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Music Reviews

Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations

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Aystelum / Ed Motta Ed Motta - Aystelum
Trama Records
I recall talking to Ed Motta about his musical influences following his appearance at the Jazz Cafe a couple of years back. He cited a diverse spectrum of styles from Black Jazz / Strata East to Barry Manilow. Fortunately ‘Aystelum’ leans towards the former, particularly on tracks such as the opener ‘Awunism’, ‘E Muita Gig Vei!!!’, ‘Balendoah’ and the title track. His Brazilian soul roots are also present and correct on the fabulous ‘Patidid’ and ‘Gueagui’. Of course he delves into the Parisian music hall style as he did on ‘Dwitza’, but on the whole this is an excellent set from an outstanding talent.

Andy Allen, 09/05
Roughneck Live In Paris / Eddie Roberts Eddie Roberts - Roughneck Live In Paris
One Note Records
Since the release of Eddie's excellent Roughneck album back in 2004 he's been on the road with both The New Mastersounds and his Roughneck project, doing what he does best and packing out clubs all over Europe. Now is your chance to take the vibe of the live show which was recorded at Le Triptyque, Paris in October 2005 and enjoy it at your leisure. I'm unsure of the full line-up of the band but as always with Eddie's projects they come into their own at a live gig, and if you've not checked out the live show, shame on you. Eddie's second instalment of Roughneck should be out later this year: can't wait.

Simon Harrison, 03/06
Just Like… / Eddy Meets Yannah Eddy Meets Yannah - Just Like…
Compost records
Yet another corking album from the Compost stable and this time it's from Eddy who is half of Eddy and Dus and Yannah aka Jana Valdevit. With a serious amount of musical history between them I always knew this would be good. With a mix-up of Broken beats, Jazz and Brazilian styles and top vocals from Yannah, make sure you pack this for your summer holiday because it'll make perfect sense on a sandy beach in the sun.

Simon Harrison, 07/05
The After Suite / Elan Mehler Elan Mehler - The After Suite
Brownswood Recordings
After an impressive debut with “Scheme for thought” on the Brownswood label, Elan Mehler returns with the gorgeous “The After Suite”. Elan’s sophomore release reaches higher degrees of sublimity than the first disc. Each composition is rich in harmony and is augmented by the inclusion of vocalists, particularly Becca Stevens. Her phrasing is so soothing on tracks like “Factory” and “The 54th Leap” and each is simply superb. “The After Suite Part 2” is another tune that strikes that delicate balance between powerful and tenderness. “Strange Bird” is a stirring solo that is a glorious display of Elan’s supreme talents. I could go on about but you need to experience the sheer beauty of this record for yourself. Quite simply, this is an absolute gem that you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy, 09/09
Communication / Electric Conversation Electric Conversation - Communication
Futuristica Music
A few months back, when I was listening heavily to the Basement Soul compilation, a song that really stood out for me was "Dancing" by Electric Conversation. Unfamiliar with the group, I did some research. I discovered they're from France and releasing their debut very soon. I also found that they're on the Futuristica label created by Simon S of Break Reform. This was clearly a sign of good things to come since damn near everything coming out on Futuristica has been pure heat. With enormous hype already built up for this disc, was I setting myself up for a letdown? Absolutely not! "Communication" is the rare disc that just gets better with each track. Electric Conversation has crafted an excellent collection of soulful hip-hop infused songs that just melt your heart. The title track "Communication" has all the ingredients of hot buttered organic soul. "Vibe Change" provides more of the same as vocalist K-Ro sings lead while Oz provides the vocals on the chorus. Both songs provide that cosmic soul vibe. What's great here is that E.C. have managed to create soulful electronic music that is warm and intoxicating. In addition, fellow members of the Futuristica family like Deborah Jordan and Rep Life stop by to bless the disc as well. Everyone should know Deborah from "Silhouette Brown". Her gorgeous vocals on "In My Mind" take the song to another level. Rep Life lends his superb rhyming skills to the song "Cosmos". Now there a couple of songs spoken in French but the music is so undeniably good that it hardly matters. You'll find yourself nodding to it anyway. Hands down if you're a fan of futuristic soul with a touch of hip-hop and Electronica, you need this in your collection. A must have.

