Bluetech Rises From the Ashes

After a 3 year hiatus to pursue other musical avenues, that many thought meant the death of Bluetech, California producer Evan Bartholomew is back with the new, eagerly awaited, Bluetech release Phoenix Rising. This mini-album is a prequel to the full-length Divine Invasion release expected out in early 2009.

The aptly entitled, Phoenix Rising shares many the signature elements of older Bluetech releases in terms of the glitch, dub and jazz influences, yet there is also something distinctly new and different about this release. The sound is less intricately layered and relies more on driving rhythms, yet it is no less profound. Bluetech’s use of strong, dark synthetic sounds coupled with warm, lighter accoustic treatments suggest a sonic exploration of the dark and light themes of death and rebirth inherent in the Phoenix myth.This is a strong offering and stacks up well against older Bluetech. There is no filler here. The album holds together well thematically, yet each track has a distinct, unique character, largely because of the different acoustic elements incorporated.

My Dear Friend Kronos, with its progressive bassline, and Kingdom of the Blind, with its classically influenced brass riff, are particularly notable tracks. Other worthy contributions include What The Night Reveals for its spellbinding flute and Invocation for it’s piano treatments.

Phoenix Rising masterfully balances melancholic and uplifting themes to create a fantastic piece of continuous listening enjoyment. I can’t wait for Divine Invasion.

Major Playlist Update

We just completed a major update of the SR playlist. Check out new music from Thievery Corporation, Cling and to many others to mention. Also featuring tracks from the latest Hotel Costes and Cafe del Mar compilations. Cheers!

New Release from Jeff Woodall

Free Diving - A voyage to innerspace

Jeff Woodall has just released his new album entitled 'FREE DIVING' - A voyage to innerspace. The album is a tribute to the discipline and endurance of free diving and was inspired by the film 'The Big Blue'

Jeff has also just released a brand new 'bonus track' called 'Erosion' which was written after the album was completed.

If you aren't familiar with Jeff Woodall, he is a prolific downtempo producer from the UK and a favourite at SoundRadius. Free Diving is Jeff's 8th album since 2002.

The bonus track and tracks from the new album are in rotation at SoundRadius http://www.live365.com/stations/caesar2001 or can be previewed on Jeff's MySpace http://www.myspace.com/jeffwoodallmusic.

You can purchase Free Diving here: http://www.tunetribe.com/Artist?artist_id=2173. The album will be available on CDbaby shortly at: http://cdbaby.com/all/jeffwoodall. It will also be available on iTunes from December at: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=262401658.

Music For Stylistic Delinquents

http://www.live365.com/stations/caesar2001

Sound Radius Hitting New Heights

Soaring Like a Canadian Loonie

Sound Radius has been getting a lot of attention lately. Over 2000 people have SR listed as one of their favourite Live365 stations. 20 have SR as their overall fav. On November 2nd, we hit an all time high of over just over 1800 user hours in 30 days. We've settled in comfortably in at the mid 1700s. That's up over 700 hours from a month ago.

So thanks to everyone (listeners, artists and labels) for contributing to SR's success.

We continue to update the playlist to ensure a balance of the best downtempo from both independent and label artists. And more album reviews are on the way! We've also got new gear, so look forward to new station IDs in the near future.

Thanks again! Keep tuning in!


Music for Stylistic Delinquents
http://www.live365.com/stations/caesar2001

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Luminous Sunsets From Ibiza

New Release "Equilibrium" in Classic Balearic Style

Equilibrium is the new release from Luminous (aka Gary Butcher). Living in Ibiza, Spain (producing numerous tracks for the famed Cafe del Mar) Luminous is intimately in tune with the Balearic downtempo style that has emerged there as DJ's try to create moods that capture the Ibiza sunset.

In Equilibrium, Luminous meanders through two distinct elements that give sunsets in Ibiza their unique feel. That is the lazy abandonment that comes from a day in the sun coupled with a deep-rooted, passion and pulsing energy (anticipating Ibiza's hot nights).

The landscape Equilibrium paints is created by mid-tempo, groove-oriented electronic beats swathed in atmospheric patches accompanied by clean, tasteful guitar and flute highlights. While in tune with the Balearic tradition, the tracks on Equilibrium aren't just standard fare. For example, they don't rely exclusively on sample loops. The moods are crafted by live performances and are structured as complete songs, rather than the typical "build on variations of a theme" approach. The vocal performances are fantastic, thanks to contributions from Julie Harrington (of Pink Floyd fame) and Gary Butcher himself.

The single "Love Rain Down" is featured on the new Cafe del Mar 14. "Love Rain Down" and tracks such as "The One I'm Thinking of" and "Life is Beautiful" (my personal fav) can also be heard on SoundRadius. You can visit Luminous at http://www.myspace.com/luminousmusic or purchase Equilibrium on itunes.

New from Worldwide Groove Corporation

Chillodesiac Lounge Vol 1: Fever

So the best downtempo for April 2007 comes from ... wait for it ... Nashville! Is that wacked or what? I've spent time in Nashville. And I love it. But when I think of the Nashville music scene, chillout is not what comes to mind.

But that is exactly what Ellen Tift and Kurt Goebel [aka: Worldwide Groove Corporation] offer on their first independent musical endeavor, Chillodesiac Lounge Vol. 1: Fever. Some might say they are misplaced in the Music City, but this music production team has recently emerged as one of the main attractions for downtempo in town. Both members have hired out their skills at music production, programming, and arranging to others in the industry for years, but they have finally taken initiative to do something for themselves.

It may be the first date for Worldwide Groove Corporation, but I think they might get some. Chillodesiac Lounge Vol. 1: Fever is a very sensual and swank chillout project featuring ageless jazz standards completely reinvented. Who's bringing sexy back? Watch out JT. You have competition!

On Fever, soft, smooth, sultry vocals combine with layered drum grooves, ambient textures, and electronica flavors to produce a wonderfully sensual experience that will nicely compliment any Martini or intimate encounter.

The album basks in the strength of standards like "Tangerine”,“The Man I Love”, “My Funny Valentine”, and of course the title track "Fever." But it's all new takes on the old themes. The vocals have been re-recorded and re-interpreted and feature the likes of Melinda Doolittle [American Idol], Jennifer Paige [“Crush” - uncredited due to contractual restraints], and Fleming McWilliams of Fleming & John [formerly on Capital Records].

Everything combines to make Chillodesiac Lounge Vol 1: Fever easily approachable and enjoyable the first time you listen to it, but what really makes this project hot is that it doesn't get boring upon repeated exposure. The production is smart, sophisticated and subtle. Every time I listen, I hear something new.

Worldwide Groove Corporation will be playing on SoundRadius and my MP3 player for a long time. It should be on yours too. Check out Fever here: www.chillodesiaclounge.com