Buy it (Vinyl): Bandcamp
A producer that definitely stays close with the sound of Chicago, Minneapolis, and of course Detroit, but at the same time innovate that signature of house and techno fusions with plenty kick drums, hypnotic synth tones and soulful jazz grooves, is the prolific producer Jon Hester. Now, this distinctive artist returns to one of Berlins top labels Rekids for the first instalment of his new album titled ‘Converge’. This new eight tracks across four sides of vinyl is something that you need to have in your suitcase.
Review. Interesting and very delicious modern house and techno release with some of the finest rhythms. Very nice.
Jon Hester grew up in the Midwest US, living in Chicago and Minneapolis while taking musical cues from Detroit. Initially he was a dancer, and later transitioned to the decks with a refined understanding of what it takes to move a club. He progressed to hosting his own events, holding residencies, and working at a record shop, and now brings his physical rhythms and adventurous drums to his productions, with output on respected labels such as Transmat, Deeply Rooted, Dystopian, Klockworks, and LET Recordings, not to mention multiple appearances on Rekids.Continuing to show fine form on his debut album, Hester now serves up eight of his signature house and techno fusions with plenty of his trademark directness across four sides of vinyl.\”’Converge’ encompasses my vision of techno and house with warmth, groove, and soul, and is steeped in my experiences in the Midwest US and around the world. The two-part album format provided me the freedom to stretch out and explore a wider range of sounds, instrumentation, and ideas, all the while keeping the dance floor in mind. I’m eternally grateful to Rekids for the opportunity to share this music with you.\”The superb \’Sending Signals\’ opens the album with scene-setting synth modulations full of sci-fi atmosphere. It\’s the calm before the storm as \’Metropolitan\’ then immediately sets off on a cantering groove that is eventually run through with busy, jazzy piano keys that bring the soul. \’Haze\’ has excellently taught kick drums with hypnotic synth tones adding colour, and features Hester on saxophone. When \’Rain\’ comes, things grow darker and more menacing, with shakers and urgent stabs keeping you moving at a slick pace.The second half of this compelling record features the loopy punches and pulses of the super smooth \’Dreamstate\’, beautifully cosmic and widescreen techno of \’Free\’ and pensive but urgent deep electro of standout cut \’Flex.\’ Last of all, \’Equinox\’ is lit up with distant chords which bring a far-sighted gaze to the rolling, robust kicks.
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