Streetwize - Does Dre


Whats Up Folks! Here's another CD of mention that should get attention, especially for those Rap music lovers out there diggin' the remixes, production skills & 'covers' of Smooth Urban Jazz players redoing Hip-Hop Sounds! From the players of Shanachie Records, that have brought you "Smooth Jazz does the Divas!", "Honey Love - The music of R. Kelly" & The "Streetwize" Collections.....comes another interesting follow up of Rap/Hip-Hop collectibles shared from super production mastermind Dr. Dre! Dr. Dre is a Rap/Hip-Hop legend who has created numerous smash hits for such big acts in the music industry like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Tupac, 50 Cent, Toni Braxton & Much More! If you have grown to appreciate such classic jams like "California Love", "Nuthin' But a "G" Thang" & "My Name Is"...then you will dig Shanachie's touch-up of those compositions! Really! The Players:
  • Kim Waters: Keyboards, Arrangements
  • Davy D: Keyboards, Percussion, Programming
  • Dave Mann: Sax, Flute
  • Alex Sipiagin: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
  • Adam Rogers: Guitar
  • Dequina Moore: Vocals
  • Isaac Clemon: Vocals
One of my favorite re-cuts has to be the track "Nuthin But a "G" Thang" & the way Adam Rogers grooved the guitar on it! The arrangements created for that cut was different in my opinion! The track otherwise known in the Hip Hop world to be a Supreme Classic, has its moment of distinction. Alex played the horn very well on the "My Name Is" track. I mean, the cat "chopped" up the melodies exquisitely! His sound was fluid to the core of the beat. He does it again for "Forgot About Dre"! Nice sound! Kim Waters, of course, is recognized on many of the tracks played. And he improvised in areas where, again, you know its "Kim Waters!". However, can one really detect whether he played the sax everytime you heard it or was it the skills of Mr. Dave Mann!?! Well I tell y'all what, when you get a dose of the track "XXplosive", check out Dave's flow on the flute! Now you know! I liked the blend of tracks in connecting "Not Today" by Mary J. Blige with "Misterioso"...a Thelonious Mink gem. It almost sounded as if there was a DJ in the background fading one song into another. Playing the tracks together at the same time. It was a great mix! Check it out!

Here's a complete track listing:
  1. California Love
  2. Gin & Juice
  3. My Name Is
  4. Let Me Blow Ya Mind
  5. Nuthin' But a "G" Thang
  6. Not Today
  7. Misterioso (Thelonious Monk)
  8. XXplosive
  9. How We Do
  10. Forgot About Dre
Track for Track, these songs definitely has an appeal! And if many would of thought whether or not redoing original songs or "covering" previous hits can get old on a listener, believe it or not this may garner your attention. To make it plain & simple, these tracks could very well be another 'ear-opener' in attracting the younger generation into respecting jazz music, its artists & what they can bring to the table! Its revolutionary in its reach for the younger crowd. Shanchie with its Streetwize collections & honorable mentions (projects) of R&B & Hip-Hop players has been consistent with their ability to bring those tracks into fruition with Smooth Urban Jazz. For those of you out there who appreciate that style of remix, this project is most definitely for you...! I know one thing's for sure; it’s getting some airplay outside on the patio, next to the BBQ grill today!

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

Posted by Administration at 8/8/2007 4:52 PM
Categories: Jazz
 

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