Darondo

Four Stars

I listened to this piece on Easter, and I'm glad: it's a tale of career resurrection perfect for the holiday.

DJ Justine Torres is our mediator, the man wisely picked by Stuido 360 producer Chris Roose to tell the story.

It's a search, a treasure hunt, and it brings us in.

THe piece begins by focussing on Torres. He hunts first for Darondo's records, then the man himself -- an R&B singer who once opened for James Brown. When we finally hear Darondo himself at about 2:45 we're primed and care a lot about him.

The clips from Torres are engaging, and keep the story moving. I have just one regret: I'd wish they'd taught me a bit more about why Torres, a DJ, would want so much to make Darondo part of his catalog. It might have helped me understand DJ culture and how reviving careers like Darondo's is or isn't a part of that.

When we finally meet Darondo, he's a compelling character. Even though he's taped by phone, his remarks bank off nicely off the music and Torres' continued commentary.

We hear A LOT of different Darondo's tracks. Some might find the quick cutting a little distracting, but I liked it and and found itconsistent with the dialogue between Darondo and Torres that plays out in the second part of the piece.

FInally, I would have liked to hear more about Darondo's contemporaries: we know he played with James Brown, but when? Was he responding to Smoky, Sly, or Prince in his work? It would have helped to know, although the piece still works without the info.

The production overall is excellent, and doesn't slag for a second.

Darondo's music is available on CD. so this piece could work as a segment in a local culture magazine show, or even as a cover for one of the national NPR or PRI magazine shows. There's an intro attached to the archived version, read over some music that you'll have to work around.

Happy Easter.

Anthea Raymond, Los Angeles
PRX Editorial Board
April 16, 2006