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Dave Angel – A Time and Place [R&S Records]
“A Time and Place” is the latest from British electronic producer Dave Angel. Released on the Belgium based label R&S records, where Angel started a relationship back in 1991. Since then, Angel has cemented himself as one of the premier producers of UK techno. “Glitterati” is a sunny, melodic heater with a jazz-infused bassline. “The Yellow Butterfly” starts out with brooding chords and atmospheric synths that create a state of euphoria. The tempo cools down with “Featherweight” and “Harmony Serenade”, the latter is a dreamy down-tempo tune featuring legendary House vocalist Robert Owens. A potent album from start to finish. The contrasting styles of techno will get their hooks in you, requiring you to play again.
VA – Future Sounds of Jazz Volume 16 [Compost Records]
“Future Sounds of Jazz Volume 16” is the latest brilliant compilation series courtesy of Compost Records. Michael Rutten from the Soul Patrol radio show along with Michael Reinboth are the curators on deck this time around. They collected twenty tunes for this compilation so there’s a little something for everyone. The set begins with “Om Supreme”, a jazz infused atmospheric gem from Emanative. The track features Jessica Lauren on keys and remixed by Hector Plimmer. “Sun and Moon” is a lovely spiritual jazz tune from vocalist/pianist Brittany Davis and her trio. Another highlight is Ilhan Ersahin’s Istanbul Sessions. The Kaan Duzarat remix of “Birds” gives tribal vibes with the combination Turkish chords and NYC dance floor beats. DJ/Producer Trinidadian Deep delivers his signature brand of Spiritual deep House with “Spirits in Motion”. Rutten and Reinboth have compiled an impressive collection with musicians from all parts of the world. While many of the recordings have traditional jazz roots, they’re also filled with free improvisation that pushes the music into futuristic territory. A worthy addition to anyone’s collection.
https://compostrecords.bandcamp.com/album/future-sounds-of-jazz-vol-16
Marion Poncet – The Raging Swells Crushing The Cliff Of My Love [F*ck Reality]
Traumer returns to Smallville’s F*ck Reality label under the alias as Marion Poncet. The French producer’s latest project is a musical journey through moody deep house rhythms. Among the highlights, “Ma Douce Tempete” is filled with warm synth textures and blissful rhythms. “Glove Music” begins with a mellow groove that steadily builds into a euphoric deep house burner. The atmospheric vibes flow throughout each recording. Traumer has released an array of recordings under many aliases to spread his musical endeavors. As Poncet he demonstrates a deft touch for blissful deep house recordings.
Jonson, Jonson & Jonson – Back To The Buffet [Swamp Recordings]
Jonson, Jonsson & Jonson are a trio of Joe Cang, Danny Schogger and Phil Thomalley. “Back To The Buffet” is a trip back in time to seventies blue lights in the basement soul music. The uplifting opener, “Circles” is filled with gorgeous string arrangements and warm soulful harmonies. “Keep Falling For it” is led by Cang’s soothing vocals and his mellow bass grooves. The mid-tempo “Hip Pocket” is a soul jazz groover inspired by their admiration of the Crusaders. Fans of hot buttered soul will get swept away by the band’s lush orchestral arrangements. Add to that the rich horns and soulful vocals and you have yourself a gem.
Curió Curió – Curió Curió [Mr Bongo]
Curió Curió is the duo of Rio born, Austria based singer Luiza Monteiro and German producer Dustin Braun. Their self-titled debut blends warm samba rhythms with sketches of boogie funk and Disco. “Menina Passarinho” finds Monteiro’s vocals dancing over a subtle guitar and synth melody. “Vem pra Casa” is a Brazilian boogie tune highlighted by wobbly synths and an engaging groove. “Amor Doente” is a laidback hazy tune with funky horns. Monteiro’s seductive vocals are a ray of sunshine to match these sun soaked recordings. This is a summer soundtrack if there ever was one.
