Music Reviews
Joash - Don't Fear It, Fight It
Compost RecordsLondon producer Joash’s debut is an electronic dance offering highlighted by jazz and pop influenced rhythms and dreamy orchestral soundscapes. Joash started his career as a drummer before becoming drawn to dance and techno by the likes of Plastikman and Laurent Garnier. That admiration has served him well on this release, which features notable selections like the bossa flavored “The First Cause”. “Mission” starts out with a symphony sample that builds into an beat driven futuristic hip-hop gem. Rapper Replife’s take no prisoners approach is the perfect complement to the track. “Montreal” has a jazz fusion vibe in part by the electric guitar inspired melodies. “Climb” is orchestral pop highlighted by the vocals of David Frith. Among the fifteen tracks there are three orchestral remixes but the end of the disc I felt I overindulged, trimming it down to nine or ten original tracks would’ve been enough. Overall this is a solid debut that should spring a promising run of more quality recordings.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 05/11
Jocelyn Brown - Unreleased
DigisoulJust before I received 'Unreleased', I found out that Jocelyn had been on a reality TV show and even though this may well boost sales of this album, I was a little unsure what to expect. Of course I have no idea how well she did, but with a voice as good as Jocelyn's it was unlikely the real world would vote for a real talent, rather than some second-rate pop star. One thing for sure is that Jocelyn has an amazing voice and had featured on far too many tracks to mention here. All fourteen tracks here are certainly aimed at the modern soul scene and a pleasure to listen to. The standout track for me is the excellent 'She'd Called', which is Jocelyn at her best. Ensure you give this a listen.
Simon Harrison, 05/06
Jody Watley - The Makeover
Avitone RecordingsThe career that Jody Watley has carved out for herself has been nothing short of phenomenal. When you have been an icon in the music business for three decades and still remain relevant, you’re indeed in a class by yourself. As the title of her latest project suggests, “The makeover” is an alternative take of classic songs Ms Watley has personally picked out as well as a couple of her greatest hits. One of those hits featured here is the classic “Don’t you want me?”, arranged here in a house version courtesy of King Britt. Ms Watley displays great taste in handpicking songs that sound as if they were written just for her. Take for example the Chic classic “I want your love” and Diana Ross’s “Love Hangover”. She stays true to form on both tracks but her rearrangement of Madonna’s “Borderline” is something special. As for her own original work, there’s “A beautiful Life” is a pulsating house track and “Bed of Roses” is a soulful drum n bass gem that is produced by 4 Hero. “The Makeover” is filled with quality music past, present and future. Jody Watley refuses to rest on past success and we continue to reap the benefits.
Reg Dancy, 10/09
Joe Lovano - Symphonica
Blue Note RecordsFans of straightahead jazz know that Joe Lovano is one of the most important tenor saxophonists in the business. His catalogue is far too long to list here. As impressive as he has been through the years, his latest may be one of his best. “Symphonica”, his 20th recording for Blue Note, is an orchestral masterpiece. The main reason for that is the enlistment of the WDR Radio Big Band from Cologne, Germany. With the exception of “Sound Of Love”, the other six tracks are his own compositions that he previously recorded for other projects. One of those compositions is “Eternal Joy”, an energetic track that finds Lovano playing soprano and creating melodic explorations. “Alexander the Great” is another gem that is also full of fire but is very elegant and imaginative. “I’m All For You” is a lovely ballad that is full of lush strings and romantic harmonies. Warm and cinematic, “Symphonica” is wonderful work by an underrated giant. Make sure you don’t miss out on this.
Reg Dancy, 12/08
Jonathan Klein/Herbie Hancock - Hear, O Israel: A Prayer Ceremony In Jazz
Jonny RecordsRecord collector extraordinaire Jonny Trunk launches his new Jonny label (subsidiary to Trunk) in fine style with a reissue of this “rare as rocking horse shit” album. Originally released in 1968 as a private pressing in limited quantities it was the work of a young composer (only 17 years old at the time) Jonathan Klein who married Hebrew song and prayer with New York modern jazz. With players of the caliber of Herbie Hancock, Thad Jones, Ron Carter, Jerome Richardson and Grady Tate this makes for a glorious listening experience. From the opening intro ‘Blessing Over The Candles’ which comes on like the dawning of a bright new day, through intoxicating moments like ‘Sanctification’, the bossa flavoured ‘Kiddush’ to the concluding ‘Final Amen’ this music is truly a blessing to behold.
