Dennis Jr has been working as a producer since early 1990's. He has released a 10" on the legendary Jazid Collective label in 2001, before starting his own label, Akustikk Recordings, where he has released a string of EP's of his own music. The last couple of years, he has been working on his debut album: Elektro Donkey.
With background as a drummer, his music has a strong rhythm focus. The tracks have a ground base of syncopated, percussive rhythms, with layers of sparse and moody electronics. Style wise, the album is spanning from dub via nu-jazz and nu-soul to future/cosmic disco and house.
Dennis Jr’s studio trickery is paired with two collaborators who put their distinctive marks on the album. He has collaborated with the legendary Nigerian jazz sax player Dennis Otone (who at an early age had the opportunity to play with legends like Fela Kuti, Lloyd Baker, Thad Jones, Stan Getz, Manu Dibango and B.B. King), and his sister Christabelle, known for her album “Real Life Is No Cool” along with Hans-Peter Lindstrøm.
The cool, forward-reaching sounds found within Elektro Donkey are highlighted by the four tracks found in our Soundcloud preview player. The lush and dreamy mid-tempo house tracks “Call Code” and “Are You The One” both feature the evocative vocals of Dennis Jr.’s sister Christabelle, who is known for last year’s collaboration with Hans-Peter Lindstrøm on their shared, acclaimed album Real Life Is No Cool. “Call Code” is a slinky affair with subtle jazz elements and a melancholy feel while “Are You The One” is somewhat more percussive and playful, somewhat reminiscent of Herbert’s work with Dani Siciliano. The rolling rhythm of “Chicago Bus Stop” uncovers a bit of instrumental funk in Dennis Jr’s repertoire, and features the wild, processed tones of legendary Nigerian jazz sax player Dennis Otone. Having played with the likes of Fela Kuti, Lloyd Baker, and Stan Getz in his younger days, Dennis Otone adds his memorable stamp to Dennis Jr.’s already potent rhythmic concoction. Then there’s the album’s title track which is an addictive slow-motion groover filled with bold, bell-like melodies, pulsating synth pads, and hand-clap rhythms. All this should more than whet your appetite for the full
The Elektro Donkey album is highly recommended from tastemakers worldwide:
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “Creative and challenging. I love it.”
Roy Davis Jr. - “Nice project all together, full support.”
Giom - “This is excellent! Thanks for introducing me to Dennis Jr. Great production and songs.”
Bonar Bradberry - “Class production and great tracks … the coolest family partnership in disco!”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM, Greece) - “It’s love at first sight with this album, a hangover of beautiful sounds and vocals.”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show, Germany) - “A refreshing combination of sounds here. Not your average nu-disco stuff.”
Andy Wilson (Ibiza Sonica) - “Oh, loving this! Every track rocks. Lovely vocals from Christabelle and wicked slo-mo grooves.”
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