Renowned over the last decade as a purveyor of quality house and tech house vinyl, this release marks the first of five full-length releases for 2005, and the emergence of 20/20 Vision as a player in the full-length market as well. This disc also marks the debut album for UK based Dubble D, a Producer/Drummer with more than 15 years experience performing and working with a wide range of artists from Ralph Lawson and Nightmares on Wax, to Jazzanova, Mr. Scruff and Pharcyde to name a few. Taking the listener on a journey that showcases many diverse and disparate influences and featuring guests from across the musical spectrum, "Reachin' Out" is an eclectic masterpiece that shows the true genius and boundless talent of Dubble D.
Brought up on a diet of Miles Davis and Art Blakey, Dubble D shows his adoration for their sound, while masterfully integrating his passion for world music, hip-hop and dance music throughout. The first track of real note "Switch", features the vocal stylings of Latin/Jazz luminary Flora Purim over a soulful, samba flavored groove. "Love Holds" is up next featuring the vocals of respected, underground dub star Dubdadda over a subterranean, reggae-flavored groove. The disc continues with more outstanding vocal performances from Canadian chanteuse Kate Rogers ("Multiply") and two contributions from the voice of Goldie's classic Inner City Life, Diane Charlemagne ("Reach Out" and "Rain"). Add the turntable antics of scratch master Peter Parker and the silky rhyming flow of Qball and Curt Cazal from QNC and you have an impressive collection of talented contributors culled over 15 impressive track.
While bringing together such a talented group of contributors is quite a talent in itself, it is the ability to combine all of these influences in a cohesive way and end up with a logical result where Dubble D truly shines. His arrangements allow the strengths of each performer to shine and his overall layout, design and programming of this disc couldn't be improved upon in any way. If you are looking for the first great album of 2005, you need look no further.
