In his native Japan, DJ/producer
Satoshi Tomiie has made it big and is held as an icon. Here in the states mention
his name and most people would likely say 'who'. Satoshi was first
introduced to us in 1989 by renown New York DJ Frankie
Knuckles with the monster
smash "Tears,"
followed by the just as big 'And
I love you'.
Since then Satoshi has been
fine tuning his craft and has now released Full
Lick, his
first full length effort. Here Satoshi has distinguishes
himself as a producer who has grown in his own right, channeling
the many different styles of house into a comprehensive collection
that rises from murky grooves to infectious rave trances.
You are greeted with
"Love
In Traffic" and
"Up
In Flames'', which
features Sneaker Pimps Kelli Ali, whose breathy vocals perfectly
contrast Tomiie's haunting harmonics and tribal beats. From there,
the album's mood shifts gears, peaking with the powerful, classic
tracks "Inspired"
and "Sincerity,"
both showing off the pipes of soul diva Diane Charlemagne. Then
just when you think it doesn't get any better, you are offered
a slice of 'Heaven',
a wonderful and welcome change of pace featuring the vocal talents
of Danny Madden. Full
Lick is an album that
10 years from now will be hailed as an album that set the new
standard in house music. This is one to watch for in 2000.
TD.
Satoshi
Tomiie - Full
Lick: LP (C2
Records/Sony)