Reviews of The Spot

Beginning with only a vision and very limited audio sources, guitarist and writer Aram Danesh pairs with producers Adam Berkowitz and Greg Reeves to create this multi-cultural adventure in sound and groove titled "The Spot." Early in the album's construction, Aram began enlisting a crew of the Bay Area's most talented vocalists and instrumentalists, and by utilizing the freestyle flow and improvisation of the artists themselves, the producers were able to generate a fluidly-structured format.

Opening with a jazzy Hip-Hop weighted groove complete with the energy of a full-on live funk/jazz band, we are introduced to the sound of The Superhuman Crew on "I Did It." Not to be held down by genres, Aram quickly switches speed and influence with the ultra-catchy Afrocuban groove of "The Spot." This title track is arguably the most defining single on the album; DJ Raw B scratches and cuts his way through the Latin percussion-fueled movements as a host of instrumentalists and vocalists all take shots at the single from totally different angles. Slowing the pace of the album are tracks such as the heavily Latino-influenced "Elegua" and the loungy "Mais Feliz" featuring vocals from Aurea Fernandez. From the Hip-Hop lyrics of "Elastic" to the dance oriented "Le Chat Noir" and "Sem Contencao," "The Spot" embodies all the presence of the San Francisco music scene and beyond.

Dustin Michael - About.com


Iranian-born guitarist Aram Danesh has succeeded in breaking the genre barrier between hip-hop, world beat, rock and roll, and dance music. Let me be the first to say it proudly! Simply put, this guy rocks with extraordinary talent. From the very beginning of this eight song debut release, all the elements seem to meld perfectly as he and a huge host of supporting characters blaze from one style to the next with lightning efficiency.

The disc opens with "I Did It", a feverish display of word play that puts the Black Eyed Peas to shame and takes them 10 steps further by the constant scratching, upfront rhythmic drums, and unmistakable sound of F-U-N. Funky Latin soul, straight-up Hip-Hop, and instrumental Jazz flourishes accentuate a spectacular feat of production, as on track 2, "The Spot", while #3, "Elegua" is reminiscent of San Francisco's Soulstice (OM Records), and can be easily imagined fitting into a King Britt or Mark Farina set with its smooth acoustic guitar lines. #4, "Elastic" is built around a tight, Carlos Santana-ish electric guitar riff, and features some incredible rapping and beatbox vocals. "Le Chat Noir", track #5, slowly builds into a full-on housey dancefloor romp with a broken beat bass drum line and quirky key lines ala Basement Jaxx for the warm and fuzzy feel of some good old times. Track 6 picks up where 5 leaves off, yet adds a sexual, Spanish flavor. #7 is a remix of "The Spot", while the ending track, "Mais Feliz", is a Bebel Gilberto cover that harkens back to the smoke entombed jazz clubs of the 1920's with amazing fashion and grace. Well done, my friend.

***** (5) out of 5 stars Carl Noone Jr. - Rave.com


The Spot is a freeflowing interpretation of Aram Danesh's personal musical vision, a world-wise sampler of the best aural offerings throughout the globe. The Iranian-born, European-raised, and American-ized musician gathered up a couple of friends (Adam Berkowitz and Greg Reeves) and enlisted an international crew of players, emcees and singers to materialize his compositional ideas. If this project were a Quinceñera, the blow-up castle in the front yard would be made of bright hip hop colors with rock guitar, Brazilian melodies and reggae hesitation beats bopping inside. Jazz, r and b and gospel are chilling inside sipping horchata while old world influences coyly flirt with young electro blips in white lacy dresses in the backyard. The Spot opens with "I Did It," the most straight-forward hip-hop song on the album with a hook that will get in your head like mariachi trumpets. "The Spot" comes directly next, bringing Afro-Cuban flavor and traditional boast rhymes. Even though the lyrics are somewhat predictable, this is one of the best songs on the album. I wouldn't be surprised to hear DJ Dusk rockin' it out some time. Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew have churned out an ambitious, diverse and listenable album. Cop it.

Morgan Wells - Rebel Organization / URB Magazine


"multi ethnic border bashing beats, dubs, grooves, an' love"

-get underground.com


The audio alchemy directed by Aram Danesh leads you to believe he's got a PHD in chemistry. The Bay Area guitarist has put together a talented cast of musicians, rappers, vocalists and producers to execute his worldly musical vision. The eclectic grooves put forth by this ensemble contain funk, Latin, hip-hop, and jazz elements, all of which arouse a need to move your body.

