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2LP
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AX 122LP
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$31.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 3/14/2025
Jeff Mills' Spiral Deluxe collective unveil their second album. Driven by the free expression and creativity of improvised performance, Spiral Deluxe is an electronic jazz fusion project comprised Jeff, along with legendary keyboardist Gerald Mitchell (Underground Resistance), Japanese rocker Yumiko Ohno (Buffalo Daughter/Cornelius) on Moog synthesizer and the Japanese bassist, adopted New Yorker, Kenji "Jino" Hino - son of Terumasa Hino, the world famous jazz trumpeter. With each musician proficient in their specialism and, of course, an all-out music lover, the communication between the group members became almost telepathic. Very little preparation was needed, and their performances flowed naturally and organically. This can be heard, and felt, throughout The Love Pretender. Tracks like "The Soloist" evolve effortlessly, each new shift subtly influenced by one of the musicians nudging the conversation into a different phase, and the rest responding accordingly, or vice versa. It's music that embodies the true nature of mindfulness and letting go of fear. In their unstructured, liberated cocoon the artists thrive and create musical moments that have, fortunately, been captured for us all to immerse ourselves in. Jazzy notes fill the air, combined with electronic bass, synthesized beats, sparkling keys and an all-round warm and welcoming atmosphere, with the slight edge you can only get from improvised performance. Sylvain Luc's posthumous appearance on the album is of significance too. The French guitarist died in March 2024 at the age of 59. His natural flair adds another dimension to the album, bringing a touch of that laid back 1980s American California Coast feeling to tracks such as "Society's Man." These contributions to the LP, recorded separately, add character -- a final sprinkling of humanity to complement the aliveness and presence of this body of work. Three other musicians also added their creative energy to the project. They were; TOKU, a Japanese jazz musician who specializes in wind instruments, especially the cornet, trumpet and flugel horn. And there's Masa Shimizu, who also has wide-ranging with the guitar, as well as being a producer. Themes on the album include the optimism one can have by simply trusting the process and trusting that everything will work out in the end. By playing together in the way they do, Spiral Deluxe place their trust in the mystery of what will happen next.
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2x12"
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AX 076EP
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As electronic music knows no creative boundaries, Spiral Deluxe is clearly a profound and convincing example of what is possible in the times we live in today. Traditionally, they would be considered a musical quartet. Each of the four members contributing to make a special joint effort -- the meeting of minds from different spectrums of the musical sphere, but if you move in closer to examine how each have modified the way they communicate in order to play with each other. A longtime vision of their drummer/percussionist and Jeff Mills. Before becoming the world renown and groundbreaking DJ, producer, and artist he is recognized for, he was a drummer in his youth, which carried on up until he began DJing in the late 1970s. Since then, he had always carried idea to get back to his musical roots. This longtime dream began to surface a few years ago when Mills was bestowed a "white card" residency at the Museum du Le Louvre in Paris. It was there that he found the opportunity to form a band for one night and it opened the doors to a chance to materialize his dream. Since then, the formation has carefully evolved into one might describe as a "super band" -- a group of highly-skilled musicians, working together to reach a higher level of creativity. For example, although members are using electronic instruments, there is no MIDI syncing connection. Each plays their instrument unattached as if any jazz or rock band would play together. Each having a vast amount of experience in live and studio projects, this release displays their wealth of skill and musical knowledge that comes from jazz, funk, pop, gospel, Detroit techno, and all forms of house music. Spiral Deluxe is: Yumiko Ohno - keyboard; Gerald Mitchell - keyboard; Kenji "Jino" Hino - bass guitar; Jeff Mills - drums and percussion. Voodoo Magic is the result of a two-day recording session at the famous Studio Ferber in Paris. Most tracks on this release were recorded in one-take recordings to "capture the moment". "Let It Go" was composed by Spiral Deluxe and features even more masterful artistry of the likes of veteran vocalist Tanya Michelle, with the mix production of the one-and-only Detroit native producer and DJ Terrence Parker. 180 gram vinyl; Axis Audiophile Series; Color gatefold jacket. A and B side: 33 1/3rpm; C and D side: 45rpm.
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