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"Clive Stevens in an English synthesizer genius whose brand of funk, fusion, rock is simply light years ahead of the competition. The melodic lines and riffs call to mind the jazzily expressive style of Al DiMeola or Chick Corea, but Stevens blew DiMeola right off the bill when he opened for him recently." Source: Daily News. June 21 1982.
"Clear direction and acute focus of style and expression are what make Clive Stevens' Atmosphere such a joy. It's an effortless effort." Downbeat Magazine"Clive Stevens' debut album beautifully blends the interpretive qualities of jazz and eastern music with contemporary rock into compositions that are more musical meditations than mere instrumentations" |
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English windsmith/producer/arranger Clive Stevens directs a complex, often cinematic mix of traditional jazz,world music and pop elements on Millennium Jams(Metalimbo/Efa records # 06354). I say cinematic because each instrument and unique voice is placed as a component for an overall visceral effect: whether it's waves of sweeping keyboard and smooth tenor sax,accentedby children's voices for an effect that's pure,blissful relaxation("Boulevards of paradise"), or soft spoken flute and slow deliberate bass guiding a journey of the heart and mind("where do we go to now?"), "Three steps from heaven" likewise conveys complex emotion through yadam gonzalez's pristine piano and stevens diving,singing tenor sax. All of this is accomplished without sacrificing accessibility - although cuts like "Nastassja" and "Dance from the magic kingdom" present adventurous,challenging arrangements, for example the hooks within are irresistable. If others follow Stevens' lead in breaking genre barriers, it will be a promising musical millennium indeed.
Hilarie.s.Grey Jazz Times November/2000 |
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Clive Stevens - Millennium Jams
The title might sound a bit strange, but this is no wild chaos of jammed takes, but the brave and succeeding attempt to combine sounds and styles of various continents in a very appealing way with technical sounds.
Clive Stevens warm saxophone hovers above many of the compositions- the entire CD spreads harmony and well being,something, which seemed almost impossible when actual performance is mixed with computer sequences.Contrary to other attempts in this direction,
the artists accomplish something new on this recording.One title ("First time bliss") is dedicated to Joachim-Ernst Berendt(The famous German music producer/Spiritual writer) who died tragically in a car crash last year) and I think that he would have very much enjoyed it.
Incorporated is the very pleasant voice of Barbara Mendes("Where do we go to now?') and the sing song of carlina&sean Swift, the children of drummer/producer Tom Swift On "Boulevards of paradise". All titles are themed with our world preservation-"Maha Mrityunjaya" contains a mantra- and when you close your eyes, all borders seem to disappear between electronic music,film music,jazz and rock - keep your eyes closed and enjoy.
Carina prange/Internet review/Germany |
Pan Global Electro Lounge Vol 1Feedback / Reviewsfrom Dj's / Radio stations worldwide 1. "Thanks a lot for the album, really great." 2. "Fantastic album.Great stuff for our radio station." 3. "Hello,this is a fantastic compilation,which differs
positively from many others of the genre.a regular
member of my dj-box from now on.I played it several
times at the radio and take it always with me to the
dj gigs. It's a fantastic album." 4. "Thank you very much for this recording.We will put
some of the excellent songs on our air play list and
will review album too." 5. "Thanks for the music.I will review this week.I am
glad to be servived by Planet 8 records; A truly great
label." 6. "I did a special review on PAN GLOBAL ELECTRO
LOUNGE on my radio Show 'Nascer Da Lua' I really liked
the Cd.very nice ambient and chill out
vibes,congratulations." 7. "Destined to find a place on hip bar room CD racks
next to the vaunted Buddha Bar series,'Pan Global
Electro Lounge' offers a dreamy yet meaty mix of
electronica,world beat and ambient sounds. Unlike most
lounge music,it presents playing and writing that's
compelling enough to be listened to rather than merely
absorbed. Exotic world beat elements from India,South
America,The Caribbean and Africa ensure the audience
is broader than those interested in smart drinks and
crystals." 8. "Presented by Planet 8 Records and Produced by
Clive Stevens,
Pan Global Electro Lounge Vol 1 is a journey through
the best lounge of the 21St Century,a Journey that
embraces our planet. Nowadays music is global,in one
point on earth you can hear music from another point
on earth, the creativity is the common link but in
every place there is that grain of sand that keeps it
different, identifies itself. 'Pan Global Electro
Lounge' has that common link, the creativity of the
Artist we find here, which also incorporates that grain
of sand that demonstrates
the origin of each Artist. The lounge is one style,a
flow of 21St Century electronic music,but thanks to
this work we have a global vision of what is to come
on our planet." |
INVISIBLE INTELLIGENCE/MANDORLA PLANET 8 RECORDSP8-001 REVIEWS.1. "Another sweet ethereal release from a master of
electronica.Lush,deeply textured arrangements are
wrapped in soulful vocals. From light jazz to sultry
rumba to contemporary hip hop.Clive Stevens really
sruts his stuff on his eighth career release.Backed by
accomplished musicians and wondrous vocalists,clive's
outstanding studio work makes invisible intelligence a
must release for every true audiophile. This is
clearly a deserving nominee for a world music or
electronica grammy. I love this release and listen to
over and over." 2. "Thank you for such a vivid and elegant album!
Mandorla creates global music beyond genres and at the
same time it is very individual with very special
charm and beauty. 'Invisible Intelligence' is a gulp of
fresh air. This is a bright sample of modern music
without borders." 3. "What a great sound you have. I have played several
of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in
future programs. keep up the good work and please keep
me up to date with your progress." 4. "Ambient music at its utmost best with great
electronic sounds that do not devour the listener; an
album to be proud of." 5. "Wonderful album, great stuff for our radio station" 6."Hello,great CD.It's a pleasure to present to my
listeners.All the best." 7. "Really great music. Good funky jazz beat. You need to
have this CD in your collection. For all music
lovers,no excuse to not have this CD right on your CD
player. Buy it, you will just love it." 8. "All i can say about this CD is MMOORREE! Great
feeling of past music eras that have been caught and
brought back to the present day with emotions ranging
the classics,relaxing behind the keyboard,to pop/rock
artists that hid inside the tracks on this Cd. An
absolutely wonderful presentation,i will definitely be
using this CD and any future works in our day to day
music lists. well done from the team here." 9. "A very enjoyable album with several tracks that i
shall be playing on my program especially tracks 1,3 &
9 All the best." 10. "I will add 'Invisible Intelligence" by mandorla to
our station library for playing on 'La otra Orilla'
and sharing with my listeners Viva la Musica. Your
album sounds great." 11. "Wonderful material inspirational!!" 12. "Oh Yeah!!! Your's is the sound I like the best.
The ribbon and the beatz..cool...warm 'n' spirited
I'll be playing on my mix show and on my summer show
'Cool Joolz'; THANKS" 13. "Bonjour,thank you for such a great music. I really
enjoyed. I added to my wjaz broadcast play list." |
