Music Reviews
Sepalot - Red Handed
Compost RecordsHailing from Germany, DJ/Producer Sepalot showcases a global presence on his third release “Red Handed”. Sepalot creates a hip hop album that provides plenty of funk, a slew of talented vocalists, a dose of electronica and much more. “She Likes Me” is a definite party banger that features Detroit’s Frank Nitti of Frank n Dank. Rapper Blu is enlisted for the irresistibly funky “Surrender”. Fellow German native Esther Adams, who has worked with Sepalot on her own solo project blesses the track “Liquid Embrace” with her soft buttery voice. On “Jump” Olivier Day Soul sounds like a young Bootsy Collins as he croons over this funky track. He also returns on the soulful “Lights” which is one of the best tracks on the disc. With seventeen tracks, the disc began to loose some momentum. The omission of two or three tracks would’ve made this a much stronger record. Having said that, “Red Handed” is an enjoyable disc that displays the beat making prowess of Sepalot and will undoubtedly expand him to a wider audience.
PermalinkReg Dancy, 08/08
Setsubun - Bean Unit
Accidental RecordsHow to classify ? it’s a folked up jazz, fired by dubby brass meets electro type thingy really. Formed by three members of Bellowhead, plus Japanese musicians and the Bon dancers, it’s a wildly different sound that’s often challenging but if we wanted safe we can find enough cans of mediocrity on the shelves can’t we ? Terrific.
Graham Radley, 02/08
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - From Africa With Fury Rise
Knitting Factory Records / Because MusicSeun Kuti follows up his 2008 debut “Many Things” with the powerful “From Africa With Fury Rise”. Seun has taken songs he has performed live into the studio and with the help of highly acclaimed producers Brian Eno and John Reynolds has composed one of the strongest albums of the year. This seven track release contains all the essential ingredients to the Afrobeat sound; blistering horns, infectious percussion and a nonstop funky groove. Of course it’s not just about the music, for all the lyrics pack a powerful punch with the intent to inspire the people of Adrica who continue to suffer from mental and physical abuse. Take “Africa Soldier”, the opening track kicks off with a long instrumental before Seun sings about how the African soldier gets into Politics and wants to remain in power, not to help his people but to empower himself. On “You Can Run”, Seun’s message to the oppressors is that you can’t outrun the beatings and betrayal you have piled on our people. “Rise” finds Seun imploring his people to rise above the injustices that for years have shackled his people. Seun follows in the footsteps of his father to spread the message of fighting the system yet succeeds by carving out his own style. This is essential listening that will make you stand up and move to the groove and hopefully stand up for what’s right.
Reg Dancy, 05/11
Sevda - Gul Acdi - A Flower In Bloom
NetworkAnother terrific Network discovery, this time from Azerbaijan and with a voice, that is beautiful, moving and deeply expressive. Listen to 'Alvida' seven minutes of emotive expression with just piano and voice and the pain of separation, then listen to 'Goy-Gol' and you've got a romping Azeri salsa track or 'Mahur' a classical Mugham improvisation with tar, kemancha and voice or the CD closer 'Lolo, Lolo' which takes us at speed through African, flamenco and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Top stuff.
Graham Radley, 08/07
Shankar Mahadevan - Introducing: The Voice Of India Today
SaregamaI've been playing this more & more over the past few weeks, a special priced double CD from one of India's most popular contemporary singers. Classically trained but not afraid to collaborate or bring his excellent voice to other styles, he's been the regular singer for A.R. Rahman and worked with John McClaughlin in the reformed Shakti. Also includes a video of his 1998 hit 'Breathless' Superb.
Graham Radley, 12/06
Shantel - Disco Partizani
Crammed DiscsGlorious pop music, with an equally glorious mix of styles and influences, on a bed of East European cultures, past and present. Among the many guests are clarinettist Filip Simeonov (Taraf de Haidouks) trumpeter Roy Paci (Manu Chao) reggae/dancehall queen Mantiz and singer Brenna MacCrimmon . The ex DJ knows what works an audience and uses it to great effect.
