| Quantic & Alice Russell – Look Around The Corner (2012) |
Quantic & Alice Russell — Look Around The Corner
Location: Colombia ~ Bewdley, Worcestershire / Brighton, England, UK
Album release: April 2, 2012
Record Label: Tru Thoughts / TRU 250
Runtime: 52:34
Tracklist:
01. Look Around The Corner 4:28
02. Here Again 4:07
03. Travelling Song 4:44
04. Magdalena 3:26
05. I'll Keep My Light In My Window 5:42
06. Una Tarde En Mariquita 5:56
07. Interlude 0:36
08. Su Suzy 5:04
09. Boogaloo 33 3:46
10. Road To Islay 3:09
11. Similau 2:04
12. I'd Cry 7:12
13. Magdalena (Reprise) 2:08
14. Look Around The Corner (Reprise) 0:19
Website: http://www.alicerussell.com/#/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alicerusselluk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AliceRussellUK
Description:
Tru Thoughts Recordings are delighted to announce that the highly anticipated collaborative album by Quantic and Alice Russell, the label's two all-time biggest selling artists, is now finalised for a 2012 release. Entitled `Look Around The Corner', the album will be released on CD, double gatefold vinyl and digital on April 3rd ; preceded by the lead single - the title track - out on deluxe 10" vinyl and digital on February 21st . `Look Around The Corner' sees the duo of Quantic and Alice Russell revisiting the spirit of their hugely popular previous collaborations (with the Quantic Soul Orchestra, for example) but this time backed by Quantic's world-renowned Combo Bárbaro and recorded in Quantic's adopted home city of Cali, Colombia. The combined talents of singer Alice Russell and producer/musician Will Holland (aka Quantic) have always been a match made in heaven, and the vibrant sound of this beautiful album is a fresh blend of pure sweet soul and blues, with overtones of gospel and folk music and the added Latin swing of the Combo Bárbaro. Pushing the concept of their previous work together, they wanted to have a Latin undertone to the style. Rather like the soul records made in Miami and New York in the 70s, or the disco from the Bronx, it has the accent of Latin players but still a lot of the blues and soul sound; Chicago's Chess label was a big influence from a production aesthetic. The record features Mike Simmonds (Alice Russell's regular strings guru who joined them in Colombia from London for the recording), as well as the revered pianist Alfredito Linares, bassist Fernando Silva and conga player Freddy Colorado, all from the Combo Bárbaro. Wilson Viveros, from coastal town Buenaventura, was an invited drummer - more known for playing timbales for Guayacan, Fruko and Joe Madrid, he is also an incredible kit drummer. Also on drums for some songs was Larry Joseph, a talented Jazz drummer who resides and plays in Cali. Alfredito is the instrumentalist star of the show, sprinkling his magical and charismatic brand of bluesy, boogaloo piano over the album. Quantic and Alice Russell will be touring `Look Around The Corner' extensively throughout the USA in March - April, followed by Europe and the UK in April - May; with a handpicked band comprising members of the Combo Bárbaro and musicians from Alice's own band. Both Alice Russell and Quantic have built up immense Worldwide followings for their solo projects, with over 400,000 record sales between them; and `Look Around The Corner' is guaranteed to be met with excitement, surprise and delight by music fans from all corners of the globe. / William Holland (http://www.quantic.org/) is a musician, DJ and record producer from Bewdley, Worcestershire. He is based in Colombia.
He records under various guises, notably, Quantic, The Quantic Soul Orchestra, and The Limp Twins. His music draws upon elements of salsa, bossa nova, soul, funk and jazz. Holland plays guitars, bass, double bass, piano, organ, saxophone and percussion. Much of his sound is original composition with little in the way of sampling of other artists' material.
Holland also has his own label Magnetic Fields on which he releases heavy soul and funk. He has also taken on remix duties for over 30 songs.
