Music Reviews
Various Artists - Battlefield Band In Concert
Temple RecordsFilmed at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh this has Mike Katz, Alasdair White, Sean O’Donnell and Alan Reid showcasing 14 tracks which include The Merry Macs Set, I’m Going To Set You Free, The Emigrant and the Sisters Reel Set. Terrific stuff from some real legends of Scottish traditional music.
PermalinkGraham Radley, 07/08
Various Artists - BBC Radio 3 Awards For World Music 2007
Union Square Music33 tracks over 2 CDs showcasing nominees and winners, you might debate those facts but what's for sure is you get a great selection of quality music here. Look out for category winners like Maurice el Medioni & Robert Rodriguez, Gotan Project and Mahmoud Ahmed while among those those not so lucky but equally deserving are Balkan Beat Box, Gogol Bordello, Lo'jo, Fat Freddy's Drop and Les Boukakes. Every ipod should have one. ps Apparently the 20th anniversary of 'World Music' is approaching, strange that, we thought much of this music and certainly the traditional sources had been around for centuries! Just having our periodic gripe at the patronising terminology which apparently works on the basis that lots of people use it so that makes it right-it's not.
Graham Radley, 05/07
Various Artists - Beyond Jazz Vol.3
BeyondjazzA good sign of a quality compilation is when it features artists that you've supported for some time. Before I knew about Volume 3, I was already hammering tracks by Jonny Miller, Joash, Aroop Roy and Masoul. A great start you might say. Well the quality just keeps coming with nine more tracks that include Oracle, Flowriders, Inverse Cinematics, Nemoy and Lava Musique Ensemble. If you've not heard of these artists, well, get your credit cards out and support. You should note that this is only available to download but what a great way to get music out there. Top marks to the guys at Beyond Jazz for putting this together.
Simon Harrison, 12/06
Various Artists - Beyond Jazz Vol.4
Beyond JazzThe good people of the Beyond Jazz compilations have a keen ear for soul and jazz music and the forward thinking producers adept at meshing the two together. Their compilations have always provided a window to some of the most progressive recordings on the scene today. “Vol.4” is no exception for it is packed with assortment of eclectic recordings fusing together soul, house and jazz together and moving your body in the process. The disc kicks off impressively with “Out Of Dark”, a jazz influenced house track augmented by the spirited piano chords mixed by Chris Barker, one half of Deep Space Orchestra. The Dub-In-Vader mix adds yet another to Emanative’s “Space”. I never get enough of the hypnotic bass clarinet from Ben Hadwen that’s featured throughout. Jazz Neversleeps premieres a new tune and it’s worthy of repeated listens. “Live In Maredsous” is masterfully produced with infectious percussion, mesmerizing synths and gorgeous samplings of Betty Carter. “Memories Of Tomorrow” is another winner, an up-tempo future soul gem done proper by Aybee. With many more selections to savor here, “Vol.4” is a must have. For those not familiar with their previous releases, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out those as well.
Reg Dancy, 04/11
Various Artists - Blue Light Volume 2
Cosmic SoundsYou are in for a treat: two releases from Cosmic sounds in the same month. This the ninth Rare Gems Series and they've drafted in Hungarian experts Tibor Mozsik and Gabor Valyi from the Create Soul Brothers. Volume 1 was mainly 1960's, so this time it's the 1970's and funky fusion. With influences rock, African and Brazilian, it's a mixed bag but every single track is a killer.
Once you're got to the end of this amazing compilation you cannot believe that, like a Tom and Jerry cartoon, none of these have dated. I hope there's more gems like this to be found in Hungarian archives.
Simon Harrison, 10/05
Various Artists - Boglewaltz - We Came For The Music
BoglewaltzIf you also came for the music then you’ve come to the right place. Boglewaltz is filled with an assortment of delicious broken beat and soulful gems that you’ll be making arrangements to attend their parties ASAP. Did I say parties? That’s because Boglewaltz are known for hosting some fierce parties around the UK attended by top djs and musicians. For those who can’t make it, fear not this lp will be the next best thing to being there. There are many tasty treats among the fifteen tracks to enjoy like the soulful house gem “Just Fine” by SMI. This is a joyful tune thanks in part to the infectious piano melody and the vocals of Shea Soul. More soulful selections include the sultry “In Your Eyes” by Soulpersona that features Sibel Thrasher. Soundspecies delivers the wicked “Balafon Jam”. Sounspecies is comprised of brothers Henry and Oliver Keen and they make use of the Balafon, an African Xylophone that creates a buzzing sound that is irresistible and meshes perfectly with their booming beats. “Soft Rain” is a wonderful down-tempo tune from Embers that merits your attention as well as the soothing “You” from Analog Jones and D’Ablo. Throughout the year you’ll come across many compilations but few will be as impressive as this one. Highly recommended.
