DJ DREZ
Immerse yourself in the cool vibes of a Gregory Issacs classic “If I Don’t Have You” as it undergoes a transformative journey in the skilled hands of DJ Drez. The timeless reggae anthem is reborn in the “Remix and Dub”, where the laid-back rhythms of the original are delicately reshaped into a hypnotic, downtempo masterpiece. Drez takes the listener on a sonic exploration, infusing Gregorys iconic, soulful vocals with a tranquil, sexy atmosphere. As the familiar lyrics unfold, a new dimension emerges, characterized by smooth beats, ethereal synths, and subtle echoes that transport the listener to a place of both movement and relaxation.
The “DJ Drez Remix and Dub version” capture the essence of Issacs classic while offering a fresh perspective that aligns with a chill, downtempo aesthetic. The remix stands as a testament to Drez's ability to bridge genres, seamlessly blending the warmth of reggae with the cool, contemplative tones of chill beats.
This remix is an invitation to unwind, groove slowly and appreciate the marriage of two distinct musical worlds – the timeless rhythms of reggae and the contemporary allure of downtempo vibrations. ‘If I Don’t Have You Remix' is a journey through sound, inviting the listener to bask in the vibes of this iconic collaboration.
Good Crush Dub Sessions is an exploration into the sound of 1970's and early 80's Reggae Dub music from Jamaica and the UK. Recorded, mixed and produced by DJ Drez 2021.
Available NOW!
Dreaming in Sanskrit Verse Two
Dynamic duo Marti Nikko and DJ Drez are back with the highly anticipated follow up to 2015’s “Dreaming in Sanskrit.” A dub heavy affair chock full of experimental electronic vibrations, “Dreaming in Sanskrit 2” is an emotionally evocative masterpiece of the mantra music revolution.
Nikko’s golden voice is intoxicating and entrancing as she weaves ancient Sanskrit mantras and the Holy Names through each of the album’s tracks. Whether love songs to the Divine Couple Radha Krishna, Shiva and Shakti mantras, a Kundalini invocation to guru, and even a few surprises, “Dreaming 2” is a lush sonic soundscape that is dripping with bhava, devotional mood and sentiment. Her vocal stylings, accentuations and improvisations are entwined in the fabric of the production adding flavor, deep feel and brilliant instrumentation throughout the mix.
Musically, “Dreaming in Sanskrit 2” is a continued statement of evolution of Drez’ taste-making, genre defying, sonic seduction. From the hip hop genius of his younger days, to the jazz vibes of the Moon Bay Sessions and of Nikko’s roots, from the Eastern influences of the Jahta Beat series to the more recent electronic exploration and always reggae, the new album holds elements of each yet is completely unique.
The dub champion sound begins with the album’s first notes and continues in varying production subtleties through the last. “Adi Parashakti” and “Jai Shri Radhe Remix” are standouts and would make King Tubby and “Scratch” Perry proud. When the echo chambers, drum and bass, horn section and organ drop on the later track, the feeling of freshness percolates and all feels incredibly right with the world.
This independently released gem is a sublime paradox - deeply and powerfully intimate while being cosmically transpersonal, well-grounded in street-wise rhythm and beats and also celestially soaring, abiding freedom amidst deep longing for human and divine connection. Dreaming in Sanskrit 2 is music that you pray gets stuck in your head - a sublime soundtrack for the awakening of our consciousness and also for getting groovy here together on Mother Earth in a celebration of love.
-- John Smrtic www.johnsmrtic.com
An etheric journey into the heart of Oneness, “Sweet Storms,” the new solo release by DJ Drez, is an expectation and genre defying mystical exploration of sound and life. An aural glimpse into the late-night journal and musings of the Sound Ambassador, this follow up to his 2015 release “Alpine Swift” is a rare opportunity to hear from the man himself who normally lets the beats do the talking.
Highly experimental, “Storms” is a triumphant departure from the drum-driven, instrumental vibe that has been the cornerstone of DJ Drez’ 25+ year illustrious career in underground hip hop, reggae, mantra and electronic music. From the first press of “play,” the listener is swept up and away into an often dreamy, synth-laden, ambient realm, deliciously interlaced with lyrics and vocal voyaging carefully crafted through atmospheric filters and effects.
The album’s mission statement and perhaps musical and emotional climax arrive on “Feel it All.” Through an eerie, distant, vocal distortion, Dr. Ez drones, “We’re here to live so we can feel it all.” The embracing of all experience in this human trip through an awakened heart of love, resolves all apparent opposites into a coherent whole – One. Almost undetectable fuzzy synthesizer loops in the background, as marimba with a psychedelic sustain melts into piano and orchestral strings. Symphonic symbols arrive mid-song to announce the 808 beat drop and bass line reminiscent of the Drez we have become accustomed to, yet atypical for the album as a whole.
Not only on “Feel It All,” but throughout “Sweet Storms,” EZ’s lyrics themselves dance in and out the spotlight, sometimes an accent, other times melting into an intentionally undistinguishable mind melt, and yet often clearly up front.For someone who’s first foray into lyricism came only one album ago, Drez proves his ever-pioneering and boundary pushing ability utilizing his voice as protagonist and also, slyly, as another layer of ethereal instrumentation.
“Storms” is blissfully unpredictable, occasionally suggesting non-linearity and always a textured multidimensionality from a song structure and production perspective, much like life itself. On “I Don’t Know,” a duet with long-time musical accomplice and partner, Marti Nikko, the pair aren’t actually singing together, but the vocals are mirrored and echoed by the other, in turn, lurking shadow-like just under the lead. While both Drez and Nikko have a solo verse, the track and their presences meld into a coherent feeling of one through the OG Innovator’s mixing. While completely absent throughout the cut, a bangin’ drum track comes in as the outro for the final 30 seconds – the feel both anticipatory, sublime and somewhat unorthodox as the beat fades into silence.
Atonal synthesizer, simple clicks, and sparse bass propel “Girl,” a lyrically sensual track, deeper into the dream-like feel of the album. Two-thirds of the way in, staccato stand-up bass and violin punctuate Drez’ description of the losing one’s conception of self in intimacy with another. The violin then joins the original instrumentation and carries the song to completion.
This theme of oneness is whispered throughout lyrically, yet perhaps is most clearly felt in the uniqueness and coherence of the complete whole of thefeelof the album.Repeated listens unveil more brilliant nuance and wonder as what seemed strangely simple and minimal continually reveals itself as rich and cunningly complex.The pairing of Drez’ vocals and vocal content with the electronic wizardry and genius production can conjure what often feels simultaneous paradoxical sentiment - joyful, optimistic and celebratory yet also somehow moody, evocative and melancholy.At times the listener can feel a sense of urgency and earnestness while also ease, lightness, and even playfulness. This is the work of a master at his craft, the ability to take something so deeply personal and bless it to be universal in reach, giving each listener permission to feel, explore and have a unique experience and understanding.
Perhaps the most poignant musical alchemy arrives on “On My Own,” a track clearly venturing into the highest realm of spiritual liberation. Lyrically and sonically, this grand triumph of divine reunion on the graspable horizon is paired with the feeling of solitude of the inner journey, an almost haunting vocal bending effect, sparse piano as both lead and bass and understated, psychedelic dub-like accents. “I’m slipping through portals / to normal immortal,” DJ Drez almost understates, leaving us with a most poignant teaching and the seed of suggestion, revealing the nature of oneness and normalizing mysticism through the medium of sound.
--John Smrtic www.bhaktigrooveyoga.com
