Yearly Archives: 2006

At first glance you could be mistaken for thinking this was a funky house compilation but don’t be put off by the ‘fashionable’ pretty couple on the cover because this CD includes some of the best broken-soul cuts of recent times. It kicks off in fine style with Mark De Clive-Lowe’s ‘Heaven’ featuring Bembe Segue before moving into the killer Math Union Remix of ‘Juice’ from Season featuring Ernesto, the Brooklyn Remix of ‘Brothers On The Slide’ by Patchworks Ginger X Press and Champion Soul’s ‘Holdin’ On’ (Spymusic Remix). Other worthy inclusions are ‘Disney’ from Channel Two featuring Kim Hill and DJ Spinna’s Vocal Mix of Roy Ayers’ ‘Holiday’ but my favourites are ‘Be The One’ by L’Aroye featuring Humphrey, the U-Key Disco Mix of Doob’s ‘Princess’ and ‘You Say’ by Moodorama, which are all new to me. So the moral of the story is never judge a book by its cover!

Andy Allen

This is the 3rd long player from Bonobo, and whilst it retains elements of the lounge styling found on previous work "Days To Come" has a much deeper jazz flavour. This is in no doubt due to the fact that Bajka graces several cuts with her fragile yet beautiful voice. The title track is an outstanding example but not to be overlooked is "Nightlite", which has a northern soul meets spiritual jazz vibe! Also worthy of note is the mellow folky feel of "If You Stayed Over" with Fink.

Andy Allen

Compiled by Casbah 73 this first rate compilation shines the light on some lesser-known jazz gems from around the world and covers a variety of styles. It opens with the sweeping strings and bossa rhythm of ‘Consolacao’ from Luiz Eca & Orquesta Da Cordas before moving into Salena Jones’ rip roaring take on ‘Right Now’ and the bright and breezy ‘Don’t Kill Your Fantasy’ by Chinchilla. Esther Phillips’ northern soul favourite, ‘Just Say Goodbye’ also takes it’s rightful place, as do the mad fusion dancers ‘Snowflake’ from Ronnie April’s Positive Energy and Gerardo Batiz’ ‘En Fa’. The one I’m currently hooked on though is Archie Whitewater’s psychedelic soul-jazz masterpiece ‘Cross Country’, which isn’t unlike Chicago’s early work.

Andy Allen

One of the best ways to get your music out there is basically to do everything yourself, and that’s what Dogdaze has done – and full respect. What we have here is an album with no compromises which features some of the darkest beats and heaviest basslines you’ll hear this year. Dave has been taking tips from the likes of Danny Breaks and Tipper, especially in “Junglism” and “Transmission”. “In Dog We Trust” bridges the gaps between broken beats, hiphop and soul. Broken beats monsters “So” and “Ride” will find a home with fans of Domu. Heavyweight stuff.

Simon Harrison

Mr Bongo is back with another stunning compilation, which has been put together by Sean Marquand and Greg Caz. It’s named after their weekly night in Brooklyn, NYC, a night which must be pretty special judging by the tracklistings here. Twenty two tracks in total which obviously are Brazilian influenced but with sprinklings of soul, funk and disco. Disco is one thing I wouldn’t expect to work with a Brazilian vocal but listen to Silvio Casar’s “A Festa” and you’ll be sure to change your mind. Chalo Eduardo’s “Beija-Flor Suite” will blow any dancefloor apart and the rest of the selections are simply top notch. Miss at your peril.

Simon Harrison

Mr. Degiorgio is firing all cylinders at the moment. His amazing Beauty Room project is now in the shops and he’s gone back to where I first heard of Kirk, when the first Planetary Folklore album was released on Mo Wax nine years ago. A lot has changed over the years but Kirk has never lost his touch. Volume Two is a beautiful electronica sound with broken beats, orchestral pieces and ambience thrown into the nine tracks. “Irradiant” and “It’s all turning blue” are just two tracks that have been going down a storm. Archive were certainly wise to pick up on this gem.

Simon Harrison

There seems to be a competition going on between Quantic and Nostalgia 77 to see who can release the most music in a short space of time, and it’s pretty much neck and neck at the moment. A few weeks ago the breathtaking album “The Impossible Equation” was released – and on vinyl only which was nice – and now we have “Borderlands”. The Nostalgia 77 Octet is the live incarnation of Benedic Lamdin’s solo project. In February the band locked themselves away in a cottage in Wales to rehearse and record this album and by the sounds of it, that must have been quite a week. Inspired by the sounds of soul, funk, gospel and classic jazz of the 60’s and 70’s, it all comes together beautifully for a modern world. Jazz at its best for the twenty-first century.

Simon Harrison

This is one album I’ve been after for months, in fact I had to borrow a copy from a friend to drop some tracks on my radio show. Raw Fusion seem to have done a deal with Tru Thoughts and I hope this album receives more attention for Up Hygh because it’s much deserved. The beats are deep, funky with squelchy basslines and have spent many an hour learning and studying beats from J-Dilla. Guest vocalists include Phonte & Pooh of Little Brother, Planet Asia and the wonderful Eska and all bring soul to the preceedings and should have you coming back for more. All we need now is their excellent remix of Steve Spacek’s “Dollar” to get an official release.

