Moodymann
Black Mahogani

Kenny Dixon Jr, aka Moodymann, is a mysterious figure hovering around the Detroit underground scene.

Until recently, there was only one photo circulating of him, depicting him akin to one of the protagonists of "Shaft" or "Superfly": voluminous hair, mustache, large sunglasses, and pimp-style attire. An iconic image from which one can infer the musical background, obviously composed of soul and funk. But not only that, Moodymann is also an exponent of that electronic school of Detroit which deviates from the typical techno structures explored by 'Jeff Mills' and 'Drexciya', softens, and lands in the territory of 'Carl Craig'.

A style characterized by a slower and softer beat, mixing played and sung soul-jazz parts with "synthesized" elements. Everything is sublimated into a highly impactful musical cocktail, rhythm and mood derived from black roots.
The tracks of "Black Mahogany" follow one after the other without interruption, in a crescendo of positive vibrations; starting with "Holiday", almost an instrument rehearsal, and culminating in that deep-house anthem of the title track. Contained within, various digressions through black music of past and present. Here and there, jazz club atmospheres alternate with decidedly darker ones. It could be the soundtrack of a modern "Blaxploitation" film, referenced through dialogues taken from these movies, lending the record an even more suggestive and "nocturnal" atmosphere.

'Amp Fiddler' (the "putative" nephew of Curtis Mayfield, with his own album titled "Waltz of a ghetto fly"), singer Roberta Sweed, and saxophonist Norma Jean Bell collaborate on the project. Released 2 years ago, this record is still present in the playlists of Pete Tong and Gilles Peterson, while in our parts, it's made fleeting appearances only in some specialized stores. And it's a shame, because with a bit more promotion and a few fewer prejudices, this type of production would find many admirers.

Alas, an impossible mission because here, the pop-rock monopoly is too strong.