Direksyons (The Etheric Level) - Jimi Starr

 

I have known Jimi for a while now as he appeared a couple of years ago on a radio show I once co-hosted featuring his debut album 'Black' in which the single from it 'Egyptian Love Song' was well received. 

His latest album 'Direksyons (The Etheric Level)' has a concept and full of deep meaning and amazing journey of sounds. He has clearly moved on from his album 'Black' and really experimented with sounds both vocally, musically & digitally. It to me has a real fresh sound placing it in a few genres. Jimi's vocals have always been this soft, smooth and to all the women SEXY over tones, in fact one female told me she was melting to his voice. On this new album their is no disappointment in that department.

Before I get into reviewing each track giving my option & the background story to each song hear are some words from Jimi himself on what the album touches on in all of us.

 

The album is a collection of songs that were written within the last three years with the exception of “Shine”, “L in Return”, “Legend”, and “Salute to the Sunrise”, which were written several years ago, but fit the theme of the album. As cynical as it seem, the system of the US and is synonymous with a circus in which most are given a role to play along with a ride, and/or a game to keep them distracted while being entertained. We have a ringmaster, clowns (sad/happy ect), and other characters, that operate the circus, but it’s up to us to be conscious beings (lions, tigers, bears) and not sheep merely sitting in the audience watching the show.

The album, refer to this as the New World Circus which is the physical or 3-D level of consciousness. However, the destination of our planet is 5-D level, or assention. There is also an etheric or spiritual level that subsists while we are simultaneously being testing, shaped, and molded. In this reality based on illusion, we will either strengthen or weaken depending on the direction (Direksyon) chosen by the individual. Metaphysics and psychology also play an integral role conceptually as we emit energy throughout the planet and universe, anticipating the effects (Dharma).

In light of this, I believe that as a collective consciousness we have reached a threshold for the greed, stupidity, fear, negative energy (Kharma), and the overall destruction. This is descriptive of the circus act in which the planet and universe is responding to, and overall will reject today’s 3-D being. The better option is to travel the path of enlightenment by knowing thyself which will consequentially raise your vibration and collectively raise the vibration of the planet and universe to accept the 13^th etheric level.

Peace Jimi Starr 2014

 

Track One 'Direksyons (The Rides)'

To me this has a sci-fi feel to it with many layers of sound which sort of tunes you into the album and the experience your about to take. The album to me has been recorded for the age we live in where much music is listened to with headsets on. I played the album this way and the effects really soar around within your mind. The track takes us on the ride we have chosen in life some make you scream some make you laugh some rides like life itself you just love. Just imagine those in sound and you are there.

Track Two 'Direksyons II (Travelling Show)'

I really love this track as with the scratch effect throughout, travelling music theme & a almost epic piano & feel. The duo vocals become a real instrument within this song as partly electronic vocals with a Herbie Hancock style with also the added awesome Jimi's soft soulful tones. It has this electric guitar section which really screams midway through till fade which I love and played loud. To me it has all you need and more but again the headset gives you the full journey within this recording.

Track Three 'Freaky'

This song was co-written by the singer, song writer Jay Stones who also has releases under Humblekatz Productions. The song touches on our human frailties and hypocrisy, especially regarding religion. Many so-called Christians can be found in local clubs and hookahs and are real freakaaaaay. Now reading that you may think that's too heavy for me, well don't let the backstory fool you as this is one real seriously funky track. Counted in by a drum beat, slap bass and a beautiful feel of classic Earth, Wind & Fire who Jimi has influence from and has worked with. This makes you wanna get up and shake your bootie from start to end. If I had to pick one best track off this album it would be this one as you just want to play it again, in fact I loved it so much I asked if Jimi could extend it as I wanted more.

Track Four 'Shine'

Starting with the sound of thunder and some brass and that soft vocals added with some reverbed vocals of Jimi singing his emotions spell out his feelings of a break up and the wants and needs to sync it all back together. Jimi said his thoughts were of a long distance relationship that ended painfully and perhaps should not of happened. Whatever the case as all are thoughts are different in love this song is beautiful, soulful and I can picture someone somewhere relaxing on a sandy beach and smiling to its heavenly sound.

