Home » 2014 (Page 3)
Yearly Archives: 2014
Various Artists: The Boogie Vol 4 [Tokyo Dawn]
"The Boogie" Vol.4 is a gathering of funk heavyweights from the consistently productive Tokyo Dawn label. Each artists sprinkles their personal brand of funk and the result is seventy plus minutes of infectious funk. Among those heavyweights is UK soul man Omar who provides two tracks here. "My Prediction" and "Do What I Do", the former is remixed with wicked synths courtesy of Opolopo. Equally impressive was Reggie-B’s space age funk in the form of "Do You Wanna Ride?". "Welcome To Me" from Amalia’s sorely underrated "Art Slave" is full of soaring vocals and deep grooves. Other highlights include Personal Life’s "One Step Closer", Soul Parlor’s "Hybrid Funk and much more. Make no mistake, this is the disc you need if you want to have a funky good time.
Guida De Palma and Jazzinho: Veludo [Toca Piano Fala Frances]
Guida de Palma & Jazzinho aren’t strangers to Latin Jazz rhythms as their catalog would strongly suggest . Their latest release, "Veludo" is a testament to that with nine sublime compositions that range from Guida’s Portuguese roots to soul jazz rhythms with warm and dreamy melodies. That combination is evident on the opening track "A Seed In You", a simmering tune highlighted by the incomparable Leon Ware, who knows a thing or two about romantic lyrics. "Papao", Portuguese for Bogeyman is funky organ flavored Samba goodness. "Whispers In The Darkness" is a sensual ballad with strings. Written and produced by De Palma this is a enjoyable record that combines Guida’s lush vocal harmonies and Jazzinho’s strong instrumentation. A perfect record to soothe your mind and warm your soul.
Slakah The Beatchild: Soul Movement 2 [Beatchild]
There are a number of credible beatmakers out there but when it comes to merging hypnotic beats and soulful rhythms few do it as well as Slakah The Beatchild. The Toronto native returns with Volume 2 of "Soul Movements" and like "Vol.1" features an array of talented vocalists also from Toronto to lift these tracks to greater heights. Among the guests is Glenn Lewis who croons over the piano driven "Number 1". On "Keep Up" songstress Ayah and Slakah venture into Deep House territory while maintaining their signature soulful sound. "Love Fool" is filled with wicked guitar rhythms and highlighted by the stirring vocals of Tamika Charles. Slakah knows the value of a tasty groove to keep the disc bumping throughout no matter what the tempo might be. There’s no sophomore jinx here, just another superb record..
The New Mastersounds: Therapy [Legere Recordings]
The New Mastersounds return with their ninth studio album, "Therapy". Their twelve track disc is packed with infectious tunes that embrace their Soul jazz sound. The multinational band originally from Leeds England formed by Guitarist/Producer Eddie Roberts come out of the gate sizzling. The opening track "Old Man Noises", is a organ filled funk tune with percussive rhythms. "Morning Fly" and "WW III" have a heavy jazz foundation, in pert due to Roberts sparkling guitar rhythms. Newcomer Kim Dawson adds her sultry voice to the tasty tune "I Want You To Stay". Other notable selections are "Soul Sista" and "Treasure". Roberts continues to deliver recordings that lean on the soul jazz recordings of the sixties yet sound fresh and relevant today.
Nick Pride and The Pimptones: Reduced Phat Shake [Legere Recordings]
"Reduced Phat Shake", the latest release from Nick Pride & The Pimptones is filled with their signature formula of Northern UK soul that would make vintage Motown lovers swoon. There’s plenty of tasty soulful teasers to get your motor running to the dance floor. "Take Care Of My Love" is a high energy dance number highlighted by the vocals of Susan Hamilton. Other vocal contributors include Courtney Valecia on the ultra funky "It’s A Love Thing" and the slow burning "Hex On My Soul". "Walkin’ Out The Door" is an infectious Blues tune sung by Lyndon Anderson. With an assortment of instrumental tracks like "Soul Food Strutt" and "Non Stop", "Reduced Phat" delivers with an album filled with soulfully deep and satisfying recordings that are light on filler yet heavy on grooves to keep your body shaking to the beat.
