Dynamoe
It all begins almost by coincidence in 1997 when, Giovanni Campagna and Dennis Lee meet to have a chat. Being individually signed to the same label, they both know of each other works but never had the chance to meet in person. It doesn’t take them long before the discovery of a common thread at the base of their ideas and to start laying down the foundations of what was to become Dynamoe.
Belgian label R&S Records pays attention to the combined talents
of Dennis Lee and Giovanni Campagna and in 1999 releases the singles
“TV Dinner”, and “TNT Bitch”, followed by
the third single ”Hang On” then the album ”Jump
Start” in 2001 under sub label Apollo. The album is well acclaimed
by the press and the music business.
The duo head straight back to the studio to start the recording of
new material. By 2003 Dynamoe ships a bunch of demos to various labels
getting good feedback which leads to license deals on various compilations,
among them Scandinavian label Murena Records which recognize the great
potential behind the duo and takes the matter a step further signing
a record deal with Dynamoe.
In December 2003 Dennis and Giovanni pays a visit to Martin Giles
at the Alchemy Studio in London to master the forthcoming album and
after a eight hours session ”Coming Home”, Dynamoe’s
second album is ready to be pressed.
Dynamoe music comes in a form of an exceptionally well blended mix
of electronic and live sounds. Giovanni and Dennis are experienced
producers whom, with the aid of their programming skills and the use
of additional musicians, create a hybrid of warm resonances, disharmonic
ambience all wrapped up with slow groovy beats and soulful vocals.
Morten Varano head of Murena Records has no doubts: ”...this
is great stuff, Dynamoe’s music appeals to a wide range of audience
because of its nature; timeless yet up to date, I’m confident,
these guys are a revelation...”
Giovanni says ”The keyword of this work has been ’silence’.
Sound is the element that breaks the silence and if we are going to
break the silence we have to do it with great respect and in a manner
we think is appropriate... ”. Dennis replies:” ....each
element has to be 110% valid in order to owe its place in a track,
we never use any sound just out of trend or because it could be an
easy way out...”
The guest musicians
Adrian Wilding, vocals, originally from London, meets
with Dynamoe in a Copenhagen club while dj-ing in 1998, as the guys
chats it becomes clear to Dennis and Giovanni that the timbre of Adrian
voice would fit their music like a glove. Adrian pays Dynamoe a visit
at the studio with the result of a four hours jam session which convinced
both parties that a collaboration was inevitable.
Joy Morgan, vocals, she comes to an audition with
Dynamoe in 2002, an experienced young soul singer, sweeps Giovanni
and Dennis off their feet after just few
verses, she collaborates on two of the album tracks with great understanding
of the music, soaking the atmosphere making it her own. One of the
two tracks,
”In your own Time” has being picked as the first single
of the album. Joy is also known for her feature on the acclaimed compilation
project ”Nobody Beats the Beat”
Liz Wilson, vocals, from London UK, is the reincarnation
of warmth, in her voice as well as in her personality, a devoted jazz/blues
vocalist is introduced to Dynamoe by Saxophone player Fabrizio Mandolini
in 2003 who is convinced she has to be the one who has to sing on
the track Dynamoe is currently working on, and he is right! Liz hit
the spot, Dennis and Giovanni succumb to the power of her vocal chords.
Philip Owusu, vocals, old Dynamoe’s friend
he appears on one of the album track with an excellent performance,
his bluesy interpretation of ”Absent” really lift things
up. As for Joy, Philip is also known for his contribution to the ”Nobody
Beat the Beats” project, along his collaboration with Allan
Green on US label Naked Music.
Massimo Fiorentino, electric piano and organ, appears
on all the tracks of the new album but one, Massimo’s electric
pianos are one of the key elements of the new album, he gets into
the Dynamoe soundscape with ease, supplying with the elements Dennis
and Giovanni are looking for. Massimo plays in different projects,
his love for music keeps him stuck on the piano keys 24/7. Wonder
if he ever sleeps...
Fabrizio Mandolini, saxophone, very experienced and
talented jazz saxophonist with an extremely long string of collaborations
on his CV, his contribution in Dynamoe is vital, he adapts his style
on the tracks in such a manner that leaves no alternatives, on the
other hand, one couldn’t aspect otherwise from a musician of
his caliber.
Loris Manca, violin, out of the classic conservatorium
of Santa Cecilia in Rome, Loris is one of Giovanni old friend who
happened to be visiting in the studio one day and happend to have
his violin along, Giovanni and Dennis takes this opportunity and mikes
him up, in between jokes, laughs and childhood memories they laid
down the strings session of one of the most moody track of the album!
Comin’ Home.