Featured Artist: Grandpa Mojo

CD Title: It's Live Trip Hop, Kiddies

Year: 2004

Record Label: MHHP

Style: Acid Jazz

Musicians: Chris Hansen (trumpet, mixing, looping, sampling)

Review:

Just imagine a trumpet, some kick-butt drums, electric guitar, organ, some violins, a DJ scratching to a hip-hop beat of about 94 bpms's, and you'll have an image in your head of Grandpa Mojo. Well, sort of.

Chris Hansen, who chose the name Grandpa Mojo (after painter, Grandma Moses, who began a career in painting in her 70's) because he got started in music rather late, is an enigmatic character, musically. There are lots of ideas, all happening at the same time.  In many ways, he is symbolic of Jazz in the new millennium:  Combining various sounds and elements for overall effect.  He's electronic. He's an Acid-Jazzer. He's a trumpeter, and he's having fun.

Let's check out some highlights: Track 2, "Miles to Compare." Uptempo, complete with cowbells and scratching, this tune shifts into gear with the trumpet lead, followed by a blazing organ solo. Track 3, "Stripped," a bit slower and funky, with a keyboard line that sounds like Zawinul in a time capsule. Other standouts include track 5, "The Tempo to Step Up To," which contains either a sample from Janet Jackson's "You're All I Need," or something very close. The session closes out with "Little Brother." Because it has perhaps the fewest effects, and is a bit "cleaner" than other tracks on the compilation, it has maybe the greatest potential for radio airplay.

If you're willing to experience a true hybrid, someone who walks precariously along the boundaries of existing musical definitions, you should give this one a try. Acid Jazz.

Record Label Website: http://www.milehighhouse.com

Artist's Website: http://www.grandpamojo.com

Listen or Buy: CD Baby

Reviewed by: John Marcus

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