Gran Riserva

Dzihan & Kamien

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Six Degrees
• ASIN: B00006K0CX
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,044 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Using the same exotic, sly production style that made 2000's impressively resourceful Freaks & Icons such a hoot, Dzihan & Kamien's Gran Riserva is filled with sensual, unpredictable sounds and the occasional ass-shakin' beat. After a remix record that further explored the Freaks material (the hit-or-miss collection Refreaked), D&K have emerged with an entirely new set that slips and slides all over the map of trip-hop, lounge, house, and jazz. While the sunny, sexy "Basmati" plays around in the surf, other tracks, like "Drophere," live in a quieter, ambient space. In fact, the duo seem to have a hard time bringing their tone back up after breaking out the excellent but mellow vibe of "Where's Johny Sabatino." Happily, the gorgeous blip-pop loops of "Gutenmorgenduft" come along to give the record a sweet coda, though the track cries out for an extended remix. Mixing Kruder & Dorfmeister-like inventiveness with a restrained up vibe, Dzihan & Kamien create deep, thoughtful music that's fun at the same time. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uberfunk!, September 2, 2004

By	Chris (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

You would have to sort through a lot of junk to find a gem like Gran Riserva. It's beyond smooth and is above and beyond the best deep acid, jaz-funk, kitch, downtempo, groove lizard disc I've ever heard. It's difficult to categorize this disc, it slides all over the map but it's so well done that the transitions are seamless and flow beautifully. "Where's Johnny Sabatino" is film noire groove, complete with the sexy and manic voice over. "Airport" takes a one-way ticket to beat heaven, 'Basmati' moves things along nicely and eases you into the goodness to come. 'Drophere' (featuring Ma Dita) take it to ethereal depths with haunting vocals and a fabulously sexy rythm. "Thrill" takes you down memory lane, in this trippy and addictive riff. From the first time I spun this disc, it became a Sunday Afternoon favorite. Friends who hear this will agree, it's a *must* have.

The genre is typically bland and uninspired whereas Gran Riserva tucks itself nicely into your background or can easily rouse the neighbors. dZihan & Kamien blend sophisticated beats with some very provocative themes, all without pretense. The whole disc is multifaceted enough to suit any occasion and can move you or soothe you. I especially love the cover, it's absolutely deadpan - I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it features their respective fathers, musicians in their own right. This disc became an immediate, personal favorite.

The whole disc from start to finish is a very rare treat. Raise the bar and ease into exceptionally well-done and sophisticated lounge. dZihan & Kamien' Gran Riserva won't let you down. Best served chilled, no lizard's collection should be without this.

I'd also recommend Zero 7's "Simple Things".

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, December 20, 2002

A Kid's Review

These guys never seem to amaze me. I bought their first album because it was suggested by the salesman who is a DJ and music afficionado like myself. I asked him, "what is good, chill, and ....," before I could finish he gave me the CD and told me to buy it no questions asked. I haven't looked back since. Now with Gran Riserva, words can't express the feelings and visualizations one gets while listening. Just like the title says. Like an expensive liquor only a chosen few get to truly experience. Where those who don't understand the love put into such a bottle or Album would quickly dismiss it as electronica or someother misnomer. This is art at its best.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Smooth, October 4, 2002

By	N. Fisher (East Coast United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've only listened to the disc twice, and I am
very satisfied. After listening to refreaked,
Dzihan and Kamiens remix cd (remixes of Freaks
and Icons by various artists IE AtJazz, etc.),
I was instantly interested in D&K (ironic). So
when Gran Riserva came out 3 days ago I got it.

It's very smooth and chill, yet fun and energetic.
A nice blend of synthetic production and live
instrumentation make for a rich listen. D&K have
production skills, and it is evident in their
sound and tracks. Quality.

I was worried that the CD would drift into ambiguous
toms and percussion, but the tracks maintained a
solid flow, and nothing really lulled too much. There
is minimal filler, although on first listen the first
1/2 of the disc seems more solid. Percussive beats,
funky basslines and chilled out melody abound. This
is a quality cd.

--Nick--