Music Reviews
Anthony Smith's Trunk Fulla Funk - Life as We Know It
Terrestrial RecordsAs I was listening to “Trunk Fulla Funk” I was left wondering what size trunk Athony Smith is actually referring to. Certainly there are moments when Anthony Smith and his band are grooving but its never enough to hold your interest. “That What It Do” is a nice midtempo cut and “Marching Orders” is easily the best track on the disc. The band really tears into this one and Anthony Smith provides impassioned Rhodes work. However tracks like “Funk Out With Your Junk Out” and “You got Mopped” were uninspiring at best. Most of the selections here feel more like pop tunes and are simply lacking that groove to make you move. This is certainly worth listening to but I can’t promise that you’ll want to keep listening after that.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 08/08
Antonio Adolfo, Brazil & Brazuka - Destiny
Far Out RecordingsMy mind told me 're-issue', my mind expected to hear a bright, sharp sounding album full of 60's and 70's discoloured and poorly recorded batch of MPB... how wrong it was. I popped the album into the player and sat back wondering why I had overlooked this artist and how Far Out were to play such a significant roll in my musical life. WOW! - the first track made way for an abundance of wonderful Brasilian music.. so I decided to then read the sleeve notes. Simply said this album is the way Far Out Recordings allowed Antonio Adolfo a means to record brand new music in the style he was best known for in a modern day studio. A fresh clear beautiful sound was the product and the release. I love this album and "Luizao" is just one of the outstanding pieces on here. Great music.
Steve Williams, 08/07
Art Bleek - Between Yesterday and Tomorrow
Loungin' RecordingsAs we move into 2007 I've been finding numerous albums that I missed last year and I'm sure this will be the same in the coming year, as things released are arriving in vast quantities and we're still in January. One I did miss was "Between Yesterday and Tomorrow" and I've no idea why especially when the single "Wanderers Creek" featured remixes by Domu and Maddslinky. I must have been daydreaming when that was released, but the good news is that it's being re-issued via Goya very soon. So back to Art Bleek's debut, we have an album that builds wonderfully over the thirteen tracks. Starting with the haunting cinematic "Wanderers Creek" through the jazzy hiphop "Get Your Weight Up", to the more uptempo "Airgasm" and that's just three corkers to get you started, proving to us all that whatever the style, Art Bleek certainly knows what he's doing. Keep your eyes peeled for more blinding remixes from Slope, Charlie Dark and Lil' Bo Tweek.
Simon Harrison, 01/07
Astor Piazzolla - Essential Tango
MantecaAnother great double CD from Manteca which covers recorded and live recordings from in the 1970's and 1980's. Astor Piazzolla revolutionised Argentinean tango but in the process made himself a lot of enemies within his own country, it wasn't until later in his career that his work was honoured there. It's estimated he wrote over 3,000 pieces of this new tango (tango nuevo) with jazz and classical mixing into the traditional tango 'a music for the head â as well as for the soul'. Magic.
Graham Radley, 03/07
Atjazz - Full Circle
Mantis RecordingsMartin Iveson AKA Atjazz has always been right on point with his productions and 'Full Circle' is no different. Released on his own Mantis label it combines elements of deep house, broken-beat and digital soul and features a variety of guest vocalists including Robert Owens and Ernesto. There's also Vancouver's finest Amalia who graces the head-nodder 'One', Mr J of Phuturistix who appears on 'Together', Dawne B on the techy 'Parralels', Clara Hill on the bass heavy groove 'Before' and Sarah Jane Morris who fronts the feel-good vibe of 'Fantasy', all of which are nothing short of brilliant. Do not miss this one!
Andy Allen, 02/08
Atmosfear - En Trance
Sanctuary RecordsAtmosfear’s rare debut album ‘En Trance’, originally released in 1981 on Elite Records, gets a welcome reissue via Sanctuary. This is British jazz funk at its best and features delights such as ‘Free Tonight’, Interplay’ and ‘Invasion’ along with the Latin flavored ‘Duende’ and ‘Return Of LB’. This package also includes 4 bonus tracks, ‘Extract’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Outer Space’ and the classic ‘Dancing In Outer Space’ which were previously only released on 12”. Essential!
Andy Allen, 09/05
Atongo Zimba - Barefoot In The Sand
Hippo RecordsAtongo Zimba’s new studio album sees him give a stripped back Fra Fra acoustic reworking to some of his older songs, in a collaboration with guitarist and producer Niels Brouwer. There’s a peaceful fluidity to the mixture of his lovely voice with calabash and percussion. Excellent.
Graham Radley, 06/08
Aybee - East Oakland Space Program
Deepblak RecordingsAybee’s 2008 release “Blacktropolis” was one of the most pleasant surprises to blare out of my speakers. “East Oakland Space Program” builds on the soulful futuristic sound that has made Aybee a visionary to be reckoned with. “EOSP” contains thirteen heart pounding tracks that will dive deep into your body and force you move to the hypnotic rhythms. The disc begins with “Hidden Treasures”, a deep pulsating groove reminiscent of the early Detroit techno sound. “Windows” is a warm, atmospheric deep dish that’s anchored by the earthy arrangements by Aybee and the vocals of Karen Paige. Another winner is “No Mystery” featuring Paul Randolph, whose deep vocals are a perfect match for Aybee’s spacey compositions. “Love Of” and “Ozzie Davis” are the kind of deep house jazz tracks you’ll love whether you’re on the dance floor or just lounging. “EOSP” is full of funky beats, hip vocals and gorgeous rhythms. This is another quality recording from the Deepblak label that will provide definite satisfaction.
Reg Dancy, 06/09
Azaxx - The Exotic Delight Bay
Tru Thoughts RecordingsThe roster of Tru-Thoughts is filled with an eclectic group of talented musicians. So say hello to Azaxx. The French producer’s full length debut, “The Exotic Delight Bay” is an appropriate title because his compositions consist of exotic rhythms that bridge influences from Brazil and Latin America combined with the electronic grooves and the fresh beats of today. Azaxx’s skills of a top notch DJ and a producer shine through on “Zorbanissimo”, a funky mid-tempo track enriched by the tasty percussion and vibes. “Beach Mambo” is another tasty treat rich with Cuban heritage. For those more partial to the dance floor beats, there’s “Autumn Dreamy, an energetic ambient groover. “Smoothly Morning” is another funky gem filled with soothing chords. “Wild Strawberry Jelly” features a funky bassline and the beats to keep the dance floor crowded. All in all, “The Exotic Delight Bay” is indeed a tropical delight and a crowning achievement. Let’s hope there’s more where this came from.
Reg Dancy, 07/09