Koko Dozo
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Koko Dozo

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"FUTURE PSYCHEDISCORAMA WITH KOKO DOZO"

By Mark Kirby, MusicDish e-Journal

One night several years ago at an Irish pub in the East Village of New York City, the discussion of music turned to disco. It involved musicians and people over 40 years-old, people who might know what they're talking about. Several of us were, in the heyday of Studio 54 and the disco era, into punk rock. Others of us were -- me especially -- strictly jazz heads. I reminded my friend of lonely nights in college smoking out of a four-foot bong and listening to Zappa and John Coltrane and wondering how to meet girls. They were at the campus disco parties, while we were above it all. And alone, getting in touch with ourselves.

Now a guy walked into the bar - no, this is not a joke, this is true - leans over and asks Nancy, the bartender, to put on a CD he brought. He had a box set called 100 Disco Hits and wanted to hear it. She put it on over a few protests and by the third cut half the bar was up dancing. "This s**t is great, what were we thinkin'?" What were we thinking? The cuts that he played -- "Boogie Nights," "Disco Lady," "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" -- were all songs with soul power. Killer musicians, great singers, and songwriters that had some skills were at work on these gems. So many of the songs that turned off the young cynic back in the day -- and I was one of them -- now sound like musical versions of the politics of hope. Besides the quality of the music and the infusion of beer and liquor, these cuts stood out because the party music of today consists of desperate, vapid consumer fantasies "sung" over prepackaged, overly mechanized "music." From Justin Timberlake to Mariah Carey, this is what dance music is all about. Like rap agitators Public Enemy asked back in the '90's "who stole the soul?"


These memories and thoughts came to mind while listening to Koko Dozo's new CD Illegal Space Aliens. The band members present themselves as bizarro characters. Chief producer Polarity/1, who created the beats and sounds that make the backbone of the music, dresses like a pro wrestling manager who is channeling Sun Ra. Though using synthesizer sounds, drum machines, and synth bass, his music has a distinctive, organic quality, a certain freshness and vitality. Rubio -- the self-described "multi-brained, Viking, Satanic wizard"; complete with Viking helmet and wizardly robe -- provides funky, jazzy keyboards that flesh out and add spice and musicality to the grooves. Singer Amy Douglas, the "Inter-Galactic Empress," looks like a grown up Punky Brewster turned dominatrix from Brooklyn by way of worlds beyond. But for all the outer spaceness of their image and electronic sounds, the music on Illegal Space Aliens is rooted in the organic soil of the disco, funk and soul of a bygone era.

The CD starts with dense electronic sounds that morph into a groove consisting of bass, a looped piano chord, and a beat made of these dense sounds, on the opening cut "Second Time." Amy Douglas brings flesh and soul to this cyborg of a song. With musical experience covering punk cabaret, funk with George Clinton and down-home jazz with Illinois Jacquet, she has the pipes. She also has the musicality and taste to do it just right. "Face on the Dance Floor" starts with disembodied female voices and a vocal loop of laughs. A house beat kicks in and Douglas busts out with a Donna Summers-like vocal blast: "You know you got that face... hold your face on the dance floor / wave your feet in the air / make us believe that you don't care / smash your face on the dance floor / put your kicks in the air / wave it some more put your f****n' face on the dance floor." The song grooves along with interesting musical riffs and keyboard counter melodies, as Douglas goes off. The backup group female voices come back and the song's next verse comes in. These little touches elevate this and other songs on the CD above average, boring house and dance music. You can dig this music without drugs or dancing.

Some of the album's cuts resemble the classic disco of the'70's and '80's. "Boomchi" has that signature four-on-the-floor drum beat, offbeat funk bass lick, and soulful strings. The vocals come in like Chic's classic "Good Times." Busting out in Spanish, Douglas lets fly some wailing diva vocal blasts. The song's break down features bass drum, breathy, chanting vocals, and an over-the-top spew in Spanglish by Rubio. Euro disco brought in the dominance of synthesizers and more mechanical rhythms. "Shine" is in this mold, but the piano licks and, once again, Douglas' voice gives the song a human face: "Shine a light / I need to know that I'm alive / Shine a light / guide me to your secret side / give me breath that can revive."

