Yearly Archives: 2014

Led by bassist, composer and producer Michael League, Snarky Puppy is a soul/funk collective, who although new to me actually formed in 2004. They’ve had numerous releases, all of which have been instrumental but on Family Dinner they have enlisted the assistance of top notch vocalists to create some outstanding music. The set was recorded and filmed live at Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA in front of a select audience and this package not only includes the album but also a DVD of the performance. Free Your Dreams kicks off proceedings, a tasty organic soul groove featuring Chantae Cann before touching on other solid moments such as the moody Deep, fronted by N’Dambi and the playful Latin jazz dancer Amour T’es La? with Magda Giannikou. Lalah Hathaway revisits Brenda Russell’s Something, a song which she initially covered on her debut album back in 1990, and boy does she rip it up on this new version, performing vocal acrobatics that are quite simply mind blowing. This is soul with a capital S and deserves to be massive.

Andy Allen

Valerie June’s music is a blend of country and blues with a touch of traditional spirituals thrown in for good measure. This may not be the usual sound to feature in these pages or indeed my record collection but there’s something very special about Pushin’ Against A Stone, in particular Workin’ Woman Blues, a blistering up-tempo, jazzy country-funk outing complete with a blaring horn section. Pure magic! Also check out the laid back bluesy soul groove, Wanna Be On Your Mind and the old school soul stepper The Hour. If you are a fan of Michael Kiwanuka then this is likely to appeal.

Andy Allen

I was first introduced to deep soul vocalist Jesse James in the early 90s when I bought a copy of the brilliant I’ve Been There Before (Gunsmoke) on 45 from Birmingham’s respected soul collector and radio DJ, Mickey Nold. Jesse James actually goes back way further though and has been recording since the late 60s. On Let Me Show You, the quality UK label, Soul Junction draws together a selection of ten rare and previously unreleased tracks recorded in the 70s. I Feel Your Love Changing is an anthemic modern soul swayer as is I Gave You Love With An A Plus. Also check out his version of the brilliant Just As Long As We’re In Love written by the legendary Terry Callier and Larry Wade and previously recorded by TC himself and The (mighty) Dells. Jesse gets funky on One And Only Love and I’m In Love With Loving You, neither of which would have sounded out of place on any of Willie Hutch’s 70s albums. I Got The Feeling and Let Me Show You are classy steppers but touch down anywhere on this set and you won’t be disappointed.

Andy Allen

Time is the 4th studio album for soul poet Anthony Joseph. Produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and backed by a new band, this new project sees Anthony making a shift from the Afro-funk sound he was creating with his Spasm Band. The sound is still soulful and jazzy but takes more of a back seat in supporting the poetry and is particularly effective on the low slung space funk of Hustle To Live which has a killer popping bass line, the ambient Shine and Joy, a tasty slab of Jazz-Funk.

Andy Allen

Reissued as two separate LPs or as two albums on one CD, these rare recordings were originally only released as private pressings in late 70s. The music on display ranges from raw disco funk through to heart wrenching pop ballads, mainly fronted by a female vocalist who sounds remarkably like Minnie Ripperton. Whilst much of the material is not my bag I must draw your attention to the dance floor winner There’s A New Group In Town and the sweet sweet groove of Who Was It This Time.

Andy Allen

Far out can always be relied upon to bring us the finest in Brazilian music and this debut album from Otis Trio is no exception. Whilst the core group are indeed a trio on 74 Club they have greatly expanded the band to produce a very full jazz sound. There’s plenty of vibes on offer here which is always sure to draw me in and although there is a tendency to head off into free-jazz territory in places there are some beautiful moments. Try the brooding No Oceano and Montag’s Dream, a heady spiritual piece.

Andy Allen

Producer and mufti-instrumentalist Mike Fabs, aka Lord Echo first made his impact from his work with the reggae dub group The Black Seeds. He followed up that successful release with his sparkling debut "Melodies" in 2010 which featured some hypnotic dub beats, wicked grooves and tasty vocals as well. With his sophomore release "Curiosities" he incorporates vintage 60’s rhythms with authentic reggae grooves certain to keep your finger on the repeat button. One of those highlights include "Bohemian Idol" which features Toby Laing of Fat Freddy’s Drop on vocals. "Digital Haircut" features a wicked groove reminiscent of James Brown’s "Sex Machine". "Put It In My Head" blends reggae grooves with a disco beat. In addition, Mara TK’s velvet falsetto takes it to another level. Overall "Curiosities" demonstrates Fabs growth as a producer and a keen ear for classic grooves. Like his debut, this release is a winner and deserves a place in your playlist.

