Home » 2012
Yearly Archives: 2012
Patrick Adams: The Best of P and P Records [P&P]
You can’t reminiscence about the essence of boogie and Disco music without invoking the contributions of Patrick Adams who along with Peter Brown formed P&P records during the mid-seventies. Indeed Cloud One, one of the first groups to emerge from the P&P imprint would release one of the most sought after underground hits in 1976 with “Atmosphere Strut”. The nine minute bouncy party jam with the wicked synths and the catchy chorus “Get Up and Fly, Fly Away” was that rare Disco hit that could host a party all by itself. This would be the first of many hits; “Disco Juice” was another Adams masterpiece that had a sweet melody and a funky groove. Aside from Cloud One, Adams penned another hit with Marta Acuna with the club friendly “Dance Dance Dance”. As many of the Disco hits of this period relied heavily on synthesizers to make a hit, Adams brought more than that to the table. He was a consummate writer, composer and musician who knew how to make quality recordings that turned into hits. That he’s remained relevant after thirty years is a testament to that. That being said, the P&P catalogue captures some of his most creative work that still sounds great today.
Re:jazz: Kaleidoscope [InfraCom]
There’s a lot to like about the latest release from the Frankfurt band known as Re:jazz. While their previous recordings have featured more of an acoustic sound “Kaleidoscope” features that as well as elements of contemporary Jazz, Latin rhythms and groove based electro soul. Credit Jazzanova producer Axel Reinemer for providing the analog approach to these recordings and in the process creates a live organic listening experience. Take for instance the sunny vibes of “Wonders Of The World”, a mellow tune that introduces featured vocalist Mediha. Mediha replaces Inga as the lead vocalist here and makes her mark on three tracks, including a stirring cover of Robert Owen’s “Tears”. Pianist/DJ Matthias Vogt highlights the transformation of this classic from a deep house classic to an acoustic Jazz gem. “Windy City” is an adventurous jazz instrumental filled with multiple moods and textures. “Lambic 9 Poetry” is funky soul jazz fusion with a laid back groove. No matter what direction the seven member ensemble has taken here they’ve achieved their task of broadening their musical horizons. The result is an exceptional record that should satisfy devoted supporters while inviting new listeners as well.
Olympic Cyclone Band: Seasons Greetings [Jalapeno Recordss]
Some of my favorite holiday songs are the ones that don’t necessarily sound like holiday songs. In the case of “Seasons Greetings” by the Olympic Cyclone Band they clearly know how to lay down a groove and make Christmas tunes sound hip. From the traditional “Little Drummer Boy” laced with a sizzling bass line to the bluesy organ grinding “Away In A Manger”. In addition to the instrumental holiday delights there are some vocal treats as well. Stephanie Davies soothing vocals add a bit of spice to “When A Child Is Born” and Fiona Egan on “All Is Bright” will leave you feeling that “Silent Night” never sounded as good as this. If you’re a traditional sort then you’ll feel right at home with their renditions of “Jingle Bells” and the “!2 Days Of Christmas”. Either way “Seasons Greetings” would make for a great stocking stuffer and should make its way onto everyone’s holiday playlist.
Smoove: First Class [Jalapeno Recordss]
DJ/Producer Smoove has long established his allegiance to the funk and his love for Hip-Hop through his DJ sets as well as his recordings with partner Turrell. On his latest solo project “First Class”, he treats us to his exclusive remixes from an array of artists who know how to lay down a groove. “Traveling Man” is a prime example of the funk that is brewing here as Jazz & Blues singer Brenda Boykin croons over a sizzling organ grinder meets thumping bass groove. Smoove turns up the heat with some well-placed edits on “Baby Your Lovin” by Electmric Empire. “Da Wiesel” by Boogaloo Stomp evokes memories of Kool & The Gang’s “Love & Understanding” and hearing this again will get you moving on the good foot. Other highlights include “It’s My Funk” by Charlie Funk feat Afrika Bambaataa & King Kamonzi and “Son Montuno” by the Una Mas Trio. “Frist Class” is exactly that; a first rate funk and soul burner that delivers from beginning to end.
Mathias Stubo: Mathias Stubo [BBE]
Norwegian drummer/multi-instrumentalist embarks on a journey of heavenly rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes. Among the highlights are the explosive afro-beat inspired “Those High Frequency Feelings”. Martin Mata contributes to the celestial “Opp I Lufta”. “Back Into My Life” is another enjoyable instrumental slice of electro ambient grooves. With other subtle hints of Pop, funk and well placed sampling throughout the disc, Mathias Stubo delivers a refreshing album filled with creativity and imagination that proves to be a fascinating listen.
