Track of the Day: Allen French - Rosie

As we close out this week's selection of tracks I began digging for a closing song to review to kick off the weekend right. Fortunately, I was prompted by a peer about a new track from LA-based producer Allen French that had just dropped called 'Rosie'.

Allen French - Rosie

A persistent kick, closed hi-hat and low rumbling bass line (with well timed, gradual adjustments of resonance) make up the opening bars of the track. More begins to unfold as dancing congas (probably my favorite percussive components of the song) and tight shakers join in a exuberant ensemble of sounds before it's all stripped away. The only remaining layers are the original bassline and a soft string of grainy organ chords which transition nicely into the first chorus. A soothing piano loop dances with a playful flute riffs leading into an awesome vocal sample, the source of which French explains below:"The vocal in the track, taken from the original recording 'Rosie' was recorded in 1947 by Alan Lomax inside the walls of the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. They're about a girl named Rosie who would sit outside the prison boundaries and tempt the prisoners who would never get to talk to her. A very moving performance." - Allen French

Rosie - C.B. '88' Cook & Parchman Farm Prisoners (recorded by Alan Lomax 1948)

[audio mp3="http://losangelesmusicproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/T794R01.mp3"][/audio]The track is an 8 and a half minute journey through a medley of excellent production and arrangement that gracefully guides the listener through every beat. His percussive layering is well executed and attention to detail between harmonies and the overall mixdown of the track demonstrates a solid technical comprehension within the studio environment. We have yet to have the pleasure of watching him DJ but from the mixes we've heard and friends who have gotten the opportunity to see him live it sounds like this budding talent is starting to put together the pieces of a complete package as a professional artist.Not to spoil the fun but we will be having Allen French in the coming weeks for a special Guest Mix series and I cannot wait to chat with him more about this track among other things. Until then we recommend you listen to his latest mix for Caveman Sound and go forth and conquer the weekend.Enjoy,MR PUZL