Music Reviews
Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators - Reachin Up Remixed
Above The Cloud RecordingsI'm having a hard time deciding which version I like most. Nicole Willis and The Soul investigators dropped "Keep Reachin Up" over a year ago. To worldwide critical acclaim. This was throwback soul music that took you back to an era of folks playing 45's on the stereo. Brooklyn borned Nicole Willis and Finland's The Soul Investigators are taking soul music back to its purest form. Except this time around they have some of the hottest DJ's dropping by to put their stamp on already quality soul. On "Feeling Free" Aaron Jerome adds nice chords to an already bumpin track. Mr Scruff adds banging drums to "If this Ain't Love". And the Dynamics's remix on "My 4 Leaf Clover" gives the track a dubstep feel to it. From a purist's standpoint, you might want to pick up the original, if you don't have it already. However this is one of the rare remixed cd's that don't disappoint. Definitely worth checking out.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 01/08
Nightmares On Wax - In A Space Outta Sound
WarpThis is George's fifth studio album and 4 years since the release of the last N.O.W. long player 'Mind Elevation'. Respect goes out to the fact that George Evelyn is the longest serving artist on the legendary Warp Records label and is about to drop some tunes on his very own label 'Wax On Records'.
'In A Space Outta Sound' is exactly what you'd expect from a Nightmares On Wax album. Massively chilled, full of soulful beats and teasing with the odd vocal here and there. Those expecting something different from the usual N.O.W. stuff will not find it on this album. But don't get me wrong, the sound George creates, he creates very well and the beats on this album do sound fresh and are definitely aimed at the more laid back situation if you know what I mean.
Nightmares On Wax fans will dig the album for sure and it'll be good to hear these new tunes performed live where I feel you'll be given a new dimension to the sound. It's no 'Smokers Delight' but that was an album of it's time. 'In A Space' Is less sparse with more a groove, great production and a overall quality vibe. A solid soulful number 5 for N.O.W.
Jax, 02/06
Nitin Sawhney - In The Mind Of Nitin Sawhney
District 6A new label born from the wonderful Ether this is as you might guess a highly varied compilation demonstrating some of the influences the great man soaks up. Good to hear the Massive Attack remix of Nusrat again, they also appear with their own 'Teardrop' . There's a couple of Nitin's own tracks (Fragile Wind and a Zero ID remix of 'Songbird) among 14 tracks in total all ending with Bob Dylan & 'Blowin' In The Wind'. Nice mixture.
Graham Radley, 07/07
Nnenna Freelon - Blueprint Of A Lady: Sketches Of Billie Holiday
ConcordNnenna Freelon has long been one of my favourite jazz vocalists and since her award winning self titled debut in 1992 has rarely disappointed. On this her 10th album she delves into the Billie Holiday songbook, whether it be songs written by Lady Day or ones that will eternally be associated with her. 'God Bless The Child', Strange Fruit' and 'Willow Weep For Me' are all handled beautifully but I'm currently hooked on 'I Didn't Know What Time It Was'. The band really let loose on this funky swinger whilst Nnenna performs vocal acrobatics, soaring high and sweeping low, putting her own distinctive stamp on this evergreen.
Andy Allen, 02/06
Nobody presents Blank Blue - Western Water Music Vol II
Ubiquity RecordsElvin Estela, aka Nobody returns with his follow up to Western Water Vol I “Pacific Drift”. Nobody is building on his love of psychedelic soft rock layered with heavy bass lines and lively drum beats. The major difference is the addition of Niki Randa on vocals and she definitely adds another dimension not heard on the previous release. “All The Shallow Deep” is a unique fusion of electric guitar and experimental beats complemented by Niki’s lush vocals. “Ignite” is another highlight where the beats are a little more progressive but the tone is dreamy and harmonic. Nobody has created a soft rock gem with a west coast vibe that evokes images of lazy summer days soaking up rays. Fans of “Pacific Drift” will surely enjoy this.
