Music Reviews
Various Artists - Think Global: Women Of Africa
ThinkA collection of 12 tracks that brings together Sally Nyolo & Gueyanka, Oumou Sangare, Gigi, Rokia Traore, Saba, Vakoka with Hanitra, Mariem Hassa, Busi Mhlongo, Mbilia Bel & Tabu Ley Rocherou, Setona, Kandia Kouyate and Miriam Makeba. Need I say more?
PermalinkGraham Radley, 09/07
Various Artists - This is Oyster Music + This Is Oyster Music ‘Club Mixes’
Oyster MusicThese two compilations are essentially a selection of best of tracks and remixes from Shaun Escoffery, Geoffery Williams, Blood and Driza. I thought I had just about everything on Oyster, like Jazzanova's blinding remix of "Let It Go" which once heard will be stuck in your head for days. The good news is that they've been holding some treasures back, like 4Hero's remix of "Let It Go", DJ Spinna's remix of "Space Rider" plus Karizma and Spen's remix of "Days Like This". Others have been released as singles, but it's great to have them spread over two cds. It must have been a pleasure going back through the Oyster Music catalogue to put these together. I've heard on the grapevine there's even more to be un-released stuff, so hopefully that will see the light of day soon. What a great label.
Simon Harrison, 05/07
Various Artists - This Is Rong Music
Rong MusicRong Music have built a solid reputation for releasing quality deep house in its various guises. Be it slow motion disco, electro, ambient or Balearic it's always interesting. This two disc compilation showcases a selection of their output so far. Disc one is mixed by DJ Spun and kicks off with the mid-tempo jazzy groove 'Slow And Low' by Bits Breaks And Beats moving perfectly into 'Set It Up' from Projections before ending on the gorgeous 'Damn Flu' by Mudd. The second disc is unmixed and features delights such as DJ Harry's funky 'Aquarium Man', the boogie bomb 'Outhere' (Instrumental) by Projections and the almost modal 'Kerry's Caravan' again by Mudd featuring the legendary jazz drummer Chico Hamilton. Rong Music it may be but it feels so right!
Andy Allen, 07/07
Various Artists - Timeless Finest Jazz
Dopeness GaloreTimeless Records was established in Holland in 1975 initially as a means to expose US jazz artists to a European audience. Compiled by the folks behind the Kindred Spirits label this twelve track disc unearths some absolute gems. The album opens in fine style with Rodney Jones' dreamy fusion piece 'Articulation' from 1978, before slipping into 'Moonchild' and 'Africa' by Pharoah Sanders. Batida are represented with their versions of 'Ponteio' and 'Vera Cruz' and there's also a great version of Horace Silver's 'Sayonara Blues' by The Bronx Horns. Other highlights are Carter Jefferson's majestic 'The Rise Of Atlantis', Benny Golson's tribute to John Coltrane, 'Times Past (This Is For You, John)' and 'Aquelas Coisas Todas' by Samba Trio. For the vinyl junkies there's also a four track sampler available.
Andy Allen, 02/06
Various Artists - Trojan Sound System Vol.1
Sanctuary RecordsDue for release in late May this compilation from Sanctuary aims to fuse together the classic sounds of the reggae world with the vibe of the original sound system culture. Mixed by the Trojan Sound System, it certainly hits the mark on both counts. The album is jam packed with reggae favourites from Junior Murvin, Harry J All stars, Johnny Clarke and Keith Hudson but to name a few, but this is not a straight up mixed compilation. The Trojan Sound System have recreated the true sound system vibe and have added siren sampled sounds along with their own MC crew toasting over the tunes and ting. The whole thing works really well and for reggae lovers is an essential purchase with Summer round the corner.
