Vick Lavender – Beyond [Cataleya Music]
DJ/Producer Vick Lavender has been immersed in music for over thirty years. The Chicago native is best known for his timeless House music recordings. He was a member of Glenn Underground’s Strictly Jaz Unit. Afterwards he would form the deep house band Mr A.L.I. along with Jerry McCallister. Lavender would later start Sophisticado Records where he would release numerous essential house bangers. Joining Lavender on this set is pianist/organist and fellow Chicagoan Justin Dillard. Dillard honed his craft working with legends such as Ornette Coleman, Von Freeman and Roscoe Mitchell among others. “Beyond” features modern soul compositions along with quintessential Chicago house recordings. “The Midnight Hour” is a mellow soul jazz instrumental that features Dillard on keys and synths. The title track is an atmospheric mid-tempo tune with warm and hazy rhodes. Of course there’s an array of deep house bangers certain to move your body. “Experimental” is rhythmic soulful house that features Smokey Williams on vocals. Dillard’s funky solo on rhodes takes the tune to another level. The aptly titled “Sunset Blvd” is a Balearic tune with laid back Afro house rhythms. Lavender has amassed an impressive collection of bangers that could rock a party all by itself. There’s plenty of deep breezy house recordings worthy of repeated listens.
25th August 2025
Mr Fingers – On A Corner Called Jazz [MCA Records]
Rick Asikpo & Afro Fusion – Got To Be Me [Soundway Records]
Land Of Echo – Don’t Talk (Just Dance) [Wah Wah 45s]
Han Litz Group – Unity In Diversity (Yoruba Soul Remix) [Wicked Wax]
beatsbyhand – Aphotic Zone [Stay True Sounds]
NATE08 feat. Dishaan & Mallika – Where Are You Tonight [Needwant]
Turbojazz feat. Rona Ray – The Joy [Last Forever Records]
Sabrina Chyld feat. P.M Project – I’m Fine (Abel Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Rich Medina Vs Kemetic Just – Minstrel Speak [Diaspora Recordings]
Gonky Business – Blow My Mind [Astralwerks]
WAAN – Talking Trees [Sonar Kollektiv]
Submotion Orchestra – All Yours (Jack Sparrow Remix) [Exceptional]
[K S R] x Dogger – Sweet Jungle [Polarface Recordings]
Oversight – Jotnarr [Celsius Recordings]
Bravil – Ocean Mist [Fokuz Recordings]
Evidence feat. Theravada – Greatest Motivation [Rhymesayers]
Heather B. – Send Em Back [White]
Balimaya Project Meets Discos Pacífico All Stars – Yo Te Vi [Jazz Re:Freshed & Discos Pacífico]
Tambores en Benirras – Extensor Entregado (Steve Cobby Remix) [NuNorthern Soul]
Sim Fossil – Null Meridian (Project Sandro Remix) [Dream Chimney]
Mal Waldron – Red Match Box [Strut Records]
The Circling Sun – Evening [Soundway Records]
Plunky & Oneness Of Juju – Made Through Ritual [Strut Records]
“Made Through Ritual” is the first album in forty years from Plunky & Oneness of Juju. James “Plunky” Branch and Jimmy Grey founded Black Fire records in 1975 and released their debut “African Rhythms”. They were part of a musical Afro centric revolution that sparked a number of independent labels to express their message. Plunky was inspired by the artists of this era, specifically Pharoah Sanders and Archie Shepp. “Black Unity”, an early recording by Oneness of Juju, was written by Sanders. Plunky would go on to compose spiritual compositions filled with seventies funk grooves and African polyrhythms. This new release is produced by Plunky’s Son Jamiah and Grey’s Son Jamal Grey. The opener “Share This Love” is warm and mellow soul highlighted by vocalist Charlayne “Chyp” Green. “Shades of Light” is another mellow burner filled with hypnotic tenor and flute melodies. The powerful finale “Children of The Drum” features poet Roscoe Burnem. Jamiah and Jamal capture the essence of their elders’ compositions. They blend samples from earlier recordings along with live instrumentation to re-imagine these poignant recordings. It feels as though they haven’t skipped a beat.
