Music
Press
The Bay Area never sounded so silky smooth with Diggsville representing the cool breeziness of San Francisco. Their CD, Songs From Nowhere, released in 2004 is just as ripe now as when it first came out. Channeling the “funky lounge groove” of popular Trip-Hop/Electronica artists like Massive Attack, Stereolab, The Sneaker Pimps, and Skunk Anansie, Diggsville has composed a refreshing collection of songs that cooler than an April sea breeze and warmer than a nighttime bonfire all at the same time.
The main instrumentation used on the album can be seen as somewhat unconventional. There is no guitar player to speak of, which may seem significant at first, but upon listening to the album it’s clear that there was never a need for one. The basslines are thick and wrap around each harmony while the saxophone- often a very aggressive instrument and unfitting in the smooth scenarios Diggsville are trying to create- has a delicacy that ebbs and flows in perfect control with each piece. Karen Mitchell’s vocals are, by far, the highlight of the album. Using her voice more as another instrument than just a means for communicating lyrics adds a sensual and seductive romance to their album. The notes that echo out of her lungs soar for miles and leave a lasting impression on the ears. As far as the individual songs go, each one is large production, lasting an average of 7 minutes for each piece. “Down at the Beach” encapsulates their sound perfectly with plenty of funk, synth, and groove intermingling. Their cover of “My Funny Valentine” is especially hypnotic and unsettling. In the middle of the album the tempo picks up on songs like “One Thing” and “Angel” but as quickly as they step up their funk they melt right back down into their cradling grooves.
The grandiose heights of each piece on Songs From Nowhere swirl around your head and fill your senses with a comfort similar to entering a candlelit cathedral bathed in the pungent aroma of incense. There’s plenty of fun in the CD as well but at their soul Diggsville has produced a very heavy album that is a joy to digest.
-Jacob Richardson
- Evolution of Media
Oh these are songs from somewhere alright. Somewhere deep inside where the groove is resting in our veins waiting to be pumped out and encouraged. Electronica, jazz, and trip-hop are mashed up righteously on Diggsville’s “Songs From Nowhere”, which feature female vocals blending the influence of Portishead and Delerium into one beautiful collage. Hip bands like this that are just mere steps away from smooth jazz are a rare treat. Catch the flavor immediately.
J-Sin - SmotherNet
Delicious, jazzy, and fresh, Bay Area-based Diggsville has created one of the hippest, grooviest records I have heard in a long time. With solid drums keeping the flow in the rear, we get layers of loungey piano, sax, and sexy, sexy female vocals. Rarely does one hear such a seamless infusion of electronica and jazz-infused funk. They sustain an awesome level of chill, and they don't skimp on the portions either there isn't a jam on this record less than 5 minutes. Lovin' it. (DP) - Impact Press
Discography
Songs From Nowhere
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Bio
Diggsville first began as a musical entity while contributing to the soundtrack of the independent film, “In the Wake” by award-winning film-maker, Erica Jordan. After cruising the festival circuit, percussionist Randy Odell and vocalist Karen Mitchell enlisted the piano skills of David von Holder. His rich synth textures and poignant melodic sensibilities provided the perfect complement to Randy's timely grooves, both coming from a strong jazz and R&B background. Bassist David Hermocillo’s ability to drive it to the ground and saxophonist Jody Ono’s subtle soul added to Karen’s evocative lyrics and haunting vocals for an extraordinary sound, that includes elements of triphop, electronica, latin funk and jazz.
Impact Press Magazine ranks San Francisco based Diggsville as a Top Pick: “Delicious, Jazzy, and Fresh!” describing Songs from Nowhere as “One of the hippest, grooviest records heard in a long time. With solid drums keeping the flow in the rear, we get layers of loungey piano, sax, and sexy, sexy female vocals. Rarely does one hear such a seamless infusion of electronica and jazz-infused funk.” And SmotherNet gives the CD rave reviews as well – “These songs are from somewhere deep inside where the groove is resting in our veins waiting to be pumped out and encouraged.” As one fan testifies, “Diggsville completely draws you in with a sound that haunts your head! This is a band you tell your friends to come out to see to believe.”
But their music is more than a simple delight for the senses, Karen Mitchell’s lyrics convey the darker side of street-life and the relationships between society and ones inner-most self. Evoking musical effects of Portishead, Massive Attack and the Sneaker Pimps; Diggsville’s lush female vocals, dreamy keys, enigmatic samples, sultry sax and driving bass and drums unite for a uniquely seductive blend of retro and contemporary elements. While the band is currently in the process of recording new music, the captivating grooves found on "Songs from Nowhere" continues to satiate music junkies everywhere.
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