Koko Dozo mines other types of music, particularly the expansive side of soul and funk, on the slow jam "Down." This features sweet lead and backup vocals, as well as chords that move and glide in an extended middle part that seems to drift away. Then, from silence, the song starts up with vocals that remind one of soul diva's like Chaka Khan. "D.C. Whore" combines political satire and discordant, complex funk. "Fulano de Tai" is dirge-like, with music that evokes the image of an emotional desert and recalls one of Ennio Morricone's more psychedelic soundtracks.


One of the strengths of Illegal Space Aliens, and my regular readers please forgive me, is that there are nine choice cuts on this record. No fluff, just a statement. This should be the new trend. This should also be an example of how to make dance music that is intelligent and cool, not dumbed down to the level of morons in too-tight $90 designer jeans.

www.kokodozo.com
www.myspace.com/kokodozo
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- Music Dish


"KOKO DOZO AT TUBWAY"

On January 24, 2009, post-pop duo Koko Dozo (Polarity/1 Amy Douglas) brought their unique blend of funk/disco/dance music to Tubway in New York City. www.kokodozo.com\n\nSpaceman is more of that familiar post-pop funk that Koko Dozo does so well. In this live performance, Polarity/1 is rocking the guitar while Amy sings her heart out. The song has a bit of an otherworldly vibe at times, but it is without a doubt another great jam for the party at Tubway. One thing is clear from watching both videos - Koko Dozo have a definite stage presence and know how to work a crowd!
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Link: http://www.wildscreen.tv/videos/3865342/
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Video > Wildscreen.tv :new Generation Quality Broadcast:: .watch .upload .share -videos > Koko Dozo - Boomchi (Tubway, NYC)
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From: wildscreen.tv :new generation quality broadcast:: .watch .upload .share -videos
Date: Mar 21, 2009
URL: http://mefeedia.com/entry/koko-dozo-boomchi-tubway-nyc/15659443
Description:
On January 24, 2009, post-pop duo Koko Dozo (Polarity/1 Amy Douglas) brought their unique blend of funk/disco/dance music to Tubway in New York City. www.kokodozo.com\n\nKoko Dozo's performance of Boomchi has a strong disco vibe and it is the perfect fit for the Tubway stage. Amy is on fire here with some really powerful singing (in Spanish, no less). A quick glimpse of the crowd shows that they are having a great time as well. - Music Dish


"MORSY AND KOKO DOZO- THE SHINE"

Morsy & Koko Dozo 'The Shine'

I love collaborations. I also love my friends here in NYC that continue to pound away at their art, despite the state of the country. Cosmic House act Koko Dozo got my boy Morsy to pop over to their studio and they ended up with a brokenbeat NYC House sound that proves the legacy of Masters At Work is still here, even in the indie scene. In fact, Morsy will tell you Louie Vega is his favorite DJ.

Koko Dozo, also recorded a new one called 'Gangsta' that I just freaking love. Great end of the night track. It's got that classic Chicago House sound that would easily fit in with a Trax Records set. - Filthy Beats and Treats


"KOKO DOZO"

KOKO DOZO are the cosmic cousins of Georgio Moroder and Parliment. Amy Douglas' vocals are deep and soulful yet punk and jazzy all at the same time. Douglas does not suffer from the too often used R&B tones of many a 'deep house' record.
The songs of Koko Dozo, produced by Polarity 1, are familiar in just the right ways. We feel it's best descirbed as Stomp-Funk Space-Disco for the sect who are tired of the same overused 'electro' tinged strut numbers and the slow shuffle of the 'bearded disco' that floods the mirror ball soundscape these days.

Koko Dozo have been recently featured by Paper Magazine, New York promotional tastemakers- GBH and in Februaray the world will be able to hear 'Boomchi' soundtrack the The L Word. They also performed at the one year anniversary of Brooklyn's Crooked Disco party this past Halloween and can be seen often throughout the entire Big Apple.

We suggest you give them a listen, especially if you need some alien boogaloo in your life to get through these cold months.

