Critical Praise for El Michels Affair:
"The ensemble approaches the Wu-Tang material with genuine appreciation and artistry, bringing out some of the original influences that RZA's brilliant production drew on in the first place." - EntertainmentWeekly.com
The
Song:
The latest track from El Michels Affair's
Enter The 37th Chamber, an album comprised of instrumental
renditions of classic Wu-Tang joints, "Glaciers
Of Ice" is a shining example of the mastery
and virtuosity of both the Wu-Tang Clan's original craft and El Michels' ability
to interpret and perform. The original track is from Only Built 4
Cuban Linx...,
Raekwon's 1995 solo debut LP with guest artist and fellow Wu-Tang
member Ghostface
Killah. Produced by the RZA, this was a concept album
tracing the story of inner city trafficking, and so the overall sound of the
album was intentionally haunting and cryptic. El Michels' version of the track
keeps in line with this theme, featuring a prominent funk guitar melody, a backup
horn section and a gritty, retro production quality typical of the El Michels
sound that gives us the feeling of watching a classic mobster movie. Rae and
the whole Wu-Tang Clan would certainly be pleased with this redux version.
The
Background:
El Michels Affair, at the core of the retro-soul and funk movement, is led by saxophonist/organist Leon Michels and producer/engineer Jeff Silverman. The group began as a series of informal collaborative sessions with musicians from top-selling acts Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Budos Band, and Antibalas. In 2005, the group released their debut effort, Sounding Out The City on Truth & Soul, a label co-founded by Silverman and Michels. Since the album's '05 release, the El Michels sound has been prominent on successful collaborations with Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Just Blaze, Adele, and Iggy Pop. Furthermore, in 2007, a horn part written and performed by Leon Michels was lifted and used for Jay-Z's "Roc Boys," the lead single from the American Gangster album. Most famously, however, is El Michels 2007 tour with Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, which led to the recording of two widely successful 7" instrumental singles for "C.R.E.A.M." and "Bring Da Ruckus." Since then, El Michels Affair has diligently been in the studio, interpreting fifteen of some of the most legendary and well-know Wu-Tang Clan songs, including "Can It All Be So Simple," "Protect Ya Neck," "Cherchez La Ghost," and "Incarcerated Scarfaces" for their upcoming sophomore album, Enter the 37th Chamber, due in stores on April 21st via Fat Beats Records.
El Michels Affair Career Highlights:
• Horn line written and performed by Leon Michels (for Menahan Street Band) lifted by Jay-Z for "Roc Boys," the lead single from his Grammy-award winning, platinum album, American Gangster.
• Produced track "Right As Rain" from singer Adele's Grammy-award winning, debut album, 19.
• Produced officially commissioned remix of Amy Winehouse's "Love Is a Losing Game" from Grammy-award winning, multi-platinum album, Back In Black.
• Worked with super-producer Just Blaze on song included on forthcoming Saigon album, The Greatest Story Never Told.
Web editors contact nora (at) audibletreats.com for interview requests. Print editors contact Michelle.
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Like what you hear? Keep up with El Michels Affair and other artists like Freddie Foxxx, Ill Bill, and eLZhi on the Fat Beats Blog where you can learn about upcoming performances, releases, and in-store appearances.
Also, check out this video on the history of Fat Beats Records, bringing you fresh, independent hip hop since 1994.
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