Kenny Dixon Jr. is a name that not many will be familiar with, at least outside of Detroit, but his work under the guise of Moodymann has become a go-to for lovers of Detroit techno and deep house. A catalogue of music that spans 20+ years, over a dozen albums and includes projects with DJ-Kicks and Planet E has been enjoyed by millions the world over. The latest sonic addition to join the Moodymann arsenal comes in the form of his recent Taken Away LP, a 9-track house record that also dips its toe in
hiphop, jazz and electronic. The album lists no credited features, but does include a bunch of sampled vocals, including some recordings from Kenny himself. Cuts like Let Me In provide a sense-tingling hiphop experience, while Let Me Show You Love and Just Stay A While cover the four to the floor side of things. Goodbye Everybody sits somewhere in between, and Slow Down brings a jazz-leaning house gem which features one of the most unique arrangements on the entire album.
Where to start:
‘Let Me In’ – Sensual hiphop beats and soft vocal samples
‘Slow Down’ – Heavy drum hits and warm bass tones
‘Let Me Show You Love’ – Relaxed melodies and wispy top lines
Previous from Moodymann:
Sinner LP (2019, self-released)
Moodymann LP (2014, KDJ Records)
If you like this then check out:
Theo Parrish – Parallel Dimensions LP (2017, Sound Signature)
Larry Heard – Godfathers of House LP (2014, Trax Records)
Moodymann – Taken Away LP is out now on Mahogani Music.