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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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Camping Shaabi / Think of One Think of One - Camping Shaabi
Crammed Discs
At a time when the linguistic divide in Belgium between the French-speaking Waloons and the Flemish-speaking populations has intensified, it is refreshing to know that a musical antidote exists which takes on board both traditions and is open to myriad external musical influences throughout the globe. They are the Antwerp based collective Think of One and this highly eclectic fusion of musical styles is quite simply a breath of fresh air on the musical landscape. Whereas previous albums have focused on Brazilian music and even that of the Arctic, this latest project is firmly rooted in the shaabi music of Morocco with diverse western influences thrown in to great effect. The opener, 'J'etais jetee' is an intriguing fusion of traditional shaabi with dance rhythms and this is typical of the album as a whole which even incorporates Jamican dub. Indeed the sheer eclecticism is exemplified further on 'Gnawa power' with a Led Zepplin style guitar suiprimposed over gnawa rhythms and chants. In contrast, 'Wereld ni' is a hypnotic piece with vocals in Flemish. The exotically designed gatefold sleeve truly reflects the music within. A brief DVD short sheds light on the raison d'etre of this new project. With a host of guest musicians, this must surely be one of the year's most original sounding world roots albums.

Tim Stenhouse, 05/08
Choice Chimurenga / Thomas Mapfumo Thomas Mapfumo - Choice Chimurenga
Sheer Sound
A best of from 1998 to 2003 on Anonym Records, The Lion Of Zimbabwe developed his Chimurenga Music (music of struggle) style to voice his concerns over political and social issues in Zimbabwe. At the core of the music is the spiritual sound of the mbira but there’s some jit jive and wider influences contributing too to his powerful vocal style and delivery. The CD starts with a track from his latest release 'Toi Toi'. taking us back it time to 'Chimurenga '98'. Good collection.

Graham Radley, 03/07
Aman Iman / Tinariwen Tinariwen - Aman Iman
Independiente
The title means water is life and when you're desert nomads then the significance is all the greater. Third album, with Justin Adams on production duties again and it's a don't mess with what doesn't need fixing philosophy, allowing the music to roll along, drawing you in, evoking the spirit of the desert and using the blues to provide the shading to the landscape. They even managed to get onto the BBC's Glastonbury coverage which was brilliant especially when you consider the vast numbers of artists there (witness Africa Express as one very special example) who the BBC ignored. Excellent.

Graham Radley, 07/07
Forward / TM Juke TM Juke - Forward
Tru Thoughts Recordings
Alex Cowen aka TM Juke returns with his second installment on Tru Thoughts. I'm pleased to say he has produced another corking track with Alice Russell -"So Good". Other guests include Elmore Judd on the ace "Electric Chair", Kinny on the quirky "Damn" and Sophie Faricy on the excellent single "Come Away"- you may have heard Sophie recently on the road with Bonobo. Instrumentals are covered and make sure you check out "Pencils for Dolphins". Alex has done himself proud.

Simon Harrison, 11/06
Boto And The Second Liners / TM Juke &amp; Jack Baker Trio TM Juke &amp; Jack Baker Trio - Boto And The Second Liners
Tru Thoughts Recordings
TM Juke’s production skills have been widely praised for his own recordings as well as his work with Alice Russell. His classical jazz training and affinity for hip hop beats make for explosive compositions. The Jack Baker Trio is really just a one man band who serves as a producer and the drummer for Ninja Tune artist Bonobo. Together they fuse a brilliant mix of soul, reggae, funk and samba that will have your feet moving and your ears craving for more long after the disc is over. Some of the highlights are “That Gut Feeling”, an afro-soul tune that bubbles with flavor. It dosen’t hurt to have the beautiful voice of Andreya Triana blessing the track and sets in motion a succession of delicious beats and rhythms. “Echoes From The Surface” is pure New Orleans funk with thumping bass, lively percussion and blistering horns. “Rolling Stone To Landslide” is a lovely mid-tempo melodic tune that features the soothing voice of Kathrin DeBoer. If that isn’t enough there’s the ultra talented Gecko Turner lending his vocals to the tropical flavored “Party Favours”. TM Juke & Jack Baker have created a musical gumbo that will excite your palate. This is simply an enjoyable record that gets better with every listen.

