Coming soon:
JASMON „HAMMOCK DREAMS“
release: October 26th 2007
The fourth Jasmon album „Hammock Dreams“ is a gripping co-production of the Voss brothers who so far have also released excellent albums as Lemongrass (Roland Voss) and Green Empathy (Daniel Voss). Relying on the same recipe as on the preceding album „Cosmic Trigger“, Jasmon include global instruments, sounds and voices, and intertwine them with laid-back beats and obscure samples. Dramatic sequences alternate with playful melodies, urban beats compete with ethno sounds, fragile vibes build up to climactical moments. The fine result is no razzle-dazzle but an amazing achievement, as Jasmon know how to embed their concoction in quirky, multi-layered arrangements.
Right from the start, the sophisticated D&B beats of „Bamboo Queen“ establish a nippy pace. While some warm oriental touch tenderly embraces the beat before pushing the song further along, two breaks further increase the dance factor. A feast for the ears which whets the appetite for more. The following „Prince of Persia“ reduces the speed in favour of its playfulness but stays alive and kicking with its underlying bass drum and sparkling piano chords. Another gem paving the way towards the album’s highlights.
One of these outstanding tracks is „Maria“. Equipped with heavy hip hop beats, dramatic arrangement, Indian vocals and raps, this production stands all comparisons with American chart hits but still manages to fit in and enrich Jasmon’s sound universe. With „Flying Carpet“ you are riding on a powerful train to the next station (watch out – you’ll hear it!) - massive, deep and based on padded, almost choral arrangements. Then „Lotus Love“ surprises with the feel of an old-fashioned dance tune before it is countered with obscure samples and underlying beats. Good stuff, indeed.
Mysterious strings, heavy percussion, slow-motion sounds and 1980s ambience are the striking features of epic „Mountain Peak“, before all hell is breaking loose. „I like it“ makes you rub eyes and ears with wonder. Where do the Voss brothers take their audacity to produce and present such a track? Their motto „everything goes“ has reached the summit of perfection. Big beat, psychedelic rock, film music and easy listening of the 1960s, funky guitars, scat vocals, a forceful beat plus Indian sounds and vocals all find their rightful place to create a fascinating sound experience which takes you to the floor.
For goodness sake, Jasmon offer some time to take a breather. „Cruiser“ takes the listener on an almost esoteric trip, although the lackadaisical beat soon turns into a tricky D&B variety. „Himalaya“ comes as a tranquil but intense track which captivates with versatile percussion elements, crafty hall effects, and an accomplished break. „Blue Water“ is another one of these wonderful slow-motion tracks. Spiced up by bulky sounds and guitar samples, it involves the breaking of the waves, soft rainfall and distant thunder to establish a truly poignant vibe.
While the frugal, almost minimal arrangement of „Chant“ allows the Asian voices to shine with beauty, „Pardesi“ once more wins over with heavy beats and rhythmic percussion. Two more tracks with a relaxed flow take the album to the concluding „Garden of Peace“ - an abounding cornucopia of sounds and samples. Careful listening reveals some fine Asian touch, elements of 1960s film music, chirping birds, splashing waters and slow beats of the kettledrum. A truly surprising track and wonderful ending of Jasmon’s substantial offerings.
This ingenious audio cinema of big emotions takes you on a fantastic journey: in one hour around the world, through music history and deep into your own self. Intense and enigmatic - danceable, soothing and relaxing. ------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
For Roland Voss "Jasmon" is both his oldest and youngest brainchild: Based on his first experiments with world music & electronics in the late eighties, it took over a dozen year to develop into an unusual debut: GENTLE FLOWERS. The first impression: Smooth, relaxed and easy...
But zooming further into Jasmon's organic musical structures, you will feel their hypnotic,often intoxicating effect. Questioned about his ethnic influences, Roland reluctantly comes forward with a vague idea of "caribbean-oriental". This description may sound paradoxical, but only indicates the broadness and freedom of his musical imagination. And when you come to think about it, some similarities are there: Both Oriental and Caribbean are "hot" cultures, and yet lack the hectic frenzy of Latin music. To cut a long story short: GENTLE FLOWERS is a first choice global treat to be enjoyed at any hour of the day. The album which Roland created in company of his brother Daniel Voss, was first released in Japan in a purely instrumental fashion. The European Version contains two additional tracks ("Goubahi" - feat. Djamel Laroussi und "Hanina" - feat. Mohammed Mounir) as well as impressive vocals by Alain Nkossi Konda (on "looming large" und "afrida").
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- In 2005 the second album COSMIC TRIGGER was released in Europe on Lemongrassmusic as well as in Japan on Receptortune and in Russia on Landy Star Music.Like on the first album the music is like an imaginary journey which takes you from India to Spain and then to Africa and to the Orient. Like on a flying carpet you experience a liberating feeling of new views and perspectives and spiritual inspiration.
