We’re back again! Friday saw the opening of Doc Scott‘s new D&B night at Lightbox, London. A refreshing reminder that the scene is still alive and striving for quality, not quantity.
This week, it’s my pleasure to bring to you more insights into the man we call Calibre. Synonymous to the scene, he is forever pushing the boundaries of his skills, knowledge and creativity. Redefining the genre is all part of the fun for him.
November 2005 saw the release of his second full-length title, Second Sun. Those working in and listening to Drum & Bass regard the album ‘Second Sun’ as a landmark release for the genre. Calibre stated, “I look upon my move to Logic as a process in the studio to be a second part of the story. But having said that, the 22nd is my birth date, it’s my second album, I’m the second son in the family, this is the second phase production wise. But for me its nothing to do with numerology, its more to do with reinvention, a new life.”
“Calibre is bordering on genius as a producer on the evidence of Second Sun. What makes Calibre’s music stand out from other D&B artists is the stunning production. He shows he is gifted with an amazing imagination and also a proper knowledge of musicality. If you’re looking for an album full of hard, in-yer-face, techy ballistics then forget this album. This is deep, intelligent D&B with strong Dub, Reggae, Funk, Jazz and Soul influences. The bass lines are rooted in Dub and are buried deep and low but they are all the better for that – these are fantastic bass lines. Also there’s less emphasis on the beats. They’re minimal on nearly every track and just keep the tunes rolling along nicely.” – Anonymous user, Discogs
“I do feel like I have a special place in drum & bass, it brings endless possibilities to my mind, whether I choose to accept them or not,” Calibre, or Dominick Martin, contemplates. “I suppose I’ve dedicated myself to it because I’ve believed in it from the start and it wasn’t cool whenever I joined it. So it was always just something I loved to do. My ambitions aren’t to take over the world and make loads of money, I’m just happy doing what I love. I’m really appreciative of that. It works for me, after all these years.” – Calibre