all that i see

Trying to make my way to see Kerri Chandler this evening at Mighty, and as a result, have been revisiting some of my favorite KC and KC-related tracks from his recent output. So, without further ado, here's a little run-down with some tracks for your listening pleasure.

First up is his 2006 soulful collaboration with Monique Bingham, "In the Morning." With his trademark lush synths and crisp hi-hats, Chandler sexes it up in a dialogue with his lover. Bingham provides the female voice in the track, with some nice disembodied sustains. Best part of the track is definitely when KC intones, "I'm so...fucking...into you." Damn, what a sexy piece of house this is!

Kerri Chandler and Monique Bingham- In the Morning (Final Raw Mix)

Next is among his more well-known recent joints, "I Think of You," with its excellent early Nu Groove-influenced bassline, nice organic synths, and some true lovesick vocals. It's really this latter element that makes the track, allowing for a smoothness that recalls Arnold Jarvis, among others. A great track that everyone should be rocking.

Kerri Chandler- I Think of You (I Love More Bass Mix)

 Finally, a Tiger Stripes track featuring Chandler on some seriously soulful vocals, backing up a track with an unavoidably awesome Afrobeat influence that falls somewhere between the two famous members of the Kuti clan. Great organs, some disgustingly tight brass, and polyrhythms abound in "Rain Song." Along with a clear, jazz fusion guitar line, this is one of those tracks that people may hate on, but mostly because they're jealous that they didn't write it. TIP!

Tiger Stripes featuring Kerri Chandler- Rain Song (Main Mix)

Tomorrow, think I'm going to do a quick return to a Marc Kinchen remix, because it is just too sick to not write about.

serene

Today, a 2005 track from one of the best producers of the past few years, Stockholm's Tiger Stripes. The man has worked with Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer and countless others, and his work ranges from Afrobeat-influenced club jams to more moody, soulful house, like the track I'm giving you today.

"Serenity" is most punctuated by some of the cleanest hi-hats I've ever heard-- they ride throughout the track in a truly hypnotic fashion. The kicks are well-padded and deep, a distorted, low bass punch is quite nice. Echoey mid-range synths in a minor key progression make up the main melodic line, only to eventually be joined by soaring strings that rival those of Julien Jabre at his height. Hi-frequency washes are used economically, and a break where the strings showcase their exquisite beauty is, quite honestly, the highlight of the track. At 126 bpm, one could rock this in a club, but for some reason it doesn't seem appropriate-- there's a private, inward feel about the track that makes it most perfect for closing one's eyes and escaping to somewhere else. On Ibadan. Highly recommended.

Tiger Stripes- Serenity

Tomorrow, think I'm going to give you some excellent reader submissions!