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Music Reviews

Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations

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This is What We Do / The New Mastersounds The New Mastersounds - This is What We Do
One Note
NMS return with more funk-fuelled instrumentals on this their fourth album. Most people seem to remember these guys for their funk version of NuYorican Soul's 'Nervous Track' and here they have covered Jimi Hendrix's 'Ain't No Telling' and Donny Hathaway's 'Zambezi' to great effect. NMS is led by the exceptionally talented guitarist Eddie Roberts and all eleven tracks are as tight as you'd expect with raw and stripped down productions. Keep an eye out for their excellent funk remix of Soldiers of Twilight's house anthem 'Believe'

Simon Harrison, 06/05
The Impossible Equation / The Nostalgia 77 Octet The Nostalgia 77 Octet - The Impossible Equation
Tru Thoughts Recordings
Ben Lamdin's latest Nostalgia 77 project has got to be his finest to date. Available on limited edition vinyl only it includes 3 outstanding ethereal jazz works. The title track, a 22 minute epic is a disjointed yet essential listening experience. 'Well Being 1' features some serious drum work reminiscent of Art Blakey but the standout has got to be their rendition of Adele Sebastian's 'Desert Fairy Princess', a beautiful example of modality.

Andy Allen, 09/06
Weapons Of Jazz Destruction / The Nostalgia 77 Octet The Nostalgia 77 Octet - Weapons Of Jazz Destruction
Tru Thoughts Recordings
Benedic Lamdin keeps the pressure on with yet another exquisite release under the guise of The Nostalgia 77 Octet. Again this is deep jazz of the highest order and features outstanding moments such as the funked up 'Journey Home', 'Chola', a stunning waltz and the modal 'Stars' fronted by vocalist Sophie Smith. Sophie also graces 'One Step Out' and 'To Have Or To Be?', two spiritual outings. Not to be overlooked though are the gentle meanderings of 'Medusa' and 'When Love Is Strange'.

Andy Allen, 12/07
Interpretations / The Nova Dream Sequence The Nova Dream Sequence - Interpretations
Compost Records
King Britt has covered most of the musical bases over the years with aliases Sylk 130, Scuba, Oba Funke and Firefly, and now he moves to the dark side- techno. With Carl Craig's remixes causing a stir around the world at the moment, it's the perfect time for "Interpretations" to be heard. You get the impression that Britt dug out and listened to all the classic techno tracks, digested the best ideas and then took them into the studio mixing pot to create some beautiful electronica that will keep the heads happy. It'll be interesting to see what's next: drum and bass maybe?

Simon Harrison, 07/06
The Outside Track / The Outside Track The Outside Track - The Outside Track
Bedspring Music
Another terrific new young band rooted in tradition but exploring the future with equal enthusiasm. Songs by Karine Polwart (thaney) and Ar Williams (Fishing In The Morning) sit alongside material sourced in Scotland, Cape Breton, Ireland and Galicia. Very good.

Graham Radley, 12/07
Introducing.... / The Perceptions The Perceptions - Introducing....
Freestyle Records
The Perceptions are an ensemble of some of the UK’s finest musicians displaying their affection for the 60’s soul-jazz era. Among the members are Gary Crockett on bass, John Wilma on sax and the dynamic Snowboy on percussion who also serves as the band leader. When you reflect on that era you can’t ignore the presence of the Hammond B-3 Organ and the role it played in the music. Sam Gambarini’s organ playing evokes memories of Richard “Groove” Holmes and Jack McDuff and takes the music to another level. The band comes out swinging hard on “Right Or Wrong”, a funky tune that finds John Wilma out front on Tenor with a sound that is rich and provides plenty of depth. “Nick’s Knack” is another funky number that features the crisp guitar playing of Leigh Gracie. John Wilma and Sam Gambarini also take turns strutting their stuff on this neck snapping, finger popping track. “Running The Risk” is a mid-tempo groover that delivers funk so thick you need a knife to cut through it. For a minute I thought I was listening to the JB’s in the middle of one of their jam sessions. The Perceptions aren’t fooling around here. They swing hard and often and sound right at home making soulful funky music. If you dug the sounds of Jack McDuff, Stanley Turrentine and the countless other artists that were laying down the groove then record is definitely for you.

