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Yearly Archives: 2019
Ojo Balingo: Afrotunes – Best Of Juju Vol 2 [BBE]
Originally released by Tabansi records in 1985, “Afrotunes – Best of Juju Vol. 2” sheds light on Juju music from Ojo Balingo. Based on this release, Balingo is a Nigerian Juju artist cut from the same cloth as King Sunny Ade. Balingo’s style of Juju is a form of Yoruba music filled with various percussions and wah wah guitar rhythms. The album flows as a medley with Balingo’s roaring poetic lyrics over a spirited guitar groove combined with infectious drumming. This is a journey into a forgotten genre that’s worth checking out.
Thatmanmonkz: Non Zero Sum Game [Shadeleaf]
Sheffield resident Scott Moncrieff aka Thatmanmonkz has become a sought after DJ and producer on the strength of numerous house bangers for a number of labels. In 2016 he dropped his LP debut “Columbusing”, a mash up of RnB, hip hop and House. Now he’s back on his own Shadeleaf label with his follow up LP “Non Zero Sum Game”. Monkz demonstrates a deft hand at multiple styles of House with sterling results. Among the highlights are the raw stripped down heater “Easy Still” featuring A Brother Is (better known as Pete Simpson). This is the track you’ll find true house heads working up a sweat at the club at 2am showing no signs of slowing down. From there Monkz seamlessly weaves from the infectious Afro House of “Sawa Sawa” to the sensuous disco flavoured “Them Thangs” featuring the vocals of Ms Fae. “LVNLMTD” is another highlight that’s filled with lush string arrangements that make it a sophisticated gem. If you’re not familiar with Monkz then this is the perfect introduction to his work. After you’re done with this essential recording I suggest you check out his earlier work as well.
VA – J Jazz Volume 2: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1969-83 [BBE]
J Jazz Volume2 picks up the marvellous Volume 1 left off. “Deep Modern Jazz from Japan 1969-1984” is the second instalment of rare Japanese recordings compiled by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden. The duo once again compiled a list from their personal collection. They figured we would enjoy them as much as they do and they were right. There’s much to savour with nearly 120 minutes of quality recordings. The disc kicks off with the brilliant “Dragon Dance”. The late Tenor sax legend Harold Land was performing in Japan when he received an invitation to record with pianist Makoto Terashita. The result is a spirited up-tempo hard bop delight. “Mother Of The Future” is seventies inspired jazz funk from the Electro Keyboard Orchestra. “Fallout” features the New Herd, a popular big band. Higgins and Peden have tapped into a gold mine of obscure recordings largely forgotten. Thanks to their contacts in Japan and BBE for shinning a light on these hidden gems.
The Blassics: Togetherings [Painted Dog Records]
The Blassics are a Finland based band that started out as a small instrumental funk band led by Juha Sarkola and Tuure Tammi in 2010. Since then they’ve grown into a nine piece outfit and added several albums to their catalogue. Their sound has also stretched out to incorporate elements of afrobeat and jazz to their energetic funk brand. The opener “In A Sincere Way” sets the tone with their trademark of afrobeat rhythms meets jazz inspired funk. “Hagerun Geleba” is a long playing instrumental jam session with Tammi leading an impressive horn section. “Nurona Biihatu” resonates with mellow tropical vibes. Ethiopian Vocalist Miki Mac vocals aren’t overpowering but he has a warm tone and fits seemlessly with this band. This is a strong album with six long playing progressive tunes wrapped in a afrobeat groove that’s certainly worth checking out.
Bryony Jarman-Pinto: Cage and Aviary [Tru Thoughts]
“Cage & Aviary” is the début from singer/songwriter Bryony Jarman-Pinto. Bryony collaborates with fellow Tru-thoughts label-mate Tom Leah aka Werkha as producer. Werkha’s electronic prowess blend seamlessly with Jarman-Pinto’s organic approach to her compositions. The result is an impressive union of jazz, folk and subtle elements of electronica. “Saffron Yellow” is stripped down to percolating guitar rhythms, percussion and Jarman-Pintos’s emotive vocals. “Sun Kissed” has a slow burning jazz vibe heightened by warm keys and horns. “Emerge” brims with subtle use of the high hat drumming and well placed synths. Hard to imagine that Jarman-Pinto experienced some writer’s block while writing this tune before she had a breakthrough. That aside, Jarman-Pinto’s lyrics, along with her hypnotic vocals provide plenty of emotional depth while embarking on topics about love, life and other thought provoking topics. A superb début from a new voice you should get familiar with.
Muito Kaballa: Everything Is Broke [Switchstance Recordings]
“Everything Is Broke” is the debut album from Cologne based multi-instrumentalist Muito Kaballa. The eight track lp fuses a variety of styles including afro beat, Brazilian with a touch of electronics. Kaballa plays all instruments on all but two tracks here. Among the highlights are “Lugar Ao Sol” Kaballa lays down an infectious African groove augmented by various horns and drum programming. “The Easy Way” is mellow Caribbean inspired bliss filled with vocal harmonies. “Tin Tin” is a stripped down bongo driven tune that features Jan Michael Lauber on Trumpet and Ina Scheuermann on Tenor sax. Kaballa provides a pleasing take on African music specifically and world music overall.
Various Artists: 25 Years Of Paper Part 1 & 2 [Paper Recordings]
“25 Years Of Paper Recordings” highlights the consistency of proper deep house and Disco from the prominent label. “Part 1”, curated by Crazy P starts out the Balearic banger “Downtime”. “Stratocaster” is another party stomper armed with hypnotic synths. “Part 2” equally has a surplus of gems courtesy of label boss Ben Davis better known as Flash Atkins. Some of honorable mentions are futuristic house heaters like “Honningen by Rave Enka and “Soulfood” from Max Mortimer. “Something Better” by Jamie L is a moody atmospheric floor burner. There’s over thirty tracks here from a deep catalogue for you to savor. Whether you’re familiar with all of them or not, you’ll no doubt find many of them worthy of repeated listens.
Ikebe Shakedown: Kings Left Behind [Colemine Records]
Another bundle of instrumental funk from the Brooklyn based band Ikebe Shakedown. “Kings Left Behind” is a collaborative effort with each band member taking part in the production. The opener “Not Another Drop” sets the tone with raw psychedelic soul layered with infectious wah wah guitar rhythms. The slow burning “Mary’s Corner” is reminiscent of cinematic Western soundtracks. “No Going Back” is another winner. While the bongo and wicked guitar licks get you in the mood to groove, the brass adds the final touch of an instrumental treat. There are several parts to this band but they all come together as one. That’s what makes their releases such an essential listen.
Various Artists: IF Music Presents You Need This – A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 3 [BBE]
Jean Claude, the founder of the London record shop IF Music continues to resurrect hidden gems from every corner of the universe. With “A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol 3, he blesses us with an eclectic collection of tasty treats from all parts of the globe. Among the highlights are “24 Caret” from Gazor Szabo. The legendary Hungarian guitarist incorporates folk with deep jazz over a scintillating fourteen minutes that’s filled with melodic passages. “Manteca” features a flurry of piano melodies courtesy of the underappreciated Phineas Newborn Jