Sample CDs

Total Funk N.Y. Cutz Total Funk from Zero-G (Time & Space) is a three-CD set contain- N.Y. Cutz Volume 2 (Off Da Hook) from Zero-G is a collection of New ing drum loops (CD1), instrumentals (CD2) and a .WAV files disc York beats and grooves – over 1,000 street-wise sounds. The tracks on (CD3) of samples from CD1 and 2. This is a well recorded and Disc A begin with a complete mix and, as you’d expect, individual conceived collection of funk sounds and beats. The quality of the sample loop breakdowns. Disc B concentrates on individual sounds makes these samples highly useful and they’re categorised neatly for such as riffs and instrumental loops like guitar, bass and sax riffs. Disc 3 easy referencing. contains .WAV versions of all the samples on Discs A and B. Drum loops are Many of the samples on Disc A have are heavily inspired by the organised into bpm ‘80s and so may appear derivative. However, even in today’s hip hop tempos and there’s a and groove-inspired hits there is a healthy combination of ‘old’ and healthy tempo range ‘new skool’ approaches. Unfortunately, while the category of loops is to choose from, while in bpm, there does not seem to be a pattern of groupings. At times, there’s a mixture of there is only one bpm tempo per group, so mixing with other group real and treated categories will need additional tempo changing. sounds and a variety Disc B starts off with a varied collection of drum machine loops, of room perspectives. some of which have been treated with effects like filters, delays, reverb The drum kits are well and flanging. Other loops simply go crazy with the effects used. Addi- balanced and all loops tional to the drum loops are noise and EQ loops which proved to be a are clean and at good favourite of mine. relative levels. More The collection of driving rhythms exist Lounge Records also, as well as splashes of trance and electronica. However, the vinyl samples are majority are composed of basic kick, snare and hi-hat combinations interesting also. while others also include toms, bass lines and the occasion percussion Some samples are solo loop. For ease of editing, loops contain an extra beat (ie. extra pretty noisy and, measure) making splices easier to line up. while I appreciate Disc 2 contains a variety of instruments, with guitar sounds that the lo-fi approach, are excellent for funk-based loop constructions. Additional drum it’s always easier to samples exist at the end of the CD. The guitar wah sounds are take quality away good for ‘70s fusion and disco. Additionally, a useful variety of than to try and put it guitars with different pick-up configurations are offered. Tracks 1 to back in. 20 contain guitar loops ranging from 80 to 125bpm. All up, there In the context of are 200 guitar loops in a variety of keys. For bass, a range of dry this genre, the vox samples are very useable and obviously black. The and treated sounds (flange, chorus and occasional distortion) take acoustic bass samples are also very nice indeed. Additionally there up tracks 21 to 34 in a range of tempos (80 to 120bpm). Stabs are a are electric bass samples and fuzz bass parts. The Rhodes and diverse collection of good and scratchy vinyl-sampled brass Mellotron licks are quite tasty but a little too noisy for my liking. But if cameos. Unfortunately there are no single key signatures here, it all adds to your inspiration, then get into it! Clavinet samples are which would be helpful. very funky indeed – there’s enough of them to get something groovy Funk needs horns and there are some great blasts ranging from 80 happening. The guitar parts are an odd collection of stabs, slides and to 120bpm. They’re tight and punchy with obvious James Brown noises. No rules here... it’s up to your own imagination. Disc B finishes inspired riffs. A collection of Rhodes chords (with and without wah- off where Disc A left off, with a collection of loops and individual wah) can put the hip into any song, although the Rhodes riffs them- breakdowns, including weird-ass bits and pieces to remind you how selves exist only at 85bpm. The flute samples will add sparkle to your crazy The Big Apple is – but they’re fresh and intriguing sounds songs and the synth FX are a weird collection that verge on sci-fi. nonetheless. The hits and stabs (some with that Trevor Horn-inspired Vocal grabs are predominantly black in colour and include some inter- orchestral stab touch) are good to use. Finally, Disc B ends with some esting effects. These are quite useable but like any vox sample, they useful hi-hat loops. cannot be used too often. All in all, an excellent sample CD set with N.Y. Cutz offers a collection of tough grooves, dope beats and phat good clean sounds on offer. Konrad Skirlis. sounds that brings the East Coast to your sampler. Konrad Skirlis. East West Sounds: (02) 9356 1975 East West Sounds: (02) 9356 1975 Price: $181 Price: $181