A Guy Called Gerald - Tronic Jazz: The Berlin SessionsWritten by the B&B Crew  Album ReviewA Guy Called Gerald is one of those recognized leaders in the field of techno, house and acid with a two decade career. In 2006, Gerald delivered the outstanding Proto Acid. Now, four years later, Gerald takes us on a trip to Chicago and Detroit with Tronic Jazz. A Guy Called Gerald is without any doubt one of the biggest influencers in the global acid scene. Across two decades. the man behind the legendary Voodoo Ray EP (1988) has proven to be one of the most talented musicians in the field of house, techno, and acid, while frequently incorporating bits of jazz on the side. After a handful releases on Perlon, Beatstreet and Sender, Gerald Simpson now returns with a brand new artist album on which analogue drum machines and synthesizers lead the way. Bring it on. The album as a whole reflects twenty years of experience, passion and feel for the sound of Detroit techno and Chicago house. Made up entirely with analogue machines, the compilation sounds both vintage as futuristic, due to the breathtaking mastering and clear crisp sounds. Each track is an organic flow of cymbals, rattling hi-hats, deep beats and carefully placed synths, and although each one of them uses more or less the same elements, no track sounds the same. Au contraire. The album in its entirely is a balanced, magnificently crafted tour de force, on which Gerald continues to push the envelope. Take Iland for instance. This punchy Detroit track builds up with great tension, then unleashes with a series of massive bassline, beautiful keys and jacking percussion. Or the fuzzy Nuovo Alfa, an incredibly rhythmic and fierce techno song with a simple yet highly effective synth line. One of the most complex songs is the bit-riddled Dirty Trix, a dark and moody techno tune with pumping kicks and several layers of raw melodies. But honestly, each track on this brilliant album is an absolute slammer. If you’re looking for a quality piece of house and techno Detroit/Chicago-style, be sure to pick this one. There aren’t that many decent albums to be found in the genre these days (except for the oldies), but Gerald has delivered a one-of-akind gem that not only reflects the man amazing skills, but also provides an intriguing overview of twenty years of house and techno. An album to play over and over again. Rating: 8.7/10 Tracklist:
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