Reg Dancy

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The Parisian label Heavenly Sweetness once again have dug deep into their vaults to showcase some of the most obscure yet very stimulating Jazz compositions. "Freedom Jazz France", a collection of spiritual Jazz recordings spanning from the mid to late sixties from artists who had taken up residence in Paris for one reason or another. No matter the reason, there are timeless treasures like "Note So High", a hard bop tune that features vocals from vocalist Stella Levitt. "Colchiques" is  sublime modal jazz from organist Eddie Louiss. "La Musique d’ orphee" is celestial jazz with melodic background vocals. These recordings certainly were influenced by the burgeoning free jazz movement of the late sixties yet each artist has their own unique story to share and their impressive compositions are a testament to that. Overall this is a fascinating listen and another superb release from Heavenly Sweetness.

Reg Dancy

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Glasgow native Ray Harris has been fusing Latin grooves with Disco rhythms for a minute now. His new release "The Transitions" follows up the huge success of the Latin Dance hit "Scaramunga" and features a new set of tasty tunes to savor. Among the highlights is "Deep Down Inside", an infectious Disco tune with a catchy hook and blissful vocal arrangements. "Time Of Night" is a Latin dance track filled with live percussion and Harris applying tasty keyboard riffs. "Lose And Find Yourself" is an another winner that starts out as a down-tempo instrumental with Harris providing jazzy synths and closes with warm melodic vocal harmonies. Although only eight tracks, "The Transitions" lush arrangements and engaging rhythms solidifies him as one of the premier Latin dance producers on the scene today.

Reg Dancy

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Funk, Brass and Groove are just a few ways to describe the sound of the Hackney Colliery Band but their sound doesn’t end there. They have managed to combine elements of Punk, Afro-beat  and Hip-Hop into their sound with a high degree of success. Ever since they emerged in 2008 their brand of Brass has fused the aforementioned sounds into the London underground music aesthetic. Their latest release, "Common Decency" was recorded live and takes another step forward in their evolving sound. Among the highlights is "Creeping Around After Dark", a tune with a nod to Afro-beat rhythms and swinging horns. "Dead Dialogue" features plenty more funky horns as well as Luke Christie’s spirited work on High Hat and Cymbals. Other treats include "Is Your Love Big Enough?", "Superhero Disco" and the crowd favorite "Prodigy Medley". All in all this is an entertaining and energetic record that will provide definite satisfaction. There’s a surge of Brass Bands emerging all over the globe. With HCB’s British blend of Brass with a touch of Balkan flavor they’re certain to stand out amongst the pack.

Reg Dancy

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Bastard Jazz delivers a second installment of Tempo Dreams, this time enlisting the talents of Bay area funkateers DJ/Producer Teeko and B. Bravo. Together they create an lp filled with electro-funk jams reminiscent of the eighties funk revolution. Highlights include  Don’t Stop", a wicked bass heavy tune with spacey synths. "Come Too Far" eases along with a laid back groove and features the deep bass vocals of Black Spade. "Back To The Mitten" is another funky gem with sweet synths augmented by Tony Ozier holding down the vocals. Teeko’s production is solid throughout and the vocal arrangements are on point. There’s a new generation of funk enthusiasts on the scene delivering the funk and Teeko and B. Bravo are two of many newcomers doing their part to push it along. Much to our delight.

Reg Dancy

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Long before "Rap Album One", Jon Wayne showcased his skills as a producer with the instrumental album "Bowser" as well his three "Cassette" mixtape series. So it’s no surprise to find him successfully performing dual roles on his Stones Throw debut. JonWayne’s dark yet introspective lyrics serves as an open book that reveals a man with a plan who has little time for playing the fake thug role. This is evident on the track like"Find Me In The Future". where he states "You won’t find me doing those silly dances with the proverbial gun to my face. This ain’t Kansas!". On "You Can Love Me When I’m Dead" he displays his lyrical skills and art of story telling over a chilling chopped up piano sample. Other highlights include "Black Magic" and "The Come Up". "Rap Album One" succeeds due to JonWayne’s ability to wax poetic on his story as opposed to rehashing tired cliches. For hip-hop heads who can appreciate lyrical skills and tight production, he’s certainly worth checking out.

Reg Dancy

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