7th October 2024
Tommy The Cat – Love & Emotion [Cat In The Bag]
Zammo – Solace [Celsius Recordings]
Soul Intent – Our Place In The Stars [Lossless Music]
Nemy – Modern Sins [Rebel Music]
Wookie feat. Lain – Battle [S2S Recordings]
Nubiyan Twist – Breeze [Strut Records]
Aliza – Hadiya [Siyal Music]
Peki Momés – Göç Mevsimi [Mocambo Records]
Mörk – Only Mine [Albert’s Favourites]
Dave Guy – Drony Boy [Big Crown Records]
Jono McCleery – So Messed Up [Sonar Kollektiv]
Michel Jonasz – Chanson de Clara (Retour Chez Soi) [Wewantsounds]
Resavoir – Life Before [International Anthem]
Esteban Adame – Bittersweet [UTx]
Caixa Cubo – Modo Avião [Far Out Recordings]
Dora Morelenbaum – Venha Comigo [Mr Bongo]
Marcos Valle – Tem Que Ser Feliz [Far Out Recordings]
Joe Lee Wilson – Return Of The Prodigal Son [Inner City Records]
Mr Beatnick – Ile Flottante [International Feel]
DJ Thes-Man feat. Kabzin – Svukile [Ohyea Muziq]
Herbert feat. Momoko Gill – Fallen [Accidental Jnr]
Inkswel & Andre Espeut – Dangerous Times [Compost Records]
Elise – Poseidon (Greg Gauthier Dance Culture Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
The Vapor Caves – Sacrifice (E. Live Remix) [Star Creature]
Raf Reza – Space Strut [Star Creature]
Webster Lewis – Give Me Some Emotion [CBS]
LCSM “Likwid Continual Space Motion” – The Remedy [Super Sonic Jazz]
Dj/Producer IG Culture, one of the pioneers of Bruk continues to push the boundries of the genre. “The Remedy” is his second full length release under the moniker Likwid Continual Space Motion. While there’s elements of Bruk boogie throughout, it’s also layered with hip-hop and Jazz aesthetics. “Salty” gives a nod to the Dizzy Gilespie classic “Salt Peanuts”. The tune encompasses a touch of hip-hop sampling as well as funky horn flurries from Trombonist Nathaniel Cross and Trumpeter Jnr Biles. “The Journey” pops with pulsating rhythms from drummer Benjamin Applah. The hammond B3 melodies from Don Myth add a touch of spice to the tune. The title track is a heart pounding burst of energy. Bassist Luke Wynter lays down a thumping groove while Tenor saxophonist Deji Ijishakan’s spirited soloing adds the finishing touch. IG bridges the gap between Bruk, Jazz and beyond. The results are some of his best work in a long and storied career.
VA – Primasuara [La Munai Records]
“Primasuara” is a snapshot of the vibrant Jazz scene bubbling in Indonesia. compiled by the team at Jakarta based La Munai records, The eleven track compilation shines a light on a number stunning musicians across the homeland. The compilation takes on a fusion vibe that provides instant satisfaction. Pianist Kevin Suwandhi & Kanhaiya opens the disc with “Kimberly” a futuristic blend of classical sensibilities end infectious groove. “Nothingness” is high energy fusion from Moon Pedestrian. “Mango Tree Replant” is a mellow slow burn from vocalist Komang. Eleven different performers contributing sizzling compositions. They all deserve a deep dive into their catalogue. A compilation that’s impressive as any you’ll hear this year. Recommended.
Daniel Casimir – Balance [Jazz re:freshed]
Bassist Daniel Casimir describes his third lp “Balance” as the balance between claasical, orchestration and UK jazz. Casimir, who also produces the album blends all of these components seamlessly. The album features the London Comtemporary Orchestra as well as a few of his friends. Nubya Garcia, Binker Goldings and Cassie Kinoshi are three quarters of the saxophone section. Jay Phelps and Sheila Maurice-Grey are part of the trumpet sections. The thumping bass on the title track sets the tone for the swirling strings and trumpet phrasings. “I’ll Take My Chances” is a warm and mellow tune that features the vibrant vocals of Ria Moran. This isn’t your father’s Big Band recording. Not only does it swing but Casimir drives the groove throughout and his compositions keep you engaged. Simply just another marvelous recording courtesy of Jazz Re:freshed.
30th September 2024
Andert Tysma – Hana [Apollo Records]
Sam Underwood & Graham Dunning – Pest Modern + [Accidental Editions]
Besøk – Feeling It Out
Khan Jamal – Thinking Of You [Storyville]
Nubya Garcia – We Walk In Gold [Concord]
Frederic Rabold Inspiration Orchestra – Berlin [Tramp Records]
Nicola Conte feat. Gregory Porter – Ghana [Schema Records]
Jake Amy – Yoofee [Wicked Wax]
Yvette – Upa Neguinho [Mr Bongo]
Marcos Valle – Nao Sei [Far Out Recordings]
Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek – Cool Hand [Big Crown Records]
Posy feat. Seb Zillner – Mount Yufu [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Freaquen.C – Break Bread [King Dada Sounds]
Tableek- Actions and Intentions
ecad – The First Note
Magic Number – Better (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Odyle – Brain Fog [Melting Pot Music]
Goshawk feat. Greg Blackman – Ain’t Gonna [Lumberjacks In Hell]
Kerri Chandler – Kerri’s Theme (Large Jazz Remix) [Large Records]
Megatronic – Been Thinkin (Jimpster Remix) [Razor-N-Tape]
Cosmo Klein & The Campers – Nothing But Love (Art of Tones Remix) [Best’s Friends]
Metro Area – We Also Not [Tigersushi]
Thandi Zulu & The Young Five – Love Games [Mr Bongo]
VA – John Gómez and Nick the Record Present Tangent [Mr Bongo]
Happy ten year Anniversary to Tangent, one of London’s beloved underground parties. John Gomez and Nick the Record are residents who share some of their favorite tunes frequently played during their events. Released on Mr Bongo, the eighteen track compilation covers a myriad of styles. “Amek Amek” is an infectious blend of West African and Congolese rhythms. “Tet Chaje'” is a funky boogie tune courtesy of Kajou. “Let’s Get High” receives a re-work from Nick the Record. The result is a sixteen minute banger that bridges the gap between deep Disco to eighties synth laden boogie. Most of these tracks are obscure so good luck trying to find them. Luckily you don’t have to search, just sink into this compilation and transport yourself to one of London’s premier hotspots.
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/john-g-mez-and-nick-the-record-present-tangent
23rd September 2024
Jose Mauro – Ancoradouro [Far Out Recordings]
Jose Mauro – Moenda [Far Out Recordings]
Annarella & Django – Dakar Örebro [We Are Busy Bodies]
Allysha Joy – Dropping Keys [First Word Records]
Tristan de Liege feat. Bryony Jarman-Pinto & Sam Gendel – Searching
Everwave – Le Bassin
Paul White – My Lips Silenced [R&S Records]
Dave Guy – I’ll Follow You [Big Crown Records]
Sergio Mendes – Davy [EMI Records]
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 – Like A Lover [A&M Records]
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 – Festa [A&M Records]
Sergio Mendes – Some Time Ago [A&M Records]
Ludivine Issambourg feat. Brian Jackson & Wolfgang Valbrun – Angel Dust [Heavenly Sweetness]
Voilaaa feat. Olivya – Too Young To Die [Favorite Recordings]
Bohannon – Run It On Down Mr DJ [Dakar]
Crackazat – Can’t Blame A Soul [Stay True Sounds]
Mr Beatnick – Crystal Snowflakes [International Feel]
Thierry Tomas – Why Why [Deeppa Records]
Rahaan – What You Are To Me [BBE Music]
Kerri Chandler feat. Nae (SA) – Caged Bird [Kaoz Theory]
Rosie From The Block & Sean McCabe – Rise Above [Phuture Shock Musik]
Mitch von Arx – Duh House [Burnin Music]
King Britt Presents Oba Funke – Buttamilk (Domu’s Soya Spread Remix) [Karma Giraffe]
CRSV & Viator – The Unknown [170+ Recordings]
Kometa & Sonic Art – Within The Soul (Acid Lab Remix) [Kos.Mos.Music]
Natus – Homecoming [Fokuz Recordings]
The Jacksons – Show You The Way To Go [Epic]
