I have discovered, albeit strangely, that the Freemasons and Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman are intrinsically linked. Bear with me for a few seconds. While Mr. Freeman's resume and vocation differs greatly, nonetheless, both artists share one major commonality: they choose their projects carefully and wisely, and not only has each translated their respective craft into commercial success, but, perhaps more importantly, their credibility has made each other highly sought after. But that's where the similarity abruptly ends.
The Freemasons are a kinetically driving, beat and loop-happy, highly dance-worthy Brighton-based duo consisting of Russell Small, one half of the iconic Dance duo, Phats & Small and James Wiltshire, a.k.a. Jimmy Gomez, also a 'Phats' alum. Named after a local Brighton pub (but spelled 'Freemaison') where the pair solidified their partnership, the pubs' owner even went on to guarantee that if the duo's first single went to number one: free drinks for life. It didn't take too long for that to happen with their first single, 2005's "Love On My Mind," a fantastically remixed version comprising of the 1978 Jackie Moore classic, "This Time Baby" and Tina Turner's "When The Heartbreak Is Over," to set into motion what has become a fortified duo, burning up the club charts and dance floors.
This tune also features the karaoke-discovered Amanda Wilson, a hot-looking version of Michelle Branch; the song is a benchmark in its own right and subsequently introduced me to their resplendent and infectious sound.
The distinctive Phats sound is apparent on many of 'Shakedown's' impressive list of hotbed talent that the 'Masons' have chosen and been asked to remix: Beyonce, Studio B, Fatboy Slim, Luther Vandross, Heather Headley, Jamiroquai, Angie Stone, Disco Freaks, and more. The production value and subsequent end result will no doubt define these guys not just as unique, smart, and incredibly resonating, but they have a discerning ear for what's fun and cool, and has translated into a newfound respect by their peers.
The magic potion are the refined killer hooks and loops as well as that distinct "clap beat," a second accompanying companion beat to the first underlying Disco-inspired percussive beat that works on many levels layered amongst synths, as well as having access to a rich and smooth talent pool of various up and coming femme, but not necessarily fatale, vocalists, as well as some additional Freemason vocals.
As Amanda Wilson sings on another of my new-found favorite tracks, "I Feel Like," she croons how there's "so much here to lean on," the same could be said to the extent of the sheer magnitude of anthemic club hits that have been packaged on this fantastic two-CD compilation of pretty much all of the Freemasons top remix productions, and still, there are some tracks that have yet to blow up but I'm pretty sure that this will happen in due time. After all, Mr. Small and Mr. Wiltshire have shown us that they are adept at what they can produce; knowing that they will only take on projects that they want to get involved with will only help to ensure their presence and vitality.
The Freemasons' curriculum vitae as seen by the assemblage of artists remixed on "Shakedown" is expansive, but this is not by any means a 'Best Of' compilation at the end of a long and successful career so much as to showcase the creative genes that these guys possess as they (and we) enter into a new era of merging Disco and Dance to new heights and plateaus.
Both CDs are absolutely rife with a plethora of solid dance mixes abound—seamlessly mixed—and chock full awesome fun club hits, fun hooks, and clever lyrics. Without a doubt I have many stand-out tracks but will list a select few…
CD-1
Track 2: Déjà Vu—Beyonce's song is a deliciously re-envisioned track to start the set and way better than its original incarnation.
Track 4: I Feel Like—Amanda Wilson is a diamond in the rough as this track resonates and positively festers through a crowd and in your mind.
Track 9: Mesmerized—A soulful Faith Evans floors this insta-classic to new heights and bass bounds galore.
CD-2
Track 1: In My Mind—Heather Headley's voice is phenom as is the arrangement.
Track 2: Love On My Mind—The 'Masons' first hot hit, and still, the track continues to leave an indelible imprint (in my mind).
Track 4: Love Don't Live Here Anymore—Originally produced by Rose Royce back in 1978 this Rose Norwalt-led song re-done by featured vocalist Judy Tzuke, is smooth and smoky, crooning about love that's been kicked to the curb indefinitely, and is a harmoniously resounding dance version.
"Shakedown" oozes stimulatory body cavity-induced gyrations of sizeable proportions. Feeling a bit down-trodden? This stuff will bring out the best from deep within you. Has part of your dance crowd fallen into a listless trance, then any one number of these tracks should 'shake' things up, and if you're already feeling good about life, the Freemasons will only enhance and intensify those feelings infinitely. Highly, highly recommended!
