Athletes are far from human.
The likes of Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders are difficult to comprehend: professionally capable in not one, but two different sports
Greatness requires work. Work also requires discipline. Thus, in order to be great, astonishing discipline is demanded of any individual; a formidable plan, too, might not be a terrible an idea. So while athletes of the professional variety are gifted - for all of modern chemistry's marvels, the ability to purchase stature is still distant - their principle source of awe is work-ethic. The required energy to acquire the necessary skills, and then go on perform among the best couple hundred major leaguers planet-wide, is astonishing.
But maybe to possess, "Sniper's eyes," is still a six-million dollar fantasy best left to the league of Lee Majors.
Alas, this Dj is more man than machine. Following a month since his last appearance on these pages, the inimitable Firmeza returns. The master, however, has readjusted his sights. Much like Bo and Primetime, it appears that Firmeza seeks a new, longer form challenge. October, after all, heard a combined eighty-five seconds of audio in from Firmeza in two songs. The first was a studio track quizzically titled "Mix afro." Up next, fans heard an uncharacteristically tame, and synth filled live recording labeled "Estudio b." Neither track reflects poor quality - albeit a less than ordinary flash given the past thunder. Suddenly, though, the prerogative becomes clear: Firmeza was preparing listeners for a strong, twenty-three minute statement.
Firmeza consistently produces a mean track. But as it turns out, Firmeza also has the mixing chops of a proper Deejay. No scratching is heard, but transitions are smoother than Egyptian cotton; seamless as silk, with timing that allows succeeding selections to build off of prior energy. Moreover, the grandiose name lives up to expectations: what follows are the commandments of good afro-house. Although no tracklist is provided, the songs within are all excellent. Beginning with "African Scream," Firmeza establishes the afro-house thump and begins working between songs. With a Txiga song, the mix transitions into batidas before more kuduro style vocal tracks are interspersed with instrumentals. For what it is worth, the only significantly popular song heard by the author is Karlitera's immense "Botao." But the end, sadly, is inevitable. Luckily, Firmeza goes out on his own terms by opting to give "Terrorista 4000" a spin.
Very good all around, in spite of the quizzical .wma file format.
- John Noggle
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