DJ Alex Corton – Good Looking Records

Good Looking Records

Makoto Feat. Cleveland Watkiss – Time

2003

For the second 12” in the Good Looking Records “Single” series, we have another accompaniment to one of the artist albums released around the start of the Millenium. One thing that does surprise me is the three year gap between them? Big Bud has many tracks on his ‘Late Night Blues’ album that would have been interesting to have heard an alternative version of, from maybe one of the Earth artists. Anyway, it’s back to an artist that has been a big part of the reviews, especially over the last few months. 

    Makoto gathers together a group of musicians for ‘Time’ that not only lets us experience the live aspect of his ideas and talents, but also feature a guy who has one of the most impressive histories in music, across the board. Cleveland Watkiss. 

    Cleveland is one of those vocalists that brings early roots of his growing up in Hackney, London in the 60s and 70s and being immersed in the culture of the  Jamaican sound-systems. This led to him studying at college with voice coaches and opening up his broad range of styles. Cleveland has worked with a very impressive list of artists; The Who, Lisa Stansfield, Goldie, Nigel Kennedy, Keith Richards, Sly & Robbie (RIP  Dunbar “Sly”, now you can jam with Robbie up there), and Soul II Soul, among many, many others. 

     Cleveland’s part in the drum and bass scene has always been a major part of his world. The growth of the genre, being touched worldwide, has only increased his audience and popularity. Whether on stage with Grooverider & Fabio at The Royal Albert Hall, rolling out lyrics in Sardinia at Sun & Bass, or working with gospel choirs, Indian or Japanese bands or acting on stage, the man is a most deserved recipient of his MBE for his part in music and the arts. 

   Let’s not forget the other musician though on this release. Forever a favorite with Makoto, is Takashi Chida on guitar, who slots into Makoto’s creative flow to a tee. 

   Artwork falls to Gareth Jones for this release. Very much in keeping with the print style of Gareth’s work on ‘Human Elements’, the profile picture on the front, of Makoto, with those swirling patterns give us this juxtaposition of static movement, and the digital LED clock typeface font, connects ‘Time’ into the art. Makoto’s Japanese shrine style logo adds his signature to the sleeve. The back sleeve has a skyline with a superb contrast between the orange shades and white sky. I also love the fact the tracks lyrics are printed on the back too. I’ve put them as a close up in the photos. 

Here’s Gareth with more info:

“A few stand out memories on this one. The artwork from the LP was very much continued on the single, giving it a strong visual link. I always liked the little ‘T:I:M:E’ lock up too. This also has a video shot, which was a rarity for GLR releases. We had a bit of input into this but the director (can’t remember who) led this. It’s on YouTube so check it out. And of course that fantastic Cleveland Watkiss collab”

   Side A makes its auras sparkle a bright and fresh signal of musical heaven. Cleveland really steals the show on this piece of music ‘Time’. His lyrics hook you in so beautifully and it’s Makoto that builds his sounds around him. The concoction that develops as the track plays makes you want to open all your windows, hit the slow motion on life around you, just close your eyes, nod your head and click your fingers while the smile on your face spreads that extra bit wider. Even in January, summers here. Just remember your hat and gloves before you warm up from dancing to this. This version is the same version you’ll find on the CD of ‘Human Elements’. 

   On Side B we have ‘Time (Kyoto Jazz Massive Remix)’ where the Japanese electronic jazz duo visit the studio to spin their twist into things. Hajime Yoshizawa is laying down his Rhodes’s and Moog talents in here, along with his mix down of the track. Yoshihiro Okino of Kyoto Jazz Massive is also on production. It’s this version that sends a vibe that opens the lungs of the tune, allowing a breath of paradise to coast through you. Cleveland’s vocals return with his deeply meaningful and poetic style. That voice though. Wow.

   The pace here makes it a pure joy to listen to, holding the drum and pace tempo but stripping the percussion away and allowing this gentle, easy rhythm to glide through. Around half way we pick up the beats a little, causing the grooving and moving infection that’s inevitable on its way. The work on that bass guitar is a marvel to focus on during this composition of music too. You can find this version on the bonus CD of Makoto’s album, ‘Human Elements’.

   It’s releases like this that continued to prove that Good Looking Records was not all about the drum and bass scene. This journey was collecting a vast amount of cultural, social and musical diversity in connecting with the way drum and bass and the expanding passion for the sounds, was evolving. 

   My blog has Good Looking Records reviews packed to the hilt if you ever want to dive into your favorite and replay your memory banks. It’s right here. I hope you catch the ones you love and a few you may not know about. After all, that’s what it’s all about.