Yearly Archives: 2009

A album of beautiful Tibetan mountain songs composed by Soname and which reflect the country and culture she had to escape some years ago. This amazing story is told in her book ‘Child of Tibet’, a journey that took her from Tibet to London via India. There’s a strong array of Indian musicians on the CD providing a lovely foil fopr Soname’s captivating voice.

Graham Radley

Third in Strut’s ‘Inspiration Information’ series, this one teams Ethiopian veteran jazzer Mulatu Astatke (star of Ethiopiques series) with UK funky jazzers Heliocentrics. Got a nice feel this one with the Ethiopian jazz groove being embellished by Heliocentrics as it flows along sometimes going off at heavier tangents then others hitting the chilled feel of ‘Blue Nile’ . My pick is the funky percussion driven ‘Live From Tigre Lounge’ . Excellent.

Graham Radley

There’s a couple of Bollywood tracks with A.R Rahman & Chinmayee and ‘Tere Bina’ from ‘Guru’ plus Rajeshwari Sachev’s ‘Maavan Te Tiyan’ together with Indian classical artists of renown Satish Vyas, Bombay Jayashri and Deepak Ram. A more contemporary approach from Kiran Ahluwalia, Niraj Chag, Sanjav Divecha and Susheela Raman through to the spiritual music of Uma Mohan. Good mixture.

Graham Radley

Follow up to the brilliant debut ‘Bari’ and superb second release ‘Techari’ this new release delivers more of that eclectic and vibrant mix. Expect tango, salsa, tabla, scratching, bolero and more all fired up with the passion and spirit which is Ojos de Brujo. Irresistable.

Graham Radley

This album quite simply defies categorisation. So much so that it’s going to be easier for me to start by telling you what it isn’t, than to steam straight into flailing around in vain trying to describe what it actually is.  It’s not easy listening, that’s for sure. Well, not at first anyway. Although, after a short while, you do find yourself drifting off into a kind of head-nodding, groove-induced coma. It certainly isn’t organic, in the sense that the sounds and effects used have never been within 100 miles of, say, a guitar or a trumpet, or any other kind of acoustic instrument for that matter. And, most importantly, it sure as hell isn’t to be ignored. For, the music of Viennese beat-meister Dorian Concept is unashamedly synthetic, electronic and beat-driven, and yet (because of the man’s evident talent with a keyboard and his supreme production skills) it is so very, very musical. It isn’t just a neck-snapping beat here and a random squelch there; it is all intricately woven harmonies and textured grooves, crafted with a deft touch and full of a delightfully wonky jazziness. And, the balance is just right. You could just as easily find this music reverberating from within a blacked-out Hummer as you could in a contemporary Jazz nerd’s cans. Everyone should give this polished gem a try, but, for simplicity’s sake, fans of Harmonic 313, Dabrye and Kindred Spirits’ ‘Beat Dimensions’ collection should not sleep on this.

Tom Breslin

Carlos Nino’s latest project is an ambient peaceful journey through spiritual music that will undoubtedly ease your mind and heal your soul. Carlos has always been about spreading love and happiness and this project is no exception. Carlos friends assist on all tracks here. The disc begins with the terrific “Thursday August 9 2007”, a warm rhythmic tune that starts out with a hypnotic flute solo. Another highlight is “Friends featuring the Oasis of Pe”. This is the only track with vocals and they only appear at the beginning but the distinctive voice of Dwight Tribble is always a treat to hear. “9 Moons full” experiments with layers of percussion and afterwards you’re serenaded by the soothing sounds of the sea. Once again Carlos Nino enriches us with a brilliant record that explores different musical moods. Clearly he is carrying the torch from legends like Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane by creating music to heal and inspire everyone. Treat yourself to a rewarding spiritual experience.

Reg Dancy

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You have to give credit to the good folks at Far out recordings for uncovering this classic recording. Thirty years ago, legendary Brazilian singer Joyce, Nana Vasconcelas and Mauricio Mae recorded the sublime masterpiece called “Visions of Dawn”. The soothing vocals of Joyce combined with the percussion artistry of Nana Vasconcelas create dreamy compositions of bossa and samba that will warm your heart. Mauricio Mae produced, provides vocals and plays guitar on all tracks as well. The disc opens with “Banana” a melancholy Brazilian folk gem that features Joyce’s luscious vocals over a simmering acoustic guitar. Other highlights include “Nacional Kid”, a warm sun-drenched samba number and “Memorias Do Porvir”. This is a short but sweet performance as the entire disc is only around 35 minutes. Recorded in Paris, “Visions of Dawn” is a wonderful collection of timeless recordings from one of Brazil’s treasured vocalists. This is essential listening.

