<p>‘Do You Realize’ is the question which Mr. Confuse asks on his second full length album. With nearly three years in the making after the debut ‘Feel The Fire’ it comes as a massive plea for the power of funk. ‘Do You Realize’ is about being true to the groove, carries strong lyrical statements while touching political matters as well as social issues in its clever and heartfelt lyrics but is first and foremost, of course, about being real.<br /><br />On ‘Do You Realize’ Mr. Confuse picks up on the distinctive, organic and powerful sound he introduced on ‘Feel The Fire’ and takes it a step further. ‘Do You Realize’ tells a story from the beginning to the end: ‘We Gonna Bring The Funk To You’ with featured singer and main vocalist Dan Salem allows no second thoughts as a perfect opener and leads into ‘Catch Me’, the first single release. In a total of 13 tracks and with fullon party tunes like ‘Never Let The Rhythm Go’ and ‘Let’s Get The Feeling’ the album keeps a steady pace. The second single releases ‘Too Hot’ and the conscious and soulful ‘Why Can’t You See Me’ carries ‘Do You Realize’ to the perfect ending with the moving soul ballad ‘Cool Smooth Waters’ introducing the mighty soul voice of Mrs Elaine Thomas.<br /><br />It would not be a true Mr. Confuse album if it would not pay tribute to a musical pioneer. With his versions of ‘Boogie Down (Bronx)’ (with the voice of well know German Reggae artist Benjie) and ‘Man Made’ (featuring Dan Salem) Mr. Confuse pays tribute to Man Parrish as one of the innovators who translated Funk and Boogie into the HipHop-Era of early Electro and Freestyle. ‘Do You Realize’ comes as an apt title then.<br /><br />Accompanying the album there will be a colourful bunch of remixes released in various formats. Remixes by well known producers such as Smoove, Dr. Rubberfunk, Lack Of Afro, Daytoner, The Uptown Felaz, Tom Eno, Przasnik and Funkmaster Ozone amongst many others show Mr. Confuse’s respect for the remix culture, something which was always a major part in the career of the producer from Hannover/Germany who started DJing in 1999 and is producing and composing his own music since 2004. As a member of the Breakout crew in 2005 Mr. Confuse came up with the idea of reworking the 80s classic ‘Planet Rock’ by Afrika Bambaataa and transforming it into a heavy funk tune. Through the<br />years Mr. Confuse released his music and remixes with many international labels (Good Groove, Dominance, Shiftin’ Gears and many more) and recorded a collection of different Mix CDs.<br /><br />In September 2008 his first solo album ‘Feel The Fire’ was released on DLP, CD and digital download. Mr. Confuse’s live band ‘Mr. Confuse & The Confusers’ was called to existence with a heavy horn section of seven players and true Hammond C3 sound also that year. Appearing as 14 musicians strong collective it is an impressive breaks big band. On ‘Feel The Fire’ are cover versions of Debbie Deb’s Freestyle-Electro- Classics ‘Lookout Weekend’ and ‘When I Hear Music’ in a heavy seventies Funk style. The 12inch version of ‘Lookout Weekend’ sold out quickly, but even three years after its original release the track is still a steady download seller. 2009 saw two more 12 inches following the album with the ‘Do It Right Now’ and the ‘Imóvel’ EPs. Mr. Confuse was also invited to feature on the first release on the 7inch label ‘Freesoul45 Records’ with two massive HipHop instrumental tunes that year. 2009 continued with ‘Feel The Fire - The Remixes’ which is available digitally and includes all remixes of the three 12inch vinyl plus never released before versions.<br /><br />With ‘Do You Realize” Mr. Confuse is not only expanding his trademark sound but the album also introduces him as a musical director with an open ear for the bigger picture. With up to 23 international musicians he created incredible sounding big arrangements you would rather expect from the good times of big studios from the 60s and 70s. Here is a producer who not only reveals a deep understanding of the rhythms ranging from Afro to Soul and from classic R&B to HipHop, but who also has a vision of translating history into the future. ‘Do You Realize’? Indeed we do!</p>
