Jeff Beck - "Nadia (Live 2001)"

2009-11-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

This is most likely old news to many, especially Jeff Beck and/or Nitin Sawhney fans (which within the world of music said artists seem worlds apart), but last night whilst within a backyard ale pint session with my Pops he surprisingly turned me onto a tune that was not only beautiful, but also (for Him) strangely hailed particulates from the realms of Atmospheric Drum & Bass nonetheless - genre speaking, that is - as in particular this song is most definitely a guitar driven version of none other than Nitin's original track named "Nadia", which appeared on his 1999 album release 'Beyond Skin', of which was an undoubtedly world vocal gem. I remember when the said aforementioned Sawney LP came out over a decade ago and the image of the cover immediately became ingrained within my mind. At the time I had already collected some Talvin Singh work among a few others from the Pan-Asian movement and always wanted to pick 'Beyond Skin' up, though such was not the case for whatever silly reasons. A side note should be stated that, in its own right, the cover of Sawhney's LP itself stands out and is remarkable in its own way, indeed.

Nitin Sawhney - 'Beyond Skin' LP (1999 Outcaste Records)

*Original "Nadia" recording appears on this album

At any rate, last night whilst tipping back a few my Pops tossed in a live Jeff Beck CD I just bought for him days earlier for his birthday ('Live At Ronnie Scotts' LP) and he was most definitely within an essential "Check This Song Out" status mode - of which of course I did, as I always do with Pops regardless, however, this time something was a little bit different; I strangely and immediately fell in love with what I heard, which was Beck's version of said song. I noted the obvious D&B patterns from the start, but then the melody and Beck's control took control, literally, of all that was during those moments of aural reception. That stated, the original by Sawhney is equally as beautiful and vocal at that, and therefore obviously deserves just as much mention in terms of song craft - for crying out loud he wrote the damn tune - however, the way Beck chose to cover this song and furthermore the way he performs it live is nothing short of incredible.

Jeff Beck - 'Live At Ronnie Scott's' LP (2008 Eagle Rock)
*This is the BDay CD stated above from which the original "listening session" was 'listened from'

For an all music lover like myself, with a heavy background in DJing and Electronic music, this fusion between Nitin Sawhney's original song and Guitar God Jeff Beck's cover is like a beer right when you need one : perfect. Though as a DJ I have played sets of both hard and light style Drum & Bass sets live, collectively I have always enjoyed a good "Atmospheric/Intelligent" D&B track if while on chill status, and surprisingly Beck captures such vibes live in the video posted below. Originally covered by Beck and studio recorded and released in 2000 on Jeff Beck's 'You Saw It Coming' *album (or as I lovingly will refer to as an *"LP" from now out on mind you - unless, of course, it is an "EP"/etc.), his guitar soars and the song is taken to another level in my opinion with his version; again, especially live.

Jeff Beck - 'You Had It Coming' LP (2000 Epic)
*Studio cover recording of "Nadia" appears on this album release

Live in Japan circa 2001, presented in honor of Pops :

Ye Olde Introduction

2009-11-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hello there - indeed, I have always found it awkward concerning how to start a blog or project like this out, or if it even matters at all because perhaps no one will ever read it anyways, right? Well, at the behest of such sediment, I've decided to ramble on as I am sometimes known to and biffle up a little diddle to kick things off for SoundsAroundYou.

First and foremost, indeed there are most definitely a bazillion music blogs out there - so many so, spewing out variable data at such a hectic pace that I find it hard to digest such large amounts of information at times, and then therefore whilst settling upon a selection I usually get sidetracked ADD style and stick to my guns with a couple of my usual haunts - thus, I've decided to add to the maelstrom and start one for myself and you, too. This isn't the first time I've had a crack at it either, but rather than revive the past I've figured that pressing on with a new creation would be best. Simplifying the form? Perhaps not - but hopefully adding something worthwhile in the process.

What I can tell you is probably something you and I both share - and that is a fascination and obsession with music. Music literally is an addiction for me, and yes, there can be harsh and wicked withdrawals upon sudden and/or abrupt cessation. However, I found out at a young age just what it is to become obsessed with sound, especially and decidedly through the dusty grooves drawn from the early year speaker transmissions upon my ears as a tike like all us via parental 'Selectors', and thus a simple notation such as that immersion of variety eventually turned into a personal passion - namingly and most definitely music, of course.

The goal of this adventure will essentially be to share and expose some damn good music - old and new - with any and all that would like to take the time to read about it and listen to it, express their views upon such comment stylie and what have you. Some tunes and albums you may know, some you won't - hell, hopefully some of you will turn me onto something new to share with all of us. Hopefully there will be some fun to be had in expressing some love for good sounds.

A little bit about myself : I'm from California; East Bay to be exact, a fraction away from San Francisco. I've been DJing with vinyl on them old 1200 turntables for about 15 years now, and have to admit that I am indeed a vinyl junkie and am sticking to my guns, though I know that each day brings upon more and more of the digital essence; the essence of vinyl, however, still is my passion. It just runs in your blood - if you got it, you know it.

I grew up on a healthy helping of Classic Rock, Hip Hop and eventually Electronic of all kinds - hence the DJ thing - which still runs ripe in the veins. I love good times, good people, good beer, good music and dammit I would love to write/work for XLR8R Magazine someday (of which I've been reading since it was free newsprint), so who knows - everyone can dream, right? Anyways, cheers, and here's to some good music.

Much Love,
Tommy Daniels

PS : Oh yes, and of course - Obsessions are always Welcome

Sounds Around You

Jeff Beck - "Nadia (Live 2001)"

Ye Olde Introduction