Reg Dancy

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If you were one of the enlightened ones to become captivated by the outstanding Heavy ep of 2004 then “First Sessions” is exactly what you’ve been missing. That five track ep merely scratched the surface of this talented duo and left us hungry for more. “First Sessions” expands on that music and also includes a few gems from the vaults of the Kindred Spirits label. The multiple musical skills of Casey Benjamin and the beautiful vocals of Nicky Guilland are in full bloom on familiar tracks like “Do for you” and “Just can’t get”. There is also the ode to Minnie Ripperton on the melodic “Wonderlove”, the original version as well as the Jazzanova remix. They equally shine on previously unreleased tracks like “Sez who sez me”, the Sesame street jingle never sounded so good. The aptly named “Summer Song” is so refreshing, the kind of feel good song that would brighten anyone’s somber mood. “I know my way” is a funky down-tempo gem with a wicked organ groove. If that’s not enough, there’s the Yam Who? Remix of “Do for you” and the DJ Spinna remix of “Just can’t get”. It would have been a crime to keep all this good music on the shelf. Kudos to Heavy and Kindred Spirits for sharing it with everyone.

Reg Dancy

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Three years after releasing the 3rd installment of the Jazz Bizniz series, Counterpoint returns again with "Jazz Bizniz 4". This new release does an outstanding job of capturing the essence of the raw soul-jazz and afro/Latin recordings that went largely ignored yet still sound fresh and new today. It’s mind boggling how these recordings could have remained on the shelf if not for the good folks at Counterpoint to give them a second life. Aside from the rare old grooves, there are some new grooves that will whet your appetite. There are several quality tracks worth mentioning but prime cuts like "Glass" by Jeff Resnick, a soulful jazz fusion piece reminiscent of the Mizell recordings of the late seventies. “Schizophrenia” is a funky hip-hop flavored jazz track performed by Cirius B. It’s one of the newer cuts featured here and a group you should keep an eye on. Another musician worth checking out is former Fela Kuti percussionist Najite Olokun Prophecy. His contribution here is the mid-tempo afro-beat gem “Honesty”. Other highlights include “A dream without you”, a funky mid-tempo soul groover sung by Lillian Alexander. “Jazz Bizniz 4” has a little something for everyone. If you’re familiar with the previous releases then you’ll certainly enjoy this one. This is a high quality compilation that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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Italian DJ/Producer Nicola Conte has delivered a string of quality bossa nova jazz recordings over the years but it would be difficult to name one album better than his latest. “Rituals” embodies an essence of cool that is elegant, engaging and ultimately a wonderful listening experience. Conte’s compositions make great use of chords, which are brought to life by an array of wonderful musicians and the outstanding vocalists on this set. The disc starts out with the dreamy “Karma Flower”, sung by Chiara Civello. Nicola plays guitar on this track and also features many contributions, most notably Timo Lassy on flute. “The Nubian Queens”, featuring Jose James is a rhythmic bossa flavored gem that highlights the dynamic interplay between Pietro Lusso on piano, Teppo Makynen on drums and Pierpaolo Bisogno on congas. “Love In” is a beautiful swinging exotic number sung by Kim Sanders, whose voice is flat out gorgeous. “Caravans”, the classic latin Duke Ellington track and the only song here not written by Conte is given a warm treatment by Philipp Weiss on vocals. Overall “Rituals” is a brilliant record that is full of virtuoso performances. Let’s hope this record gets the attention that it rightfully deserves.

Reg Dancy

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On this eleven track set, the Fantastics demonstrate that they know a thing or two about making funky music. And why not? The band formerly known as Rev. Cleatus and the soul saviours has it all, the simmering horn section, the funky bass and sweet hypnotic sounds of the Hammond b-3 organ. They tear through tracks like “Don’t follow leaders”, a gritty up-tempo jam that has the band swinging and just simply having a good time. On “The Doctor is in”, they bring the energy down just a bit but still keep it funky and greasy. “Blue Sunday” shows a mellow side of the group. The track features Pete Collison stringing together some hypnotic guitar licks over a laid-back groove that features some sweet flute playing by Mark Norton. From start to finish the Fantastics provide plenty of funky grooves to make you move your body or just simply listen and enjoy. If you like the sounds of bands like The Meters or the JB’s then you’ll certainly enjoy “Mighty Righteous”.

