Home » 2008 (Page 2)
Yearly Archives: 2008
The Grits: The Grits [Freestyle Records]
With a name like The Grits, one would expect nothing but raw uncut funk. The group from Brighton delivers with a ten track disc full of funky instrumental soul numbers sure to make your head nod and leave you feeling nostalgic of the days when you heard tunes like this everyday. The disc starts out with the laidback “Ug Ug Aah”, this track boasts catchy guitar rhythms, the delightful sounds of the Hammond b-3 and funky drums that will make you want to move. The group lays some grease on tunes like “Jam Jam” and “Crazy Legs”. On “Funky Soul Brother” this track is supported by a serious bass line that allows the rhythm section plenty of room to create soulful harmonies. Most of the tracks here barely exceed three minutes but they make good use of every note. There’s no showboating here just a good old fashioned jam session that will satisfy any loyal funk enthusiast. This is a very enjoyable record by a talented band worth keeping an eye on.
Foreign Exchange: Leave It All Behind [Hard Boiled]
Phonte and Nicolay have the task of following up a classic in “Connected”. Four years after its release, I still can’t get enough of it. So how do they follow that up? They respond by delivering another winner that met my approval within minutes of the fist spin. Simply put, “Leave It All Behind” is a great record that meshes soul, hip-hop, electronica and immediately generates good vibes while marveling at the cohesion that exists among this group. On the opening track “Daykeeper”, you’re instantly drawn to the warm dreamy chords and the soulful beats. Phonte opens the track not rapping but singing in a soft tone while Muhsinah blesses the chorus with her dynamic vocals. “Take Off The Blues” is blissful soul sung by camp member Darrien Brockington. “If She Breaks Your Heart” provides more soulful melodies while Yahzarah provides her customary sweet soulful vocals. You may be a little disappointed that Phonte only raps on two tracks here but once you get past that, you’ll be rewarded with an inspired hip-hop soul banger that was definitely worth the wait. Phonte and Nicolay complement each other so well that you expect nothing less than the outstanding work that exists on this disc. Highly Recommended.
Aaron Parks: Invisible Cinema [Blue Note Records]
On his Blue Note debut, pianist Aaron Parks creates an acoustic jazz gem with cinematic soundscapes of the highest quality. Parks weaves between melodic piano excursions and spontaneous improvising that will captivate any listener that appreciates atmospheric free jazz. The musicians listed here are on the A-list of rising stars, particularly guitarist Mike Moreno. His soloing on “Peaceful Warrior” is spirited and hypnotic. “Nemesis” is a rock infused tune of boundless energy. “Harvesting Dance” is another winner that starts off with a beautiful piano solo before Mike Moreno takes us on a journey of harmonic explorations that is fluid and rhythmic. Drummer Eric Harland does a great job of laying down the rhythm that allows room for everyone to create. Aaron Parks is one of a handful of forward thinking musicians that are pushing the boundaries of jazz. “Invisible Cinema” displays his enormous talent as a composer as well as a pianist with great tonality. Once you come along for the ride of this wonderful disc you will not want to get off.
Bellowhead: Matachin [Navigator Records]
Great second album from this exciting big band, as before based in folk but not afraid to rock and jazz it up as they draw in global influences. They gel together to make the music a natural development of their enthusiasm as they deliver shanties, drinking songs and more. Exciting and adventurous.
Empty Boat: Waitless [Poo Productions]
The idea behind this CD started 14 years ago as Dean Brodrick travelled through Africa playing music in small villages and townships with the inspiration for the lyrics being water and sanitation. Vocalists come from UK, Brazil, Mozambique and Spain providing a musical journey that combines many influences far beyond Africa but with the reassuring message that. Pump Aid-Water For Life gets £1 from each CD sale.
Gilberto Gil: Banda Larga Cordel [Warner]
Brazil’s ex Minister of Culture is back now concentrating on his music and it’s a joy to have him back. His laid back vocals are given a wide range of musical settings to wow us with, from the beats of ‘Le Renaissance Africaine’ to the simplicity of an acoustic guitar on ‘Outros Viram’. Magic.
Omara: Gracias [World Village Music]
Now 78 but still delivering rich music from the soul, that celebrates her status as Cuba’s musical diva. ‘Nuestro gran amor with Cachaito and Chucho Valdes is wonderful as is her duet with Richard Bono but I think my favourite has to be the track with Chico Buarque ‘O que sera’. Superb.
Moussu Te lei jovents: Home Sweet Home [Chant Du Monde]
Marseilles’ fabulous ambassadors bring us more musical sunshine and smiles as they sing to us in a mix of French, English and the local Occitan language. Good time music that is fired along by Blu’s distinctive banjo and Tatou’s vocals, a terrific live band, this set captures that enthusiasm just right. Well good.
Various Artists: Putumayo presents Women of Jazz [Putumayo]
10 great female vocalists here so let’s name them: Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux, Cassandra Wilson, Sophie Milman, Hope Waits, Kate Paradise, Jennifer Hartswick, Stacey Kent, Della Griffin and Etta Jones. Good collection.
Victor Deme: Victor Deme [Chapa Blues Records]
Oh what a joy this CD is, a debut from Victor Démé, a 46-year-old singer from Burkina Faso. His rich, warm voice is of the sort to give you goose bumps, mixed as it is with some delightful guitar playing and a rawness that just adds to its charm Very highly recommended.
