Wednesday, September 28, 2011

"Tribute" : another version.

Believe it, "Tribute" by beatsmiths Onra and Quetzal is already reedited, but as a 2xLP this time. That's a minimum for 35 tracks. The Jay Dee tribute is now edited by German label Project:Mooncircle

Initially released in 2007 on CD, and as several 45rpm EP's as well (but not the whole 35 beats of the CD version), "Tribute" acted as an efficient business card for both beatmakers, even if Onra capitalized on it more than Quetzal (aka Al Quetz) did.

Indeed, Onra followed by unleashing the world acclaimed "Chinoiseries" (ending by placing "The Anthem" in a Coca-Cola commercial for the Beijing Olympics), then "1.0.8" as well as various collaborations with labels like All City. Onra even got into the Red Bull Music Academy program, for the Barcelona session. 
After gaining fame thanks to his extensive tours in the world's most unexpected clubs, alongside keyboardist  and collaborator Buddy Sativa, Onra left the simple spectrum of beatmaking by producing "Long Distance", an ode to the funk/disco/early hip hop era. 

Quetzal, on his side, took it back to his roots, connecting with Latin America and West Indies on his album "Vizions" and with Africa on the vinyl only "Drums Come From Africa". Both projects proved Quetz an authentic digger and beatmaker, interested in the search for the perfect vibe.

Both guys paved the way for the French beat scene, by proving it possible to release physical records (and especially vinyls) to fellow beatmakers Hazel, La Fine Equipe (credited for the scratches and mixing on "Tribute"), Guts, ASP and more. 

Stay tuned for "Chinoiseries 2" (November 15th on All City - even on cassette !) by Onra, who became artistic director to the Catblock imprint, Hazel's "Playground" being the first release. What happened to the pseudo-label Bo Bun Records ? 

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