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Of All the Things | 
 enlarge | Artist: Jazzanova
Label: Verve
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy New: $9.92
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New (40) Used (13) from $7.74
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 2717
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 5.7 x 5 x 0.4
MPN: 001209002
UPC: 602517837317
EAN: 0602517837317
ASIN: B001FBJTYQ
Release Date: October 21, 2008
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Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new Item. CD, DVD, Book, VHS more than 400 000 titles to choose from. ALL days Low Price !
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| Tracks:
| • | Look What You're Doin' to Me - Jazzanova, Coleman, P. | | • | Let Me Show Ya - Jazzanova, Randolph, Paul | | • | I Can See - Jazzanova, Westbeech, Ben | | • | Lie - Jazzanova, Thief | | • | Little Bird - Jazzanova, James, Jose | | • | Rockin' You Eternally - Jazzanova, Ware, Leon | | • | So Far from Home - Jazzanova, Coleman, P. | | • | What Do You Want? - Jazzanova, Tamaira, Dallas | | • | Lucky Girl - Jazzanova, Randolph, Paul | | • | Gafiera - Jazzanova, Martins, Pedro | | • | Morning Scapes - Jazzanova, Philips, Kate | | • | Dial a Cliche - Jazzanova, Morrissey, Steven P |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Album Description
Mentored by Giles Peterson, the six member Berlin-based DJ collective Jazzanova has created a compelling fusion of musical genres on their 2008 studio album, Of All The Things. Jazzanova has built a strong and loyal following among DJs, musicians, and music fans around the globe. They have leant their talents to a diverse roster of artists including Lenny Kravitz, Common, Azymuth, and Calexico. Jazzanova set out to compose an album that is interconnected, composing each track, recording live vocals and instrumentals, selecting and creating samples from tracks already created for this album. Featured vocalists include Leon Ware, Dwele, Phonte, Paul Randolph, Ben Westbeech, Jose James, and more. Jazzanova is: Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jrgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Of All the Things December 5, 2008
Of all the things Jazzanova could have done for a sophomore effort in the seven interminable years since their electro-jazz landmark In Between, they've recorded a soul record. How about that. Granted, these six German producers have been cutting their teeth on soul music and its offshoots with a baker's dozen of tasteful mixes, so the direction they've taken on their newest batch of own-productions isn't completely surprising. And yet, Of All the Things doesn't seem at first blush like the whiz-bang showstopper that people were prepared for. That's because In Between was borderline-perfect, a cosmic trip through some of the classiest electronic jazz ever committed to disc, and likeminded musicians followed in Jazzanova's footsteps as if they were the pied piper. But it's also because--and this is the key distinction between the two records--In Between pointed the way to the future of electronic listening music, while Of All the Things concerns itself almost solely with the past. Jazzanova are, in fact, in love with the past, and as we well know, love can shoot people's attention and commitment up to stratospheric levels. And it's this commitment to both their craft and doing right by their forebears that sneakily makes this record their second resounding success in a row....
Of all the eras in the history of soul music they could have catapulted us into--`60s Motown, early-'80s garage, `70s quiet storm R&B--they've chosen all of them. Jazzanova play kickball with decade-divided genres as though the lines between them simply didn't exist, seamlessly moving from hip-hop to funk to quiet storm to MOR urban jazz, all going back in a direct line to Sam Cooke and the Isley Brothers. If Of All the Things is the `60s, `70s, `80s and `90s rolled into one, the production positively effulges with the vitality of the 21st century. What could have been a dusty old time capsule is instead a celebration of the music that has guided us to where we find ourselves now.
Of all the elements they could have squelched this time around, they've decided to downplay the beatwork. It's a risky move, considering that complex rhythms were their debut's featured attraction, and one listen to the drums on "L.O.V.E. and You & I", "Soon" and "Another New Day" from In Between is enough to cause temporary paralysis. But if Jazzanova had to 86 the maddening beatwork in order to give the more melodic components the floor, so be it. Of All the Things is a rich, bafflingly mellifluous listen, the lines of instrumentation mixed so perfectly that you'll wonder if there's an electronic producer's hall of fame that Jazzanova could be inducted into somewhere. To use "What Do You Want?" as an exemplar, pay attention to how a slippery, Ndegeocello-esque bass underpins the song and tilts it onto a slant, and how the least cheesy violins in the history of nu-jazz provide beautifully conceived accents and counterpoints to singer Joe Dukie's primary melody. There are about 15 different things going on in "What Do You Want?", and every single one of them complements something else and contributes to the success of the final product. So, sorry; there just isn't any room for In Between`s beat bonanza around these parts.