Here's three tracks for you to give a listen to and download via our friends at SoundCloud: 'Boomchi' and 'Face On The Dance Floor' are both featured on their debut album 'Illegal Space Aliens' available via subTEKst Records. 'Spaceman' is a new joint the group has whipped up.
- THE HOUSE DEPOT


"KOKO DOZO AND MORSY- THE SHINE"

Koko Dozo & Morsy - The Shine (Original Mix)
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You already know how I love this group and this latest single is more of that good stuff. I feel like it should be friday with this type of party music we posting right now but eff it we getting you ready for the weekend early with this stuff. Some feel good housey type stuff here with beautiful vocals courtesy of my girl Amy. Got damn that woman got a voice. Hit the jump grab the good stuff. Direct link cause we love you.
. - PLEASE DON'T STARE


"BOOMCHI- KOKO DOZO"

Feeling like you need a little pick me up? Do you have a case of the 'Mondays'? Missing the L Word already? Well, suck it up. Download this track (and three others) for a disco dance party in your ears. The song 'Boomchi' was featured on an episode of the L Word so it might sound a bit familiar. Seriously though, it's funky. You've been warned. Just click here for some crazy, cocaine inspired disco goodies.
You can also follow KOKODOZO on Twitter.
, - KILL THE MICROPHONE


"KOKO DOZO- GANGSTA"

've been pretty wack in updating you on all things Koko Dozo lately. And by lately, I mean, it's major suckage on my part.
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Here's a brief rundown of the goings-ons and goings-ups of the space-age funk duo.

- New song! Gangsta is just that. A bit of filth, a LOT of funk, and overall, a thugged out tasty time in your ears. (snag below)
- Their track, Boomchi, was used in the latest episode of The L Word. Never saw the show, cause I don't get those preemo channels, but thankfully, we've got a clip from the ep, and it's pretty sweet to hear the song used within!
- Koko Dozo is playing Sugarland on February 21. Oy, last time I was there, [ahem Dan], we had too much fun and my outfit looked like a nerdy pirate. Anyways, go check 'em out. - SheenaBeaston


"INTRODUCING KOKO DOZO"

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Last night among my stops waz Bungalow 8 for the chic lil jump off hosted by Malik So Chic. The party waz eclectic, stylish and a lot of fun. I'm some new Sh*t this year and I have challenged myself to get out of the studio and my comfort zone and meet NEW...EXCITING...ECLECTIC people. Well so far, so good this year!
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Last night one of the first people I met waz Amy Douglas and her husband (sorry bro I forgot your name). Amy handed me a CD and told me she fronted a band called KoKo Dozo. I politely took the CD, skimmed the cover and promised I'd listen to it and maybe even check her out when she performs live here in NYC. Now I have learned over the years not to get too excited when someone tell me they're a music artist cause I've spent some long days in studios with acts that...well...needed a little more time developing their craft. Imagine how I felt when I popped the CD in and Amy's big ass, sultry, greasy, sassy voice came booming thru my headphones and proceeded to ride the herky jerky, bass and drum heavy 4/4 back beat of their first ct on the CD called Face On The Dancefloor. I FRICKIN LOVE THAT SONG! It's part Dee-Light, part soulful 90's house music ala Funky Green Monsters and Martha Wash and part something wholly of their own creation. So after all that you KNOW I had to research them and get online and write up one ole profile post.
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Influences: A Tribe Called Quest, Afrika Bambaata, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Art Blakey, Basement Jaxx, Bela Bartok, Benny More, Betty Davis, Bill Evans, Bjork, Black Sabbath, Bob Marley, Bonde Do Role, Brazilian Girls, Brian Eno, Bugge Wesseltoft, Buju Banton, Burt Bachrach, Calle 13, Captain Beefheart, Celia Cruz, Charles Mingus, Chic, Claude Debussy, Da Lata, Daft Punk, David Bowie Dee-Lite, Depeche Mode, Devo, Doc Boggs, Donna Summer, Duke Ellington. What the hell kind of band has that list of people named as influences? A pretty darn funky, soulful, colorful, talented and creative one I'd say. The 3 song promo CD I received has me hooked. I can wait to interview them, hear the full CD and post a more in depth piece on them in the future.
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Upcoming Shows
Feb 21 2009 10:00P
SUGARLAND New York, New York
Feb 28 2009 10:00P

NACOTHEQUE @FONTANA’S New York, New York

Until then enjoy what I've got on them and get out there and learn more for yaself. - URBAN POP LIFE


"KOKO DOZO - ILLEGAL COSMIC DISCO ALIENS from NYC!"

