Jazzhole
Circle of the Sun
© 2003 Beave Music (659057384023)
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Chilled-out soul with acid jazz roots, bossa top notes and world vision
tracks
- 1 Love Philosophy
- 2 Three Days
- 3 Ndolo
- 4 Um Ritmo No Meu Sono
- 5 Enjoy the Silence
- 6 Who Do You Love?
- 7 A Little Dress for Mary
- 8 Circle of the Sun
- 9 Winter's Melting
- 10 A Love Thing
- 11 Horn Interlude
- 12 Superstar
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BILLBOARD New York groove collective Jazzhole offers up another eclectic offering on its fourth set, Circle of the Sun. Founded by Warren Rosenstein, Marlon Saunders, and John Pondel, Jazzhole's ever-changing lineup is what helps keep its sound fresh. On Circle, the group enlists Kaïssa Doumbé, Mark Robohm, and Naren Budhakar, among others, to craft an album that is equal parts soul, electronica, jazz, and ambient. In essence, Jazzhole disregards contemporary R&B conventions in favor of musical landscapes that, while certainly earthy, are also otherworldly. Among its highlights are "A Love Thing" and the inspiring "Love Philosophy." The act's cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" takes the electro-pop classic in a completely different direction, with vocalist Michelle Lewis effortlessly gliding over a lush backdrop. While purists may balk at such a loose, left-of-center cover, it is rather sublime. A feast for the ears.
DJ MAGAZINE "Circle of the Sun" features a cover versoin of Depeche Mode's awesome "Enjoy the Silence"... Expect one of those hairs-on-the-neck-stand-up moments when you hear this one...
ALL MUSIC GUIDE ...some of the most fun and gently exciting nu-jazz around... participants include, most strikingly, the wonderful singer Kaïssa Doumbé, who shines on several tracks but really catches your attention with her rendition of the old Leon Russell song "Superstar", which she sings in her native Duala. (The album's other cover version is a subtly rendered downtempo arrangement of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence"). Highly recommended to jazz snobs and soulies alike.
URBAN NETWORK The Jazzhole collective does it again with a mellow, CD of vibe music that is heavy on Latin and Afrocentric influences. This is the ultimate meditative groove joint, 12 songs that speak to the philosophies our world needs in these times of economic downturns and Los Angeles shamefully flexing to become the crime capital of the world. Put this 12-song CD on and get back to better days.
DMX MUSIC "Circle of the Sun" is truly a mixture of soundscapes that will make it impossible for someone to pigeonhole into one specific genre. And in a time where everyone likes to find their niche market, it's great to see a project that opens itself up for the ears of a broad listening audience.
DOTMUSIC.COM Cameroon born Kaissa Doumbe changes the language on the superb 'Ndolo' and the soft bosa of the title track.
AIDING AND ABETTING Those familiar with Jazzhole's trippy, mellow soul will delight in these new songs. Those who haven't caught the train yet would do well to buy a ticket. Few can make a sound this sophisticated sound so simply delicious.
THE CELEBRITY CAFE.COM Wow! Jazz that hits you. Jazz that moves you. Jazz that is more then a relaxing dinner but something that you can listen to on the treadmill as much as at a relaxing dinner. Jump to track 5, the cover of "Enjoy the Silence" and you'll feel the beat that will keep you going on that treadmill!
CONCERT LIVEWIRE The band's artistry works best when they're mixing in ambient electronica behind silky vocals, that at times, as on the hip "Ndolo," hints at Sade on a date with Brian Eno, or when they lock into a funky jazz groove and soulful R&B vocals on "Who Do You Love?" Two of the more interesting songs also tackled here are seemingly unlikely candidates for a jazz act to cover. On Leon Russell's "Superstar" newcomer Kaissa Doumbe delivers a sensual vocal delivery in her native Duala tongue for intoxicating results, while Naren Budhakar's tabla along with Doumbe's once-again inviting vocals turn Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence" into a sexy, late night urban mating call.
JAZZ NOT JAZZ. Their sound on Circle Of The Sun is a relaxed inspired mixture of soul, jazz, acid jazz, retro, lounge and latin. Imagine musicians like Maxwell, Sade, Fertile Ground, King Britt, Five Point Plan or Incognito doing a record and you get the idea how good Circle Of The Sun sounds.
With 12 fine songs it's hard to choose a highlight since there's no dull track here and each song has got its own killer potential.
Jazzhole even did a wonderful cover version of Depeche Mode's ballad Enjoy The Silence, by the way a good idea not to go for an obvious choice to do a cover but to cover a song that's certainly more known with a pop audience. Just love Michelle Lewis' voice and the tablas on this song.
Another cover version comes with Leon Russell's Superstar that's sung by Cameroon-native Kaïssa Doumbè in Duala, her mother tongue. Kaïssa is also featured on the title track Circle Of The Son, a slight bossa, and Ndolo, a pleasant midtempo groover.
Marlon Saunders is another excellent vocalist featured on the opener Love Philosophy, a great neo-soul inspired song. His voice can also be heard on Who Do You Love?, another groovy soul/jazz winner here, on the laid-back A Little Dress For Mary and on A Love Thing. The fourth singer on this album is Lucia Iman on the slow and hypnotic Three Days.
Together with the latin influenced instrumental Um Ritmo Meu Sono, that features some fine percussion by Daniel Saddownick, we get one of the first great albums in 2003 that's highly recommendable. Make sure you get a copy soon!
reviews
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A diverse and cool sound
author: KissyEnjoyed the diversity of this CD. A nice smooth jazz listen.
