Dope Gems – It’s Your Love

Here’s another deep cut from Franck and the gang over at Heavenly Sweetness Records in Paris, France. This new effort from Dope Gems is some hot wax. The band formed in 2011 as drummer and arranger Slikk Tim put together a five piece band that is resurrecting the raw and uncut instrumental sounds of the 70’s. Catering to record diggers, Hip Hop fans, and record collectors, their Jazz Funk sound is a tribute to the scarce and rare vinyl sounds of Original Soundtracks, Jazz and Funk releases, and private press goodies diggers are scouring the dusty crates for. There is one twist though: Dope Gems is doing it live. The band is recreating the timeless sounds of the time period. Taking a different path, the five piece elevates themselves, and at times sounds like a big band. Tackling movie scores, obscure pressed tunes, and out of print vinyl sides, this quintet knows how to get the job done. Whether it’s improvisation or detailed symphonic movie charts, Dope Gems comes correct with their efforts. This two sider has two great covers for you to delve into. The A Side is a cover of the Ethel Beatty track “It’s Your Love”. Written by Roy Ayers, the original has the signature Ayers sound and was sampled by The Troubleneck Brothers and more. Dope Gems do the instrumental version and add some Hip Hop flavor courtesy of Slikk Tim’s drums and the band’s smooth Jazz styling. The flip is a cover of ‘I Work The Whole City by Bernard Hermann of of the Taxi driver OST. Like we said, these guys go in deep. Their first 7″ “Journey To The Shore” is highly sought after, and was championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson. You can check that out here. Very moody and atmospheric, this instrumental band has got the chops. This is the kind of stuff I’m listening to on my off time, and it’s a pleasure to hear a band do such a great job resurrecting the sound and introducing it to new audiences. Available on 7 inch and digital September 23rd.