Music Reviews
Various Artists - Rainbow Soul Vol.1
Phuture Lounge RecordsThis is the first compliation from Manchester's Phuture Lounge and even though their singles to date have been broken beat influenced, Rainbow Soul Vol.1 features some of the finest soul music that you'll hear in 2006. You may not recognise any of the artists but I can assure you they are names you need to keep an eye out for in the future. I've been lucky enough to have had the Vaceo album sampler for some time and two of my favourite tracks are featured here. There are also two tracks from the amazing Ozlem, two from Fyza who featured on Phuturistix's single "Fly away", two from ace vocalist Mr J and two from Michelle Amador. Hopefully you get the idea, it's bloomin' fantastic. The four track album sampler will on its way soon.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 07/06
Various Artists - Ready Or Not -Deep Jazz Grooves From The <BR>CBC Radio Canada Archives 1967-1977
Do Right MusicIt's not often I buy compilations but recently there have been some absolute gems. Here John Kong hand picks a brilliant selection of Canada's finest jazz recordings and how many of us really knew that their jazz scene was so good. All the tracks were chosen for today's dancefloors and Mr Kong deserves a pat on the back because they do exactly what they say on the sleeve. These tracks only received infrequent airplay on CBC and were available in very limited quantities, so it's great to have a starter, to kick off the show. Simply this is beautiful and a great to start your Canadian jazz collection.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Various Artists - Ready Or Not 2
Do Right MusicJohn Kong, head honcho at Do Right further delves into the Canadian Broadcasting Company's archives to bring us another fine selection of deep jazz grooves. Highlights include Nick Ayoub's 'Perception' and Alvin Pall Sextet's 'Melancholy', both exceptional modal pieces, The Montreal Black Community Youth Choir's take on Roberta Flack's 'Tryin' Times' and the funky fusion outings 'Hidden Strength' and 'Beloved Gift' by Ted Moses Quintet and Bernie Senensky Trio respectively. Note there are 12 tracks on the CD but only 6 on the vinyl version. However the vinyl does feature 2 exclusives not found on the CD, Elizabeth Shepherd Trio's 'Soya' and the firing dancer 'Capricorn Dance' again from Bernie Senensky Trio.
Andy Allen, 12/06
Various Artists - Real Sound of Chicago and beyond
BBEThis compilation of lost and now found Chicago musicians is the product of vinyl connoisseurs Mark Grusane and Mike Cole. Together they have compiled some hidden gems from the late seventies to the early eighties that captures the Chicago dance music era before house music took off. There are a number of treats that you’ll enjoy such as “It Ain’t Easy”, a polished yet smoothed out disco tune by Crystal Wind. “Play that funky music” is one of the stronger tunes here; an aptly titled instrumental soul jazz tune filled with scorching horns. “Lover” by Lily Fields is another highlight, a disco tune reminiscent of Vince Montana’s Salsoul Orchestra’s compositions. There are a few that needed to stay on the shelf like “She’s Hot” by Sun Sect, an up-tempo boogie tune with a recycled bass guitar groove made worse by the corny dialogue. Aside from a couple of duds, there are plenty of tunes here that will have you commending Mark and Mike for all their heavy lifting and crate digging. This is just another sampling of the rich musical history of Chicago dance music that is certainly worth checking out.
Reg Dancy, 11/11
Various Artists - Renovations
Tokyo Dawn RecordsThis double album from Tokyo Dawn records is totally rammed to the brim with corking instrumental's, slow jamz, sultry soul, fat hip-hop and adult house vibes.
With a whopping 35 tracks spread over 2CD's - this really is what a quality value compilation is all about.
The first cut focuses more on the down tempo side - but don't get me wrong, this is down-tempo not downbeat. There is the experimental beat process of the 'Radiobugs' side by side with the bumping tones of 'The Tape Vs RQM'. The blissed out 'Jumper' by Spencer Doran is so short and sweet you could almost miss it, and the track by 'Causes & Forces' sounds like its been lifted from some classic Blaxploitation movie.
The second slab is a more housey affair, lots of low-slung 4/4 drums for those 4 a.m. moments or back room warm-ups. Some of the tracks sound like a cross pollination of noises from Herbert and Charles Webster's studio's. The more 'well-known' artists appear on this second slice with tracks by the excellent Henrik Schwarz and Maddslinky along with Tokyo Dawn favourites Comfort Fit.