Jazzanova: Of All The Things [Verve]
There are good records that you will play for a few days, maybe a few weeks before they fade to black. Then you have that great record that you have been playing for weeks. The weeks turn into months and before you know it you have a future classic in your possession that you can’t put down. Jazzanova’s new release “Of All The things” would belong to the latter. The new record features appearances from Ben Westbeech, Leon Ware and Jose James just to name a few. Where their last record “In Between” was more of a electronic offering, “Of All The Things” is packed with 70’s soul, Brazilian bossa and jazzy ballads that provide immediate satisfaction. Among the many highlights is “Let Me Show Ya”, a song that is simply love at first listen. This is classic soul music at its best and the voice of Paul Randolph is smooth, rich and passionate. The same track gets sampled and reworked into a hip-hop track entitled “So Far From Home” that is performed flawlessly by Phonte of Little Brother. “Gafiera” is a nice breezy Brazilian tune performed by Pedro Martins & Azymuth. It’s always a treat to hear Bembe Segue and hearing her sing a jazz tune is an added bonus. “Morning Scapes” is an excellent combination of sultry vocals and live instrumentation, particularly Magnus Lindgren’s performance on flute. In fact, the Jazzanova musicians bring a sense of warmth on every track here that reminds you of how music used to be made. Before you purchase any other record, be sure you have “Of All The Things”. Jazzanova delivers an outstanding disc that delivers one great track after another. This is without a doubt one of the best records of 2008.
Q-Tip: The Renaissance [Universal Motown]
It’s hard to believe that it’s been nine years since Q-Tip’s last full length release. That would be an eternity for most rappers but it feels as though Q-Tip hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s had opportunities to record but chose to wait for the right project to come along. “The Renaissance” feels like the right project at the right time. Q-Tip has always demonstrated that he knows a hot beat when he hears one and “The Renaissance” unleashes one hot track after another. Among the highlights are “Gettin’ Up”, a bangin’ track that finds Q-Tip praising his girl and the bond that exists between them. The track makes great use of a sample of old school soul group Black Ivory’s “You And I”. “We Fight, Love” is a warm soulful track gets production and vocal assistance from Raphael Saadiq. “Move” is another boom bap banger that features production by the Late J-Dilla and features a sample of the Jackson Five’s “Dancin’ Machine”. “I Believe, Featuring D’Angelo” was actually released a few years ago and receives an alternative take here. The original version was an up-tempo party song but this version has more of a mid-tempo soul groove. “Life Is Better” is another satisfying track with a mid-tempo groove and the blissful vocals of Norah Jones. Infectious beats and thought provoking rhymes, “The Renaissance” is a triumphant return for Q-Tip. Let’s hope that he’s here to stay for awhile.
Various Artists: Stay On The Groove 4 [Freestyle Records]
Adrian Gibson’s latest project focuses on the funk, the whole funk and nothing but the funk. “Stay On The Groove” contains some of the hottest UK funk bands on the scene today and the entire disc could be used to rock your next house party if necessary. You know right away you’re gonna have a funky good time with tracks like “You Got Me Thinkin’” by The Tornadoes & tyra Hammond. The performance of the Tornadoes is spirited and Tyra’s voice is electric. “Panama City” is another high octane funk jam courtesy of the Quantic Soul Orchestra, a band that needs no introduction. Another band to keep an eye on is Funkshone. These guys bring the whole package on the track “Droppin’”, a wicked rhythm section, funky bass lines and soulful vocals. The New Mastersounds unleash a spirited jam session on the track “Nervous” (Kenny Dope remix). Without a doubt this is an entertaining disc filled with monster funk jams. Once again Adrian Gibson’s love of quality music is a boon for everyone.
TM Juke & Jack Baker Trio: Boto And The Second Liners [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
TM Juke’s production skills have been widely praised for his own recordings as well as his work with Alice Russell. His classical jazz training and affinity for hip hop beats make for explosive compositions. The Jack Baker Trio is really just a one man band who serves as a producer and the drummer for Ninja Tune artist Bonobo. Together they fuse a brilliant mix of soul, reggae, funk and samba that will have your feet moving and your ears craving for more long after the disc is over. Some of the highlights are “That Gut Feeling”, an afro-soul tune that bubbles with flavor. It dosen’t hurt to have the beautiful voice of Andreya Triana blessing the track and sets in motion a succession of delicious beats and rhythms. “Echoes From The Surface” is pure New Orleans funk with thumping bass, lively percussion and blistering horns. “Rolling Stone To Landslide” is a lovely mid-tempo melodic tune that features the soothing voice of Kathrin DeBoer. If that isn’t enough there’s the ultra talented Gecko Turner lending his vocals to the tropical flavored “Party Favours”. TM Juke & Jack Baker have created a musical gumbo that will excite your palate. This is simply an enjoyable record that gets better with every listen.
Windsurf: Coastlines [Internasjonal]
Daniel Judd is better known as Sorcerer and Sam Grawe is better known as Hatchback and when their mesmeric musical powers combine they make up the exciting, San Francisco based duo, Windsurf. “Coastlines” is the first fruit of their collaborative labour and anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing “Surfing At Midnight”, the first Sorcerer 12 inch released on the UK’s Tirk record label, will kind of know what to expect. Comparisons with Prins Thomas, Morgan Geist and Erland Oye, whilst thoroughly deserved, don’t quite say enough, for Windsurf have their own thing going on, and that thing is perfect, poppy, Nu Disco-ish, electronica that, with wave after wave of washing synthesizer and its lolloping, laidback guitar strum, will have you yearning for long, lazy days by the sea. “Bird of Paradise” is the jewel in the crown, a wondrous, hum-along, vocoder-backed vocal that evokes synth-pop comparisons with Air at their Moon Safari best.
