 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
||
|
"Futuristic is something that I always viewed as being 21st century. Now that there are only months left until the new millennium, it's pretty difficult to invision what will be futuristic. As far as I'm concerned, we will be living in the future very soon."-Carl Craig a.k.a. Blakula True genius is rarely recognized within it's own time frame, typical of this is the way that recent departs Sun Ra and Fela Kuti are only now becoming acknowledged for the depth of their oeuvres. It's clear from the study of Ra, Kuti, and more specifically, the master John Coltrane that true genius is a result of development. The artist responsible for the album you are about to listen to, Carl Craig, is considered by some to be a genius. But Craig himself would surely not claim such and many others, maybe you included, aren't even aware of his music. Fortunately like Coltrane, Craig has documented his evolution via recordings. From four track bedroom tapes made at the turn of the decade, to essential collaborations with techno hero Derrick May. From ambient bliss under aliases like Psyche to the floor shaking breakbeats and 101 rumblings of his 69 (pronounced Six-Nine) project. From main floor sensual strutting house, as Paperclip People, to two luscious almost soundtrack like albums under his own name. Craig's development is readily available to be heard. Listening back clearly reveals a spirit concerned with investigating new areas of sound and new contexts for music. It also reveals an artist who isn't afraid to reveal his most tender inner feelings next to succinct dancefloor entertaintainment. Art and appeal. |
|
|||
|
|
 |
|
||
|
The Innerzone Orchestra is a special project for Craig. It's a summation of where he's been, and in these pre-millennium times, a pointer to where we all may be headed. The project has it's roots in a 1992 track called 'Bug In The Bassbin." The track was picked up by Ranx, friend of 4 hero, Goldie, and J.Majik which then caused a raucous noise on the then infant drum'n'bass scene. A swell of interest returned to Carl a couple of years ago when the Craig obsessed James Lavelle re-issued the track on his Mo' Wax label. Craig then used that impetus to launch a jazz trio, both as a live and recording project. That trio has since drastically developed into a assemblage of talent that now includes Paul Randolph, the bassist from Mudd Puppy, Richie Hawtin (aka Plastikman), serious Jazz pianist Craig Taborn, ex Sun Ra sideman Francisco Mora on drums and percussion, and lots more. |
|
|||
|
 |
|
|
||
|
CARL CRAIG He is a never-failing innovator of electronic music, legendary around the world for his music and many guises. Craig's music is released on his own label, Planet E (Earth) Communications, and his music is said to possess a timeless beauty. His musical roots don't read like the standard soundcheck of black urban youth; he namechecks Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Manuel Gottsching along with the music he grew up with in Detroit: Stevie Wonder, Parliament, Slave.... |
|
|||
|
|
 |
|
||
|
FRANCISCO MORA Percussionist, composer, arranger, teacher, and producer. A master of music degrees and a former member of Sun Ra's Arkestra. Mora now resides in Detroit where he works, studies, teaches, and performs with some of the most outstanding talent in the world. In October, Francisco's album World Trade Music will be the first release on Community Projects, a brand new sub-label of Planet E. |
|
|||
|
 |
|
|
||
|
CRAIG TABORN He began his musical studies early in life and continued his jazz and composition education privately while enrolled in college. During this time he was able to pursue collaborations in the Detroit area and learn from such area stalwarts as Marcus Belgrave, Franisco Mora, Wendell Harrison, and A. Spencer Barefield. After finishing his studies, Craig moved to Brooklyn as a member of the celebrated James Carter Quartet. He has also worked alongside other notable musicians including Lester Bowie, Dave Holland, and The Art Ensemble of Chicago. |
|
|||
|
|
 |
|
||
|
MATT CHICOINE He is best known as the guy who slipped a demo tape into a take-out order for Carl Craig, who in turn was blown away and signed him to Planet E, where he records under the alias, Recloose. In the course of one year, Matt went from a short order cook at Detroit's Russell Street Deli to one of the premier leftfield DJ/Producers in America, as well as a full-fledged touring member of the Innerzone Orchestra touring band. Last year, his first ep, So THIS Is The Dining Room was released on Planet E to loads of critical praise. In September, his second ep for Planet E, Spelunking will be released. |
|
|||
 |
|
|
