By Rob Evanoff
Platform Recordings, headquartered in Los Angels, CA and distributed by Paras/Ryko, is a new label specializing in groove oriented music spanning Jazz/Funk, Drum & Bass and Progressive Dance. Bringing to the table an extensive management and publishing background, Platform Recordings co-founder Steve Zelenka is a twenty-year music industry veteran who has worked directly with artists such as The Who, Lenny Kravitz, Pink Floyd, Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Anita Baker, Bob Marley, Rod Stewart, Sammy Davis and Duran Duran and hopes to put a refreshing spin on the way American music companies are viewed. In an attempt to create new opportunities to mix genres and eras, Steve is taking a homegrown approach to building the Platform artist roster and will continually cross-market and cross-pollinate the new with the old. Focusing on developing new American talent while also signing some established musicians, Zelenkas first goal is to provide a platform for musical expression thats on par with such hip, respected U.K. progressive labels such as Mo Wax, Wall of Sound, Dorado and Ninja Tune. In the future, he'll further expand the label's identity by using it's namesake to brand tours, events and merchandise. But for now he's extremely busy, the first four Platform Recordings releases just hit the market and, true to Zelenkas mission, showcase the labels musical diversity.
Platform 1 Mike Clark Actual Proof
Due out 9/19, Platforms first release is from legendary drummer Mike Clark. While playing with Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters during the early 70s, Clark garnered an International cult following with his groundbreaking drumming on Hancocks Thrust album, which featured Actual Proof, a song considered by many to be a seriously major innovation in jazz and funk music. His playing on that one song is among the most talked about drumming in the latter half of the twentieth century, influencing generations of musicians. Herbie Hancock said, of Clarks playing on Actual Proof, The solo he played on that song is one of the best drum solos on any of my albums.
Having performed and recorded with such jazz greats as Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, Larry Coryell, Vince Guardaldi, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Nat Adderly and Brand X, Clark can seamlessly switch from laying down a steady beat on tracks like The Grinder to freeform sonic texturing on The Viper. Blending downtempo jazz and organic funk, Actual Proof features a stellar cast of characters, with Charlie Hunter on guitar, Bennie Maupin on sax, Ted Trimble on bass, Jed Levy on sax, Tim Ouimette on trumpet and Kenny Burrell on percussion.
Track listing: Stingers / The Grinder / Aristide / The Viper / Waiting Around / Stuff / Attack of the 40FT Woman / Cops & Robbers / 59th Street Station / Bacon Phat / The Famous Door.
Platform 2 45 Dip The Acid Lounge
On 10/10, youll be ushered into the acid jazz lounge and encouraged to take a 45-degree dip on the dance floor. Mark Daniels and Christopher Bernard are the principals of the free flowing groove trip called 45 Dip and are well known as former members of the successful and critically acclaimed British acid jazz group Marden Hill. This duo has also collaborated with Massive Attack, The Ballistic Brothers, Unkle, The Brand New Heavies, Clubbed to Death, DJ Krush and many others. And in return, some of the U.K.s underground heroes show up to the lounge including Brian Auger on Hammond organ; Liz Fletcher (Loop Guru) on vocals; Tony Wrafter (Massive Attack, Tricky) on horns and flute; Alice Perara (Smith & Mighty) on vocals; JC001 (known as the fastest rapper in West London); and Camelle Hinds (Paul Weller) on bass. Curious about what exactly a 45 Dip is? Daniels comments on the name of the group, Its about RPM. The vinyl 45 is one of the sexiest things there is. And the Dip was a cool dance we used to do while listening to them! The Acid Lounge and its smoky spacey foray will appeal to fans of Groove Armada, Massive Attack, St. Etienne, Morcheeba and Hooverphonic and dont forget to check out the interactive comic (included on the CD) while youre chilling in The Acid Lounge.
Track listing: Lizzies / Geisha Vampire / Auger in Orbit / Green Tomatoes / Beer Star / Bug Juice / Motorcity / Searching For Marden Hill / Parker Street Story / Scar Culture / Underwater / Smoke in the Cockpit
Platform 3 Peter Barshay Pit of Fashion
Over the years, bassist Peter Barshay has established a strong reputation having performed with such jazz luminaries as Milt Jackson, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Henderson, Woody Shaw, Pharoah Sanders, Tony Williams, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Johnny Griffith and Bobby McFerrin. Pit of Fashion, out on 9/19, marks a new direction for Barshay as he steps out on his upright bass as a leader. With guest performances from guitarist Mike Stern, Barshay brings a wealth of experiences to the Pit of Fashion, everything from salsa and straight ahead to funk-fusion, avant garde and music derived from the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian traditions.
Track listing: Joshua / Pit of Fashion / Introductions / OK, Bye Bye, Fine / Please Recall / Hottea / Radio Joe / Stuff / Dont Ask / El Pueblo Unido Blue in Green / What Is This Thing Called Love?
Platform 4 Paul Jackson Black Octopus
Due on 10/10, Platform taps back into the Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters well and unleashes bassist Paul Jacksons Black Octopus for the first time ever on CD. Recorded in Japan in 1978, Jackson plays all the roles: bassist, vocalist, composer and producer, and shows his talent as a comprehensive musician. With Black Octopus Jackson has explored music so freely by mixing elements of jazz, soul and rock that the album is fusion music itself.
Trivia hounds take note. This recording has long been a collectors item as only 20,000 vinyl copies were originally pressed and are fetching up to 350 pounds for a mint condition copy. And those collectors, among others, will be interested in the final four songs on the CD, which are bonus tracks not available on the original vinyl pressing.
Track listing: Many Directions / Eight Ways of Love / Funk Times Three / Burning in the Heart (Of Your Love) / Tiptoe Through the Ghetto / T-Bolt / A Little Lovell Help / Umi Bozu / Bow Tie Dress
All in all, these first four releases are an auspicious introduction to a new label on the scene, one that provides a platform to groove to. For more info visit www.platformrecordings.com.
