Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist

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Stiletto Ghetto - Don't Call Me (song review) |self-released, Celebrity Society, 2014|

Stiletto Ghetto was founded by Louis Raphael (drummer, producer and co-writer) in San Francisco in 2010. Louis is accompanied by a variety of skilled musicians who perform music written by him in studio and on stage. The collective definitely spices songs up through their own expression and character.

Groovy, repetitious bass lines dominate here and interact with the drums very well. Since the rhythm and dynamics are the most important traits of funk music, that’s spot on. There's a soloing rock guitar mixed with excellent arrangements written for saxophone, jazz piano and trombone. Technically speaking though, the guitar riffs are on a layer below bass and drums, giving priority to the main funky theme. Most importantly however, the bass is accompanied by a powerful female voice.

As mentioned before, Louis collaborates with other musicians. "Don't Call Me" features guest vocalist Racquel Roberts. Her highly memorable voice perfectly matches both jazz and funk. It sticks to your ears instantly, together with a performance of the rhythm section, sometimes resembling Anastacia's or Aretha Franklin's voices in tone and range.

The lyrics were written by Louis Raphael and Safiya Bird-Whitten. The song tells a story of a lack of mutual respect and loyalty; friends or rather so called 'friends' who are not available when one needs their help the most, but who always call on you to expect support, advice or help with their own problems when they get in trouble.

"Don't Call Me" is a selection from the 8 songs recorded for the Celebrity Society album released this year. It follows Tendernob Hillbillies EP (2011), put out by guitar icon Steve Vai's own Digital Nations label. This helped Louis license and place two of the tracks in two independent movies.

Does the song have hit potential? Definitely yes. Moreover, it perfectly fits into all sorts of jazz & funk radio playlists. Make sure you'll check out the entire album, too.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, April 15th, 2014. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)

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