Search - Big Bud :: Fear of Flying

Big Bud's Stunning first Album, on his new Label......

fetish_2000 | U.K. | 08/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Big Bud, although not exactly being a prolific artist, he has produced a handful of astonishing good albums, that were released by the LTJ Bukem helmed 'Good Looking' label ("Infinity + Infinity", "Late Night Blues", "Producer 07"), and brilliantly showcased his talents for creating some of the most sublime 'Ambient breaks/Drum'n'Bass', within the genre. (and in the case of "Late Night Blues", dabbling in downtempo Hip-Hop/Jazz). But Big Bud is no longer with the 'Good Looking' label, and has since setup his own label (Soundtrax Records), and this album "Fear of Flying" (named because of recently conquering his fear of flying), not only references the skillfully implemented set of earthy breaks, organically midtempo flourishes, and Nocturnal Drum'n'bass for which he became known (Disc 1), but he's now exploring a more diverse arrangement of genres, (more specifically Ethnic fusion): Worldbeat, Nu-Jazz, Dancehall, Electronica, Asian beats, Rhythm & Blues & Dub, which are a mix of tracks that feature Various

vocalists, as well as incredible instrumental tracks (Disc 2), Big Bud further expands his considerable production talents, by offering an album that is possibly his most ambitious and comprehensive release yet.



Disc 1: This is the disk that will be of most interest to those that (Like me), that have been following his work, since his days with the 'Good Looking' intelligent Drum'n'Bass label, and although the variety of Drum 'n Bass here, encompasses more than just the clinical and soothing style of Drum 'n Bass from Big Bud's previous label "Good Looking" records, there is still enough ambient breaks here, for those that have followed his work to thoroughly enjoy, this 76 min mixed CD.



"Blue 4 U" takes the moody ambience of a brooding horror --themed soundtrack, and layers sections of clean, mannered ambient drum breaks over it, to mesmerising effect, the ingenious use of a far-Eastern vocal chant that punctuates the instrumental is superbly implemented. "Soundtrax" works with a throbbing bassline, over which an Arpeggio sample runs alongside shimmering electronic sounds, making this superb track, more of an excursion into progressive breakbeat territory. "Soul Something" is a hugely impressive attempt, at fusing soul with Drum 'n Bass and is a throw back to the early beginnings of Drum 'n Bass with a smooth elegant drum arrangements mixing perfectly with a harmonious male soul-styled vocal, and has more in common with 'Goldie's' earlier vocal Drum 'n' Bass tracks (think: "Inner city life"), than anything from his previous time spent with the 'Good Looking' label. "Miracle" is just that....a miracle of production talent. Imagine, a deep droning bassline, with frenetic drum breaks, and a charged synth over which a new age-referencing subdued Sax, nestles in the background, its the sort of considered and smooth instruemental fusion, that worked so brilliantly on LTJ Bukem's 'Journey Inwards' album. "Children of Jah" is a reggae-fusion, intergrated with Drum 'n' Bass, taking a heavy kick drum, and using the pumped up instrumentation of dancehall (albeit slightly sped up), and a reggae vocal, chanting the slogan "Children of Jah", here...Big Bud skillfully layers kinetic breakbeats arrangements, to produce a track that feels like a tribute to old-skool Jungle (albeit of a more subdued nature). And its a track that has that cross-ethnic feel, that is explored in much greater detail on the second disk.



"Red Snapper" is a deceptively simple track....for what seems to be nothing more than a slightly ominous Drum break, and subtle bass effects. But listen closely, and you'll hear many subtle changes and effects being applied to the sound, that don't fully sink in, on the first listen. Keyboard sounds regularly intervine, bass sounds are manipulated and swirling electronic sounds are carefully filtered in and out of the mix. It's initially one of the simplest tracks on the album, but also one of the most expertly produced tracks, that manages to sound better and better with each listen. "Inside Information" uses a fantastic flamenco/slide guitar, to complement the slick, male..Soul vocal, and the vocals sound like there were destined for a a brilliant Soul/R&B track. But was nicked by Big Bud and chosen to sit against his smooth Drum Breaks and sensual flamenco guitar sounds, to produce a fabulous fusion of Spanish-inspired beakbeat, mixed with U.K. Soul vocals, tying the whole thing together. (almost definitely one of my favourite tracks).



Disc 2: Having flown to various parts of the world to record vocals for several tracks, the second disk is more is a far more musically diverse collection of tracks, with the intergration of various MC's/ Rappers & Vocalists contributing to a handful of tracks.



