Yearly Archives: 2006

Timeless Records was established in Holland in 1975 initially as a means to expose US jazz artists to a European audience. Compiled by the folks behind the Kindred Spirits label this twelve track disc unearths some absolute gems. The album opens in fine style with Rodney Jones’ dreamy fusion piece ‘Articulation’ from 1978, before slipping into ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Africa’ by Pharoah Sanders. Batida are represented with their versions of ‘Ponteio’ and ‘Vera Cruz’ and there’s also a great version of Horace Silver’s ‘Sayonara Blues’ by The Bronx Horns. Other highlights are Carter Jefferson’s majestic ‘The Rise Of Atlantis’, Benny Golson’s tribute to John Coltrane, ‘Times Past (This Is For You, John)’ and ‘Aquelas Coisas Todas’ by Samba Trio. For the vinyl junkies there’s also a four track sampler available.

Andy Allen

The gravely voiced modern soul man Anthony Hamilton impressed with tracks such as "Since I Seen’t You" (whatever that means) and "My First Love" from his "official" debut album "Comin’ From Where I’m From" (So So Def 2003). "Ain’t Nobody Worryin" continues in a similar vein and whilst there’s nothing to quite compare to the aforementioned cuts I bring it to your attention for "The Truth", a wonderful low slung sexy groove. Also worthy of note is the socially conscious title track, co-written and produced by Raphael Saadiq. Hamilton’s southern roots really shine through on this one.

Andy Allen

Nnenna Freelon has long been one of my favourite jazz vocalists and since her award winning self titled debut in 1992 has rarely disappointed. On this her 10th album she delves into the Billie Holiday songbook, whether it be songs written by Lady Day or ones that will eternally be associated with her. ‘God Bless The Child’, Strange Fruit’ and ‘Willow Weep For Me’ are all handled beautifully but I’m currently hooked on ‘I Didn’t Know What Time It Was’. The band really let loose on this funky swinger whilst Nnenna performs vocal acrobatics, soaring high and sweeping low, putting her own distinctive stamp on this evergreen.

Andy Allen

Those in the know with Japanese artists will know that Kero One has toured with Jazzy Sport and headlined already released tracks on Jazzy Sport and shows for artists such as Dj Mitsu the beats. ‘Windmills Of The Soul’ was also released a few months ago in the Far East and now’s your chance to pick up this beauty for a normal price. This has been mostly produced by the man himself, with some help from his friend DJ King Most. The rhymes are simple and work a treat over the soulful and jazzy beats. Kero One also proves his excellence in production with some essential instrumentals, so make sure you check out tracks ‘It’s A New Day’ and ‘Ain’t That Somethin?’ Kero is also lined up to work with Quantic and DJ Mitsu in 2006 which should gain him some more deserved exposure.

Simon Harrison

Here’s the second instalment from Sweden’s excellent Raw Fusion stable. It’s jam packed with exclusives and tracks that feature on cd for the first time and compiled by label boss Mad Mats. All the big artists and producers from Scandinavian are featured with a range of styles from Hip Hop, House, Jazz, Latin and Nu-Soul, featuring Teddy Rok 7, Red Astaire, Jukka Eskola, Espen Horne, Fertile Ground, Povo and Todd Terje to name a few. Please don’t tell me I need to list any more tracks, what on earth are you waiting for?

Simon Harrison

Here is Colin Emmanuel, aka C Swing’s debut, which for me is an album of two halves. One half is for the R&B massive with a great selection of vocalists which include Belle, Terry Walker and Celetia Martin. This should more than ensure that it gets radio play. The other half includes some brilliantly produced Hip hop and soul tracks. Guest rhymes come from KRS1, Braintax and Mystro, where each of these deserve to be released as a single and for the Soul heads, there’s the wonderful “Pretend” with Nate James and Sandra Escoffery on “Proof”. Overall it’s a grower but the Hip Hop tracks will knock your socks off.

Simon Harrison

People are finally starting to wake up to Altered Vibes after an excellent selection of releases in 2005. Kicking off 2006 with the debut from Gum Drop proves the perfect way to start the year. Gum Drop is produced by Rob Mac whose previous alias’s include Jumbonics, Speeka and course writer for Straight No Chaser and as you’d expected from a man of with such eclectic taste, there is a mixed bag of styles, beats and grooves. Vocalist Randolph Matthews is yet another name you need to watch out for in 2006, with a number of projects and his debut dropping later in the year. Here he features on three tracks "Coming Up For Air", "(Keeps On) Burning" and "Sinking Feeling". Other guests include Hiphop and P-Funk vocalist Jason Todd, the unknown-to-me-until-now Zena Edwards, and on strings Lucy Wilkins who of course worked with 4 Hero and Massive Attack. Another essential release.

Simon Harrison

Next project from the Premier Cru stable has more of a commercial feel than previous projects. That is not a bad thing; I just get the idea that if given enough airplay this will easily make it into the charts and on every radio station. There’s the immediate radio anthem ‘Fast Life’ and ‘Snapshots’. Personally my favourites are the soulful ‘Superhero’, "Consequences and ‘Heroin’. For good measure they’ve brought in guests Amp Fiddler and old skool rapper and film star ‘Queen Latifa’. If you’re still not convinced, check out the beautifully packaged gatefold double vinyl.

Simon Harrison

Idea 6 are a sextet consisting of old timers (no disrespect intended) Gianni Basso and Dino Piana on sax and trombone respectively along with younger cats Guido Pistocchi on trumpet, Luciano Milanese on double bass, Stefano Bagnoli on drums and Andrea Pozza on piano. ‘Metropoli’ is a modern Italian jazz album rooted in the 50s and 60s modal and bop style and across 6 tracks they display their talents to great effect. ‘Windly Coast’ just edges it for me at the moment but this is excellent throughout. An album for life, not just for Christmas!

Andy Allen

Although the CD was released a few months ago the beautifully packaged vinyl version has only just surfaced. If you’ve already got the 3 10” releases then you’ll have most of the tracks here. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the rest of the album is made up of fillers though. Far from it, in fact we’re treated to another 2 tracks featuring the vocal talents of Mark Murphy, ‘This Could Be The Start Of Something’ and ‘Jamming (With Mr Hoagland)’ a great spoken word outing. Also take a listen to ‘Case Study’ with Okou and ‘Unsquare Bossa’, a Hammond organ led dancer. This is an outstanding album by a truly outstanding band. Be quick though as the vinyl edition is in seriously limited supply.

Andy Allen