more from
ATA Records
We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Madvillain Vol. 2

by Abstract Orchestra

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £7 GBP  or more

     

  • Compact Disc
    Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Jewel case CD edition of Madvillain Vol. 2

    Includes unlimited streaming of Madvillain Vol. 2 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Sold Out

  • 12" Vinyl LP
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Vinyl version of the 2nd volume of Madvillain

    Includes unlimited streaming of Madvillain Vol. 2 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Sold Out

  • B Stock - Abstract Orchestra Madvillian Vol. 2
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    B Stock of Abstract Orchestra's Madvillian Vol. 2
    All B stock has slight cosmetic damage, which in no way affects the vinyl in any way, shape or form.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Madvillain Vol. 2 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Sold Out

1.
Mashup 1 00:35
2.
Meat Grinder 03:19
3.
Figaro 03:08
4.
Eye 03:21
5.
6.
Madmix 3 06:47
7.
Mashup 2 00:35
8.
9.
10.
Rainbows 03:49
11.
12.
13.

about

The Abstract Orchestra - Madvillain Vol. 2
Released on the 24th of May on Leeds Jazz & Soul label ATA Records , “Madvillain Vol. 2” is the second
part of the eagerly anticipated new LP from Abstract Orchestra . “Madvillain vol 2” takes the blueprint
laid out on their debut LP “Dilla” and applies it to the work of producer Madlib and M.C. Doom’s
Madvillain project. Radio support anticipated from BBC6’s Gilles Peterson who has been an advocate for
Abstract Orchestra on both his BBC6 and Worldwide FM shows, as well as Huey Morgan (BBC 6), Shawn
Lee (Soho) and Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s).
Led by Saxophonist Rob Mitchell, Abstract Orchestra have been a consistent presence on the u.k. music
scene, touring constantly in promotion of their debut LP “Dilla” and follow up 45 “New Day feat. Illa J”,
steadily building a loyal and supportive fanbase. Inspired by the legendary live performances of The
Roots with Jay-Z and the 40 piece orchestral arrangements by Miguel-Atwood Ferguson of the work of J
Dilla, classic arranging techniques underpin modern loop-based structures, breathing new life into
familiar material.
The band itself is based on the classic jazz big band instrumentation of saxes, trumpets and trombones
and features the cream of the north of England’s jazz scene who collectively have played with
Jamiroquai, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mark Ronson, Martha Reeves, John Legend & the Roots, Roots Manuva
and Amy Winehouse.
Madvillain Vol. 2 was recorded live in it’s entirety at ATA’s own vintage analogue studio in Leeds. All
tracks were recorded in one take with little to no overdubs and no editing, quantizing or other such studio
trickery. The band were recorded live in the room to 2 inch tape and the recording captures a group of
creative and dedicated musicians that have honed their sound through years of touring.
Mashup 1 is a re-working of Abstract’s own MADVILLAIN arrangements, including samples taken from
Madmix 1 and Bistro. Composer/Arranger Rob Mitchell uses His sampler to create Lofi glitch beats with
reverse samples. Meat Grinder creates a great deal of suspense with the flutes, muted trombones and
heavy riffs from the bass, baritone sax and Fender Rhodes. Heavily influenced by Lalo Schifrin it has an
thread of spy tv themes running through it.
Figaro head nods all the way through! A dark and broody interpretation of the bass line from Chris ‘Fatty’
Hargreaves, wonky and unpredictable, juxtaposed with the snare of Joost Henrickx ,like the crack of a
gunshot, adds weight to the heaviness of this Jerry Goldsmith/Dave Grusin inspired arrangement. A
beautiful vocal performance from Anna Uhuru on Eye makes for a warm slow funk arrangement, with with
support from the bass and trombones. Simon ‘Bobby’ Beddoe delivers a super slick Flugelhorn solo
before the ensemble returns with a tutti section with flutes to top it off.
Cant Reform em is once again influenced by spy TV themes with heavy military beats similar to ‘The
Man From U.N.C.L.E’ or ‘Mission Impossible’ original TV soundtracks. Again an influence of Madmix 3 is
the work of Lalo Schifrin, Dave Grusin and Jerry Goldsmith, and similarities to the ‘Our Man Flint’
soundtrack in atmosphere through the orchestration conceived by Mitchell. George Cooper takes us
through not one but two piano solos that are truly epic and continually add tension and drama. A real
high point in the album.
Similar to Mashup 1, Mashup 2 is clearly inspired by Madlib’s production. A re-work of Abstract’s own
MADVILLAIN arrangements, it includes samples taken from Operation Lifesaver, borrowed time and
Madmix 3.
Rhinestone Cowboy launches into a heavy weight groove from the bass and drums, with flutes acting
like fife’s readying for battle. Vocal loops and punctuation from the brass add to the militant march of the
band. Fire in the hole starts in a dream-like state, with floating vocals and tremolo Fender Rhodes,
shifting to a more direct groove in the 2 nd half.
Rainbows uses unison lines doubled in the vocals and throughout the ensemble, not too dissimilar to the
approach and sound of Charles Mingus. Distinclty jazz influenced, the track reaches soaring heights with
Tenor Sax solos by James Russell.
Operation Lifesaver has similarities to the late work of Bob Brookmeyer, who explored the combination
of synths and jazz orchestration. Pianist George Cooper takes the synth solo with a nod to Daft Punk and
The Chemical Brothers and a wink to George Duke, which the original track samples.
To round off the album, Abstract reworks Dabrye’s ‘ Air ’ and have included the original vocal of MF
DOOM. Dabye’s original is heavily soaked in synths and drum machines, similar to Vangelis’s soundtrack
work on Bladerunner. Mitchell explores this further and is influenced by Bob Brookmeyer’s later work
‘Electricity’, which explores synths and jazz orchestration.
Madvillain Vol. 2 was recorded live in it’s entirety at ATA’s own vintage analogue studio in Leeds. All
tracks were recorded in one take with little to no overdubs and no editing, quantizing or other such studio
trickery. The band were recorded live in the room to 2 inch tape and the recording captures a group of
creative and dedicated musicians that have honed their sound through years of touring.

credits

released May 24, 2019

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Abstract Orchestra Leeds, UK

Abstract Orchestra is an allstar Hip-hop Big Band made of the finest musicians in the U.K. Inspired by the legendary live performances of The Roots with Jay-Z and the 40 piece orchestral arrangements by Miguel-Atwood Ferguson of the work of J Dilla, the band strives to merge great musical arrangements with incredible Hip-hop to create an amazing live experience that truly is jaw dropping. ... more

contact / help

Contact Abstract Orchestra

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Abstract Orchestra, you may also like: