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Mecca:83 – Until Dawn [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
DJ/Producer Mecca:83 aka Rise has been composing beats and rhythms for twenty years. He came on the scene under the guidance of Simon S from the Futuristica label. They share an affinity for laid back Jazzy hip-hop grooves. “Until Dawn”, the sixteen track release, has plenty of that and more. Rise has surrounded himself with a number of talented musicians he’s built a relationship with over the past twenty years. Detroit’s own Guilty Simpson has worked with Mecca:83 in the past. He’s joined by Phat Kat and their gritty lyrics fit like a glove on “Don’t Stop”. “Elevation”, co-produced by Parisian MC/producer Lex (de Kalhex) is a warm and mellow instrumental filled with soft head nodding grooves and atmospheric visuals. Rise has nailed the synergy between jazzy piano melodies and electronic beats. You’re bound to get swept away by the array of blissful compositions presented here. Although it’s been a minute since his last release, this record is worth the wait and arguably his best work to date.
VA – With Love Vol. 3 [Mr Bongo]
DJ/Collector Miche returns with his third compilation for Mr Bongo. “With Love Vol. 3” is filled with 70/80s soulful hidden gems from around the globe. Among the highlights are “Read The Fine Print” by the East Wind Band. Released in 1976, the Sunny jazz funk tune is led by vocalist Vince Elko. “Sundance” is a warm mid-tempo instrumental by the Late Nite Music Band. The jazz fusion tune was released in 1982 and features Larry Smith on soprano sax and piano. “Ruacan” is a real treat of a hidden gem by Turkish jazz vocalist Nukhet Ruacan. Released in 1976, the latin jazz rhythms aligned with Ruacon’s vocals will easily warm your heart. It’s a discovery like this that make this compilation a worthy listen.
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/with-love-volume-3-compiled-by-miche
Georgie Sweet – I Swear To You [First Word Records]
“I Swear To You” is the sophomore release from Brighton Vocalist Georgie Sweet. The honeytoned vocalist made a splash with her 2021 debut “Misunderstood”. Multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who contributed to the first album figures prominently on this record. The two began collaborating soon after the debut’s release. “All That We Were”, the first single is a gorgeous ballad filled with lush harmonies. “Equal Measure” is lush mid-tempo soul with smooth melodies. “In My Stride” opens in ballad form before morphing into a mellow hip-hop inspired piano jam. Rapson’s arrangements provide the right balance of laid back beats and warm fender rhodes and piano. Sweet’s vocals are as tasty as warm butter on toast. A delightful recording from an artist whose star will only get brighter. Another winner from First Word records.
Azymuth – Marca Passo [Far Out Recordings]
“Marca Passo”, is the latest release from the iconic Brazilian group Azymuth. The record is their first since the passing of founding drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti. Before that they lost keyboardist Jose Roberto Bertrami back in 2012. That leaves Alex Malheiros as the remaining original member. Not to worry, Malheiros has surrounded himself with A-list musicians. Keyboardist Kiko Continentino has been with the band since 2016. Renato Massa takes over the drum chair. He previously played with Marcos Valle and Ed Motta. Produced by Daniel Maunick, “Marco Passo” captures the spirit of vintage Asymuth recordings. The opener “Fantasy ’82” is a mid-tempo tune with warm and hazy synths from Continentino. “Last Summer In Rio” is a mellow after dark delight that features Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick of Incognito. “Andarai” is spicy Jazz fusion reminiscent of their earlier recordings. Massa’s spirited drumming and vocals set the tone while Malheiros wicked bass grooves provide the punch. Loyal fans will feel right at home with this recordings. New fans will start digging through the catalog but not before they wear out this superb record.
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.
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.
Herbert & Momoko – Clay [Strut Records]
Uk producer Matthew Herbert and drummer/vocalist Momoko Gill collaborate on the blissful album “Clay”. The album weaves from the dance floor to quiet introspective moments. The peaceful opener “Calm Water” is a melancholy tune where Momoko yearns about getting closer to nature. Herbert’s sound is close to nature as well. He has a tone that is warm and subtle yet poignant. This comes through in his dance recordings as well as his film scores. “Fallen Again” is another highlight where Momoko’s tender vocals float over a early morning groove. “Babystar” is a polished chilled out dance floor banger. Momoko and Herbert have worked together before. Momoko covered Herbert’s “The Horse Is Here”. Herbert’s production aligned with Gill’s melodic arrangements are a superb match. Gill’s vocals are as tasty as butter on warm toast. The compositions are full of color and euphoric textures. Simply a marvelous record and one of the best of the year.
Joy Spheres Rees – Solina [BBE Music]
Joy Spheres Rees is the trio of vocalist Allysha Joy, DJ/Producer Hidden Spheres and pianist Finn Rees. “Solina” is an intimate and ethereal recording that fuses the talents of each member. Together they compose nine tracks that touch on romance and spirituality. “Trust The Feeling” is warm and seductive with Joy instructing her partner to let go of any inhibitions. “When Will The Day Come” is a meditative yet intimate tune. Joy’s lush vocals and phrasing aligned with euphoric strings create a mood of passion. “Promise Me Love” is a balearic tune armed with Rees warm synths and Spheres deep grooves. Joy’s tone is in tune with the sound. The result is a mid-tempo gem filled with warmth and plenty of bounce. Bright moments abound on this record. The trio demonstrate their chemistry while the melodies stay with you long after the song is over.