Simon Harrison

Fresh debut release from J*S*T*A*R*S on the Steel Tiger Records label. This 12 track album is written and produced by Steve Cobby and Sim Lister. Cobby is one half of Hull’s very own Fila Brazillia and it sure shows throughout this whole long player. Hard to describe what style of music this album is, so I’m not gonna. Instead, I’ll tell you that the album is for listening anywhere and the tracks could be played on most open minded dancefloors. Think Mr Scruff! If you’re into Fila then this album will definitely be your taste. If you’ve never heard any Fila Brazillia stuff and therefore have nothing to compare then far be it from me to tell you that you should listen to some of their productions right now. Go on, do it! Now, I said.

Jax

If you’re reading this expecting me to tell you that it’s no where near as good as Speakerboxx/Love Below, then I’ll apologise in advance. Those of you who thought Outkast would carry on where that double album left off will be bitterly disappointed. This Outkast CD is more like the whole Outkast package rolled into one mighty fine album. Back writing and producing as a duo, Big Boi and Andre 3000 push all the right buttons in the funked up hippity hopperty style that we’ve come to respect them for. The usual Outkast format sees tracks separated by interludes, with most of the tracks being of more of a mellow tempo with emphasis on the lyrics and the tightest production you’re gonna hear anywhere. Outkast never fail to be original with their songs, and you’ll be jigging along to this album if you give it time. The only thing I can criticise Outkast for with this album is that they invited Macy Gray to sing on one of the tracks. Oh well, I suppose that’s why they invented the skip button.

Jax

J Saul Kane aka Depth Charge has been delivering quality beats on his very own DC Recordings label for over 10 years. It’s a label that has definitely carried the quality not quantity ethos and with the upsurge of cosmic disco’ed out dub electro tunes around at the moment, Kane has got a very fruitful array of artists producing some very twanged out stuff on DC. This superb compilation just dips into some of those artists talents. Emperor Machine, Kelpe, Padded Cell and Depth Charge are among some of the contributors to some great bass-lines, some clean drumming and some seriously spaced out synth noises. This album will keep you interested from start to end. Recommended.

Jax

This is one the finest series of compilations the electronic music world has ever had. They pick superb producers and artists to select some music and craft it onto a splendid long player. This selection by Germany’s Henrik Schwarz is no different in that it’s good all the way through. Just about everything is covered on this album, there is Detroit Techno from Drexciya, Funk from James Brown, Reggae from Sugar Minot and house from Schwarz himself. There are also slices of soul music and a tad bit of Jazz. It’s well put together and plays perfect as a whole album. Preceding this release will be a limited 12" from Schwarz of the "written especially for this compilation" single – ‘Imagination Limitation’. You’d be a fool not to check this out, or for that matter virtually all of the DJ Kicks series.

Jax

Message boards and forums have been generating great excitement and hype for the return of Koop, and “Koop Islands” kicks off where their 2001 album “Waltz for Koop” left off. If there is any slight difference, it’s that they’ve gone further back in time for the influences to the 1930’s and 1940’s and the days of swing. Bringing these ideas up to date is refreshing and a joy to listen to. Yukimi Nagano is back again on vocals and sounding as amazing as ever on tracks “Come To Me”, “I See A Different You” and “Beyond The Son”. Rob Gallagher also features and I think it’s his best work since the first Earl Zinger productions, and, finally, Norwegian vocalist Ane Brun completes the package perfectly. Oscar has been quoted as saying “We play jazz”, and they do that very well.

Simon Harrison

Back in 2004 Steve Williams from UKvibe gave me a copy of a four track cd from a new Birmingham band called the Sugar Beats. This featured a cracking version of Stevie Wonder’s “As”, a live version of the “Balcon Hotstep” and the excellent “French Girl from Luton”. I’ve been hooked ever since. The Sugar Beats were formed by Chris Mapp and Leo Altarelli, and then became a seven piece band for “Search for Peace”. The foundation here is jazz, which not only works on dancefloors but also when pottering around the house. Leo’s vocal works a treat whether scatting or in a full vocal workout. Top marks to these guys for persisting and getting their music out there, now all you’ve got to do is support!

Simon Harrison

BBE have found a new formula and after the two successful “Kings of Digging” compilations, it’s time to move into darker territory. Brought in are two of the biggest DJs: Laurent Garnier and Carl Craig, who certainly know a thing or two about the history of techno. This is more a lesson in influences rather than a collection of bangers. Garnier’s top choices include The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Mills, Dabrye and Funkadelic, whilst Craig goes for Yello, Alexander Robotick, Back Dog, Art of Noice and the stunning Choice. If you’ve never heard “Acid Eiffel” before well be prepared to be blown away. It was produced by Laurent Garnier, Ludovic Navarre aka St Germain and Shazz and even though it’s nearly thirteen years old, it still sounds as good as when I first picked up a copy. You need this for Choice alone.

Simon Harrison