Track Five 'Salute To The Sunrise'

A purely magical start and the title sort of tells you all about the song, however Jimi says he wrote this many years ago when he was in the Navy. He added it has a impactful meaning now with the focus being on the inner Earth Sun "Global Warming". I find it amazing on this album how Jimi uses his vocals in so many different ways as the lyrics are approached differently to the others on this track. Again this has many hidden sound levels that come alive once you relax with your headset and it shouts to me once working in music that a lot of thought and love has gone into this whole project.

Track Six 'Fazion'

This track has a deep meaning much like all the album Jimi says

"The ones who are in “Know thy Self” mode and most willing to follow truth wherever it leads. This means protecting the planet and universe, understanding Yin & Yang, Kundalini meditation, and raising your vibrations. Earth Wind and Fire was saying this in the albums I AM, Raise, and Power light."

The track has trumpets which Jimi seems to love and heavenly vocal harmony

Track Seven 'Celebrate'

This goes straight in there CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE the vocals are not as I would of liked but after a few plays I understand Jimi is using the vocals as a character as he acts out what the story tells. It has a lovely midway guitar solo and some crazy vocals but again its all in the telling of the story. What is the story you may well ask? well Jimi says 

"Discussion of why we are lost as a people and the simple things we can do to get it together. This occurs by following the circus act (media), that tells us how to be, what to buy, when to celebrate ect. By appreciating what we have instead of what we don’t keeps us in a spell of confusion and makes us miss out on the moment."

I think you just got to listen to understand as this song is so well played out.

Track Eight 'L In Return'

Oh this is so a Jimi Starr classic if you know him from his past album, true love song utterly beautiful with mixture of harmonies. It was written based on a true story too and filled with so much emotion. Jimi wrote it was over 10 years ago after an on and off relationship. He said it was one of those that you are not sure that it's completely over and in the back of your mind expecting to resurface. They do say the best songs come from the heart, well this one sure does.

Track Nine 'Chips'

When I first played this I just knew some females would be melting as Jimi's deep sexy tones that females LOVE are included within this track, the harmonies which are multi layered are so smooth. The song itself is self explanatory as everyone has felt that THE CHIPS ARE DOWN, especially within a relationship and you feel your being tested for your shortcomings in times of hardship. 

Track Ten 'Legend'

When I first played this a sound you hardly hear stood out to me so I had to ask Jimi, he replied "yes you are correct you do hear a flute at the beginning of 'Legend' as I was paying tribute to my Sensei and mentor Master Julius Dorsey. The track has an almost Chinese feel to it and Jimi's vocals go to a haunting whisper with emotion filled passion. Listen out for guitar and bass hidden within the layers, I love the backing vocals too the back story may surprise you as it is again deep and meaningful. Jimi said

" Song written several years ago that highlights the experiences that manifested trough my spiritual walks with Sensei Julius (transitioned), and Buddhist Priests. I was on a path of destruction as this was an impacting time in my life because it gave me a better path and helped shape me into the enlightened being I am today".

I Love the line I AM GOING TO BE A LEGEND IN MY OWN TIME

Track 11 'Muu'

A haunting wind blows and a deep voice is spoken...

FEEL DOWN MY BODY OF SPIRIT OF LIGHT

COME THROUGH THE FLOWER THAT SHINES THROUGH THE DARKNESS

 This is how the album Direksyons concludes with the spoken words of Jimi leaving us with more meaningful words to the backgrounds of strings, keyboards. Jimi says

"It was his endeavour to encompass and convey the energy of the Sacred Emerald Tablets to help heal our world and experiences"

I found the journey of this album interesting, magical, deep, soulful with a colourful parade of sound and vocal talent. I have always had an interest to concept albums but I found this to be a new take on it as once you know what the message is you can change your own thoughts & life.

I really recommend this album and all those interested in Jimi Starr check him out at

www.humblekatzproductions.com/