DJ Alex Corton – Vinyl Reviews

Good Looking Records

LTJ Bukem – Journey Inwards 

2000

Plate 3: E & F / Plate 4: G & H

We begin another week of reviews, having started today’s album on Friday and continuing this epic journey through the Good Looking Records catalogue. I hope the weekend was one that filled time with moments of value and there-within, music? 

   It’s back to the masterclass of LTJ Bukem today, and the next two discs in his one and only studio album, ‘Journey Inwards’. The artwork holds a magic place with this one too, with Nick Purser designing the perfect visual accompaniment to the music. Let’s slide out the next plate and continue with the rich tapestry of sound, on this wonderful album. 

    Plate three has the Sides E & F for us to absorb. ‘Undress Your Mind’ is a dynamic, coaster that lights up the floor. Snapping snare, funky bass, carrying a genuine drop in the live arena of sound. This one sounds exactly like some of the Makoto material that was flying around at the time. Groove soaked future jazz spreads out across the room and laps up the rhythms and vibes with a twist of the mighty sumptuous. The breakdown at 3/4 way in is such a high level section of the track. Smooth, tantalizing and drenched in the most luxurious bass. One that makes ya bump and grind to the nitty gritty. Big up to Kaidi Tatham on the writing of this tune too. A legendary artist, DJ and remixer who has an extensive history of work. 

    Side F is ‘Suspended Space’ this track was also the title for Bukem’s EP ‘Suspended Space’, released the same year, 2000. The bass line on this has all the blueprints from Bukem with its hypnotic persistence. The tune just ebbs and flows perfectly. You effortlessly drift on your slow current of non-urgent sound, opening up the windows to your peace and filling up the desires of your mind. One that will transport the scratches and dents away from the moment and lift a perfect slate of flat mirrored ice across the visions inside. 

   On the last plate of ‘Journeys Inwards’, we have Side G & H to enjoy. First up, we have the switch to 33 RPM for this plate, which correlates with this G Side having three tracks on it. ‘Inner Guidance’ brings a vibe to his album that adds that cream in the Irish coffee. Andy Ross returns for that sucrose tinted liquid flute, and holy shit is it good. This is one of those tunes that scours out the origins of Bukem’s background. Voluminous and bursting with life. Fucking class. 

   Next up is ‘Unconditional Love (Instrumental Version)’ mixed and by two of the old Intense boys, Dan Duncan and Simon Vispi. I wonder if they had Molly on the sax for this one? Strong possibility I’d say. This is another example of the way Bukem stretched the game and reeled in one of the most complete and expressive future jazz albums in the drum and bass world. His downtempo work always chords with me, such as the tracks on the Earth volumes. This is no different. The sound quality is like nothing you’ll hear. Loud, clear and cut to perfection. 

  Last on Side G is the shortest track on the album, more of a slightly extended interlude. ‘Point Of View’ has the exquisite sounds of Gay Yee Westerhoff on the chello. She performs with a group called ‘Bond’ who take a modern classic approach. The perfect fall into the contentment of ultra high bliss. 

    Side H has a tune which was also released as GLRSIN001V in 12” single format. ‘Sunrain’ is the key vocal tune on ‘Journey Inwards’. The line up of musicians has Andy Ross on both Flute and Sax (not at the same time, although I’d pay to see that). Eliot on vocals, Andy Hamill back on bass and Chris Campbell on guitar. Chris also worked with PHD and the late microphone and music legend, MC Conrad on ‘Presence’ on the Ascendent Grooves label. You can always play this track and feel the warmth and receding chills, turn intoto a blanket of cozy haze. Truly outstanding music! 

   Lastly, we have ‘Deserted Vaults (Instrumental)’ to take us to the imminent extinguishing of this masterful album. If you could tread water with the efforts of a lucid dream, this track would keep you afloat, and raise you up into the safe arms of the angels. Sometimes your life flashes back and reveals stories that remain untold. Then you hear this finale and realize the superiority of such beholden treasures. 

   A truly mind blowing, thought stretching and spiritually unraveling collection of music. Forever played and enjoyed. Bukem. The master.