Andy Allen, 09/08
Jose James - Black Magic
Brownswood RecordingsUnless you took up residence on the moon two years ago, you surely were among those who celebrated a new voice in Jazz. With “The Dreamer”, Jose James serenaded jazz and non-jazz lovers with a voice not heard since the likes of Johnny Hartman. His velvet tone coupled with outstanding compositions made “The Dreamer” a huge hit. Two years later, Jose returns with “Black Magic” and it’s clear that he’s intent on not reinventing the wheel. Instead he steps out of the box and crafts a gorgeous disc filled with a variety of compositional styles that embarks on an exploration of deep spiritual love and the joy that it brings. The disc starts out with “Code”. The flying Lotus production is a down-tempo hypnotic groover that will have your head nodding within seconds. From this point on, love and sensuality permeates throughout the disc. “Touch” is an intimate portrayal of a man expressing his deep feelings for his mate. Pianist Gideon Van Gelder, who produced and arranged the tune, lays down a beautiful melody for Jose to work his eh, magic. No pun intended. “Promise You Love” is an up-tempo beat driven gem that’s produced by DJ Mitsu The Beats and features Jordana De Lovely on accompanying vocals and Takuya Kuroda on trumpet. “The greater Good” is a soft jazzy number that features precision horn arrangements as well as Gideon on fender Rhodes while Jose courts a woman who may ultimately be the special lady he desires. Jordana appears again on the Taylor McFerrin produced “Love Conversation”, a track that oozes warmth and sensitivity exchanged between two lovers. “No Tellin” may be the only track that resembles anything close to “The Dreamer”. Produced by James, this is a haunting ballad arranged in a trio format that also features him on piano as well. Whatever you do, don’t bother comparing the two discs. Clearly “Black Magic” stands on it’s own as an exceptional record by a rising star. Without a doubt you need this in your collection.
Reg Dancy, 03/10
Jose James - The Dreamer
Brownswood RecordingsFresh for Gilles Peterson's Brownswood label is the stunning debut long player from Jose James. Jose possesses a distinctive smoky quality to his voice which sits perfectly on this 10 track selection of largely down-tempo jazz works. 'The Dreamer' which initially appeared on 'Brownswood Bubblers Vol. 1' is present and correct along with the original mix of 'Blackeyed Susan'. Other highlights include 'Love', a slightly funkier outing with a live, almost drum 'n' bass rhythm and an inspired version of 'Nola' originally performed by Bill Lee and Ronnie Dyson on the Spike Lee movie soundtrack 'She's Gotta Have It'. Touch down anywhere on this album though and you won't be disappointed. If I had to make one slight criticism it would be that 'Equinox' and 'Resolution' from the limited edition 10" haven't made it on to the set.
Andy Allen, 12/07
Joy Denalane - Born And Raised
Nesola Records/Four MusicDaughter of a South African father and a German mother, Denalane was born and raised in Berlin, and yet her singing voice is as American as they come. In the Mary J. Blige mould, she has a big, powerful sound that is just bursting with soul and which straddles perfectly the line between genuine R&B and a more commercially minded approach. With only three guest vocalists on the album, the spotlight is well and truly focused on Denalane's talent, but the fact that one of those guests is Lupe Fiasco and another is Raekwon shows that there was no messing around here. Undoubtedly, the label/production team hoped and fully intended for 'Born And Raised' to achieve global success, and a couple of flaky ballads and fluffy fillers notwithstanding, it seems that they may just get their wish.
Tom Breslin, 05/07
Joyce With Dori Caymmi - Rio Bahia
Far Out RecordingsOne thing for sure, you can never go wrong when purchasing any of Joyce’s albums and believe me there’s a lot out there. This time Joyce has brought in guest Dori Caymmi who plays guitar and sings on most of the tracks, which works beautifully with Joyce’s vocals. The whole album is truly something special, with every single track worth its weight in gold. If you’re a vinyl junkie, keep an eye out for the very limited 7” featuring “Rio Bahia” and “The Colours of Joy”.
Simon Harrison, 12/05
Joyce, Nana Vasconcelos & Mauricio Maestro - Visions of Dawn
Far Out RecordingsYou have to give credit to the good folks at Far out recordings for uncovering this classic recording. Thirty years ago, legendary Brazilian singer Joyce, Nana Vasconcelas and Mauricio Mae recorded the sublime masterpiece called “Visions of Dawn”. The soothing vocals of Joyce combined with the percussion artistry of Nana Vasconcelas create dreamy compositions of bossa and samba that will warm your heart. Mauricio Mae produced, provides vocals and plays guitar on all tracks as well. The disc opens with “Banana” a melancholy Brazilian folk gem that features Joyce’s luscious vocals over a simmering acoustic guitar. Other highlights include “Nacional Kid”, a warm sun-drenched samba number and “Memorias Do Porvir”. This is a short but sweet performance as the entire disc is only around 35 minutes. Recorded in Paris, “Visions of Dawn” is a wonderful collection of timeless recordings from one of Brazil’s treasured vocalists. This is essential listening.
Reg Dancy, 04/09