Reg Dancy, 06/08
Nomo - Ghost Rock
Ubiquity RecordsI hope you were one of the fortunate ones that didn’t sleep on "New Tones", the 2006 release by Nomo that dropped on Ubiquity records. The Michigan based band’s combination of free jazz and Afro beat rhythms was too good to resist. From the opening track, you were drawn in to the pulsating rhythms, the blaring horns and the energy these guys bring to the table. On their new release "Ghost Rock", the energy is bursting more than ever. The tighter, more electronic grooves are evident on the opening track "Brainwave", a spacey, looping, hypnotic intro. The percussive rhythm of "All the Stairs" is heightened by the brilliant work of Hamid Drake and Adam Rudolph, both renowned for their drumming and percussion work. "My Dear" provides more of the same, only the beats are raised to another level and the horn section is off the charts. Although there is only nine songs here, Nomo certainly proves that less is more. If you liked the previous disc, you will love "Ghost Rock". These guys have developed into a band to be reckoned with. If you ever get the chance to see these guys live, don’t hesitate. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and pick up this exceptional disc. I dare you not to move.
Reg Dancy, 08/08
Nomo - New Tones
Ubiquity RecordsNomo's 2nd album continues the heavy percussion and horn laced Afro-jazz vibe established on their 1st self-titled outing from 2004. 'New Tones' is a consistently good set throughout but pay special attention to 'Hand And Mouth' and the title track (spelled 'Nu Tones' for some reason) which has a bass line reminiscent of that on Lonnie Liston Smith's 'Expansions'. This one is destined to mash up the dance floors in the coming months. Also look out for the recent 12" on Kindred Spirits which features 4 tracks from the 1st album.
Andy Allen, 05/06
Nomumbah - Love Moves
Yoruba RecordsNomumbah are Sao Paulo based trio Ale Reis, Rafael Moraes and Andre Torquato who drop their debut long player for Osunlade's Yoruba records. 'Love Moves' is a beautifully produced album of deep house grooves incorporating heavy doses of Brazilian soul and jazz. Their version of Lo Borges' 'Tudo Que Voca Podia Ser', which initially appeared on Osunlade's 'Ibara: River Crossing' compilation is exceptional, as are 'Outono' with it's squelchy bass and electro keys noodlings and the jazz-funk/broken-boogie flavour of 'I Can Fly'. 'Love Moves' is really strong throughout though and deserves your full attention.
Andy Allen, 05/07
Nostalgia 77 - Everything Under The Sun
Tru Thoughts RecordingsWe're only one month into 2007 and Nostalgia 77 aka Benedic Lamdin is out of the blocks with another excellent album under his belt. While some of us are still enjoying his albums from 2006, Benedic is going full steam ahead with his next idea and constantly pushing himself with new challenges. So much so "Everything Under The Sun" features wonderful vocals from Lizzy Parks and Beth Rowley, who both bring a charm and sophistication to what can be only described simply as Jazz. I can't highlight any of of the nine tracks because they are all beautiful and you must listen to every track in its own right. This is the perfect way to start 2007!
Simon Harrison, 02/07
Nostalgia 77 - One Offs, Remixes and B-Sides
Tru Thoughts RecordingsThis two disc set by Nostalgia 77ʼs Ben Lamdin is a great showcase of his talents as a producer, bandleader and DJ. Remixes & B-sides has a little bit of everything. Letʼs start with the soul funk compositions. Ben remakes Alice Russellʼs "Knee Deep" and creates an instrumental that is haunting and funky. Bonoboʼs "In Between The Lines" is a great selection with a combination of a funky horn section and the enchanting vocals of Bajka. Other stellar remixes include Elizabeth Shepardʼs "Reversed." The New Mastersounds, the Leeds UK based group, create the ultimate soul jazz record with help from Corrine Bailey Rae with "Your Love Is Mine". Disc two is an impressive collection of Avant Garde jazz. A great example of that is "Nativeland," a Horace Tapscott tune recorded live is a wonderful exploration of spiritual jazz. The twenty two minute. "Impossible Equation," a previously limited edition record that was only available on vinyl is a must have record for any avant garde jazz fan, is free jazz in it's purest form. Nostalgia 77 is simply a great collection of music by Ben Lamdin. Just having one of these discs would be worth the price of purchase, but having these two discs together is a bonanza of great music that shouldnʼt be ignored. You could play this record for weeks and not grow tired due to the musical array of selections here. A very satisfying listen.
Reg Dancy, 05/08