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Yearly Archives: 2018
Otis Sandsjo: Y-OTIS [Wejazz]
This is the debut album from Swedish native and Berlin based Saxophonist Otis Sandsjo. “Y-OTIS” is filled with dazzling compositions built around wobbly polyrhythms and electronics. Bassist Frans Petter Eldh, who also produced the album knows how to shake things up end move in an exploratory direction. On engaging tracks like “Yung” and “BOO!”, Sandsjo’s melodic riffs meld seamlessly with glorious interaction from pianist Elias Stemeseder. “Sun Sun” is another abstract tune that kicks off with heavy beats from drummer Tilo Weber followed by hazy horn riffs and imaginative keys. Each member of this quartet has received their share of praise from the jazz community but they’re unafraid to soar beyond the boundaries. This is a creative gem that you shouldn’t miss.
Waaju: Waaju [Olindo Records]
Waaju is a quintet specializing in Afro Caribbean funk with a touch of jazz. The London based band have collaborated with a number of acts like Ashley Henry, Jordan Rakei and others. Although it’s only an ep with five tracks they leave a lasting impression with infectious compositions and sparkling performances. The energetic opening track “Ali’s Mall”is filled with pulsating percussion and warm guitar arrangements. It’s also a nod to Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure, a huge influence on the band. The polyrhythmnic “Kaolack” has sketches of dub and features sparkling cerebral electric guitar playing from Tal Janes. “Waaju” is filled with spirited percussion from Ernesto Marichales. Sam Rapley’s Tenor sax is also a highlight. One can only hope that this is just the appetizer and a full length lp will be forthcoming. It should be a certainty based on the strength of this engaging record.
Chip Wickham: Shamal Wind [Lovemonk]
With “Shamal Wind” flutist/saxophonist Chip Wickham draws inspiration from Arabian influences. Specifically Doha, a land rooted in ancient cultures and a destination for him to recover from throat Cancer. A new perspective on life inspires him to release five albums within the next five years. For now let’s just enjoy this engaging record. Recorded in Madrid, Wickham’s band is comprised of musicians from Spain as well as the UK who were part of the soul jazz circuit he helped cultivate from years past. On the sublime title “Shamal Wind”, Wickham’s warm touch receives harmonic support from Ton Risco on vibes. “Snake Eyes” is a explosive tune that showcases Wickham’s fluttering expressive flute and Phil Wilkinson’s prowess on keys. Matthew Halsall jumps aboard and combines warm melodies on the splendid modal ballad “The Mirage”. Wickham is following the lineage of Spiritual jazz multi-instrumentalists like Yusef Lateef and Sahib Shihab. It’s a blessing that he’s restored his health and contributing superb compositions once again.
Emanative: Earth [Jazzman]
Nick Woodmansey aka Emanative’s 2009 release “Space” was a celestial beauty of cosmic compositions. That astral journey would lead to “The Light Years Of The Darkness”, the first release for the Steve Reid Foundation. Through that project he would connect with a number of like minded musicians that would inspire a deeper dive into his spirituality, which brings us to “Earth”. Emanative’s latest release focuses on African, Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Among the highlights are “Heaven’s Mirror”, enhanced by The Pyramids Idris Ackamoor’s psychedelic horn riffs and David Molina’s deep bass grooves. “Iyaami” sets the tone with a five minute balafon solo before seguing into a slow simmering Afrobeat groove for vocalist Dele Sosimi. “Sandhyavandanam” is a meditative tune with a hypnotic bass and Tabla rhythms. Nat Birchall contributes his tenor sax melodies to “Spice Route Suite” and “Reflection”. The latter features heavenly vocal harmonies from Liz Elensky. Other notable contributors throughout this disc include Jessica Lauren, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Ben Hadwen and Ahu just to name a few. Woodmansey set a high bar with his previous projects yet he has easily surpassed them with a tremendous record.
Nicola Conte: Let Your Light Shine On [MPS ]
Once known as simply a DJ/Producer, Nicola Conte has turned himself into a credible guitarist as well. “Let Your Light Shine On”, his first release for MPS records showcases his own playing along with his band Spiritual Galaxy. The band members are a accomplish group who are joined by an A-list of guest stars. Together they blaze through an array of jazz infused Afro soul compositions. Trombonist Glantuca Petrella’s coloring behind the beautiful vocals of Bridgette Amofah on the sun drenched “Space Dimensions” is a delight. Another lovely voice, Zara Mac Farlane serenades us with her tender vocals on the soulful sublime “Ogun”. “Mystic Revolution” and “Me Do Wo” are two mellow Afrobeat tunes that feature trumpeter Theo Coker and alto saxophonist Logan Richardson. Every track stands on it’s own and worth playing throughout. Conte’s sparkling release emanates positive vibes during restless times and makes for a joyful listen.
