Music Reviews
Various Artists - Hungarian Jazz Anthology
Cosmic SoundsTom Wieland is back again with yet another excellent selection of Hungarian Jazz and as with all previous Cosmic Sounds compilations, this is stunning. Tom has been travelling to Hungary for a number of years DJing, and, of course, on the look out for quality records, making him the perfect choice. Most of the tracks here are from the 60's, with a number taken from the Modern Jazz Anthology series released on the Hungarian state label, which of course are well sought after now. Tom's done all the work for you, all you have to do is support with your hard earned cash.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 10/05
Various Artists - Impossible Ark - A Compilation
Impossible ArkImpossible Ark is a record label created by Nostalgia 77’s Ben Lamdin, Hugo Mendez and Riaan Vosloo. The idea was to create a home for some of the finest Jazz artists performing in the UK today and given the quality recordings presented here, it was a great idea. The style varies from 60’s bebop to soulful folk compositions and it all comes together in the end. Among the highlights are “African Mailman” by the Rhythmagic Orchestra, a collective made by members of the Nostalgia Octet, the Alex Wilson Band, Jazz Jamaica and many others. Together they create a spirited mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms with an infectious groove and ear splitting percussion. The Fiction Trio are clicking on all cylinders with “Haitian Fight Song”, reminding us how entertaining the trio can be. Now while I don’t know who the musicians are, I do know that the drummer creates plenty of space for the piano player’s intense but beautiful playing. Jeb Loy Nichols shines on the relaxing and peaceful “Day that never came”. “Orange Gold” is a wonderful cinematic ballad that takes you through many levels, a gorgeous brass section one minute, superb piano playing the next and lush strings throughout that builds to a crescendo. The Nostalgia 77 team continues to bless us with quality jazz music of the highest order. This is an exceptional record that belongs in your collection. Highly recommended.
Reg Dancy, 10/09
Various Artists - Influences: Compiled & Mixed By DJ Marky
BBEWhen you think of DJ Marky, you immediately think of drum n bass. “Influences” provides a view of the music that helped shape the career of the mix master from Sao Paulo. DJ Marky has dug into his crates and has pulled out some gems like the old school hip hop classic “It’s All In Mr Magic’s Wand” by Whodini, just to name a few. As you might expect, there are many Brazilian influences here like drummer Ronald Mesquita’s “Balanca Pema”. “Adeus Maria Fulo” by Os Mutantes is another highlight. A pleasant surprise for me was to hear “Thousand Fingered Man” by Candido. This percussion laden Cuban jazz hit has been a staple on dance floors for three decades and still sounds fresh today. We couldn’t possibly listen to this disc without hearing a couple of drum n bass tracks. There are two here that really standout. “Casino Royale” by DJ Zinc is pure fire with its pulsating beats and melodic synths. “You Held My Hand” by Manix just explodes through the speakers with stunning energy. “Influences” is a very entertaining disc that allows us to see where DJ Marky has been and offers a glimpse of where he’s going. Come along and enjoy the journey.
Reg Dancy, 09/08
Various Artists - Innervisions Where We At
Sonar KollektivSonar Kollektiv are by far one the busiest and most consistent labels in the electronic dance industry. They have some superb artists on their roster and most of the compilations they bang out are sheer class. This 'Innervisions' album is no exception! It sets the groove immediately with Chateau Flights elegant 'Baroque' which slips into Ame's 'Req', probably one the best tunes to ever be released on SK. There are some belters by Tokyo Black Star, Atjazz and Stefan Goldman, all tinged with a lil' Detroit / Berlin influence. The album finishes off with the exquisite collaboration between Ame, Dixon and Henrik Schwarz, a 4am treat of tune with good old Derrick Carter on shouty vocals. Brilliant! Per se from SK.
Jax, 01/07
Various Artists - Inside Scandinavia 2
Raw Fusion RecordsHere’s the second instalment from Sweden’s excellent Raw Fusion stable. It's jam packed with exclusives and tracks that feature on cd for the first time and compiled by label boss Mad Mats. All the big artists and producers from Scandinavian are featured with a range of styles from Hip Hop, House, Jazz, Latin and Nu-Soul, featuring Teddy Rok 7, Red Astaire, Jukka Eskola, Espen Horne, Fertile Ground, Povo and Todd Terje to name a few. Please don’t tell me I need to list any more tracks, what on earth are you waiting for?
