Supersonic - R. Hunter vs. R. Dorfmeister

RICHARD DORFMEISTER

In the world of electronic music Richard Dorfmeister has left countless traces. Since the mid 1990s, the Vienna born artist, flute player, producer and DJ has released classic tracks and remixes with his co-partner Peter Kruder as Kruder and Dorfmeister. Records by Kruder and Dorfmeister such as the ‚G-Stoned EP‘ (on their own G-Stone Label, 1994), as well as the seminal ‚DJ Kicks‘ mix-compilation for K7! (1996), and the ‚K & D Sessions‘ remix compilation (1998) are considered timeless masterpieces. Both „DJ Kicks“ and the „K& D Sessions“ have been bestsellers with each having sold more than one million copies. On the musical side, the magic Kruder and Dorfmeister sound has not faded since. The same attributes to Dorfmeisters Tosca project, which he initiated together with classic composer Rupert Huber. The two former class mates already played together in a band during school days. In 1995 they teamed up again and went electronic. The Tosca debut release ‚Chocolate Elvis‘ became an instant DJ hit with its laid back and jazzy vibe and a scat singer chanting on a „Chocolate Elvis“. The ensuing ‚Opera‘ album (1997) was released to much acclaim, adding up to Dorfmeisters internationally high-ranking name which stood for an electronic music sound with a very special organic touch. In between Kruder and Dorfmeister world tours and remix jobs, Tosca continously released singles such as „Fuck Dub“ accompanied by breathtaking remix editions which always featured the current hot tickets in the remix scene. Following ‚Opera‘, Tosca released various acclaimed albums such as ‚Suzuki‘ (2000), ‚J.A.C‘ (2003), or ‚No Hassle‘ (2005), all on G-Stone, each release pushing the boundaries for electronic music beyond it´s known confines. Tosca eventually also became a proper live act, which led to various live shows with Dorfmeister and Huber performing their music on instruments. As if not being the busiest DJ and producer already, Richard Dorfmeister started to rub musical shoulders with Viennese duo Madrid De Los Austrias in the early 00s, and released more dance oriented house music tracks, which mirrored the club savvy side of the long time DJ extraordinaire. With the Madrid De Los Austrias collaboration, he went full on dancefloor, which contrasted the laid back music he released with Tosca or Peter Kruder. As „Richard Dorfmeister feat. Madrid De Los Austrias“, he released a handful of singles and various remixes for Willie Bobo, Koop and Pressure Drop. These club oriented releases soon made him a household name as a solo DJ in the world´s club scene. His eclectic and instant party guaranteeing DJ sets led to countless DJ bookings around the globe.In 2010, Dorfmeister reunited with Peter Kruder for a live show performance of the „K & D Sessions“ which included visuals by long time G-Stone VJ collaborator Fritz Fitzke and MC performances by Earl Zinger and MC Ras T-Weed. With performances at The Big Chill, Sonar Festival and numerous other high profile festivals, the „K&D Sessions Live“ show became an instant success with an ensuing world tour. Lately, Richard Dorfmeister also added MC Ras T-Weed to his solo DJ sets for a new DJ / MC show collaboration.

Early 2013 the new Tosca album ( odeon ) was released again on !K7records.
This was followed by a remix album ( Tlapa-the odeon remixes ) later this year. The Tosca live show is curruntly on tour worldwide feat. rob gallagher and cath coffey with a visual show created by futurelab.

RODNEY HUNTER

Following on from two outstanding albums for Kruder & Dorfmesiter’s G-Stone Recordings “Hunter Files” (2004), and “Hunterville” (2007), “Hunter Express” is the welcome return of one of Vienna’s favourite sons, Mr Rodney Hunter. His musical career is immense and actually measures in decades. For nearly thirty years, Rodney hunter has been twiddling knobs, pushing sliders, arranging and playing on some seriously exceptional music. He’s been nominated for Grammy’s, mixed it with the best including Gravediggaz, Doug E. Fresh, Aphrodelics or Tosca, and just about anything else you care to mention in the world of music.

Past, present and you can guarantee the future too, that he will have his finger on the pulse of what is current and appropriate, but you can be sure also that he delivers music that has influence, admiration and has shaped his existence. This is one of the more poignant parts of the Rodney Hunter story when he makes music. There is always a nicely populated collection of styles, thoughts and sonic experiences that shape “Hunter Express”. It’s the formula that has served him well, this not following other people, but following only his own heart and intuition. Rodney Hunter sounds like Rodney Hunter and no one else.