Jake Mason: Stranger In The Mirror [Soul Messin]
Jake Mason previously occupied the Organ chair for the funk group Cookin’ On 3 Burners steps out on his own with his full length debut. “Stranger In The Mirror” is a blues rooted soul jazz Organ trio made famously by stalwarts such as Jimmy Smith and Jack Mc Duff. The ten track disc is filled primarily with laid back swaying soul grooves but some tasty funky numbers as well. Mason and company dial it up on the hot buttered track “Rib Eye”. Guitarist James Sherlock stretches out but leaves room for guest saxophonist Paul Williamson to shine. They ease up on the gas with the burnin ballad “People Two & One”. They close out with the toe tappin’ “Candy Smack”, ensuring that everyone’s having a groovin’ good time. This trio has played together for more than 20 years and are having as much fun as ever. You’re certain to enjoy the ride as well.
Uniting Of Opposites: Ancient Lights [Tru Thoughts]
Uniting of Opposites is the trio of Tim Liken, Clem Alford and Ben Hazelton. “Ancient Lights” blends electronica with classical Middle Eastern rhythms and the results are quite enjoyable. The opener “Mint” is a spirited tune that features Idris Rahman on Clarinet. Rahman’s phrasings figure prominently on The title track which includes Marcina Arnold on vocals. “Dr Roach” is a drum, bass and clarinet interplay where Rahman’s solos dance around drummer Eddie Hick’s energetic rhythms. “Car Number 27” and “The Uniting Of Opposites” are more traditional Indian meditative compositions that feature Manjeet Singh Rasiya on Tabla and Alford on the Sitar. Overall the trio’s modernistic take pays dividends and breathes new life into the rich Indian musical legacy.
The Magnificent Tape Band: The Subtle Art Of Distraction [ATA Recordds]
The Magnificent Tape Band is made up of ATA Records founders Neil Innes & Pete Williams. Their eight track lp is psychedelic soul filled with sophisticated compositions and arrangements. Top that off with the powerful soulful vocals of Sheffield born Rachel Modest and you have a recording that would fit alongside the 60s Stax recordings. The disc kicks off with “Let The Church Say”, stirring organ grinding ballad that showcases her gospel roots. “When I Saw You” is another soul ballad where Modest’s falsetto is complemented by Gareth Wilkin’s heavenly harp melodies. “Not That Kind Of Woman” is filled with sublime strings and hypnotic guitar rhythms. Modest’s falsetto will evoke images of Russell Tompkins Jr of the Stylistics but she clearly has her own sound. This is a tremendous debut and a must have for fans of classic soul.
Joe Armon-Jones: Starting Today [Brownswood]
There’s a wave of up and coming UK musicians interconnected and revitalizing the Jazz scene. They’re not subscribing to the jazz genre but pushing the boundaries in all matter of styles. Right in the middle of it all is pianist Joe Armon-Jones. Jones last appeared with the Ezra Collective and more recently the Brownswood compilation “We Out Here” which featured Nubya Garcia, drummer Moses Boyd and other newcomers. With his full length debut he’s ready to take center stage. Jones opens up with the scorching title track “Starting Today”. Joined by roots reggae poet Asheber, Jones dynamic flurries on Fender Rhodes are accompanied by Garcia on tenor sax and trumpeter Dylan Jones. They shift gears on “Mollison Dub”, a blissed out dub groove named after Ezra Collective Saxophonist James Mollison. Mollison pairs with fellow tenor Garcia on the track as well. David Mrakpor adds warm rumbling bass lines over Jones’s chords. “London’s Face” is a spirited tune that features drummers Boyd and Kwake Bass along with Oscar Jerome on vocals. This is a superb demonstration of Jones wide musical palette, not to mention his deft touch on the keys. You’ll want to seek out his other collaborations but only after repeated listens of this enjoyable record.
Space Ghost: Endless Light [Tartelet]
Oakland producer Space Ghost’s second lp “Endless Light” is an amalgamation of 80s synth grooves sprinkled over melodic tempos ranging from funk to house. “Color Waves” is mid-tempo cosmic funk with sparse drum programming and synths. On standout tracks “Following A Vision” and “Eyes Closed”, Ghost developes a pattern of building a house tempo before settling back into mellow atmospheric beats and synths. “Strong Heart” is a dreamy down-tempo voyage that features him on the vocoder. Space Ghost cultivates his own sound with this release by pushing the boundaries of soul, ambience and electronica. In a crowded electronic field he’s emerging as a standout.
