Sumptuous cries from Simphiwe Dana in ‘Kwa Kungasa’ compliment the exemplary layering of strings, combining with the beats to open the album with majestic grandeur. Gently gliding out of this enchanting start comes ‘Dancing Girl’ featuring Mozez, a Terry Callier cover which dropped last year on a 12” that also included a terrific instrumental. This vocal version comes close to the magnificent original and is fantastically arranged. As is the oh-so-lovely collaboration with Andreya Triana, ‘Angel Lady’, recently played on Alexander Nut’s Rinse FM show.

Energised with a phenomenal drum break ‘Reason To’ is super-tight with Kathrin De Boer adding her charming vocals. Aaron excels in this jazz influenced soul sound, making drums roll with the expansive greatness of Cinematic Orchestra’s best recordings, plus percussive rattles and sumptuous chords add further quality. Typified through the instrumental workout of the title track, ‘Reason To’ and the laidback ‘Rearrange’.

After impressing on Marc Mac’s Visioneers LP Voice supplies “real rhymes” in ‘Reel Time’ with a sweet rapid flow similar to Bahamadia. More crisp MCing arrives in Yungun’s rib-tickling tales of an evening’s antics in ‘Late Night Mission’, a tune much applauded at CDR! My album highlight ‘Marrakesh’ never ceases to delight me with its otherworldly pulse and lush strings. The beautiful calm of ‘Misunderstanding’ is a bonus for CD buyers whilst those who opt for the luxurious double vinyl can savour the terrific instrumental ‘Last Time Around’.

Aaron has proved himself as a remarkable musicmaker, able to craft all kinds of styles and tempos

The blend of vocalists Aaron has chosen works really well. Kathrin De Boer has been hugely impressive with her performances in Belleruche; Yungun is hilariously articulate; Bajka’s distinctive tones always captivate; and Andreya Triana’s reputation is growing rapidly. Previously unheard Mike Orwell provides a gruffer edge in ‘Silent Suffering’, a song that reflectively rouses and will hopefully cross over into the ears of Indie/Rock fans.

Heavily supported by Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge (who writes the liner notes) Aaron has proved himself as a remarkable musicmaker, able to craft all kinds of styles and tempos. His prolificness results in numerous side projects, including throbbing house treats — most recently the impressive remix of Scrimshire’s ‘Warm Sound’ — as well as head-nodding hip-hop delights under the AJ’s Dilemma moniker (look out for more later in 2008!).

A place in the BBE catalogue alongside the Beat Generation of J Dilla, Jazzy Jeff et al. is fitting for one of the most dexterous producers to emerge from the BurntProgress/CDR scene. Time to Rearrange is a supreme debut and an essential record.

Links:
BBE
Soulblender
Aaron Jerome MySpace
Voice
Bahamadia
Yungun
Burnt Progress/CDR
Alexander Nut’s ‘Mixed Nuts’ Rinse FM show
City to City album launch flyer, Jan 31st at AKA