Download.com


The Spot embraces hip hop, Cuban, Brazilian, and funk influences. With a solid base of rhythm and blues and jazz, layers of hip-hop, soul vocals in various languages, and even Caribbean and Middle Eastern sounds are added to generate a fluid, energized sound.

JIVE Magazine Rating: 5 out of 5 soulful world genre fusions


Into the melting pot goes hip-hop, Cuban rhythms, abstract downtempo, and rock vibes. Out comes "The Spot". The title track is the perfect example with its dubby grooves on the bass side while the percussion definitely has that Caribbean feel. Aram's vocals are raspy literal street talk with a bit of R and B melody. The hooks are catchy and this kid who was born in Iran prior to the Mullah revolution exudes the worldwide sound that boasts of his extensive travels throughout the world. Awesome chops and great beats define this as essential to any hip-hop kid's collection.

J-Sin - Smother.net


A New World Vision: Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew

Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew, sounds like a ridiculous amalgam of a Middle Eastern hip-hop collective, right? Wrong. More like a throwback to old school rap, the Crew represents all that is great about the Bay Area's music scene. Danesh, who lives in beautiful Tiburon, across the Bay from San Francisco, brings together disparate sounds, including pepper-infused salsa set to funky urban beats with electro-Latin guitar, world rhythms and flowy vocals. On The Spot, words are sung in English, Spanish, Portuguese and what could easily be called Street. Danesh was born in pre-revolution Iran and by the time he eventually made it out west, he had played with the likes of Carlos Santana (whose sound is reflected on The Spot) and Ravi Coltrane. Danesh directs the crew of rappers, singer and musicians through elements of jazz, reggae, funk and more. This is a true world vision that grooves, check it out yourself

Ari Benderski - Cool Hunting .com


Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew "The Spot" Mammoth (July 26th) The world musical global sensibility is moving toward a space of universal community and the destruction of musical barriers. Unlike the "world beat" movement of the 1980s, this burgeoning movement is not restricted by imaginary notions of authenticity. The roots of this movement are in the dancehalls and clubs of cosmopolitan cities like New York, Berlin and San Francisco. The common theme for this music is an omnivorous appetite for grooves -- regardless of its country of origin. This marks it as the most exciting musical development to cross the arbitrary political boundaries, which keep us from our brethren across the globe. Danesh and the Super Human Crew utilize rock guitars, Latin horns, deejay produced beats, emcees and every manner of musical production to create a seamless confluence of disparate musical influences. The Spot is marked by the thumb print of four emcees, soulful backing vocals, old-school Cuban swingers, a Dj and a chanteuse for good measure. Despite the in studio nature of The Spot 's production, most tracks have a live feel. "Elastic" is stretched to the highest tension by two battling emcees, the sedate tones of Danesh's guitar and a horn thrown in to complete the track. The cut swaggers with a confidence that epitomizes the Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew sound. "I Did It," the opener, is a gutshot of funky guitar overlaid with a rapid fire series of lyrics courtesy of Soulati and D. Wolf. On the track, every stop is pulled: the drums are on point, the chord drops match the backing vocals and all elements come together to produce an interest inducing welcome to The Spot.

The John Shelton Ivany Top 21


ARAM DANESH AND THE SUPER HUMAN CREW - THE SPOT Aram Danesh was born in Iran but has moved around the world, giving him a musically open mind that is able to accommodate Middle Eastern, Latin, Brazilian, jazz, reggae and Hip-Hop in the mix. Joining with a his 'Super Human Crew' of talented musicians and vocalists Aram brings a funk drenched feel with the debut album, 'The Spot.' At eight tracks in length this albumleaves no space for filler, but luckily Aram has decided to use only the best tracks from his diverse repertoire. While tracks like 'I Did It,' 'Elastic' and the title cut bring a direct Hip-Hop aesthetic while enlisting the services of MCs D. Wolf and Soulati things move to another realm entirely with Aram's interpretation of the traditional Cuban prayer 'Elegua' and the leftfield instrumental, 'Le Chat Noir.' Elsewhere 'Sem Contencao (The Rhythm Will Conquer)' takes a strong and soulful Latin feel and adds the Super Human Crew's twist including the ragamuffin stylings of Ru Bradford. 'The Spot' gets a heavily dub tinged remix that flips it into another arena altogether before 'Mais Feliz' rounds things off with a mellow non-English language sung vocal from the Bay Area's Aurea Fernandez. A far cry from a straight-up Hip-Hop set this album falls into the genre-bending category held by names like Handsome Boy Modelling School and if you are open enough to check this chances are you'll find it worth the risk.

