Yearly Archives: 2007

The internet has been great for previewing tracks before buying, making life so much easier that queueing up in a record shop each week, whilst you wait for a wanna-be scratch pervert, or even for working out what you want to buy before entering a shop. I listened to “Neophilia” when it was released in Japan in 2006 but the sixty second previews did not give this album justice. I really should have known after their “Black Sunshine”. The highlight of this album are the songs with Amalia Townsend, who’s been getting us all in a tizz with Opolopo and gaining a name for herself in Vancouver’s jazz scene. This is a really nice album and like all Sonar releases, you need to give this a listen.

Simon Harrison

These two compilations are essentially a selection of best of tracks and remixes from Shaun Escoffery, Geoffery Williams, Blood and Driza. I thought I had just about everything on Oyster, like Jazzanova’s blinding remix of “Let It Go” which once heard will be stuck in your head for days. The good news is that they’ve been holding some treasures back, like 4Hero’s remix of “Let It Go”, DJ Spinna’s remix of “Space Rider” plus Karizma and Spen’s remix of “Days Like This”. Others have been released as singles, but it’s great to have them spread over two cds. It must have been a pleasure going back through the Oyster Music catalogue to put these together. I’ve heard on the grapevine there’s even more to be un-released stuff, so hopefully that will see the light of day soon. What a great label.

Simon Harrison

Nomumbah are Sao Paulo based trio Ale Reis, Rafael Moraes and Andre Torquato who drop their debut long player for Osunlade’s Yoruba records. ‘Love Moves’ is a beautifully produced album of deep house grooves incorporating heavy doses of Brazilian soul and jazz. Their version of Lo Borges’ ‘Tudo Que Voca Podia Ser’, which initially appeared on Osunlade’s ‘Ibara: River Crossing’ compilation is exceptional, as are ‘Outono’ with it’s squelchy bass and electro keys noodlings and the jazz-funk/broken-boogie flavour of ‘I Can Fly’. ‘Love Moves’ is really strong throughout though and deserves your full attention.

Andy Allen

Soul DJ Andy Davies kick starts his new Streetsoul label in fine style with this Chicago rarity which he discovered on acetate whilst working at John Anderson’s Soul Bowl record shop during the mid 90s. After airing ‘Joy Trip (Part 1)’ on his radio show the track caused a huge buzz amongst the soul fraternity and has eventually resulted in this release. ‘Joy Trip (Part 1)’ is a majestic string fueled two stepper of the highest order but the album packed full of quality tunes covering northern, crossover and funk styles plus a great version of The Lovelites’ ‘Get It Off My Conscience’.

Andy Allen

Teressa Edwards was born and raised in Trinidad but now resides in England. Her My Space page states that this is both her debut and second album so I’m a little confused! Whatever the case may be ‘Days Ahead’ is a solid R&B/soul set which showcases Tersessa’s sweet honey voice perfectly. She particularly shines on the nu-soul orientated tracks ‘No More’ and the title track, a simple but effective mellow groove with warm key chords.

Andy Allen

The sad part is that Ibrahim died three weeks before the final recording session for this but thankfully his final wish and dream, that his beloved bolero album be completed has now been realised. From the very first note Ibrahim’s voice grips you emotionally, music that is not beyond making you shed a tear as it gently dances with you. There’s a superb small group behind the great man which includes Roberto Fonesca and Cachaito Lopez. Wonderful.

Graham Radley

An unlikely pairing as such but Champion Doug was the person who first discovered the Bhundo Boys (of whom Rise was a founding member) and invited them to the UK. You’ll soon recognise the zinging fluidity of Rise’s guitar as we get a timely reminder of his skill as a guitarist while Champion Doug’s influence means the mixture is further flavoured by country and some blues. Worth a listen.

Graham Radley

Two CDs which showcase this virtuosa guitarist in a range of solo, duo and group performances. Tracks include: Madrid Flamenco, Cordero De Dios: Bulerias, Tango Mayor Y Menor and De La Prima a la Bordona (one of seven tracks featuring Eduardo Falu). Master at work.

Graham Radley

Roy Paci & Aretuska from Sicily get us off to a joyful start with a romping ska track ‘Ciuri Ciuri’. Next there’s zouk from Martinique followed by further Caribbean influences via Denmark’s Laid Back which in turn rolls into the classic Osibisa track ‘Sunshine Day. Further tracks include Burning Spear, L’Orchestre Tropica d’Hait and Beau Joque & The Zydeco Hi Rollers. Spreading the universal music party vibe.

Graham Radley

16 track ‘Collection’ which brings together tracks which have never before appeared on an Alison Krauss album including material from off soundtracks (eg ‘Down To The River To Pray’ from the ‘O Brother Where Art Thou’ soundtrack) and five previously unreleased tracks. There are duets with Sting, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, John Waite and my particular favourite her vocal/fiddle duet with Natalie MacMaster of ‘Get Me Through December’.

Graham Radley

CD one is ‘Contemporary Country’ and the 16 tracks includes Lonestar, Nanci Griffith, Rodney Crowell and Heather Myles. CD2: ‘The 60’s Legacy’, has 15 tracks and moves from The Byrds to the Flatlanders via Guy Clark & Chet Atkins. ‘Country Legends’ completes the 3 CD set, among those featured are Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, George Jones and The Stanley Brothers. An excellent introduction.

Graham Radley

The Calling is Carpenter’s second co-production with pianist Matt Rollings, the pair having first worked together on 2004’s ”Between Here and Gone’. There’s a political edge to tracks like ‘Why Shouldn’t We’ and ‘On The Song’ while ‘Houston’ is about the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Other songs like ." "We’re Alright" is a driving song of escape and freedom from the strains of life. while "Twilight" takes us into the serenity of that time of day. Excellent.

Graham Radley

John Paul Jones at the controls for CD number two for this excellent female quartet. Rayna Gellert, Abigail Washburn, Kristin Andreassen and A.C. Carter are terrific musicians whose vocals like their music blend and gel with oneness. A stringband yes but one that embraces old and new, with a shine and enthusiasm delivering something special and fresh.

Graham Radley

Another good ‘Essential Guide’ with this 3 CD set themed ‘Roots’ ‘Folk Rocks’ and ‘Nu Routes’. So, to give a feel of each one, ‘Roots’ includes The Copper Family’, Anne Briggs, Pete Seeger and Leadbelly. Folk Rocks includes Linda Thompson, Lindisfarne, Nic Jones and June Tabor while Nu Routes has tracks from the likes of Tim Van Eyken, Shooglenifty, Eliza Carthy and Salsa Celtica. There’s obviously a huge range to cover but this neatly sets the ball rolling in what could be an extensive series.

Graham Radley

Probably best known as the vocalist for the superb Radio Tarifa this is the debut solo album for Granada-born vocalist and lyricist Benjamín Escoriza. Several of Radio Tarifa guest on this acoustically driven album and that  blend of medieval, Moorish, Sephardic, Andalusia folk is still to be heard but flamenco comes more to the fore bringing out the best of the North African influences and driving this compelling CD forward. Highly recommended.

Graham Radley