Album Preview: Hear Cut Chemist’s New Live Mix CD

KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley is already taken with the new live mix album –“Sound of the Police” — from Cut Chemist, aka Lucas McFadden, who created it live using only one turntable, a mixer, a loop pedal and all original vinyl pressings. “Cut has always been one of the most innovative figures in the DJ world and his skills are on full display on this album,” said Bentley. You can hear it streaming online here as part of our Album Preview series and more below from DJ Eric J Lawrence.

Cut Chemist “Sound of the Police” — Exclusive Premiere!

Cut Chemist is a local legend in Los Angeles, both for his involvement in bands such as Ozomatli and Jurassic-5 as well as for his own ground-breaking releases. Cut (or Lucas MacFadden, as he’s known by his parents) is one of the recognized masters of turntablism, using the record player as a musical instrument by manipulating vinyl albums and singles both familiar and obscure to create whole new soundscapes. Together with fellow turntablist DJ Shadow, he released a series of live mixes of their unique skills. These CDs were released in small quantities and have quickly become highly sought-after collectables.

For his latest solo release, “Sound of the Police,” Cut takes the same approach, using only a single turntable, a mixer, a loop pedal, and a collection of records with a particular focus on Ethiopian and Afro-Brazilian tunes. Created to serve as a template for his appearance opening for legendary Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke last year, “Sound of the Police” is a fascinating display of physical and musical dexterity, bringing together disparate elements to create a listening experience that is as educational as it is impressive and listenable.

Recorded as two 20-minute-long tracks, Cut Chemist’s latest release connects the dots between the aesthetics of hip-hop and the music from which it derives – and as with his previous mixes it is a one-of-a-kind experience that instantly sets the mood and digs deep into the artistry of turntablism.