JAMES MASON レコード& CD

Review: The legendary 'Rhythm of Life' by American soul star James Mason returns with a series of remixes on this vinyl-only EP. Fresh interpretations come from DJ Mitsu the Beats, Dego and Yukari BB who all do their thing to cuts from sometime Roy Ayers Ubiquity man Mason's 1977 solo album. Dego's jazzy remix of 'Free' and Yukari BB's synth-heavy take on 'Good Thing' are standouts and DJ Mitsu the Beats adds percussive warmth to both 'Free' and 'Mbewe' by infusing the originals with mellow funk and hip-hop grooves. This one packs a super hot jazz-funk punch for the more open-minded dancefloors

Review: This iconic debut album from James Mason is reissued here, and any self-respecting fan of jazz, funk or soul in any of their forms should consider picking up a copy if they haven't already. Not to be confused with actor, a one-time member of Roy Ayers' Ubiquity band, Mason's output is a testament to quality over quantity i he didn't release much, but everything that did see the light of day is worth its weight in gold. Bursting with intention, consciousness and masterful musicality, Rhythm of Life is nothing short of a tour de force. From the searing vocals, psychedelic synths and propulsive rhythm section of floor-fillers like 'Sweet Power, Your Embrace' and 'Free', to the heartfelt messaging of 'Good Thing' and the feel-good charm of 'Slick City', the album never misses a beat i and still sounds as fresh today as it did on its original release in 1977.

Review: James Mason's 'Rhythm of Life' - one of the long overlooked but now celebrated musician's most popular cuts - has never appeared on a seven-inch single before, in part because its' six-minute length made it more suitable for 12" singles and LPs (it first appeared as the title track of Mason's 1977 debut album). Dynamite Cuts have decided to address this by preparing their own (fully licensed) seven-inch edit, which successfully chops down the high-octane, spiritually inspired jazz-funk gem without losing any of its energy or soul. This time round it comes backed by another classic cut from the Rhythm of Life LP, the more laidback, spacey synth solo-sporting jazz-funk warmth of 'Good Thing'.