Music Reviews
Various Artists - Neu Jazz
Sonar KollektivTo pinpoint the essence of any musical genre is always difficult and in the case of nu jazz it's pointless even trying when Jazzanova have done it so well on this compilation. 'Neu Jazz' includes some of the best tracks of recent times from some of the scene's leading players such as Dalindeo's 'Solifer Lento', 'Wind' from Sleep Walker featuring Yukimi Nagano, Soulstance's 'Lead The Way', 'Carrousel' by Hipnosis and 'Last Nine Days' from Quasimode. There's also some tasty exclusives in the shape of 'Queen Of Crows' from the forthcoming Two Banks Of Four album and Jazzanova's own 'That Night' featuring Bembe Segue, which is a new version of a track they originally recorded with Vikter Duplaix and later with Clara Hill on their Belle Et Fou project. Plus there's 'Simple Timeless' by Fertile Ground which I was unfamiliar with but is apparently from a Chico Hamilton tribute compilation.
PermalinkAndy Allen, 02/08
Various Artists - Nigeria Rock Special - Psychedelic Afro-Rock and Fuzz Funk in 1970s Nigeria
Soundway RecordsI love this, yes it’s often dated and often raw but those are its strengths too with the infectious enthusiasm of what, at the time, (these recordings cover 1972-1979) was a youthful explosion of new influences as the rock of Hendrix mashed up with heavy African rhythms. Among the featured artists are Mono Mono, The Hygrades, Tabukah ‘X’, The Elcados and Ofege. Really good.
Graham Radley, 07/08
Various Artists - Night & Day
Prominence RecordingsCompiled by DJ Nova, this fifteen track selection focuses on some of the top picks from his weekly Nova Planet radio show (www.rodonfm.net). Nu-jazz is the order of the day whether it be in its' more traditional jazz combo form or electronic based. Included are gems from recent times such as Was A Bee's version of 'On A Clear Day', Soulstance's delightful waltz 'Moon Vision', Big Bang's 'Summer Fields' plus the electric mix of 'Broken Samba' by Nature's Plan, Sabrina Malheiros' 'Passa (Venom's Remix), and the amazing 'Higher Skies' by Alessandro Oliviero. For anyone who missed these cuts first time around this is an essential package.
Andy Allen, 01/07
Various Artists - Nightmares On Wax Presents Wax On
Wax On RecordsGeorge Evelyn, the man behind Nightmares On Wax (NOW) has built an impressive resume of quality discs that have featured experimental downtempo beats that are supported by a soulful landscape and hip hop beats. His latest release, “Wax On” doesn’t stray too far off course. George has assembled a list of musicians to elevate “Wax On” beyond a studio unit. The opening track “You never Know” is a perfect example of that. A nice chilled out lounge track with lush vocals. Paris based DJ Guts Le Bienheureux , now a member of the Waxon records roster reworks two selection here. “Skunkfunk” is a downtempo bass heavy tune with an infectious beat. The classic “And The Living Is Easy” gets the reggae dub makeover courtesy of The Dynamics. A solid release by George Evelyn but it’s not one of his best. If you’re new to the work of Nightmares On Wax I would suggest “Smokers Delight” or Carboot Soul” before you get this one.
Reg Dancy, 05/08
Various Artists - No Ritmo Da Bossa Nova
Warner MusicA celebration of 50 years of bossa nova, this 14 track compilation has a well rounded selection with Elis Regina, Carlos Lyra and Joao Donato among the artists helping to flex those limbs. Nostalgia for all the right reasons.
Graham Radley, 10/08
Various Artists - Nueva Vision
Sonar KollektivCompiled by Jazzanova and Erik Ott 'Nueva Vision' shines the spotlight on Cuba's EGREM/Areito label between 1971 and 1989. Across 17 tracks it covers a variety of styles including jazz dance delights such as Chucho Valdes' 'Triton' and 'La Sombra', the latter of which has an air of Bossa Tres' 'Imprevisto' about it, mellow jazz-fusion with Emiliano Salvador's 'Angelica' and Orchestra LA 440's 'Y No Me Ire' and full on Jazz-funk in the shape of Ricardo Eddy Martinez y Expreso Ritmico's 'Mi Conga es laque es'. Psychedelic folk-funk is represented by Grupo Tema IV who serve up 'Tema 4' and 'Yayabo' and there's also the superb 2-step soul cut 'De tu amorme enamore' from Yo, tu, el y ella. Also available is a 6 track 12" for the vinyl junkies.
