Music Reviews
Various Artists - Shapes 07.01
Tru Thoughts RecordingsThe 'Shapes' compilation series continues into 2007 and as with past editions it showcases previously released material from the Tru Thoughts label, along with forthcoming cuts and exclusive bits. It kicks off with Boub's reggae re-rub of Alice Russell's 'Hurry On Now' before moving through to the killer nu-soul steppers, 'Good Things' by Spengler, one of the exclusives, and 'Pushing On' from Freddie Kruger featuring Linn. Nostalgia 77's 'Wildflower' is also included along with Lanu's 'Dis-information', Diesler's 'Into The Woods' featuring Carla Alexandar, an infectious digital bossa groove from his forthcoming third album and Ze Zam's tech-samba excursion 'Me & You'. With tracks of this standard and for less than a fiver this album is an absolute must.
PermalinkAndy Allen, 03/07
Various Artists - Shapes Compilation
Tru Troughts RecordingsYet another corking compilation from Tru Thoughts and it features all their heavyweight artists including Alice Russell, The Nostalgia 77 Octet, The Bamboos, Diesler and more. If you’re a vinyl junkie there is a chance you may have picked up a few of these tracks: if not this is a must. Tracks worthy of your attention are Quantic & Nickodemus' "Mi Swing Es Tropical", Diesler's remix of Nirobi & Barakas "Bungee Jump Against Racism", Polar Pair v Maddslinky's "Over My Head" and DJ Vadim’s remix of Alice Russell's "A Fly In The Hand". Check out the Tru Thoughts website now because you can purchase this for a bargain reduced price.
Simon Harrison, 05/06
Various Artists - Shapes Compilation Part 2
Tru Thoughts RecordingsIt was only a few months ago that part 1 was released and it goes to show how much excellent music Tru Thoughts have up their sleeve when they can release part 2 so soon. You may be thinking 'not another compilation', but wait- this has some wonderful gems. Nostalgia 77 is releasing albums almost as quick as Quantic and two of his tracks are here. Nativeland, which was recorded live at the jazz cafe is brilliant, and the track with Wah Wah 45s Capstone is beautiful. Also featured are the ace first instalment of the collaboration with Quantic and Spanky Wilson and ace remix of Alice Russell's "Mirror Mirror on the Wolf" by Bonobo. Hip-hop is covered by Simpson, Dirty Diggers and Phi-Life Cypher, with some funk by The Broken Keys... Pheew.
Simon Harrison, 09/06
Various Artists - Single Minded
Freestyle RecordsThe idea behind “Single Minded” belongs Adrian Gibson, head of London’s popular Jazz Café and founder of Freestyle records. Adrian is celebrating the labels fifth year anniversary with a bunch of 12” singles that were only available on vinyl. Adrian has compiled an eclectic collection of hip hop, disco, Afrobeat, latin and soul music spread across a two disc set. Among the many highlights include Sleeve’s “Get It On”, a funky uptempo number aided by the sampling of Funkadelic’s “Knee Deep”. Afrodizz delivers an electrifying afrobeat jam entitled “Kalakuta Show”. You can never go wrong when you include a track by the underrated soul crooner Lewis Taylor. His falsetto voice sounds wonderful on “When will I ever Learn”. There are other prime cuts on the second disc like Lanu’s “Mosquito Coast, a delightful samba tune. Los Cabrones provides some enjoyable Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz with the sensational “Hola Que Tal”. Adrian Gibson once again demonstrates his love for all flavors of music. His knack for uncovering underground hits and forgotten gems proves to be essential listening. This is one of many quality recordings to emerge from the Freestyle roster this year that shouldn’t be missed.
Reg Dancy, 10/08
Various Artists - SK200
Sonar KollektivFor over ten years the collective from Berlin known as Sonar Kollektiv have been at the forefront of delivering cutting edge music by an eclectic group of artists. Their blueprint has been to place emphasis on quality recordings without dwelling on the number of units that are sold. Their latest record “SK200” marks their 200th release and serves as a testament that the formula certainly works. “SK200” contains seventeen tracks of some of their finest work this year and beyond. The disc starts off with “Sun Children” by Soulphiction, a soulful ambient tune with strings from their early 2008 release “Do You Overstand?!”. Thief contributes to the ensemble with “Somewhere”, a warm up-tempo tune with nice synth arrangements. The jazz quartet Quasimode is also featured here with “Objects In The Mirror”, which features the superb vocals of Carmen Lundy who is certainly one of our finest vocalists in jazz today. Label veteran Clara Hill sings sweet folksy melodies on “Ocean Queen”. There are also contributions from the likes of Roland Appel, Lars Bartkuhn, Benny Sings and many more. This is a wonderful record that is loaded with great performances. Just another example of why Sonar Kollektiv is one of the premier record labels around today.
