Customer Reviews

Programmed

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...and believe me, I've purchased a good amount of music so far. But out of what I've purchased since Jan. 1st, this is the album that has received the most play. Carl Craig is truly a world unto himself; only an artist of his caliber and his sense of ambience and rhythm could pull off a project.

And it's the music that speaks for itself. There isn't a weak moment in the bunch. "Blakula", as others have mentioned, is the unequivocal masterpiece, as sonic synths give way to violins and a smooth bassline. Also of note are two distinctive covers: "People Make The World Go Round", the Stylistics classic, redone with a masterfully arranged string section and great guitar and vox by Paul Randolph, and "Bug In The Bass Bin", a remake of Craig's 1992 classic tune that has since become a staple of breakbeat music. Here, acoustic instrumentation gives the song a whole new dimension.

Much respect to his co-contributors, esp. former Sun Ra percussionist Francisco Mora, keyboardist Craig Taborn, bassist/vocalist Paul Randolph, and Plastikman (who assists on the chilling, Blade Runner-influenced "Architecture".)

I don't think any else needs to be said. This is a brilliant album that, unfortunately, won't make much noise in a stagnant music scene dominated by bubblegum drivel. But for those with triple-digit IQs, this album will take you somewhere you haven't been before. Man, it's a helluva trip.

So many records found under the various subgenres of "electronic music" describe themselves as "jazz-based" or "jazzy." Put most of them on, and your speakers will reveal nothing more than a façade of what jazz truly is--the music is more often simply a nice background for eating dinner or making love. How refreshing when one artist comes out with a fusion that simply blows your mind and shatters all expectations!

Carl Craig's Innerzone Orchestra project did just that with this 1999 release. I found "Programmed" to be quite accessible, yet rewarding as well. Craig is obviously fascinated with the rhythmic possibilities afforded by jazz, and uses them to full measure. This is not your 4/4 Dave Clarke or Laurent Garnier techno madness! "Programmed" relates to Jazz in the cohesive sense (the way live drumming, programming, etc. work together) rather than improvisation over modes or chord progressions.

Highlights for me included furious percussive workout and erie synths of "Manufactured Memories," the sci-fi funk of "Monsters," and the aural construction of "Architecture," a collaboration with Richie Hawtin (Plastikman). And how can you not mention "Bug In the Bassbin," which wraps things up stunningly. "Programmed" is an amazing and infinitely rewarding effort from Carl Craig.

if miles, sun ra, john coltrane and charlie mingus were all alive....they would have begged to have been on this album. records like these happen once a decade that mark the progression of jazz and its future. not only does carl craig carry the torch, but adds his own special kerosene to make it burn brighter than it has in decades.

Every week,you read/heard/see about a band/artist which just have done an album which is supposed to be a re-interpretation or mix of the different black style of music (jazz, funk, etc...) I am no authority for those genres but there is only one disc on which i agree with the official reviewer: innerzone "programmed" Altough it is a concept album (explore every music style from Black culture through techno) you never feel like listening to a "Barnum disc" or some kind of compilation.It is in fact a very coherent album filled with excellent titles. A very good CD, however it is not a match for Carl Craig precedent masterpiece (more songs about...)

Craig attempts a concept album but the concept washes out about 2/3 of the way through. However, the first half (plus "People Make the World Go 'Round") is brilliant, especially "The Beginning of the End" and "Blakula", for different reasons - the former features an MC reacting, in something approaching an American version of the Jamaican toasting style, to the happenings in the studio and therefore heightening the tension, and the latter patiently allows the violist to expound. The second half of the disc is less remarkable as a whole due to the similarity of the tracks, and due to Craig's annoying ability to smooth over every bit of roughness in the performances.

A welcome change from the percussion- and loop-based music usually associated with Detroit techno, this new album from the ever-prolific Detroit techno maestro Carl Craig stands out with its incredible warmth, melody, variety and sense of direction.

The album welcomes (with some trepidation) the dawn of the new millenium, but it also reflects ponderously on the fears and tribulations of everyday life. It has its scary moments, as well as light ones, but a sense of hope prevails. By imbuing the album with touches of jazz and soul, Carl Craig reinforces that music, even music of the future, needs the human touch much more than technology.

'Programmed' Is Truly Timeless Stuff!

This album is a superb blend of the organic and inorganic, intellectually hard, yet not too abrasive on the ears... I've had it for a couple of months now, but every time I hear it, it still blows me away.

I cannot stress how good it is. If you're into techno, breakbeats, jazz or whatever, check this out 'cos this IS the state of the art.

Oh yeah, and don't believe the bad reviews it got in the dance press; stuff like this just doesn't fit into the limited categories many journalists use to file their music and opinions.

this is one of the best new CDs I've had the privelage of discovering this year. aside from techno, detroit is home to some of the world most talanted jazz players. and this cd shows what can happen when the two scenes come together. many euro acts try to emulate american jazz techno and soul styles. but this cd is the real deal.

p.s.i hope innerzone brings more soul bebop and hip hop vocalists along next time.

Cinematic in scope, this laid-back, legs-sprawled out-on-pillows techno-jazz hybrid is the perfect accompaniment for that long nighttime drive around your favorite Dark City. The music here expands musical boundaries and opens your crainial passages. BLAKULA is brilliant! His awesome re-take of PEOPLE MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND reminds me of the days I used to walk endlessly around New York City. Mellow, meaty, beaty and opinionated stuff from the mind of one of the few musical (dare I say) geniuses out there (both ON and OFF the dancefloor), Carl Craig. P.S. Be sure to read the liner notes!!

Saw the case on display in a large Japanese HMV, and love the Detroit sound, so checked it out. First time I`ve ever listened a whole album in a store. Different to many a sound your ever likely to hear, and BLAKULA has become my essential tune. Buy it. Nick, from London