Andy Allen, 12/07
Various Artists - Panama!: Latin, Funk & Calypso on the<br>Isthmus 1965-75
Soundway RecordsSoundway presents its first collection of music from Central America, specifically Panama City, and what a way to kick of the series. Those not familiar with Soundway should take note now and start hunting down their excellent back catalogue. This compilation is based around the sounds of the clubs and bars of Panama City and Colon with influences imported from Jamaica, Trinidad, Europe and South America to create their own unique brand which have not been singled out before. This is simply an awesome selection of rare Jazz, Funk and Soul which has never been released outside of Panama until now. Also included are extensively detailed liner notes and pictures to give us an insight in to this exciting decade in music.
Simon Harrison, 03/06
Various Artists - Pearls of Cuba
SyllartPart of a four part series of double CDs devoted to the classic era in Cuban music, this edition focuses on the sonero (literally singer of 'son' which incorporates improvising on a theme) tradition and is as comprehensive a selection from the period covered, 1939-1957, as one could wish with remastering and sound quality near flawless considering the age of the recordings. Key labels such as the legendary Panart company of Havana have been judiciously selected and some of Cuba's seminal singers, groups and instrumentalists are on display. Arguably the greatest male sonero was Benny More and we have no less than five songs to showcase his talents, with 'Rumberos de ayer' typifying his prowess. Cheo Marquetti is less well known outside the island, but vastly gifted and sings the praises of the musical craft on the aptly titled 'Sonero' while the evergreen 'Oriente' is given an near-definitive rendition. Of the female vocalists, Celia Cruz before prolonged exile in Mexico a and the United States was lead vocalist with Sonora Matancera and is showcased while Celina Gonzalez continues to perform in Cuba well into her seventies. Here her classic 'Yo soy el punto cubano' is performed with husband Reutilo. Instrumentalists are not forgotten on this compilation and the flute tradition is rooted in the son. One of its principal exponents is Fajardo and the tasty 'Vamos a gozar' sounds just as fresh as if it had been recorded yesterday. Pianist Alfredito Valdez and master trumpeter Felix Chappotin contibute with pieces also. This is a beautifully illustrated as well as selected compilation with extensive sleeve notes (English and French) and original album covers and artist photos that give a true flavour of the era. If the following releases are up to this standard, there are many musical treats yet to await us. Indispensable.
Tim Stenhouse, 05/08
Various Artists - Phused
In Phusion MusicAt first glance you could be mistaken for thinking this was a funky house compilation but don't be put off by the 'fashionable' pretty couple on the cover because this CD includes some of the best broken-soul cuts of recent times. It kicks off in fine style with Mark De Clive-Lowe's 'Heaven' featuring Bembe Segue before moving into the killer Math Union Remix of 'Juice' from Season featuring Ernesto, the Brooklyn Remix of 'Brothers On The Slide' by Patchworks Ginger X Press and Champion Soul's 'Holdin' On' (Spymusic Remix). Other worthy inclusions are 'Disney' from Channel Two featuring Kim Hill and DJ Spinna's Vocal Mix of Roy Ayers' 'Holiday' but my favourites are 'Be The One' by L'Aroye featuring Humphrey, the U-Key Disco Mix of Doob's 'Princess' and 'You Say' by Moodorama, which are all new to me. So the moral of the story is never judge a book by its cover!
Andy Allen, 10/06
Various Artists - Pound For Pound
Jazzy SportFellow listeners to Benji B's Deviation (1xtra) radio show will have noticed that the words 'Jazzy Sport' are now synonymous with exemplary Hip Hop, up-to-the-minute Nu Jazz, boundary-breaking Broken Beat, and killer live Disco to boot. Pound For Pound is the perfect demonstration of why this is so, delivering gem after gem from the likes of DJ Mitsu the Beats (alongside Maspyke's Hanif Jamil), Bembe Segue, Masaya Fantasista, Cro Magnon and Grooveman Spot (who has even roped-in Hip Hop heavyweight Jeru The Damaja for a slice of the action). These guys are not messing around - Japan's Jazzy Sport is consistently raising the bar and the challenge for others is to try to keep up. This is essential listening - don't sleep!
Tom Breslin, 04/07