Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | Big Daddy Moochin - Live Sampler CD [Heavy Handed]

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Big Daddy Moochin - Live Sampler CD [Heavy Handed]

Tracklist:
1. 20 minute live set

BDM started off circa 2001 by Mr Moody. He formed a band with a few friends around their shared love for the sax and 60s rare funk. Moochin was formed and their debut gig came 5 months later at the Guildford festival. Since then things have just got better and better.

The idea was to recreate the sound of the real funk tracks; the ones that are now rare classics. Originally BDM were playing a mix of covers from the likes of Ann Sexton, Marva Whitney and Mary Queenie Lyons, mixed in with a few instrumentals and originals. They played to crowds up and down the country, from the Hi Fi in Leeds to the Soul Cellar in Southampton, along the way supporting Breakestra, Speedometer and Gilles Peterson. Other venues include the main stage at Guilfest 2002 and 2 dates at London's Jazz Cafe.

Over the past couple of years the band has seen different players come and go, with the core element remaining intact. The current line-up combines a revamped rhythm section including new players on drums and percussion, along with an emcee and DJ for live shows. The new sound is harder, funkier and badder than ever!

This CD I'm looking at was recorded by So What Multimedia when BDM played at the Civic Hall in Guildford back in December 2002. The offering comes in the form of a fluid 20 minute set which as well as containing some of their own improvisations also moves from one memorable break to another all recreated with the dextrous skill of a band that are well practised and love what they are doing. It kicks off with some tremendous brass and there is a tremendous live feel and some of the reconstructions including God Made Me Funky, Maceo's Cross The Tracks, Jimmy Castors It's Just Begun, Rock Creek Park and the ubiquitous James Brown tracks including amongst what is primarily instrumental, a vocal rendition of Impeach The President sound like they would be fantastic to hear live. It is also great to spot where the breaks have been used before and breaks previously used for tracks like Masta Ace's Music Man pop up in the track list. Nuff train spotting to do here.

It strikes me how like a complex running DJ mix the recording is, but even more so as the musicians seamlessly move from one break to another. The CD was mixed and mastered at Heavy Handed studios, and apparently there are still a few waiting for good homes! The CD sound quality is top notch, and it's probably the closest you'll get to the BDM sound without going to a gig! The track selection is super funky and I dare anyone to not get down to this.

The official release date for the first BDM single released on Freestyle records is January 24th. The wax will contain 'No Rest For The Wicked' b/w 'Sting In The Tail' so look out for that and prepare to get your groove on.

mailto:info@bigdaddymoochin.co.uk :: http://www.bigdaddymoochin.co.uk