Sidestepper is British musician and producer Richard Blair and Colombian writer Ivan Benavides. Between them they have produced one of the most exciting Latin albums for some time, bar none.
Blair started his studio career working in the Birmingham reggae and bhangra scene before moving to Peter Gabriel's studio Real World. Following a session with Colombian folk diva Toto La Momposina in 1991 he was invited to pay her a visit.
Originally planning a short stay he ended up living there for three years gradually finding production work with a wide range of Colombian artists. He started working with Benavides in 1995 and More Grip is a culmination of that process.
Essentially what this album has in common with Buena Vista is that it has been filtered through Western ears in the studio. Much as Ry Cooder brought a modern dynamic to the Cuban son, introducing studio techniques and effects not normally associated with the genre, Richard Blair has achieved the same end with Colombian music. Though all the trademark flourishes associated with Latin music are still there the quality of the recording is apparent from the first beat and the arrangements lend themselves to DJ plundering. There are breaks galore and every one is a gem.
From the big brass led dance floor filler of an opening track, Andando, with it's call and response refrain, through quieter tracks such as Me Muero, with a beautiful flute melody by Tico Arnedo, this is an album that never ceases to please. 'Chevere Q' Chevere' features Colombian rapper Sergio Arias, though this is not rap in the Bronx by numbers category but more a melodic rapid delivery.
Though this album never compromises its Latin base, adhering strictly to the 3/2 or 2/3 clave led pattern, its spirit and musical content ought to appeal to anyone who appreciates their music with an attitude. The central theme running through this music seems to be party on down and don't get hung up on categories. If you buy one Latin album this month make sure it's Sidestepper.
TRACK LISTING
1. Andando
2. La Bara
3. Hoy Tenemos
4. Bacalao Sala'o
5. Linda Manigua
6. Me Muero
7. Chevere Q' Chevere
8. Sidestepper
9. Campo
Tremendo Vacilón
by Nick Tesco