Reg Dancy, 11/08
Outro Lugar / Toco Toco - Outro Lugar
Schema Records
'Outro Lugar' is the debut long player from Brazilian vocalist Tomaz Di Cunto AKA Toco. Recorded in Rio and produced by S-Tone this is a stunning collection, based in the classic bossa nova tradition of the 60s. His interpretation of Edu Lobo's 'Zum Zum' is immaculate as are 'Assuntos Banais', 'Guarapiranga', the title track and 'Bom Motivo' featuring the sun kissed vocals of Rosalia De Souza. With the onset of winter this album is sure to keep those winter blues at bay.

Andy Allen, 09/07
Secret Agent / Tony Allen Tony Allen - Secret Agent
World Circuit
Legendary drummer Tony Allen oozes Afrobeat he was a mainstay of Fela Kuti’s Africa ’70 and here he returns to his Afrobeat roots after his more recent involvement with The Good, The Bad & The Queen’ . Produced by Tony Allen and using his tight funky band this is driving afrobeat with vocals from Nigerian singers Ayo, King Odudo, Switch, Kefee Obareki, Wura Samba and Allen himself on the title track and ‘Elewon Po’. Brilliant.

Graham Radley, 08/09
Introducing Tortured Soul / Tortured Soul Tortured Soul - Introducing Tortured Soul
R2 Records
I'm certain all the house heads out there have been playing this since it was released in 2004, but it's one I completely missed and thankfully R2 have given us a second chance to check out this excellent album. With predominantly house based tunes, these tracks are the best you can buy. Lead singer is of course Christian Urich from Cooly's Hot Box, who sounds as good as ever. Even though most tracks are for clubland, they mix Disco, Jazz and Soul elements which will even appeal to the true Soul boys. This is without doubt the best way to be introduced to Tortured Soul.

Simon Harrison, 02/06
No Hassle / Tosca Tosca - No Hassle
!K7
This is the fifth full-length album from the Viennese duo of Richard Dorfmeister and Rupert Huber and it marks a return to the classic Tosca sound after 2005’s more exuberant and club-friendly “J.A.C.”. As the title suggests, “No Hassle” represents an effort to create an hour of pure relaxation and musical escapism, free of the mounting pressures and hassles of everyday life. “Boring”, “yawn”, I hear you cry, “I’ve heard it all before”. Well, in a sense, you probably have, for there is nothing particularly new or earth shattering here, and these days we have ambient, chill-out music up the wazoo. But, let’s not forget that these guys really are the pioneers of modern down tempo electronic music and that they have been honing and mastering this sound together for at least 15 years. And my word have they mastered it. So skilled are they at crafting lush, slow burning, spacious grooves that you just sit back, relax and never once reach for that ‘Skip’ button. Sometimes more of the same can be a good thing, if the “same” is something wonderful.

Tom Breslin, 05/09
Moonshout / Transglobal Underground Transglobal Underground - Moonshout
Mule Satellite Recordings
Seventh album time and TGU move ever onwards mixing it up across the continents, opening with 'Dancehall Operator', an excellent way to set their stall out with a catchy mix of Brazilian and Indian , the title track follows including the brilliant Hungarian MC Rise and Shugmonkey (UK), Natacha Atlas with Iraqi rapper Naufalle guest on 'Awal' and on we roll.Look out especially for 'Total Rebellion' a collaboration with Portugal's Blasted Mechanism and the stunning 'Spice Garden' featuring legendary Bulgarian vocalist Yanka Rupkina. Superb.

Graham Radley, 08/07
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