https://onenessofjuju.bandcamp.com/album/made-through-ritual
18th August 2025
Kutiman – Fog Ahead [Siyal Music]
People’s People – Monica [Frederiksberg Records]
Tom Skinner – Kaleidoscopic Visions [Brownswood / International Anthem]
Ruby Rushton – Walk To Regio’s [22a]
Till Brönner – Viva La Felicità [earMusic / Edel]
Sababa 5 & Canay Doğan – Gaip [Batov Records]
Mecca:83 feat. Jonny Tobin – Elevation [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
Àbáse feat. Phat Kat & Guilty Simpson – Shango (BluntOne Remix) [Oshu Records x Bridge The Gap]
De La Soul feat. Snoop Dogg – Pain [AOI Records]
MF Robots – Hello Sunshine [Good People Records]
Sault – S.O.T.H. [Forever Living Originals]
Sunbörn Meets Clap! Clap! feat. Carolina Lelis – Vuvuzela Dourada [Wah Wah 45s]
Four Ears – My Favourite Things (Peshay & Flytronix Remix) [Compost Records]
Mystific – Everything Has Changed [Celsius Recordings]
Hygienic Product x Alex Briza x Monowoman – Contra A Selva [Kos.Mos.Music]
Meitz – Phasen [Heard & Felt]
Slimy Ape – Footprints [Menace]
NameBrandSound & Nuff Pedals – Pedal & Wheel [CoOp Presents]
Real Love Seeker x BB James – I Want You [Soul Quest Records]
DJ 3000 – Laya [Motech Records]
Phylliss Bailey – Dance, Dance [Celestial Echo Records]
Offshore and Coen – Grayston Drive [OAC Recordings]
Louis Baker – Keep On (Hollis P Monroe Remix) [Best Works]
Setwun – Honesty [Extra Soul Perception]
Laurin Rinder & W. Michael Lewis – Envy (Animal Fire) [Be With Records]
11th August 2025 inc Slimy Ape Guest Mix
John Beltran presents Sol Set – War Of The Hearts [All Good Music]
Joe Dukie And DJ Fitchie – This Room [Best Seven]
Joe Dukie & DJ Fitchie – Seconds [Especial Distribution]
Cyne – Running Water [City Centre Offices]
Tom Caruana feat. Leaf Dog – Tea Leaf [Fluid Ounce Records]
Rick Asikpo – Love Love [Soundway Records]
Shokazulu – Navigate Your Soul [2000 Black]
Baron Retif – Citrus Flute [Almost Musique]
Calculon & Dave Owen – Ben Carlos Instrumental (Zero T Remix) [Shoot Recordings]
Marcos Valle – Disfarça E Vem [Far Out Recordings]
Aldorande – Carnaval Ao Sol [Favorite Recordings]
Guest Mix by Slimy Ape
Skee Mask – Bandprobe Dub
Calibre – Blame Dub
Fonzo – Pink Shells
Om Unit – Rolling Stock (Beatrice M. Remix)(unreleased)
Pharma – Adaptation (unreleased)
SeekID – Love In Exile (unreleased)
Truant – Y2
Rareman – D20
Pharma – Wait There
WZ – Stroke It
Mia Koden – Skank Steady
Pariah – Orpheus
Proove – Flavours Of May (unreleased)
Haida – Migrant
Sub Basics X Beatrice M. – ID (unreleased)
Sub Basics – Latch On (unreleased)
Slimy Ape – Organs Ain’t Dead
Heritage 44 – Croatian Summer (unreleased)
Rareman – Power Ballad
Pharma – Wicked Rule
J.Sparrow – Back Roots
Slimy Ape – Onstera (Dubrunner Remix)(unreleased)
XL Regular – What?
Leod – Untitled 01
Cheek – Venus (Beatrice M. Touch My Step Edit)(unreleased)
Leod – Untitled 09
++++ End Of Mix ++++
MVA – Chaos Control
A Hundred Birds – Welcome To The Club [BBE Music]
Land Of Echo feat. Kathy Diamond – Don’t Talk (Just Dance) [Wah Wah 45s]
Collettivo Immaginario – Oltreoceano [Domanda]
“Oltreoceano”, the sophomore lp from the Italian trio known as Collettivo Immaginario is a blend of cosmic jazz and cinematic compositions. The trio is comprised of drummer/percussionist Tommaso Cappellato, bassist Nicolo Masetto and rhodes/pianist Alberto Lincetto. Their sound is inspired by pioneers such as Lonnie Liston Smith and Asymuth to name a few. The musical roots of the album span from Italy to Los Angeles. Three prominent figures in the LA community who contribute here are Maylee Todd, Mocky and Dwight Trible. “Vento Eterno” is a fiery spiritual jazz tune that’s punctuated by Masetto’s driving bass and Cappellato’s breath taking percussion. Trible’s wordless phrasing soar alongside Isiah Collier’s spirited Tenor soloing. “Libra” is a lanquid tune highlighted by Lincetto’s wizardry on rhodes and synths. “Sogno Lucido” is an ethereal track with cinematic soundscapes. This trio has made a name for themselves with their spirited live performances. This marvelous record should propel them to even greater recognition.
https://collettivoimmaginario.bandcamp.com/album/oltreoceano
The Circling Sun – Orbits [Soundway Records]
“Orbits”, the sophomore lp from the New Zealand band The Circling Sun picks up where their debut, “Spirits” left off. That means an array of hypnotic spiritual Jazz to warm your soul. The eight piece band channels the spirit of Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. That’s evident with the opening track, “Constellation”. The ensemble are joined by the Love Affinity Choir delivering heavenly harmonies. Tenor saxophonist Cameron Allen joins in with ferocious flurries while pianist Joe Kaptein counters with a melodic touch that seems to be everywhere at once. The Brazilian fueled “Flying” soars on the wizardry of Kaptein’s fendor rhodes and splashes of synths. A marvelous release packed with good vibes, superb performances across seven tracks. Press play and repeat.