16th September 2024
Bremer/McCoy – Dream [Luaka Bop]
Zé Nigro feat. Arthur Verocai – Gorjeios [NuBlu Records]
Johnny Biner – Pick It Up [Wicked Wax]
Mieke Miami – Mahady O’Mahony [Sonar Kollektiv]
Flock – Capillary Waves [Strut Records]
Tamil Rogeon – Mountain Bug [BBE Music]
Jessica Lauren – Shibuya [BBE Music]
South London Samba – Carnival Tune [Biodiversity]
Jazzbois – Mokep [Jazzbois]
Voilaaa feat. Lass – Sane Kunda [Favorite Recordings]
Unknown Artist – Blue Dream [Fokuz Recordings]
Soul Intent – Ignition Sequence [Lossless Music]
Robert Byrne – Do You Wanna Make Some Love [Favorite Recordings]
René & Angela – Love’s Alright [Capitol Records]
Michael Franks – Chain Reaction (DoctorSoul’s “You Can’t Fake It” Intro Re–Therapy) [Too Slow To Disco]
Topher Horn – Gratiot Dub [Rocksteady Disco]
Herbert feat. Momoko Gill – Fallen [Accidental Jnr]
DJ Thes-Man feat. Omar Joseph Ndlovu – uThando [Ohyea Muziq]
Diogo Strausz & Nic Hanson – Tropical Electrical [Boogie Angst]
Linkwood – Lost Experiment (2004) [Prime Numbers]
Lex & Locke – Atenas Blues [B2 Recordings]
Vick Lavender – Essance [Mister Bear Records]
Marvin Gaye – Trouble Man (Live At The London Palladium) [Motown]
Black and Diamond – Furniture Of the Mind Rearranging [We Jazz Records]
Finnish label We Jazz continues to be at the forefront of avant garde and left of center jazz. The latest band added to their roster is the Chicago based band Black Diamond. Their We Jazz debut is titled “Furniture Of the Mind Rearranging”. Artie Black, who shines on Tenor and bass clarinet is joined by Hunter Diamond who also plays tenor as well as flute. The quartet is rounded out with mainstays Matt Ulery on double bass and drummer Neil Hemphill. The band’s compositions are understated however the melodies are hypnotic and meditative. The opening track “Carrying The Stick” finds Black and Diamond in unison on tenor and flute. Ulery punciates the melody with deep grooves while drummer Hemphill splashes the tune with engaging cymbals. “Zoetic” kicks off with Black and Diamond both on tenor playing off each other. Ulery and Hemphill ease their way into focus. The remaining two tracks, “MyCelium” and “Motor Neurons” features Black and Diamond in duo format. The duo effortlessly interweave phrases and ideas. Overall an impressive release filled with minimalistic yet intimate recordings. While well known in Chicago this should expose the quartet to a wider audience.
https://wejazzrecords.bandcamp.com/album/furniture-of-the-mind-rearranging
Jamie Finlay – Sun Dogs [Wah Wah 45s]
Pianist/Composer Jamie Finlay dropped his first single back in 2005. It feels a bit wrong that we have waited so long for an album. “Sun Dogs” is his full length debut on Wah Wah 45s. Finlay has assembled an array of extraordinary musicians to lift his compositions to another level. Multi-instrumentalist Caitlin LM combines her blissful vocals and baritone sax to “Staring At The Sun”. Vocalist Ellen Beth Abdi is featured throughout this set. “Rain Will Come” is a spiritual jazz number where her vocals will stimulate your eardrums. “Destroy Create (Part 2)” is another highlight. The cosmic track features Abdi once again along with the vocals of Kemani Anderson. Finlay’s bass guitar rhythms are at the heart of the track. Trumpeter Bryan Corbett’s soloing along with MAtt Steele’s glorious rhodes provides a welcoming boost. “Parhellon” is a thematic tune that draws inspiration from Detroit techno. It all adds up to a marvelous album that will catapult it’s way into your rotation. My hope is that the wait isn’t so long for the next album.