Reg Dancy, 12/07
Red Light Don’t Stop / Elektrons Elektrons - Red Light Don’t Stop
Wall Of Sound
Elektrons are Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey, AKA The Unabombers of Manchester's famed Electric Chair club night and acclaimed Electric Souls re-edit series. As with Electric Chair, 'Red Light Don't Stop' incorporates a variety of dance-floor styles taking influence from the rich heritage of UK underground club culture but giving it a unique modern twist. The talented but under recorded vocalist Pete Simpson graces five tracks including the hip hop/funk of 'Get Up' which also features Soup of Jurassic 5, 'The Source', an infectious nu disco cut and the brilliant house track 'Joy' with its old school piano chords. Other guests include Eska who fronts 'Dirty Basement' and the superb electro soul of 'Be With You', Mpho Skeef on the catchy R&B flavoured 'Classic Cliche' and Holy Backler who has worked with Secret Stealth. With the right airplay this album could well see some commercial success.

Andy Allen, 07/07
OST / Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite) Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite) - OST
Milan Records
Soundtrack to the film Tropa De Elite (Elite Squad) composed by Pedro Bromfman. The film tells the story of two childhood friends who decide to join Rio de Janeiro's Military Police Department and in turn they then try out for a Special Operations Squad whose mission is to take down the drug-lords that plague the city. The music reflects this urban scenario with a mix that features MC Junior, MC Leonardo, Bateria da Rocinha, Barbatuques and styles that range from ambient to thrash punk. Excellent.

Graham Radley, 10/08
Parkdale / Elizabeth Shepherd Elizabeth Shepherd - Parkdale
Do Right! Music
I recently had the pleasure of witnessing the enchanting Elizabeth Shepherd at The Vancouver Jazz Festival performing some of the tracks from her new album ‘Parkdale’, named after the Toronto neighbourhood in which she resides. This, her sophomore album however expands the trio to a quartet or quintet on certain tracks and is produced by Ben Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). Elizabeth describes her style as groove based jazz which is particularly evident on the funky ‘Long As You’re Living’, ‘Just One Song’ and the title track, the Latinesque ‘Con Alma’ and the dancer ‘Mirror Living’. The standouts for me though are the mellower cuts ‘Shining Tear Of The Sun’, ‘Next Time Around’ and ‘Higher Ground’ (no not Stevie’s) which showcase Elizabeth’s voice and song writing abilities beautifully.

Andy Allen, 09/08
Start To Move / Elizabeth Shepherd Trio Elizabeth Shepherd Trio - Start To Move
Do Right Music
After teasing us with the Nostalgia 77 Remix of 'Reversed', Elizabeth Shepherd Trio now come with their impressive debut album. Contained within are some first rate vocal jazz performances from the opening title track, which pays tribute to some of the scene's innovators, to the quirky 'Price Is Right' which concludes the set. In between there are moments of pure brilliance like the original version of 'Reversed', 'Melon', an up-tempo Latin jazz excursion and the immaculate 'Circles'.

Andy Allen, 12/06
Space / Emanative Emanative - Space
Futuristica Music
Producer and drummer Nick Woodmansey, aka Emanative has kept us waiting for months for the release of his debut. Let’s be clear that it was more than worth the wait. “Space” is a wonderful collection of multi-rhythmic spacey jazz funk delights with an array of talented vocalists who add another layer to the album’s beauty. In addition, the collection of musicians, particularly Jessica Lauren on keys and Ben Hadwen’s playing on Bass Clarinet add an element of futuristic dimensions that will leave you breathless. This is quite evident on the opening track “Petite Planete”, an instrumental mid-tempo space odyssey filled with deep grooves. Jessica Lauren creates beautiful vibes with her lovely work on piano and clever synth arrangements. There is a vocal version of this track entitled “Stars Collide” sung by Deborah Jordan that is equally enjoyable. “We Travel The Spacebeats” is a dreamy spacey slice of soul heighten by the warm Rhodes playing by Jessica Lauren and the flute playing of Ben Hadwen.  “Wind, Sands and Stars” is another deep otherworldly soul gem that features Heidi Vogel on vocals. “When On Earth” is simply a beautiful record that was made available as a single long before the album’s release. The sublime vocals of Liz Elensky, along with backing vocals by Deborah Jordan and the lush string arrangements make this record a classic for years to come. So rare is the record that arrives with nary a weak track in sight. Well, this is one that qualifies as essential listening and is one of the true highlights of 2009. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy, 05/09
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