Joe Claussell Albums (7)
'Music Is...A Reason to Celebrate'
Release Date 7/31/2001
Tracks 24
Label Urban Theory
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Accomplished compilation providers Barely Breaking Even hook up with Urban Theory, following their mixed albums from the likes of Masters at Work and Pete Rock with a double-CD set from Joe Claussell, label manager at the acclaimed Spiritual Life label as well as resident at New York's Sunday night session Body & SOUL, a title that also counts François Kevorkian and Danny Krivit among its number, widely regarded as the spiritual successor to the legendary Larry Levan's Paradise Garage. This shimmering track list represents Claussell well, effortlessly slipping the likes of Sounds of Blackness and Monday Michiru into a selection of early influences represented across the two discs by the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Louis Armstrong, and Syreeta's '70s Motown. Even the aforementioned Levan gets a mention, checked here in a remix of Imagination's "Changes." ~ Kingsley Marshall, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
There're two ways to get an understanding of Joe Claussell's music: You can hop on a plane to NYC and head straight to Claussell's world-renowned "Body and Soul" Sunday-afternoon tea dance, or you can get his latest disc, Language. Going the more practical route, Language is a smarter bet. Now, before you start picturing electronic wizardry, laser shows, and hands wavin' in the air, think again folks, 'cause this ain't that kind of party. There's no techno trickery here; no hammering drum machine. Bearing the flowing essence of Afro-house music, jazz, and world beats, Language takes you on a chill-out journey of deeply soulful and jazzy ambiance. The conga-rich "Spiritual Insurrection" starts things off, winding through a rhythmic maze of subtle basslines and titillating keyboard arrangements, with the flute taking over the lead on the following track, "Git Wah." On "Kryptic Elements," violin meets flute and conga drum, all caressing each other in a melodious ménage à trois of freeform bliss. Besides one lone vocal track, "Je Ka Jo," the rest of the seven cuts are pure instrumental bliss. Other highlights include "Gbedu 1 Gbedu Resurrection" and the groovy licks of "Mateen's Theme." Executive-produced by Afro-house music legend Jerome Sydenham and Claussell, Language is one of several albums over the years that have emerged out of the Body and Soul Sunday affair. Claussell's partners Francois Kevorkian and Danny Krivit have both released their own series of albums celebrating Afro-house rhythms, but for the initiated, Language speaks volumes. ~ Derrick Mathis, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Though it's difficult to transfer the incredible atmosphere of Claussell's infamous Body & Soul clubnights in New York to a cold slab of plastic, Mix the Vibe does an excellent job. Distilling the highlights from two great house labels, NiteGrooves and King Street, Claussell keeps the mood groovy yet intelligent and drops producers such as Masters at Work, Kerri Chandler, Wamdue Kids, and Dimitri From Paris. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
