(Peacefrog/Creative Vibes)

You know what?  I already knew before even listening to this album that I would be totally and utterly consumed by it.  Moodymann’s Black Mahogani is something that I have been waiting for, for quite some time and after my umpteenth listen I am sitting down and trying do it justice with my words. 

Peacefrog has continued to use the successful recipe of collecting some of his best and most sought after productions.  This album quite simply illustrates the genius that is Kenny Dixon Jr.

The album starts off with Holiday... the sweet sounding voice of Roberta Sweed flows out of the speakers and radiates through the room, a short jazzy interlude is followed by an afro-swing beat, a perfect marriage of percussion and soulful vocals.  Party voices and sounds come in and out in the background, I am already drooling and this is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Roberta Jean Machine continues this soulful journey; once again Roberta Sweed lends her beautiful vocals, whilst Norma Jean Bell contributes with the most luscious saxophone riffs.  The infectious basslines that Moodymann does so well, urge you to get up of your chair and subtly shake your thang around.  This is house music of the highest class, programmed with perfection, soulful intricacy and unusual arrangement – an amazing strangeness that reels you in and keeps you interested throughout every production. 

Roberta’s vocals grace the first four tunes of the CD, the third tune I need you so much is a slow loungey introduction to Runaway, again its just so beautifully put together that you find yourself bopping to the bassline as it picks up the pace, Norma Jean Bell once again brings her own personal touch to the tune with those engaging saxophone sounds.

I’m doing fine features Amp Fiddler on vocals (Amp has an ongoing collaboration with Kenny Dixon Jnr, where they have recorded under the name Amp Dog Knight – the name used in the CD credits), this tune was very familiar to these ears, with some influential Melbourne locals making it a regular tune in their sets.  “I’m doing fine, don’t worry about me”...  relaxed vocals amongst some quirky tones and a low slung bass line.  So so fine.

The album turns around at this point from being soulful and jazzy to being somewhat experimental and introspective and well simply just “Moodymann” – wild beats, crazy samples, unusual introductions, a futuristic array of house music.   The tempo is increased with one of the most popular tunes in house circles over the past few years – Shades of Jae.  Some would say that the tune is overplayed in these parts of the world but I honestly can’t get enough of it, the infamous build up and vocal samples that come in and out and in and out to create a unique dancefloor bomb.  Riley’s song goes wonderfully deep, almost dark and very experimental.  The last three tracks follow in this strange but striking groove. 

This is a timeless album – Moodymann is known to us as a mysterious being, but his music speaks louder than any words.  Black Mahogani is an LP that reminds us of the roots of house music… the love, the vibe and the soul that surrounds it – a perfect fusion of funk laden soul, jazz, techno, house and gospel influences.