Customer Reviews

In the Moment

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"In the Moment" is the solid album from Chicao-born/San Francisco-based DJ Kaskade (born Ryan Raddon). It manages to be diverse without being too eclectic, giving the listener an appealing mix of laid back house and nu soul. My first exposure to the work of Kaskade was a track of his featured on one of the Hed Kandi compilations: "Safe." I took a mental note to look out for this guy if I came across one of his full-length CDs, so when I found "In the Moment" in the dance section of a record shop, I knew I had to get it. I'm glad I did. Breezy, effortless house excursions like "I Like the Way" and "Move" are complimented by mid-tempo jams like "Honesty" (a jazzy number that sounds like the distant cousin of an Incognito song) and "Strum." "In the Moment" is a worthwhile listen thanks to its diverse range of grooves that will likely be welcomed by mature dance listeners who are familiar with the Naked Music, Hed Kandi, and Bargrooves collections.

Kaskade's sun-drenched sounds left grooves in my skin. The album is a buoyant journey, it gave me a hypnotic head-rush of a swing ("I Like the Way"), took me on a gondola ride ("Honesty"), lifted me through the serene wailing of calm storms approaching ("Maybe"), dipped me into a phantom mel(l)o(w)drama ("Soundtrack to the Soul"), uplifted me out from a nostalgic musicbox, and finished me off with a soothing bossa-nova balm ("Strum"), wearing topgun shades, under a palm tree ("Yeah Right") tickling with energy ("Move") and sucking a bittersweet ginger candy ("Let You Go").

I absolutely love Kaskade (Ryan Raddon). He just never disappoints and this album is no exception. This is the perfect mix of uptempo, moderately throbbing house beats mixed with hazy, lazy gorgeous downtempo selections. In fact, that is pretty much how the entire CD breaks out, one uptempo for one downtempo track alternating throughout.

The album starts out strong with "Steppin Out", an amazing house track that should get even the most jaded clubber moving in time. Track 2 brings the energy down gently, with an intoxicating female vocal drifting, floating above a sensual soundscape below. "I Like the Way" kicks the beat back in with a hypnotic vocal performance by fellow OM artist Collette. The next track, "Honestly", takes a minute or so to really get going, but it's worth the wait for Amy Michelle's beautiful vocals, which are also featured on the equally impressive downtempo track "Strum". "Sweet Love" and "Everything" feature the vocals of Joslyn, who brings it to both of these slinky ass shakers.

If "Everything" is what happens when Ryan Raddon and Andy Caldwell get together, then they need to spend a lot more time together. Both of them are excellent on their own, but "Everything" renews my faith in the power of collaboration.

The rest of the songs on this album are just as fabulous. If you are even a casual fan of West Coast house, then this one is for you, along with any other Kaskade album. Pick this one up, throw it in the CD player, sit back and prepare for sweet release.

I first heard "Stepping Out" on Energy 98.1 and wanted to hear more from Kaskade. This San Francisco based artist is extremely talented. The album "In The Moment" features several guest vocalists. Plus, the different beats throughout keep the album innovative. My personal favorites are "Steppin Out" and "Move". I think Bret Garner's vocals are fantastic on "Stepping Out". I buy a lot of dance music each year and this is one of the best for 2004. I highly recommend this album.

I had the awesome privilege of getting to meet Ryan Raddon, AKA Kaskade--DJ/producer extraordinaire--at the Virgin Megastore in Salt Lake City, where he was spinning some original vinyl, signing autographed copies of his new album "In the Moment." (With an unassuming demeanor, Ryan's a pretty nice guy who happens to have Utah connections. Having pioneered the dynamic house scene in the state--and an ingrained player in the electronic-underground--he continues to produce quality material.) Upon listening to this fabulous CD, I was taken aback by the subtle complexities of the sonic architecture: Along with the stunning vocals and the organically soothing instrumentation, and the impeccable sound-layering techniques employed by Ryan, et al, it's a great album to play at clubs and at parties. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes the sultry beats and stylistic overtones of Kaskade.

This one blew me away. If you haven't heard of Kaskade, you will. An unbelievable artist album with gorgeous, sweeping tracks that will get you moving on the dance floor. I can already tell this is the album that I will remember when I think of summer 2004. The track Steppin' Out is an instant classic.

DJ/Producer Kascade has become one of my faves over night, impressive moreso at times than Miguel Migs, Aquanote or Blue Six. His grooves are original, soulful and organic with just the right vocals to accentuate them--neither does Kascade give you the same "four to the floor" beat on every song. The man does know how to change it up a bit. The opening "Steppin' Out" reminds you of a Basement Jaxx track, but without a doubt it still has Kascade's signature all over it. But song highlights on "In the Moment" have to be the thumpin' "I Like the Way" and "Sweet Love," the sultry "Strum" and "Soundtrack to the Soul" and the 80s-influenced "One Love" and "Everything". Of course, every song on here is a stand out track. You'll just have to check this man out and see for yourself!

This was my first Kaskade CD and while I enjoy his progressions into more accesible club material one thing that has remained constant is Ryan's great taste in singers. On his collaboration with Andy Caldwell "Everything" the singer Joslyn is absolutely intoxicating. When she sings or rather, purrs "Come on baby..." it is an invitation that's hard to turn down and yet...

I keep thinking to myself "wow she reminds me of Lisa Stansfield!" Which inspired me to go back and listen to Affection and Real Love. I ask fans of one or both of these acts:

Would that not be a great collab for both artists right now? Your thoughts please...

Kaskade's second album, IN THE MOMENT, comes quickly on the heels of his first, IT'S YOU, IT'S ME. At times, however, it comes off as an album of B-sides that didn't quite make it. Overall, it lacks the over-arching vision that made IT'S YOU, IT'S ME hold together. "Steppin' Out" starts off with some guitar and slightly angst-ridden vocals that hint at crossover appeal, while "Maybe" and "Honesty" are both somewhat unremarkable downtempo, despite judicious use of strings in both tracks. On the bright side, however, "I Like the Way" and "Sweet Love" harken back to their earlier album's club-friendliness, while "Strum," with its broken beat, is a more credible downtempo contender. "One You," "Soundtrack to the Soul," and "Yeah Right" try for sexy, but end up sounding pale. His collaboration with Andy Caldwell, "Everything," and "Move" infuse some tech-soul into the proceedings. "Let You Go," a dreamy, deep house track, ends the album on a high and melodic note -- which only makes you wonder why the other tracks couldn't reach the same heights.

Steppin' Out, Maybe, One You, Everything, Sweet Love
fantastic album indeed, it's got it going on for the most part!