Browsing Tag

Nile Rogers

Ipe defied the laws of gravity in his funk-grooved feat of disco-pop, Stratosphere

Posted on 7 June 2023

If you could imagine what the output would be if Nile Rodgers, Nic Hanson, and Daft Punk stepped into the studio together, you will get an idea of the electrifying funk-grooved euphoria which organically spills from the latest single from the Chicago-based singer-songwriter and producer, Ipe.

Stratosphere is the ultimate euphonic aphrodisiac for the way the cosmic lyricality lifts you higher than the upbeat instrumentals, which pay an ode to the heritage of disco while bringing in an electrifying new wave of pop.

The infectiously enlivened vocal lines from Ipe, who has been racking up tens of thousands of Spotify streams since making his debut in 2019, are the ultimate aural pick-me-up. His hedonistically honeyed vocal lines are all you need to get in the groove.

Stream Ipe’s latest single, Stratosphere, on all major platforms via this link

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mychael Gabriel wrestles with racism and intolerance with their Funk-Rock track ‘Fury’

Posted on 14 November 2020

With a funk/rock pedigree that includes collaborations with artists such as Sheila E, Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr, John Legend, St. Vincent, and George Clinton, Mychael Gabriel is at the forefront of a new Minneapolis Sound generation. Now, with ‘Fury’, he brings forth probably the most danceable groove of a protest song that Michael Jackson never wrote.

Sounding like early, Off The Wall-era Jackson coupled with some of Nile Rodgers’ best ‘Chic’ guitar chops – plus some proper ‘guitar hero’ funk shredding on the solo at around the two-minute mark – ‘Fury’ rages at the injustice of peaceful protest scapegoating rioting and unrest, wrestling with racism and intolerance, but always with a style and groove that lifts it above being ‘just’ a protest song. ‘Fury’ is a bona fide funk/rock powerhouse of a track, chock-full of swagger and funk alongside its outrage and, well yeah, Fury.

Check out the video for ‘Fury’ on YouTube. Follow Gabriel on Facebook.

Review by Alex Holmes

’Boogie Oogie Oogie’ by Renowned DJ Gual: Old treasure made shiny and new!

Posted on 1 May 2020
https://soundcloud.com/djgual/boogie-oogie-oogie/s-pThp04FidCo

I would usually be the first person to say, ‘don’t touch a classic’ but in this case I am forced to clarify and amend that statement. A Taste Of Honey released ‘Boogie Oogie Oogie’ in the summer of 1978 and it became an instant hit and one of the most memorable songs of the era. Dj Gual has touched a classic but he really has the Midas touch. He stays true to the groove of the song and gets authentic and superb vocal assistance by the very talented Cheshy. She is able to sing effortlessly and unhindered over a slick track.

The production is really clean and the musicianship is something to proud about. It really is a successful rejuvenation of a vintage, time-honoured anthem. Obviously a labour of love, DJ Gual proves once again that he has a respectful recollection of Disco mixed with artful innovation. Not everyone can touch a classic but, DJ Gual, you go right on ahead. With a soon-to-be club classic under your belt, we can’t wait to hear more!

Have a listen to ‘Boogie Oogie Oogie’ by DJ Gual on Soundcloud. You won’t be disappointed.

Review by Susan Harriott