Bonobo
Bonobo (a.k.a Simon Green) is a young man heralding from the town of Brighton. A talented musician and DJ, Simon brings a wide range of influences to his album, which is apparent as you stroll through the soundscapes he produces.
Bonobo's first release came on the impressive When Shapes Join Together compilation on Tru Thoughts Records. Although representing the mellow angle on the album, many DJ's chose Terrapin as their favourite track. Whilst preparing his debut album for Tru Thoughts, Simon had his second release, The Scuba EP on Fly Casual. This excellent 12" is heavily influenced by the Cosa Nostra and would not sound out of place on a Godfather soundtrack. To start the tradition that continues on later Tru Thoughts releases, Simon chose the person to undertake his remix well; friend and colleague Amon Tobin took to the helm.
As the press stirred about this unheard of talent, Bonobo unleashed the beautiful Terrapin. "A sitar led funk gem" (Jockey Slut), Terrapin interested the talents of a Mr Scruff who flipped it on its back and reworked it into a dancefloor, beat laden adventure. Scruff enjoyed working on the track so much he has expressed an interest in working with Simon on his next album for Ninja Tune. As if to highlight the consistency of Simon's work the B side to Terrapin, Dismantling Frank also caught many peoples attention. The "seriously beautiful slice of organ led jazz hop" (DJ Magazine) has found it's way onto a chill out CD given away with the June issue of Later magazine, where they suggested "Bonobo is leading the new school of down-tempo pioneers with his scattered lounge beats." (Later Magazine) Dismantling Frank has also been licensed to Compost for the Future Sound of Jazz series and the "cashmere deep chillage" (Mixmag) of Terrapin to Outcaste records for their Indian Summer compilation. Magazines and DJ's alike started to warm to the Bonobo feel and interest gained pace.
Soon after Terrapin was released we heard from some major labels including XL and Mute. Despite this early interest Bonobo decided that the time wasn't quite right and that Animal Magic was to come out on Tru Thoughts. To prepare for the albums summer release Tru Thoughts released an old school 7" including two tracks of the album, Silver and Sleepy Seven. As the reactions came in they realised that Bonobo really was going to take the summer by storm.
Animal Magic is one of those albums that appears richer every time you listen to it. It's depth and character grows stronger with each listen. It has several standout tracks and it seems everyone has a different favourite. Upon early listening Groove Armada have also expressed an interest in remixing the next single, The Plug, which will be released later in the year.
Text stolen from the Tru Thoughts Recordings web site
Album: Animal Magic
[TRUCD 007]
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Released 2000 on Tru Thoughts Recordings. All tracks written and produced by Simon Green. Bonobo's debut long player is a work of art, a masterpiece, an essential outing of down-tempo electronica from end to end. 'Kota' and 'Terrapin' are obvious stand-outs, having featured on my play list for some time now. Chopped up beat patterns, lazy guitar riffs and Indian sitars mesh with a hint of jazz; Sunday afternoons just got better.
CD: One Offs... Remixes & B Sides
[TRUCD031]
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Released 8/02 on Tru Thoughts. This low price CD is an excellent compilation of Bonobo's finest remix and remixed moments. The highlight of this CD is the excellent Bonobo remix of 'Turtle', as used on the One2one TV advert, a favourite down-tempo tune of mine featuring catchy and addictive whistling. Up until now this has only been available on vinyl.
CD: Dial 'M' for Monkey
[ZENCD80]
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Released 6/03 on Ninja Tune. All tracks written and produced by Simon Green. 'Dial M...' had a lot to live up to, what with being Bonobo's second full length album and having an older brother in the shape of 'Animal Magic'. It kicks off in fine style, with 'Noctuary' standing out as a sublime and melodic breakbeat moment and easily the best track on the album. But as the album progresses I can't help but feel slightly disappointed, as 'Dial M...' just doesn't tinkle those ivories in the same way that 'Animal Magic' did, lacking in that warm charm that the earlier Bonobo material exuberated. It just may be a case of this album being more sophisticated than its predecessor. You decide.
Other Info:
For further information on Bonobo see the Tru Thoughts Recordings web site.
