Chris Read – Sons D'Afrique

Breakin Bread continue on their tropical journey, following up the Latin flavours of Chris Read's 'Disco Cumbia' with a second single from the London based producer. This time round we swap continents and take in some Afro Beat influence with two dancefloor friendly afro workouts.

Chris, a collector of hip hop, funk, soul boogie and related beats and jazz based music since the late eighties first came to prominence as a club DJ through his 10 year role as resident DJ and promoter at Substance (one of the UK's largest and longest running hip hop and funk nights) and a 2 year spell as mix DJ on BBC Radio 1Xtra. In recent years a steady output of high profile mix albums has allowed Chris to DJ around the globe. Chris has also played a few times at Breakin Bread parties so he knows the vibe and is a perfect addition to the Breakin Bread roster.

In the past year Chris has joined the ranks of the BBE label putting together mixed compilations for the both the label's 15th Anniversary and the 10th Anniversary of their acclaimed Beat Generation series. Chris is also hard at work in the studio producing a new album for BBC New Urban Music Award winning band 'Maylight', a seven piece outfit fusing jazz, soul and electronics featuring the vocal talents of Tru Thoughts' Lizzy Parks.

Side A - SONS D'AFRIQUE
'Sons D'Afrique' is an uptempo Afro Beat influenced bubbler combining swinging brush drums, a prominent bass groove, a funky guitar lick, driving horns and infectious chants to create a slice of dancefloor magic. Holding back an explosive bass groove to the latter half of the track, this is a cut full of surprises, drawing influence and sample material from disparate corners of the musical spectrum and combining them in a style that owes as much to the musical movement of Fela as it does to contemporary club music. Son's D'Afrique was recently used as the soundtrack for Channel 4's coverage of British Nigerian triple jumper Phillips Idowu during the World Athletics Championships."

Side B - DUB AFRIQUE
Continuing in the theme set by the A-Side, 'Dub Afrique', although the more uptempo of the two tracks, offers a more laid back approach to the Afro sound. Subtle flutes and a warm yet punchy bass sit atop a fast paced Afro drum groove which gives way briefly to a half time dub influenced interlude before returning to its full pace conclusion. Offset with spoken word interjections and dub echo this is a track full of atmosphere and contrast offering a unique take on the Afro sound.