Of all the singers and collaborators they could have chosen to work with, they've selected those who align with the songs based on feel alone, regardless of star power or even artistic merit. No will.i.ams, Kanye Wests or Beyonces; instead, Jazzanova have mined a wealth of diverse, largely underground musicians to bring their concept to fruition. Phonte of the Foreign Exhange lends his pipes to both "Look What You're Doin' to Me" (as a singer) and "So Far from Home" (as a rapper); he's not the most acrobatic of vocalists, but he understands what the songs require of him and fits inside the music like a hand into a glove. Thief's Sascha Gottschalk, with his earthy tenor, couldn't have been a better choice for the jaunty violin piece "Lie" that plays--at least instrumentally--like an alternate version of "Eleanor Rigby". Newcomer Paul Randolph takes the prize with the two best cuts here, lending his dexterous, rangy croon to the feel-good funk party "Let Me Show Ya" and the exploded elevator bossa of "Lucky Girl". And while "Rockin' You Eternally", featuring Dwele and vintage Motown singer Leon Ware, isn't the most stunning moment on the disc, it's possibly the sweetest: Ware and Dwele perform a call-and-response duet over the music that one pioneered and the other salvaged--old and new, past and present, walking side-by-side.
Of all the ideals Jazzanova could have striven for on their first album since the Paleozoic era (2001), they aimed and shot at...economy. Hardly the hour-plus opus that In Between was, Of All the Things packs a mind-boggling array of ideas into its 12 brief, wholly digestible songs. Not since Stereolab's Emperor Tomato Ketchup in 1996 has a pop record thrown so much at the wall while sounding so divinely simple. How strange that Jazzanova's latest appears so underwhelming on paper: a retro soul album of modest length, without complicated rhythms, big stars, or signposts that point to where electronica is ultimately headed. But the highlights (and there are many) don't lie: this is an excellent record, one that's beaten the odds and flipped our expectations, and it sounds--of all things--absolutely triumphant.
(This was published in PopMatters on 12/5/08)
 What a "retro" Surprise November 27, 2008
When I heard the first "single" on My Space I wasn't sure what to think. It just seemd it was another group jumping on to the Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Saddiq etc. bandwagon. But Jazzanova really brought it...at least for the first 8 songs or so. They managed to infuse a 60's/70's soul sound with their own unique spin making it not a rehash but something fresh. You get that deep soul feeling with the production, arrangements, and approach that is Jazzanova (w/ a slight nod to Four Hero). Most of the vocalists are outstanding and Phonte is a huge surprise as a vocalist which prompted me to pick up the new Foreign Exchange where he is doing a lot more singing than rapping. A few favorite Sonar Kollektive artists are on the CD like Thief and Joe Dukie along with incredible folks who are new to me like Paul Randolph & Ben Westbeech. Even Jose James sounds great on this CD and despite the critical acclaim I wasn't very impressed by his initial offering. I was a bit disappointed by the Leon Ware track (more of the same) and the latin inspired tracks. They just aren't weren't working for me. But overall an impressive work!
Best Soul Recording in a Decade! November 24, 2008
This was my first introduction to Jazzanova and must say I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently, this CD is a stylistic diversion for them, but who cares? In my very humble opinion, this is the best neo-soul recording of the 21st century and upon listening to it, it would be hard to argue that fact. Notice how I said "soul" and not "R&B" or "Urban" or whatever nonsensical name you wish to use. What struck me was the attention paid to actual song writing as opposed to just making beats for someone to sing or rap over. This is what's missing in a lot of music these days but gladly, Jazzanova does there part to rectify this situation as they gracefully touch on Philly soul, neo-soul, bossa nova, jazz, rap, and psychedelia.
Look What You're Doin' To Me: Great start! Sung by Phonte, one half of Little Brother, this song employs a stuttering backbeat that compels the listener to pay attention. Phonte is a very capable singer and it would be interesting to hear more of his work in this vein. He would definitely blow away a lot of the so-called neo-soul singers (are you listening, Maxwell?)
Let Me Show Ya: Great song by Jazzanova and Paul Randolph (you'll be seeing this name often in this review, he sings on three tracks in total). With a sing-song melody, Mr. Randolph provides greatly appreciated energy to this multi-sectioned tune. You probably won't hear this on the radio but a definite stand-out.
I Can See: Decent tune, nothing special but helps keeps things moving.
