Spiritual Rhythm

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Chill Factor 5 is oozing with profound techno nu-jazz funk
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Dear Fans, Music Lovers, and Reviewers
Grammy� nominated artist, producer Maurice Oliver/Chill Factor-5 and, Electronfarm Records. Is proud to announce ,the July 1st release of Chill Factor-5's "Spiritual Rhythm" a musical journey of my DNA starting 50,000 years ago!

5 Questions with Maurice Oliver

  • April 27, 2011 10:57 am CT

Bill McCormick

 

In the early 90's popular music was easily divided and defined. There were the mindless, ubiquitous, catchy tunes that stuck in your head like a toothpaste commercial and held similar emotional appeal. Sadly that form of music will, like cockroaches, outlive us all. There were the grunge and, the nascent, nu-metal movements turning anger into an art form. They took all the power of punk and added a level of musicianship that had never been associated with the genre. In and around Chicago dance music was defined by the throbbing beats issued forth by Wax Trax! and its pale imitators.

It was into this maelstrom that a band called The Rhythm Method, led by Maurice Oliver, came into vogue. Sensuous jazz melodies laid over hypnotic grooves layered with hooks that lingered joyfully in your mind long after the song had faded. Before New Age destroyed mainstream jazz, and long before dance music splintered into its many sub-genres, here was a glimmer of what the next evolutionary step could be. Despite the lack of mainstream support, the Rhythm Method garnered fans worldwide and Maurice went on to become an international celebrity. Now, proudly calling Chicago his home, he's back with a brand new project that takes all he has done to another level of excellence.

Long before world beat and its related genres became cool, you were experimenting with fusing elements of native African instruments, jazz and electronica. What inspired you blend these styles?

The language of music has fascinated me since I was child in the womb. When my mom was pregnant with me and living in Harlem she used to go to matinees at the Apollo Theater.

I've always heard the similarities between different types of music. I grew up in a small mixed neighborhood on Staten Island NY. When the weather was warm you could hear. Polkas, jazz, salsa, drumming from the park, tarantellas, classical music, marches, African Music R&B, Blues, everything. I was fortunate to have encounters with great musicians like Mingus trombonist Jimmy Nepper and, Hair composer, Galt McDermott,

Pianist-vibes master, and mentor Karl Berger, Saxophonists Jimmy Guiffre, Sam Rivers, and Oliver Lake, Drummer, Elvin Jones, Art Blakey, and Tony Williams.

Percussionists master Babatunde Olatunji, Airto, Dom Romao, Nana Vasconcelos, and Cyro Baptista.

I studied electronic composition, and programming on one of the first Moog Modular units, and ARP 2500 synthesizers at the New School for Social Research

You wrote a song, "But You Must," for the Killing Zoe soundtrack. How did that come about?

Rhythm Method had performed at the first legal, corporate Rave. Rave the Ritz was the concert part of the "MusicTech Expo sponsored by EQ magazine, and advertisers. Most of the tastemakers, and advertising companies who were oriented to the "new music scene" in NY where there to hear, and see what was happening. Rhythm Method was the only act that actually performed live.

On the bill was: Moby, Joey, Beltram, Keoki, Kevin Sanderson, and Rozalla. "And we blew up the spot". We met a couple of guys named Tom and Andy who had a music company that did music for commercials, and film, we had a meeting and did some freelance work for them. When they got the contract for the soundtrack they contacted us and gave us 24 hours to deliver a 6 min composition based on Chinese dialects, and a sample of a gong. They had given clips to all other collaborators and told us "You have vision, and amazing ears go for it" and we did. It was the most successful part of the entire soundtrack.

You've toured all over the world bringing your musical vision to people. What are some of your favorite places or cities to play?

Well growing up in New York I've had the opportunity to there many, many times at everything from small clubs, raves, to Lincoln Center. My favorite city is Amsterdam, I lived there for many years, and all the music scenes are vibrant. Berlin is always at the top of the list. My group Rhythm Method with my brother Steve was the first American Techno group to perform "Live" at "Love Parade", and for relaxed gigs the Mayan Rivera is amazing. If all goes according to plan South Africa will be added soon.

Your new group, Chill Factor-5 , has been getting stunning reviews. This may be the most soulful music you've ever done. How did this project come about?

Strangely enough I'm working almost exclusively by myself, but I do use the talents of several musicians from around the globe for their unique talents. Ulrich Maiss an amazing cellist from Berlin is featured, former Joe Jackson Vinnie Zummo from NYC is on guitar, guitar synthesizer, accordion an vocals, as well as British Jazz woodwind player Clive Stevens, Guitarist Greg Minnik from Florida, And my good friend Julius Bertock from Byron Bay Australia on didgeridoos.

What do you have coming out next that fans should watch out for?

I'm releasing a new Chill EP entitled Coastal Vibrations which will be digital, as well as CD on demand at Amazon.com, I'm also in negotiations with a label in Berlin for licensing of Coastal Vibrations. My big project is the Spiritual Rhythm a project that's been a year's labor, and learning experience.

