Home » 2011 (Page 3)
Yearly Archives: 2011
Nick Pride & Pimptones: Midnight Feast of Jazz [Record Kicks]
On their full length debut, Nick Pride and The Pimptones come out swinging, easing up here and there but they mostly swing hard and often. Blending soul and jazz seamlessly, Nick displays impressive chops on guitar while the Pimptones demonstrate that they’re a funky horn section to be reckoned with. That’s evident on “Come And Get It”, a scorching tune just a shade under three minutes but enough time to get you hyped as the horns come blasting onto the scene and the rhythm section equally holds its weight as well. Drummer Oz Cassidy does a superb job of keeping everything in the pocket. “Lay It On The Line” is a tasty soul serenade thanks to bassist Ian Patterson laying down a nice groove, The horns once again add lots of flavor, particularly trumpeter Keith Nicholson. The title track is a simmering soul jazz treat and Nick’s playing is rhythmic and colorful. Another definite highlight here is “Brighter Day”. This track has it all, a killer rhythm section, funky horns and the vocals of Susan Hamilton to top it off. This is a very strong debut by Nick Pride here that you can dance to or just sit back and groove to. He and the Pimptones haven’t broken any new ground here but with musicians on top of their game and well crafted compositions, the “Midnight Feast Of Jazz” is an entree you’ll enjoy over and over.
Benny Tones: Chrysalis [BBE Records]
If you were among the fortunate to enjoy the sleeper lp by Electric Wire Hustle from 2009 then you’re already familiar with New Zealand’s Benny Tones. Benny was the architect behind the beats and rhythms that made EWH such a huge hit. For his solo debut “Chrysalis”, he delivers once again with another lp filled with hypnotic beats, irresistible grooves plus a few contributions from some of the most talented vocalists not just from New Zealand but on the scene today. EWH front man Mara TK appears on four tracks and all of them strike the right chords but the standout is “Nevermind”. The future soul mid-tempo synth flavored gem captures the imagery of a man in search of a companion as Mara TK lyrically states. Joe Dukie from Fat Freddy’s Drop shines on the laidback dub stepper “Home”. “Odyssey” is another mid-tempo musical voyage filled with clever synths and the beautiful voice of songstress LP. There are other selections that deserve to be heard like the instrumental “Little City” and the title track, a sublime slice of electronica which features the blissful vocals of Sacha Vee. Benny has crafted another superb record that you’ll no doubt wear out just as you did with the EWH recording. It won’t be long before other vocalists and rappers start seeking his services to out the best in their recordings as well. With a record as strong as this, that’s not a bad idea.
Various Artists: Smoove Presents: Mo’ Record Kicks Act II [Record Kicks]
The deep funk label known as Record Kicks has done it again. After recently dropping scorching soulful projects like Soulshaker and The Liberators, they deliver another impressive compilation with Mo’ Record Kicks Act II. DJ/Producer Smoove has been committed to delivering the funk for more than thirty years and once again has assembled a roster of heavy hitters with enough funk to jump start any house party. The disc starts out with a bang with The Bakers Brothers “The Young Patter”, complete with infectious guitar rhythms and funky horns. “The Grunt” by Kokolo is a funky mid-tempo Afro-beat groover. The Link Quartet serves up some serious organ grinding soul jazz in the form of “Take Four”. There are notable remixes as well such as the Valique remix of “Scaramunga” by Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience. The Lack Of Afro remix of “Give Me One More Chance” by The Diplomats of Solid Sound is a definite crowd pleaser. For me the hottest remix here is the Discomix version of “Are You Ready” by Mr Comicstore featuring the soulful vocals of Nicole Willis. This is an absolute floor burner and one of the strongest among several bangers here. After working up a sweat, I’d suggest to cool down to “Ain’t So Low” by Dojo Cuts. Roxie Ray’s vocals and the mellow horns are always soothing to the eardrum. Once again DJ Smoove knows to how to get your groove on by finding some hidden funk gems and bringing them back to life. If you don’t move your body to “Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” then I’d suggest consulting your doctor.
