Juba Dance
Orange
Audio 8 2007

01. Tomorrow
02. Union Hall
03. Double Dutch Hymns
04. Fisherman's Jig
05. Favorite Words
06. Cachaca
07. Willow Blues
08. Hecky Naw
09. Angela Jeanette
10. Message from Cham
11. Adams & Wabash
12. Orange
13. Momma Holds Child

To get straight at the point, some of the freshest and most musically accomplished "hip-hop" you will hear. Aside for Outkast's classic Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, I simply can't remember one to match its full scope of diversity. Check the first track: even flows sound somewhat close ("Isn't that Andre 3000 on a sunny latin vibe?")... How about 'Union Hall', and the retro-flavoured synth beat? Or, umm, maybe 'Willow Blues', which is exactly what the title says? Intrigued already? Should be, cause not any moment do you feel it's 'basic' raps. But what really keeps me thinking "Outkast" is the way that all these influences - jazz, bossa nova, and electro funk - so smoothly stick together, and how effective all the vocal parts are, including sung ones. This album is a total success, being able to satisfy much more than the amateur of hip-hop (not even sure the average "head" would show appreciation) thanks to its breadth of focus and balance of presentation. Please, just enjoy, ok?

>> gsize / mihd (71mb)
>> love it, buy it (Audio 8)

Juba Dance is spaced-out electro, hip-hop and funk rooted in the rich traditions of blues and jazz with influences of Brazilian, Jamaican and Afro-Cuban rhythms. This eclectic project is headed by Ben Lamar with producer Polyphonic the Verbose (aka Will Freyman) and a rotating cast of accomplices. Throughout the album's progression, Lamar's prodigious compositions, in which he both sings and plays horn, are further realized via Freyman's programming, synths and overall studio mayhem.

Lamar grew up on the south side of Chicago but resides in Rio de Janeiro; on Orange you can hear Chicago's blues, jazz and hip-hop pulsing with Brazilian rhythms. The clever syncopations, rich harmonies and detailed production create a cohesive backdrop for Lamar's gorgeous song writing and composition skills. -Audio 8