Fine Line レコード& CD

Review: When it comes to solo albums, sometime Incognito drummer Richard Spaven has an impressive track record. Even so, "Real Time" - his follow-up to last year's "The Self" - is particularly impressive. Spaven's loose limbed, ambidextrous drumming style sits somewhere between jazz, broken beat and drum and bass, and it's this - a fluid, impeccably recorded percussive sound - that acts as the foundation for an album rich in deep, warm and sun-kissed musicality. Many of the best moments are near Balearic in their blissful nature, with Jordan Rakei's guest contributions - mostly impeccably soulful vocals - standing out above the crowd. Highlights include the drowsy hip-hop soul of "Show Me What You Got", the jazz guitar shimmer of "Rescue" and the Rotary Connection style vibes of "Loved One".

Review: Taken from his debut album Whole Other, Richard delivers a two-sided session that covers every aspect of the party... His original is a tightly woven web of breezy pads, delicate drums and velvet vocals while Mala's side takes us deep into the dance with treacle subs, heaving harmonies, lolloping beats and a dramatic, off-beat fill that's straight out of an art house film before morphing into a main bass hook. Every side wins.

Review: As far as contemporary drummers go, Richard Spaven is one of the most sought-after. He is master of progressive and contemporary sounds who has played with all the greats such as Jose James, Gregory Porter, Flying Lotus and The Cinematic Orchestra. He got sit alone here on this new 7" for Fine Line. Opener 'Hoodie Beats' shows off his considerable skills with an airy, floaty grove that is like live and deep drum & bass, then neo-soul vocalists Jordan Rakei joins for the superb 'Nova.'
Barney Artist drops some verses on 'Icarus '88' to bring a real edge and the title track closes in seductive fashion with lingering chords melting your heart.