Space Invadas: Wild World [Invada Records]
Hard to believe it’s been seven years since Steve Spacek and Ashley Anderson aka Katalyst last appeared on the scene. That doesn’t seem to matter for the duo known as Space Invadas are as sharp as ever. With their new lp “Wild World” Katalyst lays the foundation with classic soul inspired samples with an analog sound and beats tailor made for Spacek’s falsetto vocals. That’s apparent right out the gate with “Welcome”. Katalyst laces the track with heavy beats for Spacek and Melbourne vocalist Natalie Slade’s sweet soulful vocals to soar. The title track is a hip-hop soulful banger where rapper Remi and spacek wax poetic about the state of affairs in the world today. “Don’t Ever Look Back” has a percussion filled Latin vibe while “Say Something” is a mellowed out love song. This is a tightly produced lp with twelve strong tracks. Katalyst has distinguished himself as a premier producer while Spacek’s recognizable voice is always a delight. These two make quite a team and it’s great to have them back.
The New Mastersounds: Renewable Energy [One Note Records]
Not resting on their laurels, The New Mastersounds continue to push the envelope towards crafting jazz infused funk and soul. They used two sessions to complete this record spending time in New Orleans once again and Denver Colorado. There’s a couple tracks reminiscent of the trademark Mastersound but the emphasis here is more on laid back soulful grooves. Evidence lies in the aptly titled “Pudding Pie and “Living That Jazz Life”. On the former, guitarist Eddie Roberts lays down an easy like Sunday morning type of groove made for finger poppin’. Keyboardist Joe Tatton chips in with some sweet swaying melodies. “Gonna Be Just Me” is an up-tempo burner that features Adryon De Leon from the LA funk band Orgone. The mellow finale “Swimming With My Fishes” glides into the sunset thanks in part to Mike Olmos and Joe Cohen of The West Coast Horns. Sometimes you want to get up and have a funky good time. Other times you want to lean back and enjoy the groove. Whatever you choose just make sure you bring this quartet along with you. They won’t disappoint you.
Jessica Lauren: Almeria [Freestyle]
“Almeria”, a province of Spain is scenic, sublime and a natural paradise not known to everyone. For pianist Jessica Lauren, it’s a place filled with fond memories and a romantic charm. They serve as an ideal inspiration to this beautiful new release. Lauren’s warm approach to harmony and rhythm are reflected in this blissful collection of modal compositions. “Kofi Nomad” is a simmering afro rhythmic tune augmented by Collocutor member Tamar Osborn’s baritone sax phrasings. “Amalfi” is a brimming bossa nova treat that features trumpeter Yazz Ahmed, Osborn on flute with Lauren singing the melody. The closing “Argentina” is a stirring duet between Lauren and Osborn. Lauren’s channels the subtlety of Horace Silver on this wonderful ballad. Simply put this is another winner from the premier pianist that shouldn’t be missed.
Potatohead People: Nick and Astro’s Guide To The Galaxy [Bastard Jazz]
Nick Wisdom and astrological, the Vancouver duo better known as Potatohead People have built an impressive resume over the years based on their brand of mid-tempo electro funk. “Nick and Astro’s Guide to The Galaxy” is their full length debut after an assortment of EPs over the years. “Quest For Love” embodies their signature sound with a laid back groove and a swaying chorus. “Do My Thing” reflects their J Dilla influence with a neck snapping drum snare beat. Illa J, brother of the late great aforementioned producer jumps on this track and two others as well. “No Sleep Til MTL” is an 80s flavored boogie tune with jazzy trumpet phrasings. These guys have nailed the art of beats and rhythms and this engaging release is evidence of that.
Dave Grusin: The Friends Of Eddie Coyle [We Want Sounds]
With a career spanning four decades, there’s plenty of material to choose from the Dave Grusin catalog. Somehow “The Friends of Eddie Cole”, the soundtrack to the crime drama was never released until now. Grusin creates a cat and mouse imagery that mirrors the films deliberate slow pace. “Partridge Robbery/Take A Walk” is the only track over three minutes. It’s a slow burning cinematic gem heightened by an impressive string section as well as percussionist Emil Richards. “Jacky Meets Pete And Andrea” is a funky wah wah inspired tune but it’s woefully short at just over a minute. It’s just enough time for Saxophonist Tom Scott and bassist Chuck Rainey to cut loose. With “Baylis Robbery”, Grusin’s string arrangements build a quiet tension that only heightens the drama of the heist. It’s a theme played throughout the disc. Grusin demonstrates here that he’s unheralded when it comes to music scores. Like the film itself, it’s well worth going back to re-examine the rest of his work.