Search - Innerzone Orchestra :: Programmed

My personal album of the year...

11/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...and believe me, I've purchased a good amount of music so far. But out of what I've purchased since Jan. 1st, this is the album that has received the most play. Carl Craig is truly a world unto himself; only an artist of his caliber and his sense of ambience and rhythm could pull off a project.And it's the music that speaks for itself. There isn't a weak moment in the bunch. "Blakula", as others have mentioned, is the unequivocal masterpiece, as sonic synths give way to violins and a smooth bassline. Also of note are two distinctive covers: "People Make The World Go Round", the Stylistics classic, redone with a masterfully arranged string section and great guitar and vox by Paul Randolph, and "Bug In The Bass Bin", a remake of Craig's 1992 classic tune that has since become a staple of breakbeat music. Here, acoustic instrumentation gives the song a whole new dimension.Much respect to his co-contributors, esp. former Sun Ra percussionist Francisco Mora, keyboardist Craig Taborn, bassist/vocalist Paul Randolph, and Plastikman (who assists on the chilling, Blade Runner-influenced "Architecture".)I don't think any else needs to be said. This is a brilliant album that, unfortunately, won't make much noise in a stagnant music scene dominated by bubblegum drivel. But for those with triple-digit IQs, this album will take you somewhere you haven't been before. Man, it's a helluva trip."

It is what it is.

Andrew M. Schirmer | Seattle, WA USA | 12/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many records found under the various subgenres of "electronic music" describe themselves as "jazz-based" or "jazzy." Put most of them on, and your speakers will reveal nothing more than a façade of what jazz truly is--the music is more often simply a nice background for eating dinner or making love. How refreshing when one artist comes out with a fusion that simply blows your mind and shatters all expectations! Carl Craig's Innerzone Orchestra project did just that with this 1999 release. I found "Programmed" to be quite accessible, yet rewarding as well. Craig is obviously fascinated with the rhythmic possibilities afforded by jazz, and uses them to full measure. This is not your 4/4 Dave Clarke or Laurent Garnier techno madness! "Programmed" relates to Jazz in the cohesive sense (the way live drumming, programming, etc. work together) rather than improvisation over modes or chord progressions. Highlights for me included furious percussive workout and erie synths of "Manufactured Memories," the sci-fi funk of "Monsters," and the aural construction of "Architecture," a collaboration with Richie Hawtin (Plastikman). And how can you not mention "Bug In the Bassbin," which wraps things up stunningly. "Programmed" is an amazing and infinitely rewarding effort from Carl Craig."

Carl Craig always shoots twice

Andrew M. Schirmer | 04/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Every week,you read/heard/see about a band/artist which just have done an album which is supposed to be a re-interpretation or mix of the different black style of music (jazz, funk, etc...) I am no authority for those genres but there is only one disc on which i agree with the official reviewer: innerzone "programmed" Altough it is a concept album (explore every music style from Black culture through techno) you never feel like listening to a "Barnum disc" or some kind of compilation.It is in fact a very coherent album filled with excellent titles. A very good CD, however it is not a match for Carl Craig precedent masterpiece (more songs about...)"