This label really knows how to compile a very audible album, which I would definitely recommend to the discerning listener who likes their beats slightly altered and not from the mainstream.
Jax, 10/05
Various Artists - Republicafrobeat Vol. 2
Love MonkCompiled by DJ Floro, 'Republicafrobeat Vol. 2' further explores the sound of modern Afro-beat. From it's West African roots this music has truly spread worldwide particularly during the past decade and this disc draws together fine examples from Spain, France, US, UK and of course the motherland. 'Elephants' by Karl Denson & Tiny Universe featuring Fred Wesley, Raw Deal's 'Afro Rainbow', the Hi-Perspective Remix of Franck Biyong's 'Power Brain' featuring Wunmi and Bukky Leo's take on Timmy Thomas' 'Why Can't We Live Together' all hit the spot. Al Green is not a name you would normally associate with Afro-beat, but the rare 1989 Bwana Mix of his 1975 cut 'Love Ritual' works perfectly. This album is worth the purchase price for this track alone.
Andy Allen, 07/06
Various Artists - Revolucion! Original Cuban Funk Grooves 1967-1978
Freestyle RecordsOne can only imagine the wealth of Cuban recordings that have been isolated from the rest of the world but thanks to Australian DJ and Cuban record collector Tom Wieland we now have a window to what lies within that rich musical culture. “Revolucion!” contains 12 hip shaking funky grooves known as Los Van Van that represent post revolutionary Cuban music. Los Van Van was created by bass player Juan Formell and it is known as fusing pre Castro charanga with soul and funk and the mixture is highly combustible to one’s nervous system. Translated, you’ll find it very difficult not to move your feet and shimying your hips. “Recital En Descarga” is bursting with lively percussion, funky horns and simple but enchanting chords. “Cuando Liego a Mi Casa” starts out with Juan formell’s killer bass riff, creating plenty of space for the congas and the lush string section. “Baila Guiro son Wambari” is a high octane dance floor filler that will have you breaking out in a sweat long before the song’s conclusion. With quality recordings such as these, one wonders how many other gems Juan composed that are buried in the vaults. Until we find out, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some of the finest music you never heard of before. You won’t soon forget it.
Reg Dancy, 11/09
Various Artists - Romanian Jazz
Sonar KollektivOne of the great joys of collecting records is getting time to sift through piles of records in places you've never been before. Far too often I've spent time planning what record shops are in a city, well before working out what sights and places to visit. Romania isn't one place I would have thought of for hunting jazz but Stephan Steigleder and members of Jazzanova have beaten us to it and found some true gems. The ten tracks here are the kind of music people would pay hundreds of pounds for, even though I've heard of none of the artists featured. This is certainly the start of something really interesting and I hope we all get chance to find out more about these artists and maybe even see a re-release of the full albums over time.
Simon Harrison, 03/07
Various Artists - Ron Trent & Jerome Sydenham Present Need 2 Soul Vol.01
Need2Soul MusicNeed 2 Soul brings together two of house music’s premier DJ’s, Ron Trent & Jerome Sydenham. Ron Trent needs no introduction. He has crafted his niche by emphasizing percussion in his house music productions, thereby giving his compositions warmth and richness. He has selected house tracks of the highest quality like the uplifting “Across The Universe” by Indigenous Space People. The blaze remix of Sunshine Anderson’s “Force Of Nature” is another highlight. The disc wraps up with the beautiful “Manzana De Mi Vida” by Glenn Underground. Jerome Sydenham takes over on disc 2. His selections are more into the deep house dish, with some tracks venturing into techno but wonderful selections nonetheless. Francois Dubois “I Try” is a wonderful keyboard laden stomper. “Atmospheric System” has a fierce pulsating groove with an enticing organ work. “Let The Sun Shine Out” by Flora Cruze is the only vocal track on disc 2. Flora’s powerful vocals and the thumpin’ funky house rhythms bring this disc to a rousing finale. Need 2 Soul have been blessing us with wonderful compilations for years. This fabulous work by two of house music’s premier DJs is no exception.
Reg Dancy, 07/08
Various Artists - Rough Guide To Colombian Street Party
World Music NetworkRough Guide once more exel with their mix of old and new, try these to give you a snapshot of where they are coming from: Joe Arroyo y La Verdad, Radio Cumbia, LA-33, Colombiafrica, Mojarra Electrica and Grupo Saboreo. 15 tracks in all and they all have one vision, dance and party until you drop. Very good.
Graham Radley, 12/08