taverns in the sky: Edan's Echo Party

Friday, November 20, 2009

Edan's Echo Party

It’s been over 4 years since Edan released the stellar psychedelic hip-hop concept album Beauty and the Beat. So folks have been getting antsy for some new material from the Humble Magnificent. It has finally arrived in the form of Echo Party. Here's some press-release-speak:

The Hiatus Is Over
‘Echo Party’ is Edans first album since his 2005 critically acclaimed sophomore release, ‘Beauty And The Beat’ (Lewis Recordings).
Boston native, Edan Portnoy first made his mark with debut album ‘Primitive Plus’. Hes a producer, emcee and deejay whos produced for notable artists such as Souls of Mischief, Akrobatik, Mr. Lif and David Holmes.
‘Echo Party’ is just that – a party, an eccentric bonanza of sounds that has been lovingly crafted, polished and played to perfection. Edan had full access to Traffic Entertainment Group’s extensive back catalogue to mix and rework in any way he could imagine. Two years later Five Day Weekend and Edan are set to release ‘Echo Party’. What began as a simple mix, has grown into a colourful full on production album that features Edan as the musician displaying his skills on live instruments including synthesizers, guitar, percussion, echoplex even glockenspiel and kazoo.
‘Echo Party’ has Edans personality intermixed with a wealth of amazing material. Elements are pulled from original multi tracks and these isolated accapellas and drum breaks have not been heard by any ears except the engineers and original artists that were in on the original sessions. Other portions are more identifiable though obscured by the filter of Edan’s ever improving studio techniques. Only an artist like Edan with his borderline obsessive commitment to detail could have brought such a project to life.
‘Echo Party’ promises to be one of 2009s most celebrated releases.

Yeah, kazoos. When I saw Edan he was touring to support Beauty -- and having fun with those kazoos in the process. And even in his adopted hometown of Boston his unique take on hip-hop scored him some boos from the crowd. (Yeah, you just gotta love that Dirty Water.) Edan obviously does not give a hoot in the world for commercial success, since you don’t exactly make a big money career by spending years bricoleuring together a one track, 29 minute mixtape. And though it’s a real shame that more cashmoney doesn’t flow his way, if Edan is okay with that and it means we get to enjoy work as dazzling as Beauty, then everybody wins. Here’s a sampling of Edan’s 3 main albums:

Primitive Plus