Graham Radley, 09/07
Shapeshifter - Soulstice
Inertia RecordsOn their fourth album, the New Zealand based band continues to build on their unique brand of alternative drum n bass music. “Soulstice” combines elements of soul, dub step and folk to create their most ambitious project yet. The disc kicks off “New Day Come”, an energetic track that is enhanced by the melody from the Norman Connors classic “You are my starship”. “In The Rain” starts out as an acoustic gem that simmers, thanks in part to the vocals of Ladi6. “One” is a blissful track with uplifting lyrics and a gorgeous piano loop. You can’t help but feel good after listening to this one, thanks in part to the vocals of Paora Apera (aka P Digsss). “Soulstice” is an enjoyable record that will have you listening to drum n bass in a different light. This is groundbreaking work that should propel this group to greater heights.
Reg Dancy, 01/10
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - 100 Days and 100 Nights
Daptone RecordsRaw, uncut soul at it's best. Take one look at the Dap Kings and you'd ask yourself, can these guys really bring the funk? Yes! They really, really can! The third release for Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings is a little milder than their previous release "Naturally". However, they still come at you hard nonetheless. There's really no track that stands out more than the other as the entire disc just flows at a crisp pace. The disc begins with the title track. A semi-slow burner that has everything that you loved about soul music, live instrumentation, warm harmonies and a lead voice that packs a punch. Midway through the song, Sharon pauses for a second, slows down the pace and reasserts herself while the Dap Kings break it down to another level. "Nobody's Baby" has a funky mid-tempo beat that will surely have your head noddin', albeit a bit short at just over two minutes. That's a minor quibble that you can deal with. What's more important is serenading yourself with ten tracks of soul music in it's purest form. If that wasn't enough, there's also bonus cd that features music from various artists from the Daptone label titled Binky Griptite's Ghetto Funk Power Hour. Hosted by Daptone guitarist Binky Griptite, this disc burns for sixty minutes. If this isn't money well spent I don't know what is.
Reg Dancy, 01/08
Shawn Lee & Clutchy Hopkins - Clutch Of The Tiger
Ubiquity RecordsWhen two talented instrumentalists collaborate on a project, you wonder about the chemistry between them. In the case of Shawn Lee & Clutchy Hopkins however there is no such concern. In fact, they sound as though they’ve been playing together for years. On “Clutch of The Tiger”, the cinematic compositions of Shawn Lee blend in well with the gritty organic production skills of Clutchy Hopkins. The results are slow burning soulful hip hop jazz masterpieces that are made for late night lounging. Among the highlights are “Two Steps Back”, a laidback downtempo track with a jazzy piano riff that dances over the deep soulful grooves. “Bill Blows It” is another soul jazz number that features soothing flute playing by Clutchy himself. “Dollar Short” is highlighted by a deep bass and jazzy chords. This is stellar work by Shawn and Clutchy. You can add this to the expanding catalogue of quality recordings these two have compiled in recent years. This record is first rate and shouldn’t be missed.
Reg Dancy, 12/08
Sheila Landis - Parenthe-Seizure
Counterpoint RecordsSheila Landis is a name I've heard of before but for some unknown reason, I've looked through my record collection and found nothing by her. I remember asking people about the tracks played and writing them down but never followed up. Thankfully Counterpoint have jogged my memory and compiled twelve excellent tracks which will blow you away. Compiled from her album back catalogue (1981-2002), which was released on her self financed Shelan Records. Sheila's voice is a true joy to listen to and will certainly put a smile on your face. Essential tracks are "Leigh Anns Dance", "Nightwalking", "Gershwins Summertime" and "Summertime". If Lanis' name is new to you or if you have some of these tracks missing from your collection, this is a must.
Simon Harrison, 04/07