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Umberto Echo: Elevators Dubs

Umberto Echo

Im Dub there are two extreme positions: one is marked by stoically repetitive beats, rigorous minimalism and an almost hypnotic effect on the listener. Understand the opposite position Dub as a large field of experimentation, as an open space, as a research laboratory in which the secrets of sound can be traced. Every album discussed here since 2001 is somewhere between these two poles. The albums by Rhythm & Sound embody the first position in a way that has never been beaten before. There cannot be a single iconic album for the second position, because logically there is room for many works in a wide field. One album that will undoubtedly secure a prominent place in this field is “Elevator Dubs “(enja) by Umberto Echo. The website "House Of Reggae" rashly condemned the album as a "jazz record with effects". A (wrong) judgment that comes quickly when you briefly “listen in”, but can be quickly refuted by concentrated “listening”. Although each track on the album is easily understandable and accessible on its own, the album as a whole is by no means. This is mainly due to the rather disparate material chosen by Umberto Echo. Because the Munich Dub-Wizzard works for many bands from a wide musical spectrum as a producer and sound engineer and also has diverse musical preferences beyond reggae (see interview on dubblog.de), it is not surprising that his new Dub-Album is a cornucopia almost overflowing with different musical styles. In addition to reggae, there is also afrobeat, pop songs, Dubstep, electronics, and yes, listening to jazz too. What excites me is the fact that this diversity does not seem arbitrary in any way. The opposite is the case: whether jazz or reggae, Umberto Echo's arrangement turns the diversity into a consistent, coherent and exciting work. Although I'm not an outspoken jazz fan, I follow him with every note, fascinated by the wealth of ideas in his mix, admire the consistent flow of the pieces, appreciate the balance of the effects and above all love the sometimes elegant, sometimes almost hypnotic groove the music. I only know music from listening, not making it, but with the Elevator DubI imagine that I can really feel the development of the tracks, their continuous improvement from version to version up to the balanced result. In reggae and Dub One rarely encounters productions that are so perfect, so meticulous, so extraordinary in their stylistic range and yet completely harmonious and accessible. Well done, Mr. Echo!

Audio sample on iTunes

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