3.5 out of 5 stars Tim Clover - Grind-Mode UK


Listening to "I Did It," the rhymes of Soulati and D. Wolff over the jazzy beats coming fast and furious, you might be tempted to think you're about to hear yet another fusion of jazz and hip-hip such as Madlib's recent foray into the Blue Note vaults. But then Iranian-born globetrotter Aram and his Bay Area super humans (not as well known as the Fantastic Four, but just wait) take a reggae-based turn on the title track, complete with stinging Santana-style guitar solo. Then it's another crank of the wheel for "Elegua" and suddenly it's downtempo Latin jazz and the lovely vocals of Gloria Rivera flowing out of the speakers. More rapping and guitar solos follow on "Elastic" and then it's bouncy instrumental time courtesy of "Le Chat Noir, " burbling synths over reverbed guitar, snappy percussion and just a dash of funky horns. Toss all the previous tracks of together like ingredients for a musical salad and out comes "Sem Contencao (The Rhythm Will Conquer), the album's last original track before it concludes with an extended, adventurous remix of "The Spot" and a well-chosen cover of Bebel Gilberto's "Mais Feliz," smokily sung by Cuban-born Aurea Fernandez. Aram has escaped the trap a lot of artist/producers fall into and brought in a talented group of players, singers, and arrangers to flesh out his vision. But this blessing (like so many) is also a bit of a curse: Even at just a shade over 40 minutes, it's hard to imagine someone being in the mood to listen to the entire record at one sitting (ADD sufferers notwithstanding.) It may, however, be perfect fodder for iTunes singles or shuffle play in general, as the individual pieces are all well-crafted and fun listening. In fact, if Aram, Adam, Greg, Christian and rest of the crew pick just a couple of these genres and work within in them, the next record should be outstanding.

About.com John J Brassil/DJ Ron


Aram Danesh And The Super Human Crew The Spot (Mammoth Entertainment). 4ribs-be careful.this one is spicy hot. Aram Danesh uses his world experience to create his own boundary-less jazzy, salsa-flavored hip hop sounds. The release has an upbeat taste to it. Opening track, "I Did It," starts the release off with a danceable flair and tongue twisting rhyming as does "Elastic." "The Spot," has Black Eyed Peasish, catchy rhythms. Some tracks are more late night jazz club-style pensive tracks-"Elegua," "Le Chat Noir," and "Mais Feliz." But "Sem Contencao (The Rhythm Will Conquer) brings the sounds to the dance floor and is the strongest on the album. Danesh was born in pre-revolutionary Iran and spent his youth in Switzerland and Germany, before moving to the US in 1984. All of these geographical influences are heard in some capacity on The Spot, which aptly describes wherever Danesh seems to be www.ribmag.com

From the start to the end, this CD is extraordinary and it pushes the boundaries of downbeat music. Aram Danesh not only showcases himself but he showcases the best of the Bay Area. This will be an artist to watch and when this is released on July 26th, 2005, get this, you won't be disappointed.

Andy P. -IVIBES.COM


HITTING THE RIGHT 'SPOT'
By GERRY GALIPAULT (July 26, 2005)

CD stores confused about where to display Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew's "The Spot" would be better off just putting a copy in each bin.

That's how all-over-the-musical-map "The Spot" is. The album (Hear here), released July 26 on Danesh's San Francisco-based Mammoth Entertainment, is a fusion of many styles and influences - from Latin to hip-hop, from jazz to funk.

"It wasn't so scientific, where I literally sat down and said 'I have to do it this way,' " Danesh said recently. "It just came out naturally. These sounds are all related. Music is really so versatile right now; everybody's listening to everything. People have many genres they listen to."

"The Spot," featuring a cast of talented musicians, rappers and vocalists, is a reflection of Danesh's diverse background. Born in pre-revolutionary Iran, he was raised in Switzerland and Germany before moving to the United States in 1984. In his many travels, he was exposed to many sounds - sounds that he wanted to mesh the moment he got his hands on his first guitar.

"I had worked and played jazz for a really long time. By listening and playing jazz, and growing up with some rock 'n' roll, jazz just opened my mind to music," he said. "I started hearing different influences that were brought in, whether it was Dizzy Gillespie playing 'A Night in Tunisia' or Duke Ellington playing 'Caravan.' Having people bring world music into their background created a nice fusion of stuff, but within the realm of jazz.

"I kind of took that and wanted to apply it further. When I first started the record, I wanted to do a jazz, funk, hip-hop dance thing. As the album went on, it went further and further away and became more of a contemporary pop album. Then once I started thinking about contemporary pop, coming from the jazz school, I thought of it as a deconstructionist thing. I basically took the elements that go into pop music and deconstructed them down, so I heard hip-hop with reggae. Then I would hear dance music with elements of Brazilian jazz, and so on."