Lie: The one oddity that probably doesn't belong in this collection. Saying that, I still find the song rather pleasant. With a string section and programmed drums backing the vocalist, Thief, this song has a slight psychedelic vibe to it. I actually like psychedelic music and have no problems with this track, it's just that it doesn't fit with the rest of the songs. If this album took more of an anything-goes ethos and displayed completely varying styles, then perhaps this song's placement would make more sense.
Little Bird: Another great song featuring another great singer. With the lyrics providing the album's name, Little Bird stands as the emotional centerpiece of this CD. With Jose James providing the deep vocals, strings, bass and piano establish a melancholy tune that sounds like something Gil Scott Heron would create. Very nice.
Rockin' You Eternally: Here Leon Ware and Dwele combine to cover Mr. Ware's 70's hit. I could have done without Dwele but good tune nonetheless. The bassline morphs into a choppy riff on which the singers croon over throughout the duration of the song. I am continually impressed with how well most of these songs fit each other.
So Far From Home: Phonte returns for the sole rap song, which samples the second track, "Let Me Show Ya", resulting in that continual vibe flowing throughout most of the record. Admittedly, this is not my favourite track as I find Phonte's raps rather pedestrian, although very earnest, which is rare these days. I also have to admit that I have not heard much of Little Brother's music so I'm not coming from a wealth of listening experience for this particular artist. This is a song that I personally skip but could see others really digging.
What Do You Want?: This soul song has a catchy riff that's still in my head even as I write this. Joe Dukie doesn't have the most soulful vocals but they're adequate for this tune.
Lucky Girl: Arguably the best song on the CD. This sounds like an outtake from Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life! Sung by Paul Randolph, this song combines nice vocals, a samba beat, and subtle electronics to complete a compelling piece that seems to end too soon as things really start to cook.
Gafiera: Great pacing. This song nicely flows from the previous one in keeping with the Latin rhythms and flavours. Sung in Spanish, I don't understand the lyrics but it doesn't really matter, it's enjoyable regardless.
Morning Scapes: The one true jazz song on the collection. Bembe Segue is more of a stylist than true jazz singer but the music behind her really swings throughout as they vamp. Once again, enjoyable music that segues nicely to the next track.
Dial a Cliche: Pure soul! Jazzanova and Paul Randolph strike again in transforming this Morrissey song into what sounds like a lost soul classic. A soulful electric piano provides the bedding while Mr. Randolph gently lays it down with a horn section gently blanketing him. Another candidate for best song on the CD and a great way to end things!
Overall, this CD shows how important song selection and arrangements are. There's absolutely nothing wrong with simply rocking a beat but when you add great melodies, arrangements and the right artists to the right tracks, you get something rather special. Jazzanova's Of All The Things is something special.
Beyond chillout and electronica. There's Soul! November 21, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Wikipedia: "Jazzanova is a German Berlin-based DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Juergen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer. Formed in 1995, the group is one of the foremost proponents of the nu-jazz, chillout and jazz house styles of music associated with record labels such as Compost Records and Sonar Kollektiv".
Best known for their more electronic and jazzy dance tracks, Jazzanova make more of a soul album with a full sound and featuring vocalists Jose James, Bembe Segue, Clara Hill, and Ben Westbeech amongst others.
Where their last record "In Between" was more of a electronic offering, "Of All The Things" is packed with 70's soul, Brazilian bossa and jazzy ballads that provide immediate satisfaction.
Among the many highlights is "Let Me Show Ya", a song that is simply love at first listen. This is classic soul music at its best and the voice of Paul Randolph is smooth, rich and passionate. The same track gets sampled and reworked into a hip-hop track entitled "So Far From Home" that is performed flawlessly by Phonte of Little Brother.
"Lucky Girl" a nice shuffler and Leon Ware guests on a cover of his own "Rockin You Eternally".
On the jazzier side the breezy Brazilian shuffler "Gafiera", performed by Pedro Martins & Azymuth will delight you.
"Morning Scapes" is an excellent combination of sultry vocals and live instrumentation, particularly Magnus Lindgren's performance on flute. Jazzanova delivers an outstanding disc that delivers one great track after another.
Jazzanova does retro Soul! (and a little Jazz too!).
Something rather different for these talented Berlin based DJ/producers.
And it works.
Overall: a strong, delightful album !
In Between
Whopper of an album. November 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
To think this has been put together by a bunch of German guys... I mean what could they possibly know about Soul or Funk. Jazzanova are great at Electronica and Acid Jazz, but when you hear this you're gonna wonder why they haven't been making Soul all along.
This is one incredible album.
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