Cologne meets Berlin in Seattle

The last link between Cologne and Berlin was Seattle. At least, this is the impression given by the debut album of the American Jeff Samuel, just released on Trapez.
It seems that the well-known Cologne label loves to take a long time out before each release of an album from its key artists. As a result, every shot is a direct hit. It is worth remembering the bar set by the album Alex Under last fall or the full-length release by Oliver Hacke in the fall of 2004. The autumn of this year gives us the return of Jeff Samuel to Cologne, with a debut album in the lead.
Was the journey across the ocean difficult? Perhaps, but you can’t tell from the music on the release. What if Jeff lived in Berlin all this time, like many of the best minimal techno and tech house musicians in the northwest US? The assumption is not far from the truth. Judging by recent events, moving to Berlin can only mean an inauguration into the so-called elite of the global minimalist movement. What's it like in reality?
In short, the album is good in all respects. Jeff shines with a fresh look at minimalism, a good groove, a fair amount of depth and psychedelicity. The title of the album "Step" (Russian - step, action) can be interpreted in different ways, for example, as a desire to move from one level to another, which is symbolized by the illustration on the album cover. And we can say without hesitation that Jeff managed to take this step, take at least the closing track “I Think They’re Trying to Say Something” on the CD version of the release, in which the melody constantly develops over 9 minutes, without any repetitions.
Such precedents are very rare on the stage, where the most effective dancefloor sound often dominates rather than music in the literal sense of the word. The new level continues throughout the album's tracks and is accompanied by frequent glimpses of the sheer musical intelligence lurking around every possible corner. And despite all of the above, Jeff has no problems with dance floor efficiency.
And as a result, Steve Bug and Michael Mayer were right in the past when they noticed in this man a special talent - to imbue mechanical techno with warmth and sensuality. A few years later, Jeff Samuel fully confirms this judgment.
It is contraindicated for people with a completely formed idea of ​​the “Cologne sound”! But lovers of Chilean folklore may be surprised.
Jeff Samuel "Step" CD Tracklist
1. The Punchline in C++/Those Were The Days
2. Right Then and There
3. Month 2 Month
4. Power Ballard
5. You Will Never Know
6. The Cave
7. Night Ride
8. Just Try
9. Off the Mark
10. I Think They Are Trying to Say Something
Jeff Samuel "Step" Vinyl LP Tracklist
A1. Off the Mark
A2. Night Ride
B1. Those were the Days
B2. Right Then and There
C1. You Will Never Know
C2. The Cave
D. Month 2 months