Search - Ltj Bukem :: Progression Sessions, America LIVE 2001

Phat, but haven`t we heard it before??

BZA | Iwata, Japan | 10/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Great new format, Live

abysm2 | New York | 05/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Progression Sessions: It's got to be Good!

Scot Angus | Washington, DC | 10/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!Scotps. 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."