From mark s-walker Sent Thu, Mar 19th 1998, 09:46
i was fortunate enough to receive a promo of his forthcoming album on peacefrog records yesterday morning. PF 074 [cd & double vinyl] released on the 20th april 98. don't miss this album :) from the press release__ For anybody who doesn't already know the name, moodyman is the prolific detroit based producer kenny dixon jr, who has released numerous limited edition deep house, techno & funk 12" cuts on his own kdj label that have taken more discerning music circles by storm. but that's not the full story as this new album shows. his first original album has been picked up on the uk's peacefrog label, and follows the massive acclaim for the import only 'silent introduction' compilation released by planet e in 97, which included classics like 'dem young sconies' & 'i can't kick this feeling when it hits'. with this history of groundbreaking music, coupled with his outspoken views on black consciouness & a reluctance to talk to the press about any aspect of his life or music, moodyman has become something of an icon in the uk over the last few months. this is house music heard through the filter of every other black american musical artform, most notably hiphop, r&b & soul. it should come as no surprise that each & every one of the musical soundbites included in this album's uncompromising seven-minute opener 'radio' was producded by kenny himself. the track lets us take a peek into the world of kdj. and exhibits a sense of humour in his work which until now has perhaps been difficult to pin down. the title track, perhaps the best track on the album, is the original version of the 'black mahogany' remix 12" on kdj earlier this year, more dubbed out, but just as funky. 'on the run' is a tale of a relative caught up in a no-win situation of unemployment & drug dealing who would rather die on the streets than return to jail, while 'black sunday's' mix of gospel & house is a tribute to kenny's grandmother. the album has already ben awarded album of the month by jockeyslut magazine, who called it 'an essential release for anyone with more than a passing interest in house music'. it can be difficult to be objective about a record when this much hype surrounds the artist : just forget what you've heard or read and enjoy some of the best & most adventurous music [of any genre] to come out of north america in a long time. __________ wherever you are, if you want a press copy contact__ tony morley @ no.9 in london - 00 44 171 228 6616 xxxx@xxxxxxx.xxxxx.xx.xx