Discography:
Quantic:
As Quantic, Holland has released four studio LPs and a b-sides album, on the Tru Thoughts label. / Albums:
- The 5th Exotic (Tru Thoughts, 2001)
- Apricot Morning (Tru Thoughts, 2002)
- Mishaps Happening (Tru Thoughts, 2004)
- One Offs... Remixes & B-Sides (Tru Thoughts, 2006)
- An Announcement to Answer (Tru Thoughts, 2006)
- Quantic Presenta: Flowering Inferno, Dog With A Rope (Tru Thoughts, 2010)
- Quantic & Alice Russell: Look Around The Corner (Tru Thoughts, 2012)
Alice Russell - 24 February 2009, 23:46 / Author: Simon Banaventure from Angers, France
© Photo credits: Digby Oldridge (www.preye.co.uk)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formidable in their own right as artists, the eagerly awaited full-length album combining the extensive musical talents of Quantic and Alice Russell Look Around the Corner doesn’t disappoint. Both are signed to Tru Thoughts, based in Brighton, UK, a label that continually delivers quality music for discerning listeners. Look Around the Corner adds to their roster, combining soul, cumbia, Latin jazz and even boogaloo on this beguiling album.
While Alice Russell has developed into one of the great contemporary British blues, soul and jazz vocalists over her four albums, Will Holland, aka Quantic, has been on a slightly more eclectic musical journey. Having discovered Colombia, and its music, chiefly Cumbia, a mix of indigenous Colombian, West African and European (mainly Spanish) music, Quantic upped sticks from England and moved to the city of Cali in Colombia where he built a studio and immersed himself into his new surroundings, soaking up the culture, sounds and musicians of his adopted homeland. The results have yielded four high quality albums, 2007’s Tropidelico 2008’s Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno 2010’s follow up Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno Dog With a Rope and 2009’s Tradition in Transition with Combo Bárbaro.
For this last album, Holland brought together the cream of Latin American, and particularly Cali, musicians and it is their virtuosity, and authenticity, that gives Look Around the Corner such a deep, almost vintage, Latin sound. On piano, delivering devastating bluesy bugaloo rhythms is Peruvian Alfredito Linares, joined by bassist Fernando Silva and conga player Freddy Colorado. Wilson Viveros, from Buenaventura and Larry Joesph from Cali, were the invited drummers for the album. The final piece in this jigsaw is Russell’s long time guitarist, Mike Simmonds, who joined in with the fun at Holland’s Sonido del Valle studio in Cali.
Opening and title track, and also lead single from the album, “Look Around the Corner” could easily be Minnie Ripperton singing such is the beauty and control of Russell’s voice. She carries the song along accompanied by a gentle mid-‘70s Latin backing of double bass, violins and congas and some stunning vocal harmonies. This is such a perfect summers day song and a glorious slice of late ‘60s soul mixed with that ‘70s Latin feel.
This gives way to “Here Again” a much funkier song and a throwback to the earlier Russell/Quantic collaborations. “Travelling Song” though, comes on like a Boogaloo version of “Walk on By” with a crystal clear vocal delivery by that voice. The drumming on this track is sublime, holding the song together but somehow giving space for the other instruments to breathe, particularly with what sounds like electric violin. Pure class.
“I’ll Keep My Light in My Window” is powered by Alfredito Linares’ piano and Freddy Colardo’s congas. This is a perfectly judged Latin soul number that will undoubtedly be stuffed into Giles Peterson record bag to be pulled out and played at venues across the globe and this is followed by the instrumental “Una Tarde en Mariquita”, an exquisitely re-worked version of “Mas Que Nada”, very slow and sultry, almost Tango like.
“Suzy Su” and “Boogaloo 33” pick up the pace and on the later track, Russell’s vocals could have been taken straight of the Motown production line. Again, the musicianship is outstanding, horns, keyboards and drums flowing easily, handclaps adding to the groove and you just can’t stop your hips from swaying as Russell croons “Give it to me / 33 / Give it to me.” “Road to Islay” is very much a modern cumbia sound as accordion and drums provide a percussive beat that seems intent on getting people onto the dance floor. And this is a another great strength of the album.
