After the success of the "Be Arisionable" compilation comes an album from new sextet Dimensions 6. The emphasis of the group is to give a modern twist to the classic jazz band format both in the studio and when playing live. The group comprises vocalist Maiya James, keyboardist Jessica Lauren, Proteo on bass, Roberto Mares on violin, a mystery drum programmer and guitarist.
Jessica and Maiya are the two with the highest profiles. Jessica has been adding her keyboard skills to Alex "Mustang" Attias‘ productions, is part of the Big Bang band and is renowned for her obsession with classic synths, she is fast becoming the female response to Kaidi Tatham. Maiya James has been a star in ascendence for the last couple of years, her work on Phil Asher‘s Focus album and his releases on Clairaudience have exposed her to to the soulful house crowd. Now its time for her to open up to show her range. This album has captured the heat and energy of a six fresh talents coming together and jamming with the impeccable production values of Simone Serritella.
Signposted by the lush introlude the listener is taken straight in to the heart of modern jazz music "Uhcha/No Name" is a broken afrobeat monster, with its rough beats and heavy bass we believe its a Co op anthem in the making. Maiya’s vocals fit perfectly on "Sola" it is reminiscent of Jaydee’s more mellow productions, classic modern soul perfect for romancing and chilling.
"Crazy Hazy" is trademark Maiya over a simple broken house groove, reminiscent of her work with the Restless Soul collective, its enhanced by the live players around her. The album includes a couple of straight up jazz numbers, "Viranda" brings Roberto Mares string playing to the front, demonstrating that jazz violin did not finish with Stephan Grapelli. There is a stunning double time track for people that cannot decide between being manic and chilling.
Dimensions 6 also do good time disco boogie, "Living in the Sunshine" demonstrates this perfectly, as the upbeat vocal rides a joyous eighties groove. Ame from Sonar Kollectiv have already remixed this track, and judging by Jazzanova’s Jurgen’s response when it was played at the last ever night at the Bridge and Tunnel this is due to become a modern classic. "Berimbino" is a Dimensions 6 take on the broken beat sound of West London, while many are jumping on this bandwagon these guys have the musical pedigree to back it up.
“Expression” is the sound of a group that understands their musical heritage but wish to push things forward, responding to the sounds around them. Their technical ability never outshines the soul of the collective.