Reg Dancy, 10/08
The Politik / The Politik The Politik - The Politik
Antipodean Records
Sometimes the gap between the release date for that coveted CD can seem so distant. Sure I have other selections to hold me over but I've been teased with the pending release of the Politik for quite some now. Almost a year to be exact. It's enough to make a music fiend go postal. Fortunately, the anticipation has paid off and the Politik is finally in my possession. Who is the Politik? New Zealand born and now London resident Mark De Clive Lowe and Bembe Segue, that's who. Mark has become adept at merging his jazz influenced background with soul, funk and broken beat. His last CD, "Tides Arising," is proof of that and should be picked up if you don't have it already. Bembe is one of the most sought after vocalists in the UK today. Having worked with Bugz In The Attic and 4 Hero, among others. On the Politik, Mark and Bembe build on the foundation they created from "Tides Arising" and the "Freesoul Sessions", the latter being their weekly jam sessions with several other musicians. The chemistry between them is evident on "Moonlight Feat. Blu". The combination of Blu's superb rhyme flow, Bembe's complimenting vocals and Mark's keyboard wizardry make this one a highlight. "Money" is another pleasing track that has an irresistible groove, great synth work and Bembe's soulful vocals. On "Mistaken" and "She's Gone", Mark slows down the tempo and creates gorgeous melodies that gives these songs a richness and character that will remain with you well after the song has completed. If you picked up the import, "Black Sun" is another treat that you'll enjoy. It's one of their first singles but didn't make the US release. Don't feel like you need to pick up the import for that one. You can check it out on the Politik myspace page. Bottom line, this is a very good CD with thirteen tracks that fuses the improvisational techniques of cosmic jazz with soul and broken beat. Simply put, this will have your head nodding from start to finish. Refreshing and enjoyable.

Reg Dancy, 12/07
Alborada / The Prime Element The Prime Element - Alborada
Kindred Spirits
Kindred Spirits launch their new imprint, Free Spirits Series, in fine style with this much sought after rarity. 'Alborada' was originally released on Trova Records in 1976 by The Prime Element, a band formed by Argentinian musician / composer / arranger, Carlos Franzetti shortly after his move from Buenos Aires to New York. It fuses spiritual and modal jazz with soul and a heavy dose of Latin, to take us on a truly satisfying musical journey, with delights such as 'Southamelodic', 'In The Dawn Of Time', 'The Prime Element' and 'Lola'. One not to be missed!

Andy Allen, 05/06
Tropidelico / The Quantic Soul Orchestra The Quantic Soul Orchestra - Tropidelico
Tru Thoughts Recordings
Known for embracing the rare groove sound, Will Holland adds a little Latin flavor to his latest project “Tropidelico”. The talented Quantic Soul Orchestra storm through an array of styles ranging from Psychedelic Soul, Hip Hop and Cumbia. The latter largely influenced by Will’s relocation to Colombia. In addition to the usual cast of great musicians is famed Peruvian pianist Alfredo Linares and UK drummer Malcolm Catto. Plus many others. The new sound shines bright on the track “Melidous Wayfarer” an energetic number filled heavy percussion and lively horns. Brooklyn born rapper J-Live assists on the funky “She Said What?”. Noelle Scaggs does wonders on “Lead Us To The End”, arguably the hottest cut on the disc. “Tropidelico” is an exciting exploration into the sound of Colombia. Once again Will Holland taste in music pays dividends for the listener.

Reg Dancy, 03/08
Hundreds Of Sunshine / The Red Flags The Red Flags - Hundreds Of Sunshine
Folkwit Records
The Red Flags are songwriter Keith Mouland (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, whistling) and K.C. (Harry) O' Shea (upright bass, accordion, piano) here they bring us a very classy collection of Americana/alt. country that stands it fairly and squarely against most others of its ilk. The songs are stories of life, try and listen to 'Down Across he Border' to hear them at their best. Very good.

Graham Radley, 03/07
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