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Music Reviews

Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations

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Electric Griot Land / Ba Cissoko Ba Cissoko - Electric Griot Land
Totolo
Son of Kandara Cissoko (Ballet Djoliba) Ba Cissoko is a kora master who brings a fresh direction to the traditions of this instrument. His band features, Kourou and Sékou Kouyate on bass, kora and electric kora plus percussionist Ibrahim Bah plus there's several special guests featured like K'Naan, Les Nubians, and Amadou Bagayoko. Grooving along with the best of them.

Graham Radley, 11/06
On The Road / Baaba Maal Baaba Maal - On The Road
Palm Pictures
A retrospective of his acoustic live shows taken from gigs over the past ten years. Listen to the beautiful kora playing of the late Kaouding Cissoko, or Koni featuring Ernest and then drift into Baaba’s divine vocals and find yourself in a very special place, he’s a genius and please can we have a new CD soon.

Graham Radley, 05/09
Television / Baaba Maal Baaba Maal - Television
Palm Pictures
This might well upset the purists but Baaba Maal has always been adventurous and here he brings in a strong pop element to a Senagalese core heavily featuring  Sabina Sciubba and Didi Gutman from the New York electronica outfit the Brazilian Girls . This is his first new release for about 8 years and my only real gripe would be that I’d love to hear even more of the great man featured. I think maybe the purists will retreat to the traditional albums like ‘Missing You’ but hopefully this release will bring in a whole new audience who will also go on to savour his back catalogue . I love it.

Graham Radley, 08/09
In Wonderland / Bajka Bajka - In Wonderland
ChinChin Records
After fifteen years of performing on numerous projects for other artists such as Radio Citizen, Bonobo and Beanfield, Bajka finally releases her long awaited debut, “In Wonderland”. The Indian born and South African raised singer delivers an exceptional album inspired by “The Hunting of the Snark” a book of poems written by Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland. In fact, each song is devoted to a chapter from the book and Bajka brings each song to life with grace and subtlety. Among the highlights is “The Bellman’s Speech”, a dreamy string laden beauty where Bajka weaves her unique blend of singing andspoken word artistry to perfection. “The Barristers Dream” is another treat that is filled with warm melodies and joyful rhythms. “The Baker’s Tale” features superb performances by Daniel Regenberg on piano and Rhodes as well as Jerker Kluge on double bass. They along with drummer Phillip Bernhardt provide a jazz flavored canvas throughout the disc that allows Bajka plenty of space to improvise. Not only is this record is a sheer delight that gets better with each listen, it should give this wonderful artist the recognition she rightfully deserves.

Reg Dancy, 06/10
Bakers Dozen / Baker Brothers Baker Brothers - Bakers Dozen
Peddlers Records
Yes, The Baker Brothers are back with another fine selection of all things funky. Vocals again are supplied by Vanessa Freeman, who always sounds great with whatever productions are thrown at her. Ensure you give "Winding Rhythm" a listen for proof. On the first few listens, I'm not quite convinced that "Bakers Dozen" is in the same league as their debut "Ten Paces" but there is more than enough quality here to ensure that you give it a listen and add it to your wants list.

Simon Harrison, 06/06
Prelude To… / Barbara & Ernie Barbara & Ernie - Prelude To…
Fallout
Originally issued in 1972 on Cotillion Records, 'Prelude To' was Barbara Massey and Ernie Calabria's one and only album together. Due to the growing interest in the folk-funk sound this has become much sought after piece in recent years so top marks to Fallout for this timely reissue. Orchestrated by Eumir Deodato and featuring players such as Grady Tate, Ralph MacDonald, Joe Beck, Keith Jarrett and Richard Tee, it effortlessly fuses elements of psychedelic pop, folk, funk and jazz to create an outstanding collection. It includes the in demand 'Play With Fire' and 'Somebody To Love' but equally as good are 'Searching The Circle', and 'My Love & I.

Andy Allen, 06/07
Dookin' / Battlefield Band Battlefield Band - Dookin'
Temple Records
The title comes from the Scots word for what you do at hallowe'en - as in 'dookin' for apples. Mike Katz, Alan Reid, Alasdair White and Sean O'Donnell demonstrate why they are still one of the best bands around, 30 years on and still producing creative, quality music. Picks for me would be 'Gathering Storm' a song from Alan and 'Dookin' For Beetroot/The Head Rooster' from Mike Katz. An excellent collection.

Graham Radley, 11/07
Many People / Bauchklang Bauchklang - Many People
Klein Records
This Album from the excellent and diverse Klein label has got a serious groove. Blauchklang are six "heads" from Austria whose only previous long playing release was 'Jamzero' back in 2001. 'Many People' is like nothing else i've heard. It would be impossible to pigeonhole, but lies somewhere in the 'extremely soulful' category. Don't get me wrong you won't hear this on Trevor Nelson's show. It's far too good and left of middle for that. It just has to heard to be defined. Vocal's are a major part of the album, but the beats compliment down to a tee. Some of the vibe is totally uptempo whilst other grooves are slow and dark. Looking for something different that sounds like Prefuse 73 recording with Rhazel's throat on Sonar Kollektiv? This could be the closest your gonna get.

Jax, 04/06
The Express / Belleruche Belleruche - The Express
Tru Thoughts Recordings
Belleruche serves up blues tinged soul with a touch of hip-hop for good measure. The trio builds on their warm soulful grooves that made their debut “Turntable Soul” such a success. On their latest release “The Express” vocalist Kathrin Deboer’s smooth smokey vocals complement Ricky Fabulous harmonic rhythm guitar playing. The disc starts off with the infectious “Anything You Want”. DJ Modest provides well placed sampling and electronic beats while Kathrin provides warmth to the mid-tempo soul track. “Goose Blues” has a traditional blues flavor that takes you back to the back roads of the Mississippi Delta. “Scratch My Soul” is a slow burning soul gem where Kathrin conveys enough passion to warm the coldest heart through the depth of her lyrics. “The Express” is a satisfying collection of soul and blues reminiscent of those dusty vinyl records buried in your parents basement. The production, arrangements and the trio’s diverse talents contribute to an eclectic musical experience that you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy, 10/08
Turntable Soul Music / Belleruche Belleruche - Turntable Soul Music
Tru Thoughts Recordings
After releasing the singles, 'Reflection/Bird Mess' and 'The Itch/13:6:35' on their own Hippoflex label, Belleruche have now found a perfect home for their debut album with Tru Thoughts. Their style combines hip hop beats and funk and jazz breaks with the smoky blues vocals of Kathrin deBoer. Think of a UK version of Erykah Badu and you won't be too far off the mark. This is a consistent set throughout but for me it lacks a particular standout moment. Well worth investigating though.

Andy Allen, 07/07
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