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Yearly Archives: 2016
David Nesselhauf: Afrokraut [Legere Recordings]
Producer and multi-instrumentalist David Nesselhauf latest release pays homage to the 70s period in German music known as “Afrokraut” This era fuses 70s Afro beat rhythms and German rock elements. Nesselhauf’s infectious compositions pay immediate dividends here. The opening track “Boat Mama” has a funky albeit relaxed groove enhanced by cosmic guitar rhythms. “Come Along Bintang Bolong” features a spirited groove plus vocals from Amadou Bah and fellow Diazpora drummer Lucas Kochbeck “A Route Obscure” is layered with sublime keys and ethereal synths. This is a atmospheric journey that will arouse your curiosity to seek more music from this forgotten period.
My Trippin Mojo: Edda’s Garden [Resistant Mindz]
“Edda’s Garden” is mellow soul from My Trippin Mojo. The Leipzig Germany based band’s debut recording is rooted in funky horns, wah wah rhythms and soothing vocals courtesy of Sabrina Bornmann. Among the highlights are the laid back “Unconditional Love”, filled with Bornmann’s warm vocals and Christopher Mengel’s psychedelic guitar rhythms. “My World” is a slow burning dim the lights soul with soothing horns. “Nice Grits and Cool Cars” and “One For sue” are funky instrumentals. Bassist Johannes Riedel recorded the band in his analog studio and the result is vintage 70s soul with just enough grit that will transport you back in time. A splendid debut from a band whose mojo will certainly get your groove on.
Bahama Soul Club: Havana 58 [Buyu]
The fourth release from the Bahama Soul Club builds on the legacy of their previous release “The Cuban Tapes” “Havana 58” fuses the Latin and Bossa rhythms of the past with the vibrant sounds of today. Some of Cuba finest vocalists and musicians are on board to add a bit of spice to an array of engaging compositions. Olvido Ruiz, the lead singer of the Bahama Soul Club showcases her range on three tracks. “Let God” is bluesy soul and “Muevelo Papi” boasts an infectious samba groove. Sexto Sentido, Cuba’s premier vocal quartet shines on several tracks as well. “Meyer Lansky” features the quartet’s warm harmonies over a seductive piano groove and hypnotic drum snare. “Tropicana Flight” shows they’re equally adept at turning up the tempo on this guitar thumping boogie tune. “Havana 58” is poised to transport you to a musical culture that filled with generations of great music. You’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.
Various Artists: Down n Wired [Perfect Toy]
“Down & Wired Vol. 1” is a collection of dusty grooves compiled by the Germany based Perfect Toy label. There’s a number of hidden gems here for the raw soul enthusiast “Tragedy” is up-tempo funk and the only song released by The Revised Brotherhood. “Going West” is a gritty guitar and organ grinding soul jazz gem. “Chain” is slow burning funk filled with blistering horns. While there were a number of funk and soul heavyweight groups during the seventies there were many groups that fell through the cracks. Thankfully we have labels like Perfect Toy to make sure they remain relevant.
Amp Fiddler: Motor City Booty [Midnight Riot]
Detroit native and veteran funkmaster Amp Fiddler has been a pioneer in the Motor City for over twenty years. The keyboardist/producer’s resume includes a ten year stint in George Clinton’s band as well as working with everyone from Moodyman to Maxwell. Released on Yam Who?’s Midnight Riot label, “Motor City Booty” is a 11 track dance floor burner that showcases his distinctive sound of formulaic funk and soul. Among the highlights are “Superficial” filled with soulful dance grooves peppered with funky keys and percussion. “Soul Fly Pt. 1” is vintage 60s soul while Pt. 2 is a pulsating party house groove. Both versions as well as other tracks here feature the sultry vocal trio Dames Brown as well as contributions from Nico Redd and Alena. Fiddler’s myriad of infectious grooves are synonymous with the Detroit sound and ensures you’ll have a funky good time throughout this enjoyable disc.
