Beat under control - a new project led by the Swedish bassplayer Ulf "Rockis"
Ivarsson introduces a unique mix of dub, jazz, funk, electronica,
roots, rock and global beats.
On the album "The Introduction" Ulf Ivarsson (who has previously
toured and recorded with artists such as Thomas Dileva, Sky High and
Hedningarna) teams up with Goran Kajfes on trumpet, celloplayer Raymond
King, guitarist George Nakas and Per Wiberg on keyboards. These are
some of the most interesting players on the contemporary Swedish music
scene.
The opening track "Blue Lights" shows some of the many varied
influences that forms the basis of "Beat under control". Goran Kajfes
plays the majestic theme and improvise together with Per Wiberg over
Ulf Ivarssons basslines, that leads us through a musical landscape
which incorporates sounds and beats associated with both Miles Davis (Bitches
Brew era) and eastern music.
Kajfes appears again on the next track "Sacred" a pulsating piece of
ambient electronica. The track also features Raymond Kings electrically
fuelled cello harmonies.
"This is beat under control" - the third track is built around a hard
driving beat in the Roni Size school of drum-n-bass. The melody that
leaps with the first basstheme is played on a Augustus Pablo-inspired
melody and shows Ulf Ivarssons influences from reggae music.
The next title "Direction Dub" goes more in the dub direction. The
production of this modern dub track feature a melodic sound and Raymond
King playing atmospheric cello parts over the almost minimalist beat
anchored by heavy bass. George Nakas adds colour with his whammy bar
guitar playing.
Trumpet player Goran Kajfes returns for the fourteen minute long "Speechless
", which mixes modern electronica with both funk (funkadelic meets DJ
Shadow) and early underground electronic music (70's Tangerine Dream).
As with all B.U.C. compositions the music is built around the energic
and imaginative bass playing,in this case strikingly simple repetitive
synth bass lines.
The last track "Saturn Blues" is basically a modern funky blues with a
beat. All musicians featured in this line up of Beat under control
reappear in this final track.
Ulf Ivarsson plays bass on the album "Love and you and I" by Magnatune artist "Lizzi".
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