Andre Zimma: The Calm In The Turbulence [Swedish Brandy]
Daniel Paul and Hans Schaaf (DJ Honesty) are the group known as Andre Zimma. You may be more familiar with them as the duo known as Slope. The two DJs have been producing an eclectic array of house, broken beat and hip hop tracks for a number of years and have compiled a strong collection of 12 inches and lps on the Sonar Kollektiv label. Their latest project on Swedish Brandy is an assortment of down-tempo jazz flavored soul grooves and tasty house tracks enhanced by an impressive lineup of musicians. One of the notable contributors is the duo Amraah8, they’re featured on 2 tracks here plus an alternate take for each. “Aqua” is a gorgeous down-tempo electronic soul gem that features singer Clover, whose vocals blessed the unforgettable Deyampert’s “Heard Him First”. “Colors” is an ethereal slow grinding groove highlighted by the lust filled poetry of Channeng. I’m partial to the Comfort Fit remix but the original is enjoyable as well. There are many more highlights such as “Wicked Games”, featuring the whispery voice and the ambient electronic sounds of Delhia De France. In addition, there several solid soulful house tracks here to savor as well. “Mermaids Bay” is an irresistible house track that will have you swept away by the violin soloing and the lush strings. “M.U.S.I.C.” is another thumpin track seasoned with a samba beat and sweet tasting horns to match. It’s hard to pack seventeen songs into a disc that while maintaining a level of excellence but that’s exactly what we have here. Wow, this is one strong record with grooves for every mood and is certain to provide definite satisfaction.
Frootful: Colours [Freestyle Records]
I hereby declare Freestyle records as the land of the good groove for many bands with a passion for vintage soul and funk eventually finds their way there to contribute to an impressive roster of musicians. The newest label member to carry the torch is Frootful, which is the creation of guitarist Nick Radford. Radford spent several years performing with Adam Gibbons Lack Of Afro band. Gibbons himself a soul connoisseur appears as the producer of this project and the results are quite impressive. Radford and the band effortlessly swing hard and take no prisoners with scorching jazz numbers and hot buttered soul groovers. Right from the outset, the group swings hard with the title track, a bebop influenced tune that features a gorgeous vibraphone solo by Gibbons while Radford evokes images of Wes Montgomery with his guitar playing. “Fish In The Sea” features Radford on bass laying down a fierce groove while the soothing vocals of Angeline Morrison takes the track to another level. “Astonaughty” is a sparkling track with infectious percussion and synth playing by Gibbons and funky horns by Peter Judd. “B-Side Seaside” is a nice alternative to the up-tempo burners. This is one of those warm and sublime grooves to chill out to on a summer afternoon or whenever the mood to chill hits you. Overall “Colours” successfully captures the spirit of the funk and soulful jazz and creates a sound that feels brand new. The top level playing by Radford and his well-crafted compositions make this superb recording worthy of repeated listens.
Various Artists: Boglewaltz – We Came For The Music [Boglewaltz ]
If you also came for the music then you’ve come to the right place. Boglewaltz is filled with an assortment of delicious broken beat and soulful gems that you’ll be making arrangements to attend their parties ASAP. Did I say parties? That’s because Boglewaltz are known for hosting some fierce parties around the UK attended by top djs and musicians. For those who can’t make it, fear not this lp will be the next best thing to being there. There are many tasty treats among the fifteen tracks to enjoy like the soulful house gem “Just Fine” by SMI. This is a joyful tune thanks in part to the infectious piano melody and the vocals of Shea Soul. More soulful selections include the sultry “In Your Eyes” by Soulpersona that features Sibel Thrasher. Soundspecies delivers the wicked “Balafon Jam”. Sounspecies is comprised of brothers Henry and Oliver Keen and they make use of the Balafon, an African Xylophone that creates a buzzing sound that is irresistible and meshes perfectly with their booming beats. “Soft Rain” is a wonderful down-tempo tune from Embers that merits your attention as well as the soothing “You” from Analog Jones and D’Ablo. Throughout the year you’ll come across many compilations but few will be as impressive as this one. Highly recommended.
Various Artists: Beyond Jazz Vol.4 [Beyond Jazz]
The good people of the Beyond Jazz compilations have a keen ear for soul and jazz music and the forward thinking producers adept at meshing the two together. Their compilations have always provided a window to some of the most progressive recordings on the scene today. “Vol.4” is no exception for it is packed with assortment of eclectic recordings fusing together soul, house and jazz together and moving your body in the process. The disc kicks off impressively with “Out Of Dark”, a jazz influenced house track augmented by the spirited piano chords mixed by Chris Barker, one half of Deep Space Orchestra. The Dub-In-Vader mix adds yet another to Emanative’s “Space”. I never get enough of the hypnotic bass clarinet from Ben Hadwen that’s featured throughout. Jazz Neversleeps premieres a new tune and it’s worthy of repeated listens. “Live In Maredsous” is masterfully produced with infectious percussion, mesmerizing synths and gorgeous samplings of Betty Carter. “Memories Of Tomorrow” is another winner, an up-tempo future soul gem done proper by Aybee. With many more selections to savor here, “Vol.4” is a must have. For those not familiar with their previous releases, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out those as well.