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra: Reel To Reel [Ubiquity]
If you ever envisioned yourself as an action hero but lacked the quality soundtracks to capture your scenes then I suggest having a copy of “Reel to Reel” by your side at all times. Shawn Lee’s recordings are always steeped in raw and gritty funk and his thematic compositions have sparked interest from filmmakers and rappers searching for quality beats. Notable tracks are “Boomwack”, a brooding mid-tempo tune with a thick groove. “Spy Seduction” is a string laden mellow bossa tune that would fit nicely in a James Bond scene. “Soho Chase” is filled with blustering horns and hypnotic bongo rhythms would make for the ideal theme song while you’re about to apprehend a burglar during a car chase. Shawn continues to dig in the crates to finds hidden funk gems and this release is no exception
zafmusic: Private Wax – Super Rare Boogie and Disco [BBE]
Zaf is a music aficionado, avid collector and former owner of Reckless Records in New York City. He has been compiling disco and boogie tunes for over forty years and he has dug into his vault to share a sampling of his rare grooves as the title would suggest. While every track here doesn’t qualify as a gem there are a few delights that will grab your attention. Prime cuts include “Sweet Maryline” by Christian Gaubert. “Music Freak” by Contagious is a proper funk tune with a wicked groove. “Fly with Me” by Yohon is a Disco treat with strings inspired by the Salsoul sound that will certainly move you. Thanks to Zaf and countless other DJs the sound of the boogie is alive and well and “Private Wax” is a good source to get your groove on.
Johnick: This Is How We Dew [BBE]
If you happen to be one of the night clubbers who worked up a sweat in the underground clubs during the nineties there’s a strong chance you jacked your body to a Johnick track or two. If you were in New York City then the chances are even greater considering Johnny ‘D’ DeMairo and Nicky Palermo crafted countless house tracks just across the bridge in nearby Brooklyn and received numerous spins by the top DJ’s throughout NYC and around the globe. In fact alongside premier House labels like Strictly Rhythm, Johnick’s Henry Street imprint produced some of the hottest House music during this period. Now courtesy of BBE, you get to experience their deep douse grooves that remain relevant and certain to make you move throughout the night. “This Is How We Dew” is filled with classics such as “Play the World”, aided by a sample of another house banger; River Ocean’s “Love and Happiness. “The Captain” is a deep and soulful track that instantly fills any dance floor and “Smoke” is a superb edit of the Eddie Kendricks classic. This double lp is filled with funky four to the floor beats, not to mention a snapshot of two world renowned DJ/producers and their essential contributions to House music.
Fetsum: The Colors of Hope [Sonar Kollektiv]
After listening to “The Colors Of Hope”, the debut of Sonar Kollektiv artist Fetsum this much is clear; his distinctive voice will resonate with you instantly and his poignant lyrics layered over a soulful reggae acoustic vibe will stir your consciousness and soul. Fetsum was discovered by Reggae star Patrice who soon invited him on tour and eventually to the studio where the ground works for his debut was formed. By his own admission, Fetsum aptly describes his sound as urban folk and you can’t go wrong with any of his compositions to understand why. For instance “One People” is an uplifting folk tune that depicts Fetsum as a time traveler to experience the Civil Rights period. “Divided by Thoughts” is filled with Middle Eastern rhythms and speaks of the divisiveness that permeates through the world. “Queen of My Heart” is a beautiful ballad that finds Fetsum bearing his soul about the woman who moves his heart. It’s safe to say that one listen is all it will take recognize that is an artist to keep an eye on. This is a superb record that by an emerging artist that merits your attention.
Sy Smith: Fast and Curious [Psykol Records]
Despite three impressive albums and two EPs to her credit Sy Smith has yet to receive the recognition that her body of work would suggest. Sy’s vocal talents have graced the recordings of esteemed artists like the Chaka Khan, Me’Shell N’degeocello and many more as well as a frequent contributor to the Foreign Exchange. All of her releases have been well received by her devoted fan base yet they haven’t taken off to the masses. That could very well change now with the infectious “Fast and Curious”. Mark De Clive Lowe takes hold of the production chores and provides Sy with a soulful dance sound that guarantees hip twisting and neck snapping movement. His wizardry behind the boards and on keys combined with Sy’s angelic vocals feels like the perfect marriage. The disc kicks off with the title track which is built on a mid-tempo groove and funky synths. From there the tempo builds with “Truth” but the formula of funky bass grooves and clever synth arrangements remains the same. Sy’s cover of two classic recordings is also impressive. On “Nights” (Feel like Getting Down) she’s joined by Rahsaan Patterson as they breathe life into the Billy Ocean dance hit. While on “Lovergirl” she woos her lover while flipping the Teena Marie dance track into a tender mid-tempo teaser. From start to finish this disc delivers and could easily ignite your next house party or simply quench your daily soul music thirst. Whatever the case be sure not to miss it.