First track to kick off the second disk, is the street-smart reggae-tinged rhythms of "Super8Skank" with vocalist 'Hooligan' lending a confident swagger, over which he toasts on the impressively upbeat track, that features a marvellous trumpet section, that mimics the exuberance of Ska music. "Bubblin" slows the temp down somewhat, and feels closer to midtempo Dub, with a strong reverberated bass playing throughout and the dancehall-styled rapper 'MC. Teknik' laying down a slightly boisterous rap about cruising with girls.



"How I Make My G's" (feat G Rhymes), is a shimmering reggae track, with a decidedly laid back feel, but 'G Rhymes' chats with a muscular swagger, and its the sort of track that has the bright and poignant hanging out feeling of 'Lovers Rock', but more contemporary in sound. "Fan The Flame" is a superb example of electronic Dub....heavy on bass, with electronically sampled percussion and rhythms, it has toaster "Dan Marcus" throwing down lyrics with a decidedly carefree approach that perfectly complements the two styles coming together (think a "Sean Paul" radio-friendly electronic dancehall). "Gimme De Woman" is an extremely impressive fusion of world music / Worldbeat sounds, that hits with the rhythmic Afro-centric percussion, that is spectacular in arrangement and lends a more organic, song-based feel to the sort of the peaceful chanting of singer 'Lugua's' vocals overlaid, which sounds authentically hypnotic. "Just Can't Hold Me Down", takes the unlikely pairing of a Nu-Jazz sound that takes retro melodies with subtly modern sounds, and matches it with the Ragga singing of 'Dan Marcus' to winning effect....and "Catch 22" coaxes an impressive beat-driven soul-referencing groove and fuses the Jamaican-soul singing of 'Mwenga', in one of the most reflective tracks.



Big Bud is arguably a producer that can make his instrumental tracks, as equally strong as his vocal tracks (in some cases arguably even stronger), and as such, the instrumental cuts here, are nothing short of stunning. Whether it's the delicate eastern-tinged flavour of 'Lazy Iguana', which gently draws the listener in, with its soothing and natural ambience, it's the sort of chilled sounds, that are of the highest order. And only the liquid smooth breaks of 'Stinkweed', which references his early work, but minus the bass sounds & contains a more electronic feel. And the melodic structure & elegantly cinematic reflective programming of 'Impressions' that feels like a much less inhibited filmic music score, can possibly match it.



If you have (like me), been following Big Bud albums since his beginnings on the 'Good Looking' Label, you'll notice that each album has slowly begun to move away from the smooth and nocturnal breaks of intelligent Drum 'n' Bass. Sure there are tracks that are arguably just as brilliantly conceived, as anything he's done before...(especially the instrumental tracks), but it's becoming increasingly obvious, that Big Bud, wants to cover a whole range of styles with his music, (with Drum Breaks as a template, for various ideas), and if your expecting an album of the mellow & hypnotic work that he became known for, than I suggest making sure you have both, "Producer 07" & "Infinity + Infinity". But I'd find it hard to believe that anyone picking up this album, (provided they're aware of what to expect), being hugely disappointed with this album. Each disk is utterly sublime, and if each disk was released separately, would be worth the price of admission alone. This has been an exceptional run of albums for Big Bud, and although my personal fave is still "Producer 07", this is without doubt a 5 star album, that confirms that leaving the 'Good Looking' label, was possibly the best decision that Big Bud has made. Exceptional stuff!!!"

CD 2 is what you should be buying this album for!

Adam Alexander | Sydney, AUS | 03/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"CD 1 of Fear of Flying is competent intelligent drum n bass, good but not great. While it uses some great instrumental samples, upbeat basslines, and nice vocals and breaks where it counts, it suffers from the indulgent monotony of most contemporary music of this genre, where it seems like the artist doesn't know how to end or "climax" a song. (3 stars for CD 1)



However, CD 2 is definitely more interesting music, delving into dub stylings with a range of masterful toasters for the most part, along with some other fine midpace instrumental and female vocalist tracks. This bonus CD was a total surprise, and more than made up for the broken expectations of CD 1.



CD 2 is worth the album price alone, as it's expressive of the production skills and range of this solid artist, and more stimulating music to listen to because of it. Maximum respect to the one like Big Bud!"

Solid effort

R. Hogrefe | Atlanta, GA United States | 06/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of Bukem and GLR. I recently heard the track catch 22 on on the local college station. I bought the album right away and couldn't be happier. I've always liked the Big Bud tracks on the Earth Series. This CD should stay in my player for quite some time. If you enjoy Downtempo organic beats and DNB this is a must have."