Mr. G - Still Here (Get On Down)

Artist: Mr. G

Title: Still Here (Get On Down)

Label: Rekids

Catalog #: REKIDS007CD

Genre: Minimal/Tech-house

Release Date: July 5, 2010

Rating: 8.5

Drop the name "Mr. G" around most people and they'll likely look at you with a combination of confusion and concern. It's not that the name riles anybody, quite the opposite in fact; Mr. G is not a well known face when it comes to techno. Still, every now and then a well respected producer or DJ will tip their hat to Colin McBean, the man behind the moniker and dozens of solo EPs under his own Phoenix G label. He also spent time as part of KCC Sound System and one half of The Advent with Cisco Ferreira, all the while forging a signature soulful, jazz-dipped sound that continues to evolve without ever getting stale. After more than a decade of remaining quietly in the background, G's first ever solo album has finally arrived. An uncompromising, hauntingly beautiful journey through McBean's own experiences, Still Here (Get Down) is an album that represents a constantly evolving fantasia of sound, with every track possessing a stylish melodic spectrum all their own.

There are static themes, of course. G's jazziness is ever present, but rather than falling into old tropes of the genre (with perhaps a pass on Blessed, which seems to be hitting the notes on purpose) it springs to life as a completely different being. Seamlessly melding into incredibly slick beats and gorgeous analog, the tracks all bear the unmistakable imprint of uncompromising minimal floor killers, then take off at the half way point as G begins to expand the melody into a radiant harmonic meltdown of jazzy glory. It was once said that good techno will do all the things the listener hopes it will do, right when they want them to happen. It might not be an accurate statement in all cases, but in Still Here the truth is universal.

Just sit back and take in the whole of Dark Town Orchestra, a jazz-injected slice of sexy warehouse tech that dives into deeper, darker waters as the main melody continues to dance above the surface. Or the wrecking ball basslines of Space - Bassed and Lord Have Mercy, which dip into big Chicago sounds and funked-out hooks that would satisfy even the most jaded blog house dance zombie. From Light n' Shades masterful cradle of ambient synth to Firewater's bouncing analog and sleepy low-end, Still Here blows the lid off of every style it touches. Only Stolen Moments seems out of place, but the deconstructed melodies of its mournful downtempo are so buttery that it can't even be considered a complaint. Turns out its a preview of G's next album. Two words: Hell. Yes.

If Mr. G wasn't a big name in techno before, he is now. Still Here touches the soul and uplifts the spirit in ways only the greatest music can, and stands as a triumph of beautiful, bountiful, harmonious sound. Get this album. Get it right now. That's really all there is to say.

-Jared Rosen

1) Blessed

2) Firewater