The instrumentals belong on this album. Not filler or afterthoughts, or indeed self indulgent, the tracks simply underline the extraordinary skills of Quantic and the Combo Barbaro band and highlights how they complement Alice Russell’s vocal dexterity. The album closes with the seven-minute “I’d Cry”. I fear I’m repeating myself, but again this is a superb, understated vocal delivery by Russell, accompanied by virtuoso musicians. Each doing their thing but completely as one, it is a stunning end to a brilliant album.
It’s clear that Will Holland has found his spiritual homeland in Colombia but he has not forgotten his roots thank goodness. Thus he had the knowledge and vision to appreciate that, in Alice Russell, he had the perfect vocalist in which to realise the music he is making in Colombia with the Combo Barbaro. Someone who shares the same love of soul, blues, jazz, gospel even and Latin Jazz, boogaloo and cumbia. This really is a match made in heaven.
For me, this is could be a Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick type relationship (although it is clear Russell is more than the interpreter of Holland’s songs), so instinctively do they know, and bring the best out of each other. I can’t wait to hear more from them.
By Jez Collins 4 April 2012 // Rating: 
Will Holland, known professionally as Quantic, performing with his band Quantic and his Combo Barbaro in 2009, August 29. Author: Mike Reger
Double LP in a gatefold sleeve with a CD version of the album included as a bonus!
You’ll also find an inspired version of the soul standard “I’ll Keep My Light In My Window”, one of Russell’s all-time favourite songs which has scarcely sounded better than in this current incarnation, on which she exercises her famed powers as a classic soul vocalist. The band take centre stage in instrumental numbers including “Una Tarde In Mariquita” and “Road To Islay”, showcasing the sheer wealth of talent running through the outfit, not to mention the compositional skills and broad church of influences for which Quantic (aka Will Holland) becomes ever more greatly revered with each release. The closing flourish – a Reprise of “Look Around The Corner” – is a compelling invitation to hit the repeat button.
More on: http://www.phonicarecords.com/product/view/105719
| Quantic & Alice Russell – Look Around The Corner (2012) |
Quantic & Alice Russell — Look Around The Corner
Location: Colombia ~ Bewdley, Worcestershire / Brighton, England, UK
Album release: April 2, 2012
Record Label: Tru Thoughts / TRU 250
Runtime: 52:34
Tracklist:
01. Look Around The Corner 4:28
02. Here Again 4:07
03. Travelling Song 4:44
04. Magdalena 3:26
05. I'll Keep My Light In My Window 5:42
06. Una Tarde En Mariquita 5:56
07. Interlude 0:36
08. Su Suzy 5:04
09. Boogaloo 33 3:46
10. Road To Islay 3:09
11. Similau 2:04
12. I'd Cry 7:12
13. Magdalena (Reprise) 2:08
14. Look Around The Corner (Reprise) 0:19
Website: http://www.alicerussell.com/#/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alicerusselluk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AliceRussellUK
Description:
Tru Thoughts Recordings are delighted to announce that the highly anticipated collaborative album by Quantic and Alice Russell, the label's two all-time biggest selling artists, is now finalised for a 2012 release. Entitled `Look Around The Corner', the album will be released on CD, double gatefold vinyl and digital on April 3rd ; preceded by the lead single - the title track - out on deluxe 10" vinyl and digital on February 21st . `Look Around The Corner' sees the duo of Quantic and Alice Russell revisiting the spirit of their hugely popular previous collaborations (with the Quantic Soul Orchestra, for example) but this time backed by Quantic's world-renowned Combo Bárbaro and recorded in Quantic's adopted home city of Cali, Colombia. The combined talents of singer Alice Russell and producer/musician Will Holland (aka Quantic) have always been a match made in heaven, and the vibrant sound of this beautiful album is a fresh blend of pure sweet soul and blues, with overtones of gospel