Richard Blair has returned to basics. He moved to Colombia as a producer and studio engineer in the mid-90s to work with the magnificent Totó La Momposina, but stayed on to mix Colombian styles with drums, bass and electronica in Sidestepper. The new album presents a startling contrast to earlier work such as 3AM (In Beats We Trust). The beats are still there, and as insistent as ever, but they are now provided by hand drums, shakers and tambourines, matched by a largely acoustic lineup that includes kalimba and flutes. There are a few electronic and dub effects added in, but for the most part this is a no-nonsense set that mixes slinky, cheerful melodies against that infectious percussion. The musical influences range from cumbia to gospel and soca, and songs such as On the Line or Come See Us Play are masterful examples of the band’s new sunny simplicity.
