Deutsche Grammophon Dominates the Music Scene with “Recomposed” Series

Deutsche Grammophon, one of the oldest and most respected in the field, is on the process of reinventing music. This could sound as a bold statement but I can’t find a better way to describe what’s going on. Carl Craig and Moritz von Oswald in 2008, Matthew Herbert in 2010, and Max Richter, the renowned British composer, in 2012… We may only guess what’s next.

If you know where to look at, 2012 has been a tremendous year for music. I have so many “Album of the Year” candidates but I guess it’s alright to say that Richter’s effort is the best – sorry Avishai but this is Vivaldi, damn. We all think that we know “Four Seasons” because it is literally everywhere. However, Richter shows us that we don’t know shit.

– YouTube link for Vivaldi Recomposed –

New Album by ACT Star Wolfgang Haffner

Haffner released his new album. We must respect and cherish, ladies and gentlemen,

– ACT Page

– Personal Page

Not for concentrated listening and philosophy stuff. However, it is just the thing to cheer everybody up in friends meetings or to complete the awesomeness while reading and drinking coffee. Reading can turn into many things; this is a salute to modern gin joint  Humphrey Bogarts. Even big time losers should occasionally have fun! Dig it,

Some Other Good Albums of This Year (Alphabetically),

2.54 – 2.54

– The motto is “the guitar is back.” I’m already waiting for their second album.

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Mature Themes

– Underground circus surfaced for everybody who’s willing to enjoy the ride.

Benedikt Jahnel Trio – Equilibrium

– Just listen to “Moorland & Hill Land.” No further comments…

Elina Duni – Matane Malit

– Balkan music is a treasure for jazz.

Nils Frahm – Screws

– A free album dedicated to the broken thumb of the insanely talented pianist.

Revolutionary Rhythm – Soulvibes

– Pure mix tape talent. Damn they are good.

Rufus Wainwright – Out of the Game

– It should be defined more like “I’m back.”

Sebastien Tellier – My God is Blue

– Could be even better but it is that provocative shot that we all need annually.

I wish I had the time to review all of them. Not enough time for anything these days…

Avishai Cohen with Nitai Hershkovits – Duende (2012, Blue Note)

This is the new craft of the man who came out with the greatest album of 2011, “Seven Seas.” This is not an opinion but a fact. Still, he hadn’t stayed there and moved forward; trying new things, minimalist things to be precise, for his new record. With the most talented help of Mr. Hershkovits, I can say that he succeeded once again in making great music. Yes, it’s not as deep, moving and challenging as his previous record but I sense that was not his intention from the beginning. I guess, he wanted this one to sound more like playing for friends. With just two instruments, sometimes the melodies become so obscure that it gives you the impression that you’re looking at Malevich’s “White on White.” It’s like a meditation session in that manner. If I would have a chance to listen to this album live, I would close my eyes throughout the concert.

Yet, I must say that I’d feel extremely disrupted when they play their “Criss Cross” cover. It would kill the atmosphere because it has no connection with the rest of the album in any sensible way. Instead, “Soof” and “Calm” carries the concept here. “Soof” is really something else, by the way. It’s a downtown place with proper black coffee; where you feel within your comfort zone with friends and family. Actually, I can say that it is the song of the year so far.

– by Ilhan

Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio (2012, Blue Note)

The man who did his best to convince people of his talent as a jazz pianist, now works his way up with his Robert Glasper Experiment. Featuring some of the who’s who artists of the R&B and hip hop scenes, it’s a bold record that sounds so 2012.

Sure, I’d also enjoy a rather depressing Garbarek record or the big band might of Count Basie but my real desire is to hear music which has that contemporary touch. Erykah Badu, who almost made me dance during her superb Istanbul concert (I’m one of those “gentlemen don’t dance” people), rocks it with her version of “Afro Blue.” Other dominant tracks are “Ah Yeah” and “Black Radio.” I should also note that I found “Smells Like Teen Spirit” out-of-place, not because the band failed to cover it properly but because the original song has exaggerated cultural meanings attached to it.

Still, this double LP deserves nothing but respect. I’d predict that the band will remain powerful throughout this decade and will probably leave their mark on the art form. It’s not a simple mashup effort that we’re talking about here. It’s clearly a step forward, something fresh. Think about owning the first pressing of this album in 25-30 years. It’ll still sound good in a retro way and it’ll be full of memories by that time.

– by Ilhan