Colossus "West Oaktown" (Om Records)


WE SAY:
This record really is as good as the press quotes below suggest. An essential album that will renew your love for hip-hop.

THEY SAY:
“Existing in a chilled-out space between Roy Ayers and Digable Planets circa Blowout Comb, West Oaktown is indeed cool like that.” – URB

“A long overdue return to jazz/hip hop fusion that is sorely missed in today’s hip hop.” – VAPORS
“Colossus is already gaining favoriable comparisons to both Digable Planets and Yesterdays New Quintet so jazzier heads should take note.” – CMJ

LEARN:
It all started after Charlie (6’ 8”) Tate graduated from the London School of Furniture. Approached by the infamous Paris based Big Cheese Records to form a funk band, and Big Cheese All Stars was born! 2 singles, an album and several extensive stints of touring and supporting the likes of Don Blackman, Roy Ayers, Gil Scott-Heron, Fred Wesley AND James Brown put an end to a career in bespoke cabinet making. A future immersed in the funk, the soul and the jazz seemed assured. While still with the All Stars, an opportunity to play bass in Neneh Cherry’s band arose and the best part of a year was spent on the road touring her “Woman“album. A lot of fun was had. A lot of drinking was done. But the love of the funk, the soul and the jazz prevailed. Unfortunately the sheer size of what the All Stars had become essentially caused its demise, putting eleven plus personnel on the road became a logistical liability.

CONTINUE READING FULL BIO

LISTEN:
DISC 1 – WEST OAKTOWN
Innacity
From the Lab
You A Grown Man Now
If You Knew My Mind
One
Thripney Bits
Like That
The Tribute
Brotha`s Tryin` To Be
Sunshine
Whirlwinds
Lil Sally

DISC 2 – WEST OAKTOWN REMIXES
Intro
The Tribute
Interlude 1
Brotha`s Tryin` To Be
Interlude 2
If You Knew My Mind
From the Lab
Thripney Bits
Inner City
Interlude 3
Like That
You A Grown Man Now
Lil` Sally
Interlude 4
Whirlwinds
Interlude 5
Where you at?

EXPLORE:
www.om-records.com/colossus.html
www.myspace.com/crushingone