Reg Dancy, 11/08
Various Artists - Smoove Presents: Mo’ Record Kicks Act II
Record KicksThe deep funk label known as Record Kicks has done it again. After recently dropping scorching soulful projects like Soulshaker and The Liberators, they deliver another impressive compilation with Mo’ Record Kicks Act II. DJ/Producer Smoove has been committed to delivering the funk for more than thirty years and once again has assembled a roster of heavy hitters with enough funk to jump start any house party. The disc starts out with a bang with The Bakers Brothers “The Young Patter”, complete with infectious guitar rhythms and funky horns. “The Grunt” by Kokolo is a funky mid-tempo Afro-beat groover. The Link Quartet serves up some serious organ grinding soul jazz in the form of “Take Four”. There are notable remixes as well such as the Valique remix of “Scaramunga” by Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience. The Lack Of Afro remix of “Give Me One More Chance” by The Diplomats of Solid Sound is a definite crowd pleaser. For me the hottest remix here is the Discomix version of “Are You Ready” by Mr Comicstore featuring the soulful vocals of Nicole Willis. This is an absolute floor burner and one of the strongest among several bangers here. After working up a sweat, I’d suggest to cool down to “Ain’t So Low” by Dojo Cuts. Roxie Ray’s vocals and the mellow horns are always soothing to the eardrum. Once again DJ Smoove knows to how to get your groove on by finding some hidden funk gems and bringing them back to life. If you don’t move your body to “Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” then I’d suggest consulting your doctor.
Reg Dancy, 05/11
Various Artists - Soul Desirables
Expansion RecordsExpansion's latest offering draws together a host of in-demand modern soul tracks. Compiled by Geoff Bingham it features tracks which only appeared as bonus cuts on the Japanese editions of artists' albums, promo only remixes plus previously unreleased material. Although much of what's on offer here is a little smooth for my current tastes there are some fine moments, particularly on the more organic tracks such as the beautifully orchestrated 'For Goodness Sake' from K. Fox, Jack Herrera's dreamy 'For You', the DJ Spinna remix of Donnie's Cloud 9 and what's described as a rare remix of 'Sweet Misery' by the angel voiced Amel Larrieux. Also present is the superb feel good dancer 'No Matter What I'll Do' from Donald McCollum.
Andy Allen, 08/07
Various Artists - Soulshaker Vol. 7
Record KicksThe good folks at Record Kicks have done it again by assembling some of the hottest funky treats past and present from both sides of the pond. Indeed, Vol. 7 turns up the heat right from the outset with "His Voice", armed with a smoking rhythm section and the voice of Elder William Smith will move your hips and leave your soul feeling sanctified. In addition to the funk, we’re serenaded with "Rags To Riches", a wicked Afro funk tune from The Liberators that features vocals from Roxie Ray from Dojo Cuts. "Tonic Stride" is a deep soul groover from Detroit based Third Coast Kings that is worthy of repeated listens. Other honorable mentions include "Sookie Sookie" by The Hi Fly Orchestra and "Let Me Take You Higher" by Roy Ellis and The Teenagers. The Soulshaker compilations have been consistent with delivering essential soul and funk recordings and this one is no exception.
Reg Dancy, 01/11
Various Artists - Sound Of The World presents: Beyond The Horizon
Warner ClassicsDouble CD compiled by Charlie Gillett, 34 tracks altogether with a nice wide global mix. Probably best for me to list a few and that way you’ll get a better feel of where the compilation is coming from. Yasmin Levy, Almasala, DJ Delores, Dengue Fever, Nancy Arjam, Madilu System, Ceu, Lucky Dube and Servara, gives you an idea of the range of countries and styles. A good summer soundtrack.
Graham Radley, 07/08
Various Artists - Spain Is Different Volume 2
Hitop RecordsHitop bring together a selection of ten recent Spanish nu jazz cuts for the second instalment of 'Spain Is Different', including 'En La Calle, On The Street' by Gecko Turner, Mojo Project's 'Nana For Child' (instrumental) and 'Cabo Verde Strut' (Wagon Cookin Mix) from Casbah 73. Better though are Pablo Sanchez's 'Umba' where afro-beat meets broken-beat, the bright and breezy 'Summertime' by Soul Dynamics featuring Wanda Felicia and JP Duet's 'Charanga Pa Gozar', a more traditional Latin offering.
Andy Allen, 08/06