"Are we living in the new Age of Expansion?"
With the fairest of intentions a a brave explorer proposes steering a ship aboard which the crew will dance their way around the Cape of Good Hope.
Certainly serviceable click bait, the tale at hand is of a different nature. Contrary to certain Italian voyagers, Vasco da Gama was the real deal. Not everyone is able to promise and deliver. While Columbus accidentally stumbled across an inhabited land, albeit unknown to the European continent, expecting instead the the Far East. On the other hand, Da Gama reached Asia; and in much more stylish headwear.
But, irony in abound. In a cruel twist of fate, the song at hand does not concern itself - as other beat-makers have done - with distant Eastern lands. Instead, Firmeza looks West. Released today (available for download but, in the author's opinion, in limited numbers) the song below evades a good label like good sense an Amazon-bound German.
Titled "Vasco da Gama Lisboa," the song is a mid-tempo afro-house that stands alone. With a punishingly heavy jazz/funk bassline Firmeza slowly crafts what could pass off as an old salsa record. The bars are sixteen beats each, which allows for the congas - responsible for the primary beat - and kick drum to join. Seemingly out of New Orleans, the instrumentation is a baritone sax on the backline alongside a trumpet each for harmony and melody. Even the structure is worth mentioning. Firmeza spares no effort. Laid out as Introduction-A-Reprise-B-bridge-C-A the producer make a strong point in a condensed about of time.
If any readers have no yet heard Firmeza's second installment to his "Mix Mandamentos Afro," the are advised to do so.
Notable Mention: Caranganhada (Prod. Talixo Beats) "Ghetto Zouk, V3"
The second selection is not nearly as momentous. Similarities are found in neither approach or in sound. It is true, though, that the track's point of reference is also an really excellent mix; this time in the form of Dadifox's surprise zouk set over the holidays
Despite being produced by Talixo Beats, the song does appear on Dadifox's SoundCloud page. Titled simply, "Ghetto Zouk V3," the track is deliciously mastered. A track of the vocal variety, the additional support is provided by a female named Caraganhada. Electric guitar provides just one clue into the extensive roster of sound. Snaps and snares provide the main beat but the bass is the only sound that really matter. Good instrumental if nothing else and available for download.
- J.N.
A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website
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