Simon Harrison, 02/06
Various Artists - Jazz Biznizz 4
Counterpoint RecordsThree years after releasing the 3rd installment of the Jazz Bizniz series, Counterpoint returns again with "Jazz Bizniz 4". This new release does an outstanding job of capturing the essence of the raw soul-jazz and afro/Latin recordings that went largely ignored yet still sound fresh and new today. It’s mind boggling how these recordings could have remained on the shelf if not for the good folks at Counterpoint to give them a second life. Aside from the rare old grooves, there are some new grooves that will whet your appetite. There are several quality tracks worth mentioning but prime cuts like "Glass" by Jeff Resnick, a soulful jazz fusion piece reminiscent of the Mizell recordings of the late seventies. “Schizophrenia” is a funky hip-hop flavored jazz track performed by Cirius B. It’s one of the newer cuts featured here and a group you should keep an eye on. Another musician worth checking out is former Fela Kuti percussionist Najite Olokun Prophecy. His contribution here is the mid-tempo afro-beat gem “Honesty”. Other highlights include “A dream without you”, a funky mid-tempo soul groover sung by Lillian Alexander. “Jazz Bizniz 4” has a little something for everyone. If you’re familiar with the previous releases then you’ll certainly enjoy this one. This is a high quality compilation that shouldn’t be missed.
Reg Dancy, 03/09
Various Artists - Jazz Cuba
Warner JazzOk what I have is a 12 track sampler taken from this series. This first wave of releases, which have not been available in the UK before, will feature Chucho Valdez, Guapacha with Chuco Valdez, Irakere, Los Papines & Ruben Gonzalez and Orquesta Cubana De Musica Moderna. Further releases will include Los Amigos, Cachao and Ruben Gonzalez. The quality is of course superb.
Graham Radley, 06/07
Various Artists - Jazz Toys
Perfect Toy RecordsIt must be more and more difficult to come up with rare and original selections for compilations, so the pressure is on for head of Perfect Toy Records: Marcus Hacker to deliver the goods. Marcus was involved with compiling the excellent Spinning Wheel and Pop Boutique compilations, so he has set his standards high. Here we have a great selection of jazz tracks that will blow any dancefloor apart covering from the 1970’s through to 2005. My favourites include: The Earthquakers "Soul Samba", “Photograph” by Swegas, Orchester Heinz Kiessling’s “Drift” and of course the 2005 anthem "Carrousel" by Hipnosis. Marcus has done himself proud.
Simon Harrison, 10/05
Various Artists - Jazz Travels
Hitop RecordsCompiled by Casbah 73 this first rate compilation shines the light on some lesser-known jazz gems from around the world and covers a variety of styles. It opens with the sweeping strings and bossa rhythm of 'Consolacao' from Luiz Eca & Orquesta Da Cordas before moving into Salena Jones' rip roaring take on 'Right Now' and the bright and breezy 'Don't Kill Your Fantasy' by Chinchilla. Esther Phillips' northern soul favourite, 'Just Say Goodbye' also takes it's rightful place, as do the mad fusion dancers 'Snowflake' from Ronnie April's Positive Energy and Gerardo Batiz' 'En Fa'. The one I'm currently hooked on though is Archie Whitewater's psychedelic soul-jazz masterpiece 'Cross Country', which isn't unlike Chicago's early work.
Andy Allen, 10/06
Various Artists - Jerome Derrajdi presents The American Boogie Down
BBEStill Music’s subsidiary label Past Due has already built up a strong reputation for releasing super rare or previously unreleased disco and boogie cuts complete with remixes on 12”. Now label boss Jerome Derradji teams up with BBE and selects ten tracks for ‘The American Boogie Down’. Some of the tracks have already been out on Past Due but even if you’ve got them there’s plenty here to make this an essential purchase. Highlights include ‘Get It’ by The Morning After, The Right Direction’s ‘Midnight Rhythm’, Devarne’s ‘You Are Number One’, the P-Funk flavoured ‘Get Up Get Down And Let Your Body Pop’ from Geyship Daviz, DIT’s slick ‘You Bring Out The Best In Me’ and the infectious synth laden ‘Galaxy’ by Visions Of Tomorrow’. There’s also a bonus disc featuring all ten tracks mixed by Derradji himself.
Andy Allen, 06/08