Jazzanova: Funkhaus Studio Sessions [Sonar Kollektiv]
The Berlin collective known as Jazzanova have compiled a catalogue that long time veterans would trade their right arm to have in their possession and the numerous remixes and compilations is a testament to their success. Over the years they’ve evolved from creating timeless electronic grooves from the critically acclaimed “In Between” to composing timeless soul gems featured on “Off All The Things”. Now with “Funkhaus Studio Sessions” they have taken to the stage and improvise on their catalogue and display a musical side previously unheard from the group. Paul Randolph, who provided vocals to the 2009 hit “Let Me Show Ya”, revisits that tune and other recordings from the Jazzanova catalogue with startling results. Randolph’s raw emotive vocal chops resonate on several tracks like “No Use”. Originally sung by Clara Hill, Paul adds a touch of his own tenderness to this down-tempo ambient gem. Part 2 of this tune is a funkier version that demonstrates the cohesion the band has achieved from their constant touring during the past three years. “I Human” is the only original track featured here. Co-written by Randolph, It’s a light hearted tune that pokes fun at the social media world we now live in. There are many more highlights like the atmospheric “Believer”, a Randolph original from his “Lonely Eden album. The disc wraps up in grand fashion with Shaun Escoffery’s “Let Me Go”. Paul and fellow Jazzanova musicians let loose on the 2002 hit that serves as a fitting finale to a disc that deserves daily spins in your musical rotation. Simply stated it’s another superb recording by Jazzanova and one of the best lps you’ll hear this year.
Belleruche: Rollerchain [Tru Thoughts]
The London trio Belleruche returns with their fourth album and they continue to evolve with their eclectic sound that knows no boundaries. While their debut “Turntable Soul Music” was more hip-hop driven and “The Express” contained more of a bluesy vibe, “Rollerchain” is a darker and more pop influenced. Nevertheless they make it all work with strong compositions and heavy bass infused grooves courtesy of guitarist Ricky Fabulous. What really brings it all together is the soothing voice of Kathrin DeBoer and she shines on an array of blissful tunes, most notably the seductive down-tempo “Wasted Time”. Other highlights include the slow stirring “Cloverleaf” and the percolating “Limelight” will certainly delight devout listeners and entice newcomers. Belleruche’s down to earth vibe endears them to us as if they’ve been long time friends prone to random jam sessions in your backyard. You can always count on them delivering good tunes and this disc is a testament to that.
Gabriele Poso: Roots Of Soul [InfraCom]
Gabriele Poso’s sophomore release “Roots of Soul” is a wonderful record that blends Latin, African and other cultural rhythms together with sterling results, Poso is surrounded by an ensemble of multi-talented musicians that help his compositions take flight and you’re certain to enjoy the ride. For instance “Dona Flora” is a mid-tempo tune that features warm piano melodies from Giuseppe Magagnino while Poso culminates with a controlled flurry of rhythms ranging from percussions to congas and timbales. There are also a number of superb vocalists that add color to these compositions. Dionisia Cassiano vocals soar on the uplifting “With Me Come Fly” and Nailah Porter’s vocals will make you shiver on the beautiful ballad “A Night with You”. Gabriele’s debut “From The Genuine World” displayed so much promise and on “Roots Of Soul” he has definitely delivered. In turn he’s carving out his place as a superb percussionist as well as a great composer who merits serious attention.
Blundetto: Warm My Soul [Heavenly Sweetness]
Max Guiguet aka Blundetto has shown a flair for beats and rhythms. After turning heads with his 2010 release “Bad Bad Things” he returns with the superb “Warm My Soul”. Blundetto’s sophomore release is filled with jazzy tinged soulful rhythms merged with reggae beats and a talented array of vocalists. On “Hercules” Blundetto teams up with multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee to create a slow burning reggae groover highlighted by the vocals of Hugh Coltman. Rapper Aqueel drops lyrical commentary over the down-tempo “It’s All About”. Courtney Johns falsetto delights on “Treat me like that”. Overall this eleven track disc doesn’t have a weak song in sight and provides fresh arrangements to some familiar reggae grooves. Blundetto is definitely one to keep an eye on as a producer on the rise.
Pitch & Scratch: Together [Legere]
DJ Suro and Mzuzu, the duo from Hamburg known as Pitch & Scratch follow up their 2009 release “Hamburg Hustle” with another collection of rhythmic funk and soul grooves. “Together” is heavily influenced by pioneers like the JB’s and indications are they’re honed their craft well. Highlights include “Maculele” highlighted by Leila Pantel’s soothing vocals. “Breakers Delight” is a mid-tempo funk pleaser and “Get Down” is a laid back melodic tune with a jazzy groove. The funk and soul group roster is growing by the minute but as long as Pitch & Scratch are contributing grooves like these they’ll have a long term membership.