Various Artists: Americana Rock Your Soul Vol 2 [BBE]
Zaf Chowdhry and Mark Taylor, soul music connoisseurs return with their second installment of the "Americana – Rock Your Soul" series. Volume two continues with another collection of rare unreleased material from the 70’s and 80’s. Just like Vol.1 there are a few hidden gems, however this collection is a bit more upbeat and engaging than Vol.1. That’s quite evident by the opening track "There’s A New Group In Town", by A Breakaway. "Vaya Mulata" by Luc Cusineau is laid back funk with a stirring touch of the Wah Wah guitar. "Give It To You" is sweet atmospheric Disco by RCR. Jaye P. Morgan delivers a smooth ballad with an eighties vibe complete with soothing vocals and synths on "Here Is Where Love Belongs". Overall this is a much more enjoyable set than Vol.1. While they’re aren’t any knockout tracks, there’s enough to keep you entertained for the journey through the archives of the Black American songbook.
Various Artists: Lets Boogaloo Vol 6 [Record Kicks]
"Let’s Boogaloo", presented by Dean Rudland is a celebration of the storied legacy 60’s Latin Music. With most of the music produced by Bobby Marin, Vol. 6 features rare and unreleased material that originated out of East Harlem, the birthplace of the burgeoning Nuyorican sound. There’s plenty to savor here starting with the opener, The Machito Orchestra’s stirring rendition of Sam & Dave’s "Hold On I’m Coming". The Ocho Band, led by Chico Mendoza is a simmering Latin Jazz tune that was produced Marin. "There’s No Other Girl" is a slow burning number by The Latin Chords. Heavily influenced by the music of James Brown and Jackie Wilson, Marin’s fusion of soulful RnB and Latin rhythms still resonate today. This disc is a wonderful reminder of where it all started.
Algebra Blessett: Recovery [BBE]
Five years after her debut, Algebra Blessett returns with "Recovery". This fourteen track release showcases Algebra’s broad range with a mix of soulful bass heavy tracks, acoustic tunes and some tasty ballads to balance everything out. "Right Next To You" and "Nobody But You" are filled with thick beats and certain to keep your head on a steady nod. "Writers Block" is a tender tune that finds Algebra wrestling with penning a love song while managing her own emotions. "Better For Me" is a bittersweet ballad where she laments about the unfulfilled dreams of a lost relationship. Indeed Algebra’s superb songwriting skills combined with tight production leads to an entertaining record that serves notice that quality RnB is alive and well.
Shez Raja: Soho Live [33 Records]
You might be familiar with the Shez Raja Collective from his impressive record "Mystic Radikal". ."Soho Live", is the bass guitarist latest recording and it’s an all-star jam session focusing on atmospheric soulful jazz compositions. Raja’s funky bass rhythms set the tone for his accomplished guests to stretch out and they do exactly that. "Karmic Flow" showcases Violinist Pascal Roggins, who creates wonderful melodies throughout the disc. Soweto Kinch drops by and delivers spirited hip-hop rhymes as well. "Eastern Revolution" is another banger filled with slow burning grooves and Middle Eastern rhythms that features Aaron Liddard’s scorching sax solo. Monika Lidke provides vocal phrasings to compliment Raja’s funky bass licks on "Chakras On The Wall". With other notable appearances like Andy Phelps and Shabaka Hutchings, the latter appearing on "Adrenalize", "Soho Live" is certain to provide a funky good time.
Herb Geller: An American In Hamburg: The View From Here [Tramp Records]
An appropriate title for this set by jazz saxophonist Herb Geller, who was indeed an American living and working in Hamburg. Originally released in Germany on Nova in 1975, with a condensed version re-titled Rhyme & Reason issued on Atlantic for the US market the same year, this album has long been in demand, mainly due to the appearance of legendary vocalist Mark Murphy on three tracks. Space A La Mode is probably the most well known of these due to it’s inclusion on a rather suspect looking compilation back in the early 90s but the other Murphy fronted tunes, Sudden Senility and The Power Of A Smile are also wonderful examples of vocal fusion which journey through varying tempos and moods. Earl Jordan is a vocalist I can find very few other recordings by but he puts in a strong performance on the funked up Rhyme & Reason. Tidal Wave, an instrumental dancer is also worthy of note and as for the rest of the album it is made up of instrumental versions of the four vocal tracks.
