Customer Reviews

Progression Sessions, America LIVE 2001

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

 

 

With Progression Sessions Vol. 6, LTJ Bukem once again steps up, delivering precision beats and basslines enveloped in swirling atmospherics. The combination, when done right, can be a potent one; however, the question remains...haven`t we heard it before?
Let me say that I am a huge fan of Good Looking, Looking Good, 720 Degrees, Nexus, etc. The music manages to be both energizing and relaxing, a sublime contrast. Even through the countless titles released over the years, the music can still sound fresh, with newer producers such as Makoto and J-Laze exploring new dimensions of sound and incorporating new influences.
The music contained within Vol. 6 is no different- from deep to funky and usually a combination of both, it remains consistent with and even further solidifies GLR`s reputation. The quality of tracks is not the issue that I personally have with this release. I just feel a bit cheated.
For starters, there is not a great spectrum of artists represented. Therefore, the set contains diversity tempered by similar sounding tracks. For example, Makoto always keeps things jazzy and Nookie always keeps things a little on the harder side; there is precious little space in between. The main issue I have, though, is the fact that certain track on Vol. 6 have been realeased previously, on the lackluster Logical Progression Vol. 4. I know that Vol. 6 is a live set, and as such Bukem will blend material both old and new, but to pay 2,400 yen to listen to tracks I already have on a previous release seems a little, well, cheap.
Aside from this caveat, however, Conrad sounds nice (even if he does use recycled rhymes; `can I get a vote from the good vibe commitee` being a contender for the most overused, lamest sounding line this side of `bout it, bout it`). Bukem is, as ever, the consummate DJ, blending the tracks perfectly and releasing the music`s energy while still allowing it space to breathe.
In conclusion, I would have given this collection 5 stars, if not for the issues mentioned above. These are, I feel, relevant, especially to the avid fan of Bukem etc; however, this does not mean that I will stop buying new GLR material on sight. Just a suggestion for Bukem and crew, however...perhaps placing the tracklisting of the album on the outside of the case would allow us, the consumers, to have an idea of what we`re getting into before we purchase your product.

This album captures the new sound of LTJ, the beats are funky to start and seamlessly work up to a classic cerebral-driving sound that we have come to love from our friends at good looking. I like how they have captured the more up-tempo sound of what they actually play live on this album, it really shows the dynamic of a live Bukem & Conrad performance of which I have been to many. Then there is the instrumental which is basically the same thing set up in the studio without conrad. It goes to show you how bukem is a machine, he sounds the same in the studio or live, even after a few spliffs. Conrad's flow is less rapping and more chanting, a distinction that is lost on most people who review these albums. The chant is a totally different type of vocalism, and it has more to do with precussion along with the beat than it does with lyrics, but since Conrad is so skilled lyrically, it adds a whole mind-blowing dynamic to the dance experience. I guess you have to come at it from the drum and bass roots rather than the hip-hop to fully appreciate it.

I first heard the "sound of the LTJ Bukem" back in November '99. The first track on Earth Volume 1 oozed out of my brother's righteous stereo system, and I was smitten by the sound. Smooth jazz combined with hip-hop scratching and samples poured over an infectious groove. I rushed out immediately get whatever I could.. (the good people at Beatnonstop.com had all three Earth Volumes, and I snatched them up; along with K&D's just released DJ Kicks).

Not too long after, I was in Germany, and saw in a magazine that LTJ was performing at one of the clubs in the area. "Progression Sessions" was at Connexion, and so I got tickets. Well, I was extremely surprised to find the music vastly different from that of Earth series. But I was diggin' it even more! Since then, I've seen him all over Germany, in DC, in LA, and in Denver. Words can't describe how much I enjoy the sound and show -- to which Conrad, and DRS add immeasurably. If you can't make a show, or can't hang with the E-tard crowd, then grab this live CD and see what you're missing.

High energy Drum-n-Bass with soft ambient layers that highlight the beauty of this music: you can either chill out or dance, and the mood is the same.. gooooood. So Gooood! Thanks, Good Looking!

Scot

ps. If you don't have Earth 5 yet, check it out.. a new Hip-hop edge finds its way into this series. Nice work, man.

It was a great set. Nice atmospheric intelligent drum and bass. Either way, you can't really can't go wrong with a mixed Bukem CD, although my more serious junglist friends prefer Nookie from Good Looking or Tech Itch and Decoder. For those who have yet to figure out what you'd like as far as drum and bass goes, pick up his Live! for Mixmag album. That CD remained in my car stereo for about a month before I threw the DJ Krush code 4109 back in.

This album is recommended. LTJ Bukem has been out since a long time continuing to produce one of the best DNB albums and compilations out there.

This is a great live album. Both LTJ and MC Conrad blend music and vocals seamlessly. As usual, the energy is high without being distracting. The mixes are smooth and well balanced. If you just want to listen to the music, play the other CD and worry no more. I think MC Conrad adds a certain dash and smartness to the mix but it's nice to have choices. Like my daddy said "The secret to life is having options."

Ltj Bukem and MC Conrad... 2 of the main figureheads behind Good Looking Records and the originators of the atmospheric (intelligent) drum n' bass sound. Recorded Live in Boston, MA, this past Spring. 74+ minutes of incredible *live* drum n' bass. Ltj Bukem flawlessly weaves through the incredible titles he and label mates Makoto, Nookie, Conrad, and Rantoul for an exciting dose into the atmospherics. Conrad does a solid job behind the mic with classic GLR rhyming. I would love to have seen this show. It is the first of the Progression Sessions to be recorded all the way live versus having studio overdubs of the vocal work. Surprisingly, Conrad pulls it all solidly together minus the dual rhyming of MC partner DRS.

Bukem creates more tunrtable wizardry than any of the previous PS albums in the series... The work is a testament of the GLR sound that spans the globe. Bukem and Conrad stay true to the atmospheric drum n' bass style that has set them apart from the pack. When you think the series could not get any better... they prove us wrong again... Amazing.

Once again LTJ Bukem and his cats from Good Looking have released another gem. Upbeat, jazzy, chill, all together a musical masterpiece. Bukem transcends musical boundaries through the harmonic and ultimately pleasing integration of jazz, drum n' bass and hip-hop. MC Conrad's tight melodic flow over the insane beats are icing on the cake- buttercream! Liquid beauty, and tangible soul, if you haven't experienced Progression Sessions yet then you're missing out! A must for anyone who appreciates musical genius.

I liked LTJ's music alot but MC Conrad's "rapping" got to be a bit annoying after a while. Fortuneatly, Conrad's routine does'nt overshadow the great sounding music.

I was most thrilled to learn that LTJ had released yet another Progressions album - but imagine my dissapointment when I discovered that Amazon decided not to give any samples from the album...Damn... So I'm not sure it's worth waiting 4 to 6 weeks for delivery if I can't even get a preview. Okay, enough bitching. I saw this cat (along with DJ Conrad) in San Francisco last year and it was absolutely rock-solid. So other than the fact that I have no idea what this album sounds like, it's probably pretty good.