Los Angeles' DJ Rain Announces New Label and Debut Release
In February 2004, New Jersey native, Los Angeles transplant DJ Rain, launches his new label, Magnify Music with the release of Urban Excursions, Volume One. Magnify's mission is to create, produce, remix and play a unique brand of music that combines elements of jazz, house and gospel. Raised on the sounds of Newark's renowned Zanzibar and such legends as Tony Humphries, Larry Levan, Timmy Regisford and Tee Scott, Rain rekindles the soul of yesteryear, meshing it with his own fresh and innovative sonic concepts.
On Magnify's debut, Urban Excursions, Volume One, Rain celebrates the launch of his label via collaborations with Jerry Andrews and utilizes the talents of Jesse Outlaw, Moses Truzman (aka Audiomoe) and a handful of other gifted musicians to craft a soundscape rich with organic instrumentation and midtempo gems. Driven by distinctive flutes, brass and keys, this is a diverse album to enjoy while cooking dinner at home, during a late night drive or in the early morning hours on the dance floor.
Kicking off Urban Excursions is "Immanuel's Reign," an emotive, downtempo number driven by emanating keys and the soothing vocals of Dee Gilbert. Written and produced by Rain and named after his young son Immanuel, this is a suitable intro to the label's freshman release. "The Duel" introduces the flute, here via Mistalee, on this introspective, soulful composition. Penned by Audiomoe, "This Strange Love" is the album's first standout highlight. A throwback to old school dance grooves, close your eyes and imagine a New York loft in the early eighties. Cerebral and introspective, Spanish guitar riffs and glittering percussion move this midtempo, nostalgia-inducing jewel of a track. "Follow Me," another flute-driven cut, shows off Audiomoe's skills as a musician. Subtle breakdowns layered with spacey synth sounds, guitars and handclaps will work wonders on the dance floor.
The flute appears yet again on "Inner Spiritual." Producer Jesse Outlaw uses grooving congos courtesy of Julio Avila, a deep, dirty bassline from Mondo Villa and keys by Mike Green. Contagious flute and piano, percussion and shakers, all good for working an early floor or for a relaxing evening at home. On "See How It Sounds," Rain demonstrates his skills in the deep and jazzy house realm. Mark Ledford supplies the sensual trumpet with Tom on light percussion and the vocal snippets encouraging the listener to, "See How it Sounds." Next up is "Never Going Back," which sees Audiomoe manning the production and this time, providing all instrumentals. An eclectic floor gem with luscious, spacey keys and dirty, electric guitars make up this melodic masterpiece. Urban Excursions closes out with Jesse Outlaw's "Mi Vida Samba," a bossa-inflected, piano and percussion driven tour de force.
For more information on Urban Excursions or Magnify Music, please visit www.magnifymusic.com or contact DJ Rain at djrain@magnifymusic.com.
Words by Carly Miller, Courtesy of Headinghome PR / www.headinghome.net
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