and folk music and the added Latin swing of the Combo Bárbaro. Pushing the concept of their previous work together, they wanted to have a Latin undertone to the style. Rather like the soul records made in Miami and New York in the 70s, or the disco from the Bronx, it has the accent of Latin players but still a lot of the blues and soul sound; Chicago's Chess label was a big influence from a production aesthetic. The record features Mike Simmonds (Alice Russell's regular strings guru who joined them in Colombia from London for the recording), as well as the revered pianist Alfredito Linares, bassist Fernando Silva and conga player Freddy Colorado, all from the Combo Bárbaro. Wilson Viveros, from coastal town Buenaventura, was an invited drummer - more known for playing timbales for Guayacan, Fruko and Joe Madrid, he is also an incredible kit drummer. Also on drums for some songs was Larry Joseph, a talented Jazz drummer who resides and plays in Cali. Alfredito is the instrumentalist star of the show, sprinkling his magical and charismatic brand of bluesy, boogaloo piano over the album. Quantic and Alice Russell will be touring `Look Around The Corner' extensively throughout the USA in March - April, followed by Europe and the UK in April - May; with a handpicked band comprising members of the Combo Bárbaro and musicians from Alice's own band. Both Alice Russell and Quantic have built up immense Worldwide followings for their solo projects, with over 400,000 record sales between them; and `Look Around The Corner' is guaranteed to be met with excitement, surprise and delight by music fans from all corners of the globe. / William Holland (http://www.quantic.org/) is a musician, DJ and record producer from Bewdley, Worcestershire. He is based in Colombia.
He records under various guises, notably, Quantic, The Quantic Soul Orchestra, and The Limp Twins. His music draws upon elements of salsa, bossa nova, soul, funk and jazz. Holland plays guitars, bass, double bass, piano, organ, saxophone and percussion. Much of his sound is original composition with little in the way of sampling of other artists' material.
Holland also has his own label Magnetic Fields on which he releases heavy soul and funk. He has also taken on remix duties for over 30 songs.
Discography:
Quantic:
As Quantic, Holland has released four studio LPs and a b-sides album, on the Tru Thoughts label. / Albums:
- The 5th Exotic (Tru Thoughts, 2001)
- Apricot Morning (Tru Thoughts, 2002)
- Mishaps Happening (Tru Thoughts, 2004)
- One Offs... Remixes & B-Sides (Tru Thoughts, 2006)
- An Announcement to Answer (Tru Thoughts, 2006)
- Quantic Presenta: Flowering Inferno, Dog With A Rope (Tru Thoughts, 2010)
- Quantic & Alice Russell: Look Around The Corner (Tru Thoughts, 2012)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formidable in their own right as artists, the eagerly awaited full-length album combining the extensive musical talents of Quantic and Alice Russell Look Around the Corner doesn’t disappoint. Both are signed to Tru Thoughts, based in Brighton, UK, a label that continually delivers quality music for discerning listeners. Look Around the Corner adds to their roster, combining soul, cumbia, Latin jazz and even boogaloo on this beguiling album.
While Alice Russell has developed into one of the great contemporary British blues, soul and jazz vocalists over her four albums, Will Holland, aka Quantic, has been on a slightly more eclectic musical journey. Having discovered Colombia, and its music, chiefly Cumbia, a mix of indigenous Colombian, West African and European (mainly Spanish) music, Quantic upped sticks from England and moved to the city of Cali in Colombia where he built a studio and immersed himself into his new surroundings, soaking up the culture, sounds and musicians of his adopted homeland. The results have yielded four high quality albums, 2007’s Tropidelico 2008’s Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno 2010’s follow up Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno Dog With a Rope and 2009’s Tradition in Transition with Combo Bárbaro.
