Archive for the ‘Kutiman’ Category
Kutiman – Self Titled
Nothing that I haven’t heard before. Ophir “Kutiman” Kutiel’s album “Kutiman” is definitely, as categorized on his Myspace page, Funk, Afro-beat and Psychedelic. Myself, having been born during a time when these genres had already matured, have to say that there isn’t much going on here that hasn’t been done to death. Upon receiving the album, I was under the impression that this album was categorized as “World Music”. Kutiman hails from Tel Aviv, Israel, but that’s about as worldly as it gets. This album could easily have been the soundtrack to any exploitation film produced in North America in the ’60s or ’70s. Then again, judging from the videos on his Myspace page, this may have been exactly what he was aiming for. Be sure to visit for videos, tracks and animations.
Although I wasn’t moved by this listen (actually, I couldn’t listen to the whole album in one sitting; too tedious), I have to credit Kutiman with being a fine multi-instrumentalist and with producing a great sounding album. The chilled beats, funky bass, organs, guest vocals, wah guitars, flutes, trumpets, lead synths, etc. are all well represented on the album, and they sound great and work well together. What discouraged me from listening to this album all the way through was the repetition. Kudos for being able to maintain a theme for the duration of the album, but this album would work well as a soundtrack (to a movie, or a 4:20 themed chill session, I suppose).
Any of the songs on the album could have been a nice departure if I had them shuffled in to a mix spanning several genres. There are two songs, however, that stood out for me: Trumpet Woman and Take a Minute. The first track that I heard on the album was Trumpet Woman, and this set the tone for me. Very cool tune, with a lot of soul. The mute trumpet sound (quite likely a sample-chop/scat combo by guest Karolina), steals the spotlight in this jazzy, laid back number. Short, sweet and great to listen to.
Trumpet Woman by Kutiman (f. Karolina)
I then sat through a total of 10 of the thirteen tracks before I had to stop the album. There were shades of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Santana, Portishead etc. With every tune, I could only draw comparisons to other artists, and try to guess where I’ve heard the tune before. It took me a few days to get back to the last three tracks, but I’m glad that I did.
The second standout track happened to be the last one that I listened to: Take a Minute. Carnival organ, flute, rhythm-box beat, laid back bass groove. Perfect intermission music. Have a listen…
Take a Minute by Kutiman
Overall, I heard a talented musician making music that I tired of decades ago. I hope to see a lot of growth with Kutiman, because I’m certain that he has a great future as an artist. I really wanted to like this album. Not my first dream to be dashed.
