人MC,在紐約混跡多年,說唱時段落分明,些許隱匿的憤怒加上些許雜亂的情緒為其特點,是一名狠角色!
 
 http://www.myspace.com/sevstatik
 

2009-03-23

【纖塵】Gordon Chambers

 
Gordon Chambers
 
Rhyme Wave介紹


 唱作俱「優」的紐約音樂人Gordon Chambers,在2005年與2007年發行了兩張內容豐富的獨立專輯之後,並沒有停下他的腳步;和不同領域的音樂人撞擊出的歌曲火花,更見Gordon Chambers累積數十年的音樂修養。
 
 以下介紹四首新近之作。
 
 
 與扎實派女音樂人Angela Johnson合作的〈Get Away〉收錄於Angela Johnson的2008年專輯《A woman's touch, Vol. 1》),R&B和Reggae的交融,極為自然的律動性。 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXBQOvz5cTo
    
 Angela Johnson→http://www.angelajohnson.com/
《A woman's touch, Vol. 1》→http://cdbaby.com/cd/angelajohnson3


 與DJ Kawasaki合作了兩曲,分別出版於2008年之前後,是讓人意外的驚喜。
 第一曲是收錄於《Yon can make it》〈Believe〉
 http://www.imeem.com/people/qj03xq/music/RdZqq3ED/dj-kawasaki-08-believe-featuring-gordon-chambers/

 第二曲是收錄於合輯《Most wanted》的〈If You Love Me (DJ Kawasaki Remix)〉
 http://www.imeem.com/dsktpp/music/yoDXV_he/gordon-chambers-if-you-love-me-dj-kawasaki-remix/
 

  
 與來自Wanshington D.C.的Funk Jazz團體76 Degrees West Band合作的2009年新曲〈Can't Keep Runnin'(收錄於76 Degrees West Band的2009年同名專輯),當屬入春之際的聽覺饗宴,與〈Get Away〉同樣是爬降音階流暢無比的好作品。
 
76 Degrees West Band→http://www.76degreeswestband.com/
《76 Degrees West Band》→http://cdbaby.com/cd/76degreeswest2
 

2009-03-16

【循環】欠缺解釋的憂傷

 
 思考,以遲鈍力表示它的大無畏精神,喚醒那些片斷、已逝的鏡花雪月,打破時間規範,統治存活狀態下的未來之我。
 
 可以想像的是那些難以想像之事。所有與過往生命有關以及現時生命無關的,皆以各自形式、姿態,或銷毀或延續,無論思考與否,固執地緊縛著我,肆意地滋擾著我。

 「循環」,超越「意外」、「制式」、「約束」、「命定」、「機會」等情境,是最完美且最冷血的生存模式。也許循環被認為是:人類不得不在相同族裔組成的複雜世界中,必須力行卻不得公開宣揚,一旦偏離正途即被視作背叛的唯一正途。

 每一歷史是循環的無限兩端延伸,每一生命也必定循此而為。
 思考藉由遲鈍外貌貫徹其使命,與積極面向等量存在。

 而身體是一具載體,明令循環的絕對成立。


Sivion - Out Of The Blue (Hazitmix)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gih9M8NB6WE

Muhsinah - That Day (prod. Oddisee)

2009-03-12

【MV】Pigeon John and Flynn Adam are Rootbeer

 

 
 前陣子,西岸老球皮Pigeon John和長期合作的LA Symphony團員之一的Flynn Adam組成了Rootbeer,現在他們的EP《The Pink Limousine》(粉紅小客車)出版了。這首同名單曲〈Pink Limousine〉依舊維持Pigeon John的玩樂風,另一首〈Chimpanzee〉也是類似感覺。
 


 有沒有The Neptunes的味道呢?
 

2009-03-10

【霓昂】Jarrard Anthony - Decade of Dreams

 
 素有「Mr. Independent of R&B的」稱號 ,一直以來在地下發展的Jarrard Anthony,2009年發表了他的第三張正式專輯《Decade of Dreams》。
 
 出生自美國芝加哥,這崇尚自由之風的R&B城市,Jarrard Anthony的音樂之路走得確實與眾不同;除了傳統的Soul與晚近的Neo-Soul,他最拿手的是一種叫做Electro Soul,這也許與他早先在英國發展有所關係(於此可以聽到些許Seal的風格)。總而言之,我們可以在其音樂中聽到不同成分與多樣曲風,並且都是經由相當程度的構思和淬煉而成。「Mr. Independent of R&B」是名符其實的。
 
 另外要提到的是Jarrard Anthony拿手的Acoustic Guitar,這種以Folk與Rock為基礎搭建出的Soul有高度聆聽性。

 Decade of Dreams
  http://cdbaby.com/cd/jarrard3
 
 第一張專輯Don't Sleep... Just Dream (Standard Silver)
   http://cdbaby.com/cd/jarrard
 
 第二張專輯S.ynergistic E.nergy X.change
  http://cdbaby.com/cd/jarrard2