I received a DNA testing kit and have been following my DNA around the World. This has helped explain my deep feeling aptitude for African, Middle Eastern, Native American and Afro- Caribbean music and cultures. On Spiritual Rhythm I dig deep into the music of these indigenous peoples. 

Agbekor /drummer

Chill Factor 5 is oozing with profound techno nu-jazz funk

 

 

 

 

 

Herbie Hancock is one of the greatest musicians/ composers ever to bless the game of music... with his integration of jazz-funk, afro electronic beats. No I'm not living in the past, fusion is alive and kickin', granted mostly in Europe and American underground. But the question is, with all of the talented well studied musicians that have an infinity for the electro grooves, why aren't there more household names?

 

Few electro-beat artist get the fame and well deserved glory as a Stevie Wonder or a Kenny Rodgers. Two widely different genres, worlds apart in fact, but we know who they are because their music is great. In comparison there is a 10 to 1 margin of well known Country and R&B singers than there are Electro-Beat Artist. That's a shame considering that we as music lovers should recognize great music when we hear it.

 

Recently, I heard of one such electro jazz funk artist who's name should be rolling off the tongues of everyone in the country. I was lucky to have had a brief phone conversation with him and set up an online Q & A interview.

 

Maurice Oliver is a Julliard graduate and founder of Chill Factor 5, here's what he had to say about Chill factor 5 and his record company Electronfarm:

 

Maurice, so you are the founder and leader of Chill Factor 5?

 

"Yes I am, in fact Chill Factor 5 is really me. It's an alias I came up with when I started Electronfarm. The 21st century was here and it was time to "flip the switch" I learned everything I could about graphic design I do all my own artwork, packaging, digital distribution, online marketing, social networking and went global on my own."

 

How many members are in the group?

 

Strangely enough I'm working almost exclusively by myself, but I do use the talents of several musicians from around the globe for their unique talents.

 

Are you mostly recognized in the U.S. or Europe?

 

The West Cost is my largest fan base. But my most loyal, long-time listeners are in Holland and Germany.

 

Your music is so good, why do you think you're bigger in Europe than U.S.?

 

So many people from everywhere flow through the major cities and fans are exposed to every kind of music available. Most artists have to go to Europe too really break out. You get a completely different perspective on what you create under unfamiliar circumstances. That is liberating.

How many albums does Chill Factor 5 have under the belt?

There are eight releases; A Heart Away, Sun Flower Jazz [Grammy nomination for album of the year dance/electronic 2008], The Venus Effect 2009, The Return of Dr. Dark released Oct. 2010, Spiritual Rhythm release date june 1, 2011, Coastal Vibrations EP coming july 2011 and Journey to Music Island Vol-3.

Two new albums coming out this year "Spiritual Rhythm and "Coastal Vibrations, any singles?

There will be singles from Coastal Vibrations, 'Momo' a hot jazzy house track that's already getting some very nice comments and '60 St. Marks Place' a smokey nu-jazz track featuring my guitar playing.

Now, you've been described as... Electronica, Nu-jazz, House and Techno, how would you describe your sound best in one word?

Spiritual.

Your music seems to be rooted, it has such a strong spiritual connection.. where does that come from and do you practice meditation?

Music is my meditation, the beating of the drum is always with-in my heart. I draw strength and peace through listening to and creating music....... I Believe.

To this date where is your favorite place to play?

My favorite club is the Melkweg [Milkyway] in Amsterdam, great crowds, excellent sound, right in the middle of the club district.

Chill Factor 5 is based out of Chicago?

Right now I'm in Chicago, but you never know.

Maurice, you do all the producing, mixing, editing and remixing as well as play your own instruments?

I own my own studio this allows me time to experiment with many different concepts, I'm also a workaholic so I am always writing and producing.

And you worked with Director Quntine Taratino.., where else have we might have heard some of your work?

Rhythm Method [Steve Oliver, Maurice Oliver] worked on the soundtrack album for 'Killing Zoe', we were working with a production company and played some parts, we also helped on a piece for 'Natural Born Killers' no credit but its there. My music has also been on several airline music channels and Chicago's airports , some commercials in past and now my music is streamed to gyms and workout facilities.

Just a minute ago you mentioned Rhythm Method a group you were in during the 1990's, can you break us down on that?

The group was my brother Steve and I, we performed at the Limelight, The Roxy, The Shelter and many clubs around NY. We traveled to Europe and performed in Holland and Germany.

Any tours coming up?

I'll be working on that front once summer is over.

Well alright folks there ya have it, Maurice Oliver - Chill Factor 5 and Electronfarm records a one man "Dinamo". Want to learn more about this one man wonder... check out  Electronfarm.com.

Remember..  Rhythm Rotates the Earth

By Shawn Murphy

 

http://www.shockya.com/news/2011/05/12/chill-factor-5-is-oozing-with-profound-techno-nu-jazz-funk/

 

Sincerely,

 


Maurice Oliver
Electronfrm Records