Customer Reviews

Sound Design 2

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mark Grant was a DJ that I had never heard of before. I purchased this CD because of the fact that it was on the Om Label and I have never been disappointed in anything that they put out. Mark Grant's Sound Design was no exception. The liner notes informed me that Mr. Grant is a Chicago DJ and has been around for several years. Upon the first listening of this CD, it was clear that I had made a wise purchase and it was evident Mr. Grant was no fool behind the turntables. In true Chicago style he makes you want to get on the dancefloor and shake it. It was almost impossible to drive and listen to his music at the same time.
The best thing about his style is that he plays more than one record at a time. It is reminiscent of Danny Tenaglia. He layers different tracks and that is what gives his sound such great energy. On this particular album, Mr. Grant does not stick strictly to house music. Throughout the CD there are elements of jazz,Brazilian,and Latin beats all fused together. This is what makes his sound so interesting and it does not become tiresome halfway through the disc. He is constantly changing up the style and he never lets the energy down.
Sound Design is definitely a terific CD for driving, getting ready to go out, or coming back home from the club with friends and hanging out. Mark Grant doesn't disappoint and neither does the Om Label.

Mark Grant's latest project is "Sound Design Vol. 2" on Om Records (San Francisco). The CD was mixed and compiled by the House Music legend himself. I have had the privilege to get an advance copy of his CD and it's been the only disc in my CD player since the day I got it. As a matter of fact, I'm listening to it now while I write this. It's that good! The CD is packed with beautiful and soulful house that's has been hand picked by Mark Grant. It includes attractive vocals, both mesmerizing and flirtatious, and Latin rhythms, that will invite thoughts of a cool summer day. His musical selections, and his blends (on 3 turntables!), are what make this CD an essential piece to the collection of any House Music fan. "Sound Design Vol. 2" can be compared to Mark Grant's unique live sets. It will make your body and your soul be in motion without any alternative. His sentiments are conveyed on this mix and make for a funky, soulful, joyous, sexy and spiritual trip. It positively gives you that feeling with the purpose of elevating you to that higher plateau. I recommend that you stretch before listening to this CD because it's going to wear you out. Chicago is very fortunate to be the founding city of House Music and is very fortunate to have Mark Grant as well. House Music is part of Chicago and musical history and Mr. Grant has made his mark.

first off,i'll buy anything on om records,they are an innovative,ridiculously quality label.they are definitely making house one of their strong suits.mark grant typifies the true chicago sound,funky bass lines,lush sometimes gospel vocals,and an almost indescribable thump to all the tracks.volume one in this series is marques wyatt,who i see spin every week,but i'm trying to be objective here.it's just that wyatt's cd is funky deep house at it's best so i was impressed when grant came as hard as he did. the inland knights track,"feel this way" is tougher than nails,while the jazzy synth of mtrax cut "trip chick" makes you want to boogie no matter where you're listening to it.other stand out's are the truby trio,jerome sydenham and kerri chandler,eddie amador and mood 2 swing.i can only pray that this series stays this crazy funky.word em up.

I can't help it--- I just am in love with Mark Grant. He makes the ultimate party cds! He alway throws in his little catch phrase "I'm Just Tryin To Get Paid!" and the way this man produces tracks---I believe it! He has done the deep house nation justice! He starts off with the happy "What I Say" and keeps the CD at a nice progressive pace-- til around track nine where Kerri Chandler's "Deconstructed House" comes in. The pace is fun and housy then at about track 13---the light shines. You know the light- when you're out on the dancefloor dancing to a pumpin house set for hours. That Light! And then a soulful voice--- What track am I listening to? Who is this? This voice..."Starlite!" Yes! Yes! Yes! This is it--- the Mark Grant CD has reached it's peak! Woah! Can this CD get any better? Mark Grant keeps this incredible vibe going with "Dia Mas" and "Tree of Life". MAWs "Round and Round" only signifies one thing --- Replay!

Like most Chicago natives who are DJs, Mark Grant obviously knows how to keep things lively on a house mix CD. That shows on his album, "Sound Design." He doesn't seem to get much attention as Little Louie Vega, Roger Sanchez or Deep Dish, but this could be the very record to place him in the spotlight. This CD clocks in at over 70 minutes and offers the right balance of quality and quantity. Grant delivers smoothed-out house grooves that are lively yet soulful, often adding a dash of Latin influences for variety. In my school of dance music, "Sound Design" gets a grade of B+.

This cd is reflective of his sets at Chicago's Red Dog club where he holds a residency. Totally smooth blends and nice selection. Favorite tracks: Track 1, Track 2, Track 3, Track 4, Track 11, Track 12, Track 14, and Track 15. I know that seems like nearly the entire album, but that's a credit to Mark Grant and his ability to keep things phat. This CD is a keeper!

This mix is interesting for the first 30 minutes, then it falls victim to the whole trend of live-sounding house, not saying that it's a bad thing, but it sounded too forced for Mr. Grant, it didn't really fit along with the rest, but all and all the mixing was good, the tracks were nice, worth the money!

He's better live, but who of the greats isn't, right? Kinda relaxed for Mr. Grant. The times I've seen him, I've found him to start jumpin and end jumpin, but he seems to chill a bit on this mix. Granted, (no pun intended) it has it's share of up but it is better suited to a daytime listen than a five a.m. stomper.

I really like the track selection on this. Nice percussion laden tracks mixed with a nice chunk of latin moodiness. I particularly like the inland knights track with the accapella tossed rather brilliantly on top.

All in all a great cd. Thank you Mark Grant.

I ordered this CD just from only hearing a couple of tracks, but this CD is Jammin from Start to Finish. It makes you want to be in that club atmosphere. I frequent the Chicago Club Scene , and this is definitly an excellent house music representation....A satisfied buyer. Buy it now!!!

This album is absolutely incredible. I have been purchasing many house mixes lately, and this one has a certain feeling and sound that others are lacking. Mark Grant takes you on a little journey that I think many people will enjoy. The music he presents is funky, deep, soulful, spiritual, and sometimes even eerie. Throughout the CD Mark changes the mood, forcing the listener to anxiously wait what will be played next. This CD has got flava', which is what some of these house mixes are missing. He is not just playing songs, he is creating a journey, a mood, and a sound that to me is the beat to life. If songs #8 and #9 can't move your body or soul, then I don't know what house music can. Keep on doing your thing Mark Grant because it sure sounds damn good!