Theo Parrish

Cornbread & Cowrie Shells For Bertha

Image of Theo Parrish - Cornbread & Cowrie Shells For Bertha
Record Label
Sound Signature

About this item

Two years since esteemed Detroit third waver Theo Parrish dropped "Wuddaji", he's back with another clutch of new music. Released via his own, highly inventive Sound Signature label, it finds our widely adored producer and DJ - now in his 50s - conjuring up more magical. spontaneous, semi-organic jams as he melds sample-based production with jazz, soul and blues for his own very unique blend of Detroit beatdown.

Opening with the tribal-tinged, MPC-forged rumble and clatter of "Cleo's Theme" - a perfect example of the dizzy heights achievable when man and machine combine in perfect harmony - in this case our man in question and Akai's MPC1000. It's his instrument of choice throughout the LP (and much of his discography to be honest). The following track, the titular "Cornbread & Cowrie Shells" swings perc hits sideways, resulting in a skewiff groove only Theo could make work; before peppering minor key piano pokes and warped organ notes into the mix. A truly out there, oddball dance track synonymous with our man from the D.

Nice to see old friend Dumminue Deporres get involved on the woozy, organ and piano-led, opiated daydream that is "Real Deal". Another key TP trope is the juddery, squelchy funk of "Dance Alone" which recalls tracks like "Going Downstairs" or "Galactic Ancestors". "Stop Lite" sees him expand (or should I say reduce) his "Stop Bajon" edit into a mellow yet moody jazz affair which sounds perfect for the smokey jazz bar. Finally "Play Thru Moon" exudes that heavy, sloppy, thick fug, punctuated by genius moments of drum syncopation provided by that trusty MPC sampler once again.

Long term fans are gonna be mega buzzed about this I reckon. I think stylistically it harks back to classic 3 Chairs / "Parallel Dimensions" era. Highly percussive, Rhodes heavy; with thick mid afternoon haze throughout. Another triumph from the maverick Detroit producer and DJ.  

Limited copies. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: New Theo Parrish LP and I think stylistically it harks back to classic 3 Chairs / "Parallel Dimensions" era. Highly percussive, Rhodes heavy; with thick mid afternoon haze throughout. Another triumph from the maverick Detroit producer and DJ.

TRACK LISTING

A. Cleo’s Theme
B1. Cornbread & Cowrie Shells
B2. Real Deal Feat. Dumminue Deporres
C1. Dance Alone
D1. Stop Lite
D2. Play Thru Moon

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