Features

 

09 Jun 2011

 

 

High Contrast
 
The key to High Contrast's infectious brand of 'uplifting jungle' is his ear for a great sample. His music is less about technique, more about the simple art of putting the right musical elements in the right places – a winning combination.
 
The track Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a good example. It relies heavily on Julie London's performance of Cry Me A River, released in 1955. London's deep, sensual voice singing the line "and now, you say you're lonely" conjures up images of smoky jazz clubs in the early hours. It sets a moody but enticing scene, ready for High Contrast's explosive bass line and powerful drums.
 
Cry Me A River was written by Arthur Hamilton and was originally intended to be sung by Ella Fitzgerald in the film Peter Kelly's Blues. London's version was produced by Bobby Troup, her second husband. Although it's been sung by countless jazz singers over the years, London's version was the first to be released and is still the most famous.
 
It's worth giving a special mention to Barney Kessel, the guitarist who played on the song. High Contrast uses Kessel's dream-like jazz chords at the beginning of his track, augmenting his guitar with synth and picked string sounds. Kessel was one the most important jazz players of his generation and went on to become one of the most prolific session musicians too, recording songs for The Beach Boys, The Monkees and others.



 


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