James Blake: James Blake [Atlas]
The buzz surrounding James Blake started in early 2010 with a simmer before it ascended into a boil. Now with the release of his self-titled debut, the twenty two year old pianist is poised to build on that momentum. Blake’s beautiful compositions are hypnotic melodic textures built over dub step rhythms and thick bass lines. That’s quite evident on the huge down-tempo hit “Limit To Your Love”, with its haunting piano melody and vibrato drum patterns. “The Wilhelm Scream” is another standout that merges blues and electronica while Blake’s falsetto captures the emotion of a lost love. The only problem is his songwriting isn’t his strength and some of the other tracks like “I Never Learnt to Share” leave you feeling like he had more to say but couldn’t quite find the words to say it. That’s not the case on “Why Don’t You Call Me”, a tune that taps into his classical roots and his love of the blues. Blake is certainly onto something by seamlessly fusing dissimilar musical styles together. In addition, his production talents and his voice manipulations make his debut a fascinating listen.
Rime: Our Kingdom [Infracom Records]
Fresh from the Nordic country is Finnish producer Antti Hynninen amd singer Sara Sayed, better known as Rime. Their debut “Our Kingdom” is a delicious slice of electronic soul filled with soothing vocals, mellow mid-tempo grooves and uplifting lyrics. Hynninen blesses each track with layers of warm melodic keyboards while Sara’s soft feathery touch makes for a perfect combination. There are plenty of highlights to savor here like the wonderful “Smoke And Regret”, filled with soft synth grooves to complement Sara’s sweet vocal phrasings. “Loose Ends” is no less enjoyable, beginning with a wave of gorgeous rhodes and lush strings that provide the canvas for Sara’s soft seductive voice. “Breal You” is another winner that incorporates the similar ingredients, armed with a slightly up-tempo groove. Overall this is a strong showcase of warm melodic electronic soul music that is consistent throughout. Their concept is simple yet the results shine as bright as a warm summer afternoon. Make no mistake though, this is a quality record for all seasons to savor and enjoy.
Deborah Jordan: What You See [Futuristica Music]
Hearing the sound of Deborah Jordan’s voice fulfills your musical palette much in the way the taste our favorite desert satisfies our sweet tooth. The difference is there are no regrets after indulging in Deorah’s music like you would with the desert. We all remember the first time we heard her voice from way back in the day with Silhouette Brown. All she has done since is elevate her collaborations with numerous artists such as Replife, Jneiro Jarel among others. In 2009 she released her debut and now her latest “What You See”, picks up from where she left off. Her recent release contains eleven original compositions and three solid remixes. Among the tasty treats is the title track, a warm earthy mid-tempo track with sun drenched chords. Lyrically “What You See” is about looking what is beyond the surface of a person in search of who’s real and who isn’t. “Lullaby”, produced by Kira Neris is a dreamy atmospheric tune with jazzy soundscapes that will certainly transport you to another place. “See The Light” is another highlight, a mid-tempo tune with a strong groove and pretty melody. There are many more soulful selections to savor and all are exceptionally produced. All three remixes are also superb but if I had to pick one, it would be the Ty Macklin rework of “Slipping Away”, a beautiful down-tempo tune that morphs into a funky two step treat. Overall this is one fabulous record that is equal or even slightly better than “The Light”. One thing is certain is Jordan continues to build an impressive catalogue of timeless quality music for us to enjoy.
Portico Quartet: Knee Deep In The North Sea [Real World Records]
This latest from Portico Quartet is actually their very first full length release from 2007. “Knee Deep In The North Sea” is the record that put these guys on the map and for good reason. There is a great level of musicianship here and their compositions are colorful and engaging. Then of course there is the hang instrument, performed by Nick Mulvey that distinguishes the group because of its steel pan like tone. There are many tracks to savor as the entire disc is enjoyable. “News From Verona” is warm and mellow thanks in part Jack Wyllie’s phrasing on sax that blends nicely with the tone of the hang drum. Duncan Bellamy’s gentle brushes on the cymbals convert the drums into a percussion. “Zavodovski Island” is a spirited tune blends spectacular moments from Wyllie as well as Milo Fitzpatrick on bass. “Steps In The Wrong Direction” starts out soft and sublime then changes tempo and carries the tune to greater heights. A live session of this song is also featured here. There are other live recordings that are equally enjoyable. “All The Pieces Matter” is from the Madia Vale session and “Knee Deep In The North Sea” from the Copenhagen sessions. This was already a wonderful record when it was first released. Now with a little fine tuning and reproduction polishing, a great record just became better.