Jazz Chronicles: Living In The Past [Futuristica]
“Living In The Past” is the third release from Jazz Chronicles aka DJ/Producer Simon S. Simon has created an array of emotive soul jazz compositions fused with hip-hop beats and infectious grooves. There is much to savor here starting with the opener. “Drift” is an ethereal tune filled with warm harmonic rhythms courtesy of Jon Lloyd on Bass Clarinet and Flutist Rachel Grennell. “Lately” is a sweet down-tempo tune layered warm chords and features the sublime vocals of Nicola Kramer. Potent rhymes from rapper Jack Jones grace the bumpin track “Serious”. A blissful collection that emanates good vibrations and warms the spirit from start to finish. Simply stated another superb release from his Futuristica label
After Altamont: An Animal Orchestra [After Altamont]
“An Animal Orchestra”, is the debut from the London based group After Altamont. The seven track disc is an amalgamation of dreamy folk, electronica and live instrumentation. Founder Stavros Potamitis experimentation with electronics began during his early DJ tenure across Europe. From there he moved to London and cut his teeth with production and sound engineering. His myriad of skills play dividends on this ambitious record. Among the highlights are “K-Band” featuring Shawni “Roots” featuring Kevin Davy White on vocals. “Yellow Circus” filled with haunting rhythms is spacious and dense. Potamitis’s ethereal compositions augmented by enchanting vocals result in deeply satisfying listen.
Clara Moreno: Samba Esquema Novo [Far Out]
You can say that Clara Moreno’s career as a vocalist was destiny. She is after all the daughter of Joyce Moreno and Nelson Angelo are two of Brazil’s most treasured stars. Clara’s seventh lp “Samba Eequema Novo” is a reboot of Jorge Ben’s 1963 lp. Among the highlights are a down-tempo version of the classic “Mas Que Nada”. “Vem Moreno Vem”, is a sweet duet with Wilson Simoninha. Bassist Thiago Alves haunting bass sets the mood for Moreno’s sultry vocals on “Quero Esquecer Voce”. The musicians here are part of Moreno’s touring band and the familiarity pays dividends. Pianist Joao Cristal imposes a gentle and enchanting sound while Trombonist Paulo Malheiros horn arrangements are sublime. Moreno not only capture the spirit of Benoir’s work but breathes new life into these timeless recordings. Once again Far Out recordings has released a beautiful slice of Brazil that you need in your collection
Ross Mc Henry: Child Of Somebody [First Word]
Ross Mc Henry is demonstrating that he is not only a monster bass player but a superb composer as well. “Child Of Somebody”, his latest solo release is a reflection of his thoughts on the events in the world today. This wonderful record filled with sublime yet ambitious compositions, brilliant soloing and a premiere lineup of musicians. “Sketch” displays elegant synergy between Mc Henry and guitarist Dylan Marshall playfully exchanging licks before creating a passage for flutist Tivon Pennicott. “Month Vortex” features warm chords from Pianist Mark De Clive Lowe and Duane Eubanks beautiful phrasings on Trumpet. “Clean Break”, an ode to Ornette Coleman once again finds Marshall out front accompanied by atmospheric horn arrangements. Pennicott featured throughout leads an impressive horn section that also includes NYC residents Corey King on Trombone and Marcus Strickland on tenor sax. As enjoyable as his last album was, Mc Henry has truly out done himself here.
The Tibbs: Takin Over [Record Kicks]
Record Kicks has proven time and again to be a haven for quality funk and soul music. The latest addition to their roster is the Amsterdam based group The Tibbs. After self releasing an EP in 2014 they’re poised to garner a larger audience with their debut “Takin’ Over”. The eight piece band demonstrate that they can lay down some tasty grooves while lead vocalist Elsa Bekman lights a fire under every tune. “Dog Days” is a fiery tune filled spirited guitars licks from Henk Kemkes. “Until We Meet Again” is a slow burning dim the lights ballad. Guitarist Henk Kemkes spirited guitar licks add a little spice on the classic “96 Tears”. Tight horn arrangements and heartfelt lyrics make The Tibbs an emerging band with plenty of soul to help you get your groove on.
