Boo Williams - Universal Limits

All Music Guide

There is a unique bond between the musical styles of Chicago house and Detroit techno. Being reared on the same influences and growing up in the same era, these two genres have more in common than most think. Mike Grant and his roster of Moods Grooves artists are accentuating this bond with a unique series of recordings entitled the I-94 Series. Named for the stretch of highway that connects the two cities, the series includes works from artists like Brian Harden, Mike Grant, and Boo Williams. Williams' effort, Universal Limits, takes the listener to the deep house side of the relationship. Williams is known internationally for his deep, jazzy sounds, and he continues that tradition on this LP. He opens with "Feeling Good," a light, up-tempo track with a brilliant sample that accentuates the feel and overall mood of the album. "Summer Love" and "Tech It Out" follow much of the same pattern, with solid bass lines and an inflective feel to them. On "The Message," Williams gives credit t...o the artists and collaborators who have influenced him throughout his career with a long roll call-type shout-out over one of his deep, soulful productions. "Midnight Trance" is a deep house track on the verge of becoming a classic, with nicely layered synth patterns, a wandering drum track, and deep piano riffs. Williams closes the LP in fine form with "City of War," possibly the deepest track on the album, which sonically represents the bond between Chicago and Detroit. - Ian Dinsmor, All Music Guide Read more Less