The album's highlight, "I Did It," blends funky jazz with hip-hop stylings from Soulati and D. Wolf of Felonious. You like Us3 or the Brand New Heavies? This is right up your alley.

"I know, for some people, the album might be a little too distracted from one particular point," Danesh said. "I've actually gotten people who've come to me and said, 'You know, this isn't a hip-hop album. I can't sell it as a hip-hop album.' Well, it's not supposed to be a hip-hop album. I'm not walking around with hat sideways going 'yo-yo-yo, bro.' This is me. A fusion of world music, contemporary pop and jazz."

"The Spot," which took nearly two and a half years to create, was truly a labor of love for Danesh. By day, he works for an investment firm in the Bay Area.

"Music is my passion, that's why I work," he said. "For years, I'd work in the office, leave at 6 o'clock, then take a half-hour to have a burrito or something, then I'd go into the studio from like 6:30 till 1 o'clock in the morning. Get up at 6:30 a.m. and do it all again."

There were a lot of stops and starts along the way. "The Spot" was Danesh's own Murphy's Law: If anything could go wrong, it will ... and it did.

"We started working in a smaller studio because I didn't have the money for a big-time studio," he said. "We were working with outdated equipment. Stuff would break. Stuff wouldn't record. We'd lose data. All kinds of difficulties that you could think of happened. We had one guy, who was a great Puerto Rican singer, he passed away during the sessions. We were getting ready for him to do a live vocal track for (the title track) 'The Spot,' and he went home for the night and we didn't hear from him for a week. It turned out he died. So we had to find a replacement."

What kept Danesh going?

"Just the creativity of it kept me going," he said. "The more I worked, the more I found out there were rewards to it. The music had gotten to a point where I could see bigger rewards musically, not financially. I thought, 'Wow, we're getting better at doing this.' "

THE FIRST RECORD I EVER BOUGHT: "The first record I bought, when I was 7 years old in Iran, when Elvis' 'Greatest Hits' in 1977. His music was available before the revolution. We didn't have any record stores; this was from a little shop that sold belts, shoes, knickknacks, and one of the things they had was a shoebox full of tapes and I just pointed to one and it happened to be Elvis. I really liked 'Fever.' I played it so much, I think my older sister took it away from me."

THE FIRST CONCERT I EVER WENT TO: "I went to Monsters of Rock in Germany. I believe it was Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. The first concert I saw in the United States was the Eurythmics at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, Calif. It was excellent."

THE WORST JOB I'VE EVER HAD: "Digging ditches in Freemont, Calif. Back-breaking, hot sun. Fremont is inland California. It is very hot. It was a summer job when I was trying to get through college. They were building a ton of developments, cookie-cutter houses. I survived the whole summer, and took the paycheck and bought a guitar and I never looked back."

ON THE WEB: aramdanesh.com.


Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew The Spot (Mammoth Entertainment)
BY DAN LEROY

Published: Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Save for a double album, no record is as easy to review as this sort of multi-genre goulash. You simply make the safe observation that the artist has bitten off more styles than he can chew (but that enough of it works to be a decent listen, etc.).

But in this age of mash-ups and multiproducer extravaganzas, the complaint that an album features too many styles is irrelevant. People now expect a little of everything, and if it's all done well -- as it is on this combination of jazz, hip-hop, and Latin music from Iranian-born guitarist Aram Danesh -- few listeners will be thrown.

True, The Spot could have done without the live cover of Bebel Gilberto's ballad "Mais Feliz," which winds down the Super Human Crew's party a bit early. But elsewhere, the sound is analogous to a more laid-back Ozomatli and also compares favorably to some of the Crew's warm, funky Bay Area peers: Imagine Michael Franti's Spearhead on an album-length Afro-Cuban trip (minus Franti's precision with sociopolitical rhymes). Melodic and infectious, Danesh's rock, reggae, and rap influences integrate fluidly into the tropical grooves, making The Spot a hot-and-cool summer pleasure.


ARAM DANESH AND THE SUPER HUMAN CREW - THE SPOT (Mammoth Entertainment)

I must admit that I wasn't big on this when I first got it. I must have been menstrual at the time. Like a superhero team leader, Aram Danesh put together his Super Human Crew (some 15 people) to create eight songs that dip in and out of literally every kind of music known to man. It's hip-hop! It's world (Middle Eastern, Latin, and more)! It's DJ/dance! It's jazz! And best of all, it's like me: solid, through and through.

THE GRADE: B+

- Wayne Chinsang


"stellar guitar playing" The Guardian - Peter Nicholson