Reg Dancy, 04/11
Various Artists - Bon Voyage -- Rythme-Congolais From Africa Aux Antilles 1963 to 1977
Retro AfricExcellent compilation of material covering 1965 to 1977. The band had a core line up of the amazing Jerry Malekani on guitar, Freddie Nkounkou and Mbilia Casino on vocals plus in the earlier days Panda Gracia on bass and then, once they moved onto the French Caribbean, Jean Serge Essous on sax. The music was groundbreaking as they mixed many styles including rumba and soukous and then calypso and reggae, this of course was glorious music for the dance floor and this collection comes highly recommended.
Graham Radley, 02/09
Various Artists - Boogie Times presents The Great Collectors Vol. 3
Boogie TimesThis latest edition of 'The Great Collectors' features a further 12 early to mid 80s independent boogie cuts. As is often the case with tracks from this period, not all of the productions have stood the test of time. However there are some real gems contained within, such as the gospel flavoured 'Lovelight' by Love Light, Eddie Cornelius' 'Release Yourself' plus Gift Of Dreams' 'Better Day' and 'Hold On For Love' from Sho Nuff, both of which have been on my wants list for some time. Takes me back to the good old days of curly perms and formation dancing!
Andy Allen, 07/06
Various Artists - Brazilian Beats Brooklyn
Mr Bongo RecordsMr Bongo is back with another stunning compilation, which has been put together by Sean Marquand and Greg Caz. It's named after their weekly night in Brooklyn, NYC, a night which must be pretty special judging by the tracklistings here. Twenty two tracks in total which obviously are Brazilian influenced but with sprinklings of soul, funk and disco. Disco is one thing I wouldn't expect to work with a Brazilian vocal but listen to Silvio Casar's "A Festa" and you'll be sure to change your mind. Chalo Eduardo's "Beija-Flor Suite" will blow any dancefloor apart and the rest of the selections are simply top notch. Miss at your peril.
Simon Harrison, 10/06
Various Artists - Broadcite Acetate
Broadcite RecordsFourteen cuts tracking vibes and differing yet collective sounds have set an overall tone quite distinctly British, yet fittingly encompasses of these individual acts hereditary roots; spanning genres of jazz, reggae, gospel, Afro, funk, drum & bass, soul and so much in between. This long awaited follow up (the label's this LP) showcases the talented troupe of DJ's, vocalists, MC's and producers birthed out of the now 6 year old club night: Broadcite Basement Sessions. An air of political incorrectness is broached on the smoothly inspirational but almost flippant flow of Leon Williams featured on the Ceramic (aka DJ Magic) produced hi hat sparked and rolling sythn patterned broken track. His big bass line track 'Body Shock' bounces and jumps up with masses of hi hats and drum kit loops, a huge puller for club floors. Magic's third contribution 'Feel The Rush' ably assisted by the blued-eyed Black man Colonel Red is an intelligent broken creation. 'That Touch' (Tempo) hints at seedy bedroom talk with blended minimalist tech house. Contrastingly, Soundbwoy Killer gets tech-twisted with a slightly darker dub element set off by lashing beats and a suitable MC vox sample. Method Unique's bashement club rhythms and popular key synths of 'Superstar' could easily make the UK Top Ten chart. Should that prove to be hampering for anyone's underground charismatic style, two class offerings from up and coming young bucks called Souled; a jazzy tech beat laden 'What Reason Do I Have To Go Back' or the vocally energised soulful house offering 'Waiting' featuring Incognito's Joy Rose are guaranteed to please any discerner of the good groove. Speaking of which, Altered Natives assembly of techy effect inserts, some inspired booming beats and the odd, unmistakable grunts from the late James Brown on 'Tribute' rounds up this session, that is insightful, inclusive, brimming gloriously with optimism and quality (except for a couple of tracks with unnecessary expletives) reflects a part of club land which is all about community, talent and contribution with soul feeling - the UK album market needs more projects like this.
Marcia Carr, 12/07