Music Reviews
Isabelle Antena - French Riviera
Gate RecordsDespite numerous releases I've got to admit to knowing little by French vocalist Isabelle Antena other than 'Playback' from her 1986 LP 'En Cavale', which was covered brilliantly by Yukihiro Fukutomi in more recent times. Her latest offering, 'French Riviera' sees her team up with some of Japan's top producers such as the aforementioned Yukihiro Fukutomi, Tatsuo Sunaga (Sunaga T), Kazuma Fujimoto (Orange Pekoe) and Jazztronik. The result is a gorgeous bossa laced jazz set which includes the outstanding fusion dancer 'Brazilian Dorian Dream' produced by Kyoto Jazz Massive'.
PermalinkAndy Allen, 12/06
Isoul8 - Balance
Sonar KollektivFollowing a number of impressive 12s for Sonar Kollektiv and Still Music Enrico Crivellaro aka Isoul8 delivers a full album of deep house delights. The tracks from the 12s, 'Give It Up' featuring Valerie Etienne, 'Speak Your Word' with Rasiyah & Osunlade, 'Free' featuring Just One and the magnificent Paul Randolph fronted 'On My Heart' are all present and correct. Cuts such as 'How I Feel' and 'No Longer Fear' with Marcus Begg on vocals pay homage to the old school and come complete with drum machine hand-clap effects. 'Clover' and 'So Simple' again graced by Paul Randolph and Rasiyah respectively both have a real sunshine vibe and feature gentle acoustic guitar touches. Not to be overlooked though is the collaboration with Kaidi Tatham 'A Silent Force', an atmospheric track which echoes the sounds of the jungle.
Andy Allen, 09/06
Issa Bagayogo - Mali Koura
Six Degrees RecordsExcellent release from yet another wonderful Malian artist, with great production, from Yves Wernert and Philippe Berthier, neatly mixing the rural sound with a raw funkiness and Western dance loops. Gael Le Billan is a major player as well, not only as an arranger but also adding a whole range of playing from acoustic guitar to sax to this album of many flavours. Issa Bagayogo is clearly with this CD ready to find a bigger audience, I recommend you are one of them.
Graham Radley, 12/08
Ivo Papasov - Dance Of The Falcon
World VillageMagical long over due release from the stunning Roma clarinettist. His playing is better than ever with even a variation on the Pink Panther theme getting his adventurous interpretation amongst wedding dances and jazz. An album of the year no question.
Graham Radley, 08/08