gary gritness

Jacob Mafuleni & Gary Gritness – Atuka Mondhoro 808 [NNR004]

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The new 12’’ release from Nyami Nyami records teams up mbira maestro Jacob Mafuleni from Zimbabwe and electro-funk producer Gary Gritness from Franc. Jacob Mafuleni was Chiwoniso’s sideman on vocals and mbira on the label’s acclaimed first release ‘Zvichapera’. He recorded two new tracks in Harare with his wife Martha Thom on vocals and the traditional percussion ocho. Gary Gritness added 808 rhythms and sounds keeping the natural flow of the songs without cutting or sampling the original music. He intuitively produced the talent of Jacob’s mbira ceremonies rhythmic patterns on his TR 808 drum machine. This natural and respectful collaboration resulted in two already classic ‘afro techno’ tracks Atuka Mondhoro 808 and Chiconi 808.

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Jacob Mafuleni & Gary Gritness – Atuka Mondhoro 808 [NNR004]

Gary Gritness – The Sugar Cane Chronicles [HYPE051]

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Gary Gritness AKA Slikk Tim lands on Hypercolour with The Sugar Cane Chronicles Vol. 1. He displays a deft hand of producing futuristic funk sounds. A spot on blend of raw drum programming and blissfull jazz funk riffs, “Preachin Some Tight Game” sets the EP’s tone just right with its infectious melodies and cruising groove. Darker 1980’s soundtrack vibes are explored on “Stayin’ Strong Hand’ with its thick analogue atmosphere, whilst the laid back and freestyle vibes of Working Girls’ demands to be played in the Cadillac with the top down. EP closer, “Fly Shit”, continues with the tranquil melodies and G-Funk factor.

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Gary Gritness – The Sugar Cane Chronicles [HYPE051]

DopeGems – Journey To The Shore [TRA023]

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Created in 2011 by drummer and arranger Slikk Tim, DopeGems is a five piece band dedicated to that gritty, raw instrumental sound of the 70s music lovers. That special blend of jazz, funk, and classic soundtracks, but so rarely performed live: there comes the idea of DopeGems. By combining vibraphone, guitar and vintage keys on top of a rock-solid rythm section, the band is able to sound bigger than the sum of it parts, enabling the unit to be very versatile, from searing improvisations to heavy, deep grooves, all the way to full-on symphonic movie charts. “Journey To The Shore” is paired with an equally inspired rendition of “Quasar”, originally recorded on Herbie Hancock’s The Crossing but rather taking its cues from the 1977 version by Bennie Maupin, featuring its sophisticated arrangement by Onaje Allen Grubs. DopeGems manages to squeeze out a darkly shimmering diamond of tune from this sacred rare groove nugget, while respecting all the details of the symphonic original with only 5 musicians.

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DopeGems – Journey To The Shore [TRA023]