Reg Dancy

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One day there will be a hip-hop hall of fame to showcase the achievements of the past thirty years. When that day comes and you walk through those doors, the first sight in your tour should be a mural of Grandmaster Flash. His status as one of hip-hop’s pioneers is undeniable. “The Bridge” is his first studio release in nearly twenty years and contains an assortment of rappers to bless the tracks. There are some moments that are quite enjoyable such as the opening track “Shine all day” feat. Q-tip. “Bounce back” which features Busta Rhymes provides some heat. “What if” is also a solid track that features KRS-One who still remains relevant after all these years. However there are some cuts that sound dated, as though they were recorded years ago like “Here comes my DJ” and “Those Chix”.  Overall, it’s good to have Flash back in the studio and “The Bridge” is a solid comeback. Let’s hope that he doesn’t wait another twenty to deliver another album.

Reg Dancy

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“Where We Belong” is the latest full length disc from Swedish producer Rasmus Faber. Rasmus has treated us to a number of quality remixes for various heavyweights like King Street, Defected and Code Red just to name a few. For this set, Rasmus takes us on an adventurous ride of melodic, blissful house music that will entertain you well beyond the dance floor. In addition, he has enlisted the help of several talented vocalists to add another dimension to these wonderful recordings. The disc starts out with a subtle orchestral intro, which is followed by the lightly sweetened deep house delight “Everything is alright” which features the angelic voice of Linda Sundblad.  It’s also nice to hear from Dyanna Fearon, who last appeared with Reel People stop by and bless us with four tunes with her beautiful voice. “Give it to me” is a pulsating house jam that breaks down into a down-tempo stomper towards the end and “Yes” is a soft mid-tempo groover. “Every time we” is the weakest of the four but it’s still worth listening to.  “I don’t mind” which features Parasto is easily one of the best tracks here, a long playing atmospheric gem laced with beautiful chords. As an accomplished pianist and first rate producer, Rasmus delivers with a record filled with rich orchestral sounds, fine tuned arrangements and thumping beats. The result is a lush, rhythmic, uplifting listening experience.

Reg Dancy

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Alif tree’s previous release “French Cuisine” was one of the underground highlights of 2006. So it is with great pleasure to listen to his latest release “Clockwork”. While the compositions on “French Cuisine” displayed a jazz vibe throughout, “Clockwork” expands on that sound by adding more electronic, folk and blues flavored tunes that feel more personal. The opening track “Aurevoir” embodies some of the jazz elements of the previous release. The dark tone and haunting piano riffs create an eerily peaceful atmosphere that is very engaging. “Never be the same” is a mid-tempo acoustic treat with vocals. “Que Tu” is a somber yet engaging trip-hop flavored track laced with strings that creates a cinematic twist. The album closes with the exceptional “Dead Flowers”, a melodic ethereal track that is similar to the opening track. Alif Tree succeeds in producing an excellent follow up that will do more than satisfy his fans. This is a record that should be enjoyed as a whole and not the sum of its parts. I trust that you will not be disappointed.

Reg Dancy

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Mop Mop is the creation of musician/DJ Andrea Benini. “Kiss of Kali” is a combination of big band swing with a Latin flavor that would be right at home in any club. While “The 11th Pill”, Mop Mop’s previous record was more of an acoustic set, this release is serving sophisticated dance floor grooves that you will find irresistible. One common theme for both records is Benini’s production is flawless. The result is spicey, hip, funky jazz music that is certain to move your body. Standout tracks include “Living Beat”, an upbeat modern jazz number that lures you in with a wicked bassline followed by a stellar horn section and topped off by the vocals of Alan Farrington. “Jazzdancer” displays similar horn arrangements as well as a fine performance by Pasquale Mirra on vibes. The title track “Kiss of Kali” provides plenty of tasty samba rhythms plus the sassy voice of Robina Veda. Kiss of Kali is proof that music of the past can be recreated to sound relevant today with outstanding results. If this cd doesn’t make you move then check your pulse. This is essential listening.

Reg Dancy

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