Koko Dozo are the cosmic cousins of Georgio Moroder and Parliment. Amy Douglas' vocals are deep and soulful yet punk and jazzy all at the same time. Douglas does not suffer from the too often used R&B tones of many a 'deep house' record.
The songs of Koko Dozo, produced by Polarity 1, are familiar in just the right ways. We feel it's best descirbed as Stomp-Funk Space-Disco for the sect who are tired of the same overused 'electro' tinged strut numbers and the slow shuffle of the 'bearded disco' that floods the mirror ball soundscape these days.
Koko Dozo have been recently featured by Paper Magazine, New York promotional tastemakers- GBH and in Februaray the world will be able to hear 'Boomchi' soundtrack the The L Word. They also performed at the one year anniversary of Brooklyn's Crooked Disco party this past Halloween and can be seen often throughout the entire Big Apple.
We suggest you give them a listen, especially if you need some alien boogaloo in your life to get through these cold months.
Here's three tracks for you to give a listen to and download via our friends at SoundCloud: 'Boomchi' and 'Face On The Dance Floor' are both featured on their debut album 'Illegal Space Aliens' available via subTEKst Records. 'Spaceman' is a new joint the group has whipped up. - NERDY FRAMES


"SPACED OUT ON KOKO DOZO"

The latest ear candy on my iTunes is Koko Dozo, a "post-disco" duo (Amy Douglas and Polarity/1), whose shake-your-ass, funky single "Boomchi" will be on The L Word this February. I can't stop listening to Koko Dozo's tunes, like "Face On The Dancefloor" and "Spaceman." Thankfully, the duo is just as tripped out as their music. When I asked where their name came from, this is what they told me: "Koko Dozo is the name of our planet where we come from. If you go to www.kokodozo.com you’ll see a link for Space Alien Nation where you can read the news from our wild and funky planet. Polarity 1 and I are on the lam from the Powers that Be, and have decided to bring our brand of Post-Disco and Spacefunk to Earth." Beam me up Koko Dozo!
. - PAPER MAGAZINE.COM


Discography

"Boomchi" debuted on The L Word- 2009 (see www.kokodozo.com to see clip)

Photos

Bio

Since the release of their global funktronica debut album, entitled Illegal Space Aliens, Koko Dozo has been receiving stellar reviews all across the Internet. Koko Dozo is a duo made up of multi-instrumentalist/arranger/composer/producer Polarity/1, and vocal diva Amy Douglas. Both members are formally trained musicians, and since meeting up in New York City in the mid-1990's, they have created a noticeable splash in the music scene.

Referring to the track I Know Who You Are, pleasedontstare.com said, "I promise you won't be disappointed. This is beautiful music. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon." They went on to say that "they have some of the funkiest dance music I've heard in a while, as well as some extremely dope ballads and social commentary sprinkled in their as well."

The blog Dancefloor Mayhem has also given Koko Dozo high praise. Referring to The Shine, they said, "This is a really fun house track. Has a great old school vibe. Reminds me of Incognity, Masers at Work and a lot of the quality deep house from Strictly Rhythm circa '93-'95."

Mark Kirby, a writer for Musicdish e-Journal said, "One of the strengths of Illegal Space Aliens...is that there are nine choice cuts on this record. No fluff, just a statement. This should be the new trend. This should also be an example of how to make dance music that is intelligent and cool, not dumbed down to the level of morons in too-tight $90 designer jeans."

Gasper Oliviera, of GBH.tv says "New Yorkers looking for music that embraces their city's cultural diversity ought to check them out. The best way to survive in a melting pot is to get close."

Making this kind of music in the studio is one thing, but live performance is a whole different art form. However, it's clear that Koko Dozo knows how to put on a show. Referring to a video of a Koko Dozo performance, mefeedia.com says that, "Polarity/1 is rocking the guitar while Amy sings her heart out. The song has a bit of an otherworldly vibe at times, but it is without a doubt another great jam for the party at Tubway. One thing is clear from watching both videos - Koko Dozo have a definite stage presence and know how to work a crowd!"

Koko Dozo is a duo of legally alienated New Yorkers -- Polarity/1 and Amy Douglas -- who create a sound they call Global Funktronica: a unique blend of electronica, funk, club grooves, jazz and roots grooves from Brazil, Latin America and Africa. Their lyrics are hilarious, provocative, and powerful, sung in English, Spanish and Portuguese, supported by music that is truly otherworldly, rich, textural and extremely funky.

http://www.kokodozo.com
http://kokodozo.musicdish.net