The Liberators: The Liberators [Record Kicks]
It doesn’t take long to recognize that the ten member unit known as the Liberators can play a mean brand of Afro-funk, and play it well. The Sydney based band’s debut is a crisp ten song collection of high energy afro-funk that percolates from one song to the next. The group was formed by Dojo Cuts guitarist Nathan Aust and he has assembled a cohesive unit with all the ingredients; a blistering horn section, wicked guitar rhythms and top notch drumming and percussion. That’s evident right from the start with “Multiculture”, a hard charging tune armed with an airtight horn section and a lead tenor sax delivering spirited soloing. “Rags To Riches” brings more heat, albeit with some funky guitar work and precision horn arrangements. Only three tracks feature vocalists and none of them disappoints. “Let It Go” is a nice mid-tempo tune with a strong groove and bubbling percussion that features Dojo Cuts member Roxie Ray. “Liberation” is one of the highlights of this strong set, a dynamic tune that features Afro Moses. Known in Ghana as the African James Brown, Moses puts a charge into the set with his singing and his energy is infectious. The Afro funk sound and Afro beat in general becomes more popular every day and firing up clubs everywhere. Let’s hope that this is the first of many strong releases by The Liberators to help carry the torch.
Reel People Presents: Golden Lady [Reel People Music]
Oli Lazarus, founder of Papa Records and Reel People return with their third release. Once again they deliver that customary soulful house sound that you’ve come to expect from them, albeit with a twist. Take for example the title track; Oli and singer Tony Momrelle flip the Stevie Wonder classic into a blissful Brazilian foot stomper. “Sure” featuring singer Darien continues along this theme blending a touch of samba and rhythm guitar into this soaring dance number. “It’s Hard” appears on the disc courtesy of Phil Asher and his Restless Soul Fun Band. This is a straight up soulful floor burner with sexy vocals and well placed horns. “Nights In Africa” rounds out the disc and is arguably the highlight as well. Produced by Toni Economides and Kaidi Tatham, they create an uplifting afro-soul burner that is augmented by the vocals of newcomer Renn. With additional appearances from Choklate and Simon Grey, Oli and the crew have ensured that “Golden Lady” will receive plenty of burn throughout the year. I can’t emphasize the word burn enough, this is one hot record.
Amalia: Art Slave [Tokyo Dawn Records]
Having apprenticed with the likes of the band Sekoya and the soulful dance grooves of producer Opolopo, songstress Amalia is ready to spread her wings with her funk deluxe debut “Art Slave”. With production mainly from Opplopo excluding the remixes by AtJazz, AD Bourke and Son Of Kick, “Art Slave” is inspired by the 80’s electro soul period and there are several tracks that will transport you to that era. Among the highlights are the sensuous synth-funk “Welcome To Me”. “Luxurious” will conjure memories of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” courtesy of Opolopo’s wicked synth work. Amalia cools down just a bit and blends a little ballad into the funky “All The Funk I need”. “Zebra Butt” is a mid-tempo bass driven funk jam that receives an assist from rapper Probe DMS. If you can’t live on funk alone there’s the Opolopo Nu swing remix of “Life’s A Dance” that will quench the soulful dance thirst you’ve come to expect from her. Overall, “Art Slave” is an energetic coming out party for the lady with the siren voice. If you long for some 80’s funk with a little new jack swing mixed in, you’ll certainly enjoy this.
Esperanza Spalding: Chamber Music Society [www.esperanzaspalding.com]
A true artist isn’t content to drive along the same path. Once the bow has been tied on the last project, they’ve taken a new road in pursuit of new musical horizons. In the case of Esperanza Spalding she has shifted from the spirited funky “Esperanza” to the acoustic “Chamber Music Society” and the results are heartfelt compositions filled with superb performances. Because of its intimate nature, chamber music has been described as the music of friends and she has filtered this disc with an array of talented musicians such as Milton Nascimento, drummer Terri Lynn Carrington and others. The opener “Little Fly”, a poetic tune with strings that was inspired by artist William Blake. “Chacarera”, composed by pianist Leo Genovese, finds Esperanza singing in a vocalese style over the engaging melodies created by Genovese and cellist Dave Eggar. “Apple Blossom” is an emotive if not somber piece where Spalding’s vocal harmonies are interwoven with Nascimento’s baritone phrasing. “Inutil Paisagem” is a tender duet between Esperanza and Gretchen Parlato that captures their vocal dexterity. Parlato’s clever hand percussion playing intertwines beautifully with Spalding subtle bass riffs. You’re not going to find “Esperanza pt 2” within this recording but you will find a disc filled with warm and peaceful melodies that resonate within you. In addition they provide a snapshot of Spalding’s diverse talents.