For this last album, Holland brought together the cream of Latin American, and particularly Cali, musicians and it is their virtuosity, and authenticity, that gives Look Around the Corner such a deep, almost vintage, Latin sound. On piano, delivering devastating bluesy bugaloo rhythms is Peruvian Alfredito Linares, joined by bassist Fernando Silva and conga player Freddy Colorado. Wilson Viveros, from Buenaventura and Larry Joesph from Cali, were the invited drummers for the album. The final piece in this jigsaw is Russell’s long time guitarist, Mike Simmonds, who joined in with the fun at Holland’s Sonido del Valle studio in Cali.
Opening and title track, and also lead single from the album, “Look Around the Corner” could easily be Minnie Ripperton singing such is the beauty and control of Russell’s voice. She carries the song along accompanied by a gentle mid-‘70s Latin backing of double bass, violins and congas and some stunning vocal harmonies. This is such a perfect summers day song and a glorious slice of late ‘60s soul mixed with that ‘70s Latin feel.
This gives way to “Here Again” a much funkier song and a throwback to the earlier Russell/Quantic collaborations. “Travelling Song” though, comes on like a Boogaloo version of “Walk on By” with a crystal clear vocal delivery by that voice. The drumming on this track is sublime, holding the song together but somehow giving space for the other instruments to breathe, particularly with what sounds like electric violin. Pure class.
“I’ll Keep My Light in My Window” is powered by Alfredito Linares’ piano and Freddy Colardo’s congas. This is a perfectly judged Latin soul number that will undoubtedly be stuffed into Giles Peterson record bag to be pulled out and played at venues across the globe and this is followed by the instrumental “Una Tarde en Mariquita”, an exquisitely re-worked version of “Mas Que Nada”, very slow and sultry, almost Tango like.
“Suzy Su” and “Boogaloo 33” pick up the pace and on the later track, Russell’s vocals could have been taken straight of the Motown production line. Again, the musicianship is outstanding, horns, keyboards and drums flowing easily, handclaps adding to the groove and you just can’t stop your hips from swaying as Russell croons “Give it to me / 33 / Give it to me.” “Road to Islay” is very much a modern cumbia sound as accordion and drums provide a percussive beat that seems intent on getting people onto the dance floor. And this is a another great strength of the album.
The instrumentals belong on this album. Not filler or afterthoughts, or indeed self indulgent, the tracks simply underline the extraordinary skills of Quantic and the Combo Barbaro band and highlights how they complement Alice Russell’s vocal dexterity. The album closes with the seven-minute “I’d Cry”. I fear I’m repeating myself, but again this is a superb, understated vocal delivery by Russell, accompanied by virtuoso musicians. Each doing their thing but completely as one, it is a stunning end to a brilliant album.
It’s clear that Will Holland has found his spiritual homeland in Colombia but he has not forgotten his roots thank goodness. Thus he had the knowledge and vision to appreciate that, in Alice Russell, he had the perfect vocalist in which to realise the music he is making in Colombia with the Combo Barbaro. Someone who shares the same love of soul, blues, jazz, gospel even and Latin Jazz, boogaloo and cumbia. This really is a match made in heaven.
For me, this is could be a Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick type relationship (although it is clear Russell is more than the interpreter of Holland’s songs), so instinctively do they know, and bring the best out of each other. I can’t wait to hear more from them.
By Jez Collins 4 April 2012 // Rating:
Will Holland, known professionally as Quantic, performing with his band Quantic and his Combo Barbaro in 2009, August 29. Author: Mike Reger
Double LP in a gatefold sleeve with a CD version of the album included as a bonus!
You’ll also find an inspired version of the soul standard “I’ll Keep My Light In My Window”, one of Russell’s all-time favourite songs which has scarcely sounded better than in this current incarnation, on which she exercises her famed powers as a classic soul vocalist. The band take centre stage in instrumental numbers including “Una Tarde In Mariquita” and “Road To Islay”, showcasing the sheer wealth of talent running through the outfit, not to mention the compositional skills and broad church of influences for which Quantic (aka Will Holland) becomes ever more greatly revered with each release. The closing flourish – a Reprise of “Look Around The Corner” – is a compelling invitation to hit the repeat button.
More on: http://www.phonicarecords.com/product/view/105719