Jax, 04/06
Various Artists - Twelve Inches of Pleasure Part II
BBEBBE have been digging through the vaults of un-released tracks and remixes to come up with volume two of the Twelve Inches of Pleasure series. Well over a year ago I was given a copy of the excellent Shur-I-Kan Remix of D'Nell's "1st Magic" and I'm pleased inform everyone who has asked me about it, yes it's on here. The majority of the tracks featured are remixes of Roy Ayers and if you missed out on Osunlade's Remix of Searching, that is a must. Phil Asher's remix of "Liquid Love" is nothing short of brilliant but he's never put a foot wrong in the years I've been buying his music. Make sure you also take note of Aaron Jerome's mix of "I Am Your Mind", Yam Who's remix of Ski Oakenfull's "Heavenly" plus a new track from Ski Oakenfull "New Orleans Under Attack". I think you'll agree, an essential compilation.
Simon Harrison, 02/07
Various Artists - Un-Herd Volume 5
Rock’n’ReelThe September/October 2007 issue free CD with 16 tracks that open with a especially recorded track from ‘And Did Those Feet’ . Following the magazine’s ethos of ‘roots, rock, blues and beyond’ amongst the other tracks are Rob Johnson & The Irregulars’ Martin Simpson, Amy Speace, Paul King and the Skeleton Crew and Mabon. Try the above link and see what you might be missing.
Graham Radley, 09/07
Various Artists - Underground Hits & Exclusive Bits 2
Wah Wah 45sThe second installment of 'Underground Hits & Exclusive Bits' includes recent highlights from the Wah Wah 45s label like the bright and breezy soul/jazz swinger 'Love Untold' by Sesong, Speeka's 'Bend' featuring Ben Parker, PTH Projects' 'What The Sun Brings' and 'It's Only Perfect by Man/Boy (Talc) featuring Girl. Of the exclusive bits there's another offering from Talc who serve up the Steely Dan inspired 'Wonder Bar'. 'Melancholic (Your Love Blinds Me)' by Luna & Bazis, is a solid bass heavy jazzy groove, as is Jamie Finlay's 'Any Given Sunday' featuring a powerful spoken word message from Dwayne Morgan. The highlights for me though are the tech-soul of Landslide's 'Solitary' featuring the delightful vocals of Ernesto, 'Blow The Man Down', an acoustic folk outing from London based singer/songwriter Rosie Brown and Scrimshire's 'Warm Sound' featuring Inga Lill Aker, a stunning orchestrated soul/jazz piece reminiscent of 4hero.
Andy Allen, 06/07
Various Artists - Underground Hits & Exclusive Bits Three
Wah Wah 45sI can’t count how many dope singles have emerged from the Wah Wah 45s label. So when I heard about the latest installment of Underground Hits & Exclusive bits 3, I couldn’t wait to hear it. Right off the bat, I was rewarded with the seductive vocals of Stac on "Balls Bounce." The tune starts out soft and warm and after several minutes goes into another gear bursting with energy. "Step Forward" by Jamie Finley is a pensive ballad driven song that's equally enjoyable. Jamie’s voice is similar to Prince's falsetto. Jamie's forthcoming debut, also on Wah Wah 45s is going to be huge. Another anticipated project will be the "Middle Sessions." They contribute two tracks here“ "Used To Be" is a nice up tempo vocal track with strings. "Red Waters" closes the disc with a flurry of high energy jazz that could easily be embraced on any dance floor. It’s always a treat when an anticipated release exceeds your expectations. Treat yourself to one of the most satisfying compilations to arrive this year.
Reg Dancy, 05/08
Various Artists - Underground Hits And Exclusive Bits
Wah Wah 45sThis first compilation from Wah Wah is well overdue, and of course, features some of their classics and some unreleased bits, and every single track is essential. Excellent unreleased tracks come from Talc, Max Cole, Aaron Jerome and Jamie Finlay. These four tracks should be enough to have you running to the shops. It's also great to hear again 12th Floor's'Take It Back', Alison Crockett's 'Like Rain' and Unforecene's 'Don't You Worry' with Alice Russell. Bonus ball are the fantastic Belleruche, who should have more material appearing soon. Top marks to Simon Goss and Dom Servini for mantaining such quality over the years.
Simon Harrison, 03/06