Resolution 88: Afterglow [Splash Blue ]
Resolution 88 is a four piece band from London led by composer and keyboardist Tom O’Grady. “Afterglow” their second full length LP builds on their brand of jazz tinged funk styling with impressive results. Among the highlights are “three Four Or More”. filled with O’Grady’s spacey keys and funky bass grooves from Tiago Coimbra. “Raios Do Sol” embodies the Brazilian heritage of bassist Coimbra with warm and melodic rhythms. “Phantom Of The Oberheim” is another winner. Drummer Ric Elsworth lays down a funky rhythm and provides plenty of space for O’Grady’s spacey keys and Alex Hitchcock’s riffs on bass clarinet. Inspired by projects like Herbie Hancock’s “Headhunters” and Asymuth, this is an engaging slice of fusion filled with catchy hooks and funky riffs in abundance.
Various Artists: Chris Sullivan presents: The Wag Iconic tunes 1983-1987 [Harmless Records]
“Iconic tunes from the Wag Club 1983-1987” pays homage to legendary London nightclub. A collection of funk, Disco and rare grooves has been spread across four discs by Wag founder Chris Sullivan. For those who may not have had the pleasure of gracing the club’s dance floor will certainly recognize a number of these prime cuts. Gil Scott Heron’s “17th Street” and James Brown’s “The Boss” are some of the funky selections from disc one. “Life On Mars” and “Hijack”,are two sizzling Disco tracks from the seventies from Dexter Wansel and Herbie Mann respectively. There’s a few notable soul jazz gems such as Listen Here” by Eddie Harris and Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s “Making Love After Hours”. “Go Bang” by Dinosaur L (Arthur Russell) is a timeless classic that still fills a dance floor. A compilation packed with well over fifty tunes will transport you to a time and place where a diverse group of people gathered for good vibes and good music. You may not ever attended the club but after listening you will wish you did.
Paper Tiger: Blast Off [Wah Wah 45s]
Paper Tiger is a six piece band out of Leeds that made quite a splash with their 2013 debut “Laptop Suntan”. Their second LP entitled “Blast Off” picks up where they left off with funky futuristic hip-hop beats and layered electronic production augmented by edgy lyrics from the band’s leader and lyricist Raphael Attar. In addition the group has enlisted an eclectic array of guests whose talents mesh seamlessly with their sound. Among the highlights are the intergalactic funk gem “Weight In Space” featuring Shafiq Husayn. “Same Mistakes” is filled with off kilter beats and synths. “Ooh” features heralded Stones Throw member Pyramid Vritra spitting over an obscure beat.The disc closes with “Ongami Sessions”, featuring red hot rapper Chester Watson displaying his monotone flow over laid back moody rhythms. The expansive layers of beats and synths will make you move and doesn’t let up. You won’t complain, instead you’ll just keep coming back for more. Another impressive release from the superb Wah Wah 45s label.
Nick Pride And The Pimptones: Go Deep [Legere Recordings]
“Go Deep” is the third overall album and second on Legere recordings from Nick Pride & The Pimptones. Their impressive debut displayed a band heavy on instrumentation and capable of bridging the gap between jazz and soul. On this release they’ve totally focused on funk and soul grooves with impressive results. Beth Macari, who appeared on one track from their previous release “Reduced Phat Shake” has become the full time vocalist on all tracks here and that proves to be a great move. Her sultry vocals make an impact right from the start with “What The Heart Wants”. a slow grinding soul tune made to order for a dim light basement party. “Give It To Me” kicks off with a seductive bass groove complemented by funky horns. “Good Day” is a sun drenched feel good tune certain to lift your spirits.Pride, who arranged all ten tracks sought for a deep soul recording and hits the mark.A deeply satisfying record for funk and soul lovers to play again and again.
Various Artists: The Boogie Vol. 5 [Tokyo Dawn]
Tokyo Dawn, the Munich based record label has become a boogie wonderland for today’s forward thinking artists around the globe for delivering futuristic funk and infectious boogie grooves. Volume five from the long running compilation doesn’t disappoint as it features an eclectic lineup. One of the exciting newcomers on the scene today is Teeko. The creative turntablist displays his wizardry on the thumping bass and funk tune “The Hot”. If you like your funk with a heavy serving of grit and grime then you’ll definitely enjoy “Databan” from Reggie B. Kaidi Tatham brings his twisted brand of funk and electronica to the remix of Ruth Koleva’s “What Am I supposed To Do”.Other notable mentions include Matt Matix, Soulpersona and Steve Arrington. Is there any wonder that year after year, “The Boogie” ranks in the upper echelon as one of the best long running compilations to date? There shouldn’t be.