Michael Garrick Sextet: Prelude to Heart Is A Lotus [Gearbox Records]
In 1970 the late, great pianist Michael Garrick released The Heart Is A Lotus on Argo, featuring vocalist Norma Winstone. Previously unreleased, Prelude to Heart Is A Lotus was recorded two years earlier for a BBC radio broadcast and includes three titles from that 1970 release but without Norma. The set does however feature other British jazz royalty, Don Rendell and Ian Carr on saxophone/flute and trumpet respectively. It opens with the title track, a modal masterpiece with Garrick playing harpsichord, which adds an unusual but compelling flavour. The spiritual Temple Dancer takes on an Eastern mood and Song By The Sea is a beautiful gentle piece laced with flute and delicate piano work. Although these are the standout moments for me, this album will serve as a welcome addition for any collector of British jazz.
Zara McFarlane: If You Knew Her [Brownswood Recordings]
UK jazz vocalist Zara McFarlane made waves with her 2011 debut Until Tomorrow and her new album, If You Knew Her is even stronger. Angie La La is the first track to grab my attention, a firing dancer which sees Zara using an impressive vocal technique which comes off like a warbling bird. It also features trumpeter/vocalist Lebron Thomas whose rich baritone vocal delivery interplays with Zara’s voice beautifully. There’s a delightful take on Junior Murvin’s reggae classic Police & Thieves, plus the stunning waltz The Games We Played on which Zara is accompanied by piano only. It’s so simple but so powerful it stopped me in my tracks. In a similar vein and with the same impact is Love, the album’s closing track, but touch down anywhere on this set and you’re in for a real treat.
Mighty Mighty: See The Light [Schema Records]
Whilst I am a big fan of the Schema label, in more recent times I feel they haven’t been quite as consistent. With See The Light however, the debut from Helsinki based jazz sextet, the label is again right on point. Led by pianist Kari Setala, who produced and wrote the majority of the material here, Mighty Mighty really kick from the offset with top class dancers such as Backyard Boogie, Dark Sun, Karma, Time’s Up, a version of Stevie Wonder’s Too High plus the title track. Simba sees the band move into Headhunters territory, producing a great slab of spacey jazz-funk but they are equally adept on the down tempo cuts as evidenced on Once Again and the fusion excursion Seventh Sign. A very strong album!
Teotima: Counting The Ways [First Word]
First Word was started back in 2003 by DJ Gilla (Aly Gillani) & Andy H in my home city of Leeds and has since developed into a widely respected and diverse label. Their latest release, Counting The Ways by Teotima, a fourteen piece ensemble put together and headed by guitarist and composer Greg Sanders is a real treasure. Horns and swirling strings wrap around soul, jazz, Latin and African rhythms to create an intoxicating mix. Vocalist Ellie Rose Rusbridge adds her haunting folky styling to the wonderful title track and Orange Lamps, both of which are my personal favourites but not to be overlooked are Nearly Everything which has Afro-beat undercurrents and the funky Gloves Off. This album is up there with the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra and The Heritage Orchestra!
Sandra St. Victor: Oya’s Daughter [Shanachie]
Sandra St. Victor first came to my attention back in 1990 as the vocalist for The Family Stand who recorded the huge club soul track Ghetto Heaven. Although her debut solo album Mack Diva Saves The World was released in 1996, her recording output has unfortunately been slim with Oya’s Daughter marking only her third offering in thirteen years. It’s been well worth the wait though. Produced by Mark de Clive-Lowe this is an edgy future soul outing with Ms St. Victor’s raw vocals sounding as strong as ever. The bounce of What Have We Learned Pt.1 is certainly one of the highlights as is Another Kind Of Diva (Success Hooker) and Grateful with its’ heavy synth stabs. Even better though are Spirit Talk and I Prefer (Oya) but unfortunately both are under three minutes long which just isn’t long enough for grooves this good! A 12” with extended versions of these two tracks would be nice, please!