Soaring to new heights with his latest solo release, “Alpine Swift,” the Sound Ambassador invites us into his world of sonic seduction and sensuality as never before. Perhaps more personal and intimate than any prior release yet at the same time universally accessible and particularly relevant, the legendary LA-based beat maker and vibe-provider has crafted a slick, head-nodding soundtrack for the human experience. This union of seeming opposites is a thread that Drez brilliantly and effortlessly weaves throughout this musical tapestry as he also comingles old school roots with new school sensibility, etheric moods with boomin’, earthen, bass frequencies, spaciousness with fullness and even mystery and revelation.
“Alpine Swift” is incredibly thick with mood and feeling and this sultry, palpable aspect makes the album stand out as an instant electronic classic. In fact, Drez has more than upheld his underground handle Dr. Ez as the good Doc is clearly beyond graduate level in synesthesia - the experience of a sense impression through a mechanism other than the one receiving. The first words on the opening track, “Givin You Somthin,” make a prophetic declaration that might just be Drez’ mission statement - “I feel this sound.” Rare is a musician who can truly feel sound. Peerless may be the one who can transmit that experience to the listener. DJ Drez does just that on the self-released gem dropping on June 6, 2016.
Those first words are unique and delightfully foreshadowing as well, in that this album marks the first time ever that Drez steps out from behind the turntables and production side and up to the mic. Whether in sublime sample-like phrases that out-slick today’s dopest electronic and hip hop DJs, hooks that you will find yourself singing long after the record ends, and even poetry and rhyme that is profound, personal and mystical, Drez finding his voice for this monumental release will not only wildly please his long-time legions of fans, but will most definitely earn him countless new admirers and beat-bumpers across many musical genres.
Like the bird the album is named after, DJ Drez dazzles with his ability to stay elevated above trends, making timeless beats for the club, between the sheets and even for yoga practice. The Alpine Swift can stay in flight for up to seven months at a time, living mainly in the air and even sleeping and eating while flying. With a bird’s eye view and an ear to the streets, Ez does it again, flying to multi-dimensional levels of astral frequency, while keeping the headlights in the rearview mirror spiraling in deep, concentric circles. Like the title track infectiously suggests, Drez delivers and keeps us chanting, “Take me higher!”
With a clear emphasis on a more downtempo electronic sound, soulful wisdom and feel, a confident straddling of the spiritual and material realms and a wicked 808 presence throughout effortlessly links the other sonic modalities, including some of the most bangin’ hip hop beats to hit the scene in years (title track “Alpine Swift” and “Out There”). In characteristic Drez style, dub stylings, trap sprinklings and Jahta Beat spiciness subtly dance throughout the release as well.
No journey into the world of DJ Drez would be complete without the powerful voice and presence of his partner-in-crime, Marti Nikko. While technically a solo release, the addition of Nikko’s vocal flavorings makes “Alpine Swift” deliciously complete. Her nectar-like vocals, highlights and even duets, pose the perfect complement to Drez’ foray into MC’ing, particularly on stand out tracks “Into Space,” “Start,” and “Light Me Up.” Nikko also shines and delivers perhaps the most powerful message of the album on the track “Us,” putting everyone on notice, over a slammin’ electro hip hop beat, that she and Ez are taking over the airwaves. “Ya’ know you heard of us,” echoes knowingly through the sound system.
If ya’ don’t know, now ya’ know.
--John Smrtic
credits
released June 7, 2016
Marti Nikko : vocals
DJ Drez : beats, keys, sound bending, vocals, turntables
Produced, recorded, mixed by DJ Drez (Dr.Ez) in Los Angeles
license
Some rights reserved. Please refer to individual track pages for license info.
DJ Drez transforms the vibe of any scene his sound is set upon. Rooted in underground Hip Hop, Drez applies precise turn-
table skills to a cutting edge vision for truly universal music, intelligently integrating elements of hiphop, world music, soul, funk, jazz, and reggae into his trademark sound and production....more
The rhythmic beats, and trance airy tune mixed with exotic vocals...this music is intense, passionate, and deeply resonates with the soul. Beyond beautiful... kristymarie85
Sultry vocals and sensuous grooves. Erykah Badu, Portishead, you get the idea... Fused with an Appalachian roots thing, it’s neo-soul reinterpreted. Very good stuff here. Lute FP