Mentored by Giles Peterson, the six member Berlin-based DJ collective Jazzanova has created a compelling fusion of musical genres on their 2008 studio album, Of All The Things. Jazzanova has built a strong and loyal following among DJs, musicians, and music fans around the globe. They have leant their talents to a diverse roster of artists including Lenny Kravitz, Common, Azymuth, and Calexico. Jazzanova set out to compose an album that is interconnected, composing each track, recording live vocals and instrumentals, selecting and creating samples from tracks already created for this album. Featured vocalists include Leon Ware, Dwele, Phonte, Paul Randolph, Ben Westbeech, Jose James, and more. Jazzanova is: Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, J rgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Of All the Things:
Of all the things Jazzanova could have done for a sophomore effort in the seven interminable years since their electro-jazz landmark In Between, they've recorded a soul record. How about that. Granted, these six German producers have been cutting their teeth on soul music and its offshoots with a baker's dozen of tasteful mixes, so the direction they've taken on their newest batch of own-productions isn't completely surprising. And yet, Of All the Things doesn't seem at first blush like the whiz-bang... more info
What a "retro" Surprise:
When I heard the first "single" on My Space I wasn't sure what to think. It just seemd it was another group jumping on to the Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Saddiq etc. bandwagon. But Jazzanova really brought it...at least for the first 8 songs or so. They managed to infuse a 60's/70's soul sound with their own unique spin making it not a rehash but something fresh. You get that deep soul feeling with the production, arrangements, and approach that is Jazzanova (w/ a slight nod to Four Hero). Most of the vocalists... more info
Best Soul Recording in a Decade!:
This was my first introduction to Jazzanova and must say I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently, this CD is a stylistic diversion for them, but who cares? In my very humble opinion, this is the best neo-soul recording of the 21st century and upon listening to it, it would be hard to argue that fact. Notice how I said "soul" and not "R&B" or "Urban" or whatever nonsensical name you wish to use. What struck me was the attention paid to actual song writing as opposed to just making beats for someone to... more info
Beyond chillout and electronica. There's Soul!:
Wikipedia: "Jazzanova is a German Berlin-based DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer. Formed in 1995, the group is one of the foremost proponents of the nu-jazz, chillout and jazz house styles of music associated with record labels such as Compost Records and Sonar Kollektiv".
Best known for their more electronic and jazzy dance tracks, Jazzanova make more of a soul album with a full sound... more info
Tracks:
Look What You're Doin' to Me - Jazzanova, Coleman, P.
