Journey Inwards - LTJ Bukem

Advantages: Superb album, original yet consistently good.
Disadvantages: None.

...LTJ Bukem, Drum 'n' Bass maestro, and father of the Good Looking Records label, has been happily 'presenting' albums for a good while now - i.e. compiling tracks from various up and coming Drum 'n' Bass artists and including the odd number by himself. But recently he released 'Journey Inwards' - an album of exclusively his own work, and it is - in my opinion - one of the albums of 2000. He blends heavy breakbeats with subtle chords and wah wah guitar, with walking double bass and jazz saxophone. And he does it without the horrible gaps that sometimes appear when lesser artists attempt to encompass such a wide range of music; the whole album flows smoothly. Wether it's the bluesy trip-hop-esque title number, 'Journey Inwards', which I think is perfect rainy day music, to the Funky, melodic 'Sunrain', which sounds like it's a joint... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Incredibly produced; very ambient Drum & Bass
Disadvantages: might put you to sleep if you're not careful.....

...LTJ Bukem is undoubtedly one of the founding fathers of Drum & Bass, and it shows on his new album, "Journey Inwards". He digresses from the style we are all accustomed to, his flowing intelligent jungle sets, choosing to make a more melodic and soulful album. Every track on "Journey Inwards" has a message of sorts, and his producing abilities are evident with every track. Beats are layered on top of one another and the occasional break in the beat reminds you to come back from the jazzy world he creates. Be warned...this album is VERY chill. If you want hard, intelligent jungle, then go but a progression sessions CD, because this is some true ambience. Honestly, this album is a bit more like the music one could find on Good Looking's sister label, Cookin' Records. Deep. Groovy. Unmistakeably LTJ.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: Groundbreaking intelligent drum & bass
Disadvantages: Difficult to get your hands on

...LOGICAL PROGRESSION VOL. 1 (MIXED BY LTJ BUKEM) - Double CD - £18.99 This is actually now a very difficult CD to get hold of, and there appear to be very limited copies available in the high street. You may have more success on Amazon or with auction sites, such as, Ebay. LTJ Bukem, is the alter-ego for the intelligent DJ and entrepreneur Danny Williamson (No, no the heavy weight boxer). LTJ started in the scene during the late 80's / early 90's and was one of the co-founders of London club "Speed". He later (circa '92 / '93) set up his own record label "Good Looking Records" allowing him to produce his own material, pioneering a new style of drum & bass, and also publishing tracks by other artists similar to the style best suited to him. Bukem is quite simply an innovator within his field, leading drum & bass in different... Read review

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