TC Kylie & The Hourglass – RE:birth [Legere Recordings]
Japanese pianist TC Kylie & The Hourglass’s debut “Rebirth” incorporates Japanese, Hong Kong and British influences. The title track starts off with a warm piano melody that sets the stage for a wave of lush strings. Instantly you recognize her prowess as an arranger. “Stage” is another gorgeous tune that demosnstrates Kylie’s touch as well as her intensity. The flurries of flute melodies layered on top brings the tune closer to nature. Overall “Rebirth” shows that Kylie is adept at creating contemporary Jazz recordings that’ worthy of your attention.
4th August 2025
Trip Tease and Alain Vice – Palcon Funch [Astrolead Recordings]
Phreek Plus One – Bumpin’ [Compost Records]
Jiri Jiri – Gino [Batov Records]
Daniel Grau – Atlantis [Sonar Kollektiv]
Casomado & Luis Machuca feat. Tim Fuller – Feels So Good [Friskybeat Records]
NATE08 feat. Dishaan & Mallika – Where Are You Tonight [Needwant]
Rachid – Pride (Mood II Swing Club Mix) [Universal]
Jerk Boy, Marcel Vogel, Million Miles – Real Love (Oliver Night’s Brukwise Remix) [Lumberjacks In Hell]
Oliver Night – Reach Out [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Martin Iveson – Pocket [Atjazz Record Company]
Rowpieces – And Even Sky Is No Limit [Rowtown Records]
[K S R] x Dogger – Sweet Jungle [Polarface Recordings]
Shimon & Andy C – Nightflight [RAM Records]
Brubaker – Back To Basics [Nuphonic]
Grupo Batuque – Keyzer [Far Out Recordings]
Banda 22 – A Luz Que Brilha Meu Viver [Mr Bongo]
Luisa feat. Azymuth – Lenha Na Fogueira [Far Out Recordings]
Rogê – Road To Nowhere [BBE Music]
Milton Nascimento – Vera Cruz [A&M Records]
Belleruche – 5 Fold [Hippoflex Recording Industries]
Evidence – Outta Bounds [Rhymesayers]
Camouflage Large – Cocbacda 9 [Close Range Records]
Mecca:83 feat. Phat Kat x Guilty Simpson – Don’t Stop [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
Mecca:83 – The Light Inside [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
Besøk – Det Ble Noe Vakkert
28th July 2025
J’von & Ackryte feat. Whitegroove – Keep It Movin’ [Cascade Records]
Common feat. Cee-Lo – A Song For Assata [MCA]
Jill Scott – Blessed [Warner Bros.]
Mecca:83 feat. Nardo Says – Proof of Life [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
Mecca:83 – Moving Dream [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
Robin Mullarkey – Bring Own Ball
American Gypsy – Inside Out [Music On Vinyl]
Quarteto Em Cy – Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser [Mr Bongo]
Antonio Adolfo, Brazil & Brazuka – SOS Amazonas [Far Out Recordings]
João Selva – Menina Me Encanta [Underdog Records]
The Circling Sun – Flying [Soundway Records]
The Sorcerers – Abandoned Satellites [ATA Records]
The Expansions – Cannonball [Albert’s Favourites]
Herbert & Momoko – Someone Like You [Strut Records]
EVM128 – Desert Island Bruk [CoOp Presents]
Piers Kirwan – Arps With Hats [Last Forever Records]
Cyberworks – Cosmic Drive (9th dB Remix) [DBR]
Dobie – Hustle With Speed [Big Dada]
Alix Perez feat. Sabre – Hemlines [Shogun Audio]
Tenshu – Aerials (Slimy Ape Remix)
Deeper Connection – Mystics [Fokuz Recordings]
Bassment – Up In Smoke [Warm Communications]
Zero dB – Come Party [Fluid Ounce Records]
Kraak & Smaak – Corsica ’80 (Opolopo Remix) [Dafia Records]
Offshore and Coen feat. Ernesto & The Basement Gospel – Show ’em Up [Foliage Recordings]
Aroop Roy feat. Andre Espeut – Let Me In [Kaoz Theory]
Belabouche – Luv In The Dark [JDP Disco Records]