VA – Root Down 30 [Daybreakers]
“Root Down 30” celebrates thirty years of the Freiburg Germany dance venue curated by Rainer Truby. Premiere DJs from Theo Parrish to Jimpster and Gilles Peterson created unforgettable moments there. Somehow Truby trimmed the selections down to ten but came away with some heavy hitters. One of those bangers has his fingerprints all over it. Truby and Marlow reworked The Soul Session’s “A Horse With No Name”. The deep house track starts out with a haunting intro before locking into a burning repetitive groove. “One Love” is an infectious mashup of bruk and house from The Afro Love Project. “Brooklyn Love Boat” is a funk and soul heater from German DJ/Producer Flashbaxx. Every track will summon you to the dance floor. A marvelous compilation that will stir up memories of fun-filled party nights. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ll enjoy it nonetheless.
https://daybreakershouse.bandcamp.com/album/root-down-30-compiled-by-rainer-tr-by
Bruno Berle – Sem Fronteiras [Far Out Recordings]
Singer/songwriter Bruno Berle is an ascending multi-instrumentalist from Maceió, Northeast Brazil. “Sem Fronteiras”, his third release showcases a collection of warm and harmonic compositions he’s co-produced with longtime musical partner Batata Boy. Berle’s subtle yet poignant guitar chords set the tone across ten compositions. “Voce Ja Sabe Que Eu Te Amo” is filled with sublime fender rhodes and lush orchestral textures. “Outra Noite” is a mellow instrumental that displays his rhythmic approach. The finale “Sem Fronteiras”, which means “Without borders” is a sixties-flavoured Brazilian folk gem. Berle is paving the way for a number of talented artists from Maceió like Nyron Higor and Phylipe Nunes Araujo. They’re delivering quality recordings and this is no exception.
Haroldo Bontempo – Ao Vivo em Quarteto [Cantores del Mundo]
“Ao Vivo em Quarteto” is a live recording from Haroldo Bontempo. The singer/guitarist’s album is steeped in Brazilian folk with traces of Bossa Nova and samba. This setting finds Bontempo as part of a quartet. “Ate’ Que Eu Gosto de Voce” is vintage soulful samba that features Vinicius Mendes on flute. “Na Casa do Jornalista” harkens back to 60s bossa nova. Bontempo is joined by bassist Carol Ramalho and drummer Be Moura. Mendes appears again on flute as well on sax. “Virgem” is another highlight that originally appeared on his first album and features Arthur Melo on bongos. The only regret is not being part of the audience to witness such a marvelous session.
https://haroldobontempo.bandcamp.com/album/ao-vivo-em-quarteto
Sandra St. Victor – Eleven [Mother Tongue Records]
“Eleven” is Sandra St. Victor’s first release in over a decade. The former lead vocalist for the Family Stand returns with an infectious funk and soul full length release. St. Victor, who co-produced the album along with Patrick Gibin, surrounds herself with heavy hitters such as Lalah Hathaway, Mark De Clive Lowe among others. “Moonchild” featuring Kaidi Tatham is a sweeping dance floor filler with a relentless funky groove. “Go Up Moses” is a dark and moody tune with a haunting groove that features Mocean Worker. “Regarding Leon” is a down-tempo sultry soul burner. St. Victor is in peak form here and long time fans will be pleased. A potent album that provides instant satisfaction.
Moyses Dos Santos – Maria [Far Out Recordings]
A native of North Eastern Brazil, electric bassist Moyses Dos Santos has been residing in London since the early 2000s. After touring with Asymuth in 2022, drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti encouraged him to reconnect with his Brazilian roots. Dos Santos has taken that advice and has crafted a marvelous record. “Maria”, named after his Mother, features renowned Brazilian and international artists. The opening track “Boa Viagem” is a sizzling Brazilian jazz dance floor filler. The samba tinged rhythms and spirited horn section are a welcome highlight. “Brazilian Spirit” is an Afro Jazz burner that kicks off with a gorgeous piano intro, followed by warm vocal harmonies. Theo Croker’s melodic trumpet is layered over a seductive piano and bass groove. “Saudade” is another winner. Linda Dawn’s heavenly vocals are right at home with Arthur Verocai’s soothing string arrangements. Far Out Records nails it again. Dos Santos’s latest will stand as one of the best records of the year.