Play this for someone your want to impress...
author: Jarrard AnthonyThis album is great. I had been familiar with Marlon Saunders being and indie soul cat myself, but the first time I heard this record I couldn't have imagined what I was in store for. It is a beautiful project with many different elements. I don't know who the female is on it, but her voice is incredibly dreamy. This is recommended for everyone I know who wants that chill on a quiet night with someone you want to impress fa sho. "Life is the path, Love is the destination. Don't Sleep...Just Dream" -jka www.jarrardanthony.com
This work inspires a great vibe!
author: Tracy MitchellJazzhole approaches it from a different angle. I admire musicians who think outside the box, and Jazzholes' ideas offer a fresh perspective. Get this cd to broaden your scope.
- author: CD Baby
Weaving an oh-so-smooth tapestry of worldly R&B Soul steeped in Jazz, Jazzhole leaves no corner of the heart dark with their sonic, full-flavored textures of down-tempo beats, chilled-out pockets of trippy, floating sensations, liquidy melodic lines and winding vocals. May cause a pleasant, buzzy feeling.
Dim All The Lights
author: LouBeDim all the lights, chill the martinis and ease into this groove. This is for late night listening; whether you're cozying up with the one that gets your pulse jumping or calming down after painting the town red. Relax with the sensual and smooth notes of Circle of the Sun. More warm than most chill-out and more textured than most ambient music; Circle of the Sun is a great find. Highly Reccommended!
May cause a pleasant, buzzy feeling.
author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby Music EditorWeaving an oh-so-smooth tapestry of worldly R&B Soul steeped in Jazz, Jazzhole leaves no corner of the heart dark with their sonic, full-flavored textures of down-tempo beats, chilled-out pockets of trippy, floating sensations, liquidy melodic lines and winding vocals. May cause a pleasant, buzzy feeling.
SILKY SMOOOOOOOOVE!
author: CWI could lisen to "Circle of the Sun" all day! I can't wait to see you guys jam live...please email me your tour itinerary.
Take a modern, downtempo journey with great musicians
author: serena_nycWhat a discovery! This CD is probably one of the best of 2003 for its superb songwriting and modern yet eclectic sound. Finally, a CD that integrates a modern production style with some real musical substance and craftsmanship. Don't be confused by the band's name (and acid jazz pedigree): the music is not jazz, but a sort of neo-soul meets nu-jazz sound one could only find in New York. Refreshingly, these singers can REALLY SING, and there is not even one DJ in this group. Circle of the Sun is not just a bunch of samples over a drumbeat -- it lies somewhere in between Maxwell-style neo-soul and a Morcheeba type of downtempo dance, and will surely satisfy both audiences, and maybe even create some new Jazzhole fans. There is a new sophistication to the band's sound on this album, and world music influences predominate: An African vocalist named Kaïssa Doumbè steals the show on three tracks, plus there is a mesmerizing (and unlikely) Tabla rendition of Depeche Mode's Enjoy The Silence, while a Bossa Nova-ish tempo sets the pace. Fans of Nitin Sawhney, Youssou N'Dour , Bebel Gilberto, and maybe even Sade might want to check this out. This CD is a beautiful hybrid of modern sounds and styles that you could play at any time of day or night. Just relax and soak in the vibe.
Take a modern, downtempo journey with great musicians
author: serena_nycWhat a discovery! This CD is probably one of the best of 2003 for its superb songwriting and modern yet eclectic sound. Finally, a CD that integrates a modern production style with some real musical substance and craftsmanship. Don't be confused by the band's name (and acid jazz pedigree): the music is not jazz, but a sort of neo-soul meets nu-jazz sound one could only find in New York. Refreshingly, these singers can REALLY SING, and there is not even one DJ in this group. Circle of the Sun is not just a bunch of samples over a drumbeat -- it lies somewhere in between Maxwell-style neo-soul and a Morcheeba type of downtempo dance, and will surely satisfy both audiences, and maybe even create some new Jazzhole fans. There is a new sophistication to the band's sound on this album, and world music influences predominate: An African vocalist named Kaïssa Doumbè steals the show on three tracks, plus there is a mesmerizing (and unlikely) Tabla rendition of Depeche Mode's Enjoy The Silence, while a Bossa Nova-ish tempo sets the pace. Fans of Nitin Sawhney, Youssou N'Dour , Bebel Gilberto, and maybe even Sade might want to check this out. This CD is a beautiful hybrid of modern sounds and styles that you could play at any time of day or night. Just relax and soak in the vibe.
Refreshing Tones For A Lazy Afternoon
author: Glenn J. WienerJazzhole's Circle of the Sun is a refreshing collaboration of smooth jazz. The instruments and vocals just blend together like a hand in a glove. Crisp guitar and keyboard solos over a lush horn background combined with soothing percussion tones. Not too mention calming vocals that bathe the soul with mesmerizing inflections. The songs themselves are a bit similar in style but certainly have some catchy melodies. In addition, creative lyrics do exist on several songs. Like the Beethoven symphony references on Love Philosophy and references to Count Basie's band on another track. I even admire some of the non-English vocals particularly on Superstar. Sometimes one has to appreciate the beautiful tones of another language. Overall this CD is strong on atmospherics with several excellent songs thrown in for good measure. It will certainly lighten up your day.
DEPECHE MODE??
author: DemureWhat??? a chilled-out remix of Depeche Mode's Enjoy the Silence?? I am flabbergasted----- in a good way! That's all I have to say about that.
AWESOME !!!!
author: James AllenJazzy,funky,soulful,sexy,relaxing & a top notch production makes this a canditate for one of the albums of 2003 already!!!!! The "Love philosphy" track is majestic a absolute killer! This album will also appeal to the soul lover so plase check out . "Love Philosphy is worth the album price alone.