RH is also well aware and very thoughtful of where music is perceived and enjoyed. Be it in a club, the radio, your iPod! Previous albums too have been compassionate; almost sympathetic…indeed always agreeable to other peoples hearts and minds. He’s one of the most unselfish people we know of here in Vienna, and is a friend of everyone who travels his path, musically or otherwise. This always comes through in his music.

On board the Hunter Express you get served only in first class. Smooth, classy and always super stylish. Stop offs at 13 destinations, all worthy of small dance, a big listen, and an even bigger smile.

Hunter Express Theme/Let Your Body Loose features a teaser intro before Rodney turns up the wick for real and welcomes you on-board with a funk fuelled modern day boogie banger. Let’s cut straight to the chase then and get this vehicle moving! Nigerian soul singer Ola Egbowon adds a few vocal titbits to encourage you to shake a leg too.

Midas is a small hark back to the soulful and simple sounds of past heroes. That joyous group soul from the early eighties where the essence of a good groove was the tightness the musicians formed. Friendly everywhere, especially the more sophisticated of dance-floors, Midas will have you definitely seeking a decent dancing partner for some synchronized moves.

Sunshine features a real talent in Jay Sebag. Jay is one of the main vocalists for Martin Solveig including the big hit “Rockin Music”. Jay has contributed before to the big moments in previous Rodney Hunter tracks too. A perfect partnership with Jay excelling in the lush and sensual environment that Rodney produces. A gorgeous and groovy mid tempo bomb with double servings of some serious Nu-Disco and modern House.

Spacey and comic, Raunchy Hot is another where Rodney Hunter knows how to make people dance. Bountiful simplicity, built around tight bass, tighter drums, even the worlds worst dancer (me) can look good on the dance-floor with RH belting out the boxes.

Guest appearance by Aladin for the ethnic T.B.A. International. Earthy vibes and urban oriental Soul all toughened up with superlative drumming and bass that you come to expect from RH. You always hear the highest quality of drums and bass with Rodney, simply because these are the instruments he plays as a musician. Catchy and appealing, this little track is a real hooker.

Amaze Me is a standout soul track featuring the sublime vocals of both Ola Egbowon & Cesar Sampson. An irresistible exploration of 21st century urban soul music with RH at the helm! Warm, loving, and extremely chic, and with a nod to the cute girl in the corner who keeps catching your eye. RH can indeed ‘do sexy’!

Do It Some More is exactly the type of sound excursion we expect from the man. Flowing and free, always keeping it simple and always letting the groove do the work. Get a good groove, let it ride…and ride. If you are to ride the Hunter Express then this is the soundtrack to the journey.

Fat and funky, Stringway hits home with solid thumps in all the right places. Always an extreme lushness and deepness, lots of layers and varying degrees of warmth in a RH production, this is no exception. Again, Stringway is the pro typical habitat of RH and the Hunter Express, punchy but always super slick and soulful.

The Stereo MC’s make a welcome guest appearance on Metamorphosis. Bold and brassy, this another track worthy of a slow hip shake or two. Big drums and the vocal stylings of the Stereo MC’s will seduce you once again making you feel extra sexy.
Another outstanding vocal talent in Paul Randolph contributes very nicely to Especially For You. The Jazzanova lead vocalist along with RH tweak up the tempo for this tempting treat of a song. Tangible and always human, Rodney Hunter and friends inspire and uplift.

The moody and thoughtful Right Here Right Now is RH showing off his versatility and also his influences. Darker and broodier, years of listening to New Order and other synth laden 80’s classic pop. Rodney brings it to the 21st century with ease and command. Good music is timeless, it worked back then and it will work long after too.
As Simple As It Can Be is the hypnotic groove that RH is known for. Mid tempo infectious and compelling production and ride as per norm. L’Enfant Terrible flaunts her irresistibility and sexiness with some vocal tempting and tease.

The beatsmith comes through with Mysterious, the final track on Hunter Express. 80’s Zapp and Gap Band Talkbox/Monster like and funky as a mosquito’s tweeter will have friends and fans just as they started with the first track reaching for the dancefloor to shake a leg.

Yes, “Hunter Express” has been a few years coming. Rodney Hunter doesn’t make albums every other week (or year for that matter). He’s passionate about what he produces, cautious and reflective about the music he will be remembered for. But when he delivers, you know it has gone through many forms of quality control and is deserving of attention for quite some time. And that is in truth what is sometimes the problem with the modern disposable world we live in, music included.

It covers enough genres, spreads it’s wings further and wider than most electronic artists can do, and simply appeals to most who come across the man and his music. “Hunter Express” like “Hunterville” and “Hunter Files” before it will end up being a great friend and musical companion for many years to come. Like the man himself!