Music Reviews
The Green Arrows - Analog Africa No 1
Alula RecordsHighly significant group to come out of Zimbabwe in the 1970's who used the political upheaval of the time as a positive force within their adventurous music which brought together the different rhythms of the region. 20 re-mastered tracks taken from 1974's Chipo Chiroorwa LP and from singles recorded between '76 and '79 showcasing their mellifluous, dancing, guitar led funky African music. Excellent.
PermalinkGraham Radley, 06/07
The Grits - The Grits
Freestyle RecordsWith a name like The Grits, one would expect nothing but raw uncut funk. The group from Brighton delivers with a ten track disc full of funky instrumental soul numbers sure to make your head nod and leave you feeling nostalgic of the days when you heard tunes like this everyday. The disc starts out with the laidback “Ug Ug Aah”, this track boasts catchy guitar rhythms, the delightful sounds of the Hammond b-3 and funky drums that will make you want to move. The group lays some grease on tunes like “Jam Jam” and “Crazy Legs”. On “Funky Soul Brother” this track is supported by a serious bass line that allows the rhythm section plenty of room to create soulful harmonies. Most of the tracks here barely exceed three minutes but they make good use of every note. There’s no showboating here just a good old fashioned jam session that will satisfy any loyal funk enthusiast. This is a very enjoyable record by a talented band worth keeping an eye on.
Reg Dancy, 12/08
The Groanbox Boys - Smokestack Trilogy
Groanbox MusicUK based Americans Cory Seznec & Michael Ward Bergeman with an excellent release that brings us the world of the train, the hobo and the American past. This is old time foot stomping American blues played on accordion, acoustic guitar, banjo, piano and harmonica. My pick is 'Hobo Heaven' a track full of feeling. Very good
Graham Radley, 03/07
The Heritage Orchestra - The Heritage Orchestra
Brownswood RecordingsAlready off to a flying start with the likes of Ben Westbeach and a UK issue of Soil & Pimp Sessions, Gilles Peterson and Simon Goffe's new Brownswood label now unleashes the outstanding debut from The Heritage Orchestra. The forty plus collective in collaboration with Chris Bowden present a selection of beautifully crafted cinematic jazz-funk arrangements. From the set's opener 'Mothers And Daughters Now Mothers', a nine minute epic, you know you're in for a treat. The drama continues with breathtaking moments such as 'Sky Breaks' featuring vocalist Liz Swain and 'Tell Me Stories' with Natalie Williams on lead but this is an album that really needs to be savoured in its entirety.
Andy Allen, 09/06
The Idan Rachel Project - Within My Walls
CumbanchaSecond International release from Israeli composer and keyboard player Idan Raichel further developing his range of influences so that Israeli/Middle Eastern fuses into a wider global soundscape. Sung in Hebrew, Arabic, Cape Verdean (Mayra Andrade is a songwriting collaborator) Creole, Spanish and Swahili you get a feel of the diversity with other collaborators including Marta Gomez, Somi, Zohar Fresco and Alon Nadel plus a 24 piece orchestra. Old meets new, ambient meets traditional, the result is captivating.
Graham Radley, 05/09
The Invisible Session - The Invisible Session
Schema RecordsPaolo Fedreghini and Marco Bianchi together with Schema's co-founder Luciano Cantone are The Invisible Session. There are no real surprises here just the type of solid Italian jazz we have long come to expect from Schema. Jenny B handles most of the vocal chores throughout this set and particularly shines on the stunning mid-tempo groove 'Til The End' and the single 'To The Powerful', a deep and mystical affair.
Andy Allen, 05/06
The Ipanemas - Call of the Gods
Far Out RecordingsThere’s little of note to be said about The Ipanemas that hasn’t already been said before. Essentially, all you really need to know is that, having formed in the 1950s, their experience and pedigree is unrivalled within Brazilian music and that there are no finer proponents of the afro-bossa nova sound (that they so lovingly pioneered and perfected) alive today. This, their fifth album, is quite simply wonderful. There is no gimmicky concept or technological trickery, just sublime, timeless music.
Tom Breslin, 09/08
The John Betsch Society - Earth Blossom
Heavenly Sweetness'Earth Blossom' from drummer/percussionist John Betsch is one of the rarer releases on Strata-East but thankfully Heavenly Sweetness have picked it up for reissue. Originally released in 1974 this is a beautiful example of spiritual jazz and features the haunting title track plus the percussive masterpiece 'Ode To Ethiopia' which has long been in demand.
Andy Allen, 01/08
The Juan Maclean - Less Than Human
DFA RecordsThis is juan maclean's debut album on James Murphy's highly respected DFA label. The style is very LCD soundsystem, infact it could almost be a collection of lost tracks from LCD's first masterpiece. Firing along at a dubbed out discotronic tempo, the production on this album is second to none. Live instrumentals fused with sample based beats - It's all very tight indeed. "Tito's Way" was recently lifted as the first single and the last track - "Dance With Me", an epic tripped out burner is due to be their next 12" release. Fans of LCD with no doubt appreciate this DFA sound. Slightly more toned down and minus Murphy's vocal exploits - this is trademark DFA sounding stuff.
Jax, 07/05
The Lani Singers - Ninalik Ndawi
Dancing Turtle RecordsAnother tasty Dancing Turtle release with this husband and wife duo from the remote central highland region of New Guinea now exiled in the UK. The journey here was brought about by the dreadful difficulties they faced from the occupying regime of Indonesia including imprisonment for peacefully raising the banned national flag of West Papua. Rooted in the sacred rituals of the Lani Tribe the songs are emotive tales of their journey, of life, of traditions and ensure a legacy for a tribe whose future is of great concern. Folk music from the heart.
Graham Radley, 12/08