Kutiman & Dekel – Hope [Siyal Music]
Multi-instrumentalist Kutiman and vocalist Dekel return with “Hope”, a warm soulful psychedelic release inspired by the agony and ecstasy of love and human connection. The duo have built a bond that has manifested into an organic approach to the recording. The result is a warm and lush release that’s filled with vulnerability and introspection. The title track is a blissful tune highlighted by a gentle guitar rhythm and Dekel’s vocals. “Sunshine” is hazy psychedelic soul at its finest. Kutiman’s subtle synth arrangements morph into dreamy soundscapes. “Let Your Love” features Dekel on lead and Odeliya LLouz on backing vocals. Although the album barely exceeds twenty minutes, it’s a marvelous listen nonetheless.
Muca & Roberto Menescal – Beleza [The Secret Warehouse Of Sound]
“Beleza”, the latest release from multi-instrumentalist Muca is a musical journey back to his Brazilian roots. Muca has spent the last sixteen years residing in the UK. He decided that the timing was right to reconnect to his youth growing up in Sao Paulo. He’s joined on this journey by composer/guitarist Roberto Menescal. Menescal has been a pioneer of Brazilian Bossa Nova since the mid-sixties. He’s penned recordings like “O Barquinho”, “Voce” and many more. The twelve track LP features a different vocalist for each recording from around the globe. Six songs are sung in English while the other six in Portuguese. “Ladeira” is a soothing samba tune featuring Bahian vocalist Josyara. The aptly titled “Midnight Lullaby” is laced with lush arrangements and gentle guitar licks. The highlight is the soft and stylistic vocals of British Brazilian vocalist Liana Flores. The finale “Feeling When It Comes” is stripped down bossa nova featuring the earthy vocals of Heidi Vogel. Co-produced by Menescal, Muca has captured the essence of bossa nova. The superb lineup takes this record to greater heights. Press play and prepare to be swept away.
https://muca1.bandcamp.com/album/muca-roberto-menescal-beleza
Horatio Luna – Action Reaction [La Sape]
If you didn’t know it already I’m here to tell you that Horatio Luna is one of the premier bassists on the scene today. He’s one of many talented musicians who have emerged from Australia in recent years. The Melbourne native has the gift of groove and knows how to apply it to every recording he appears on. Luna’s latest, “Action Reaction” is packed with funky bangers where the groove works its way up from your feet to your hips. Before you know it everyone is getting their groove on. There’s plenty of bangers to choose from. The aptly titled “Spicy” is fueled by wicked synths layered over an infectious groove. Jake Amy and Brad Ballard take turns displaying their proficiency with funky synth arrangements throughout the album. “The Win” is a simmering House tune aided by Hugo Turudija’s seductive Tenor melodies. “Rectify”, a tribute to Moodymann, is chilled out cosmic jazz with a hypnotic groove. Six years removed from his debut, Luna delivers with a sophomore release that provides immediate satisfaction.
Alsogood – 1000 Smiles [Island Records]
Alsogood is a musician and producer from Italy. He’s self released a number of laid back jazz infused hip-hop instrumentals. In addition, he’s one third of the band Figura. “1000 Smiles” is a sublime recording blending lo-fi soul and jazz compositions. “Feliz” is a blissful tune with warm vocal harmonies and subtle acoustic guitar melodies. “Citta del Sole” is another mellow tune that opens with a sublime piano melody. The soothing horn arrangements are an engaging complement. The title track features a funky groove and a hypnotic violin solo. Alsogood latest release demonstrates a gift for warm soul jazz compositions. Definitely worth checking out.
Tom Funk – What’s It Gonna Be [Lazy Robot Records]
London based DJ/Producer Tom Funk spans across infectious funk, hip-hop and soul on “What’s It Gonna Be?”. The ten track album features an array of heavyweight vocalists providing some punch to the compositions. The opener “Coming Back For More” is sophisticated funk featuring the falsetto vocals of Brae Leni. “For Love” is oozing with buoyant Jazz funk arrangements highlighted by the presence of the UK don Omar. “Brighter Day” is another feverish funk burner that features vocalist Andre Espeut. Espeut’s vocals ride on top of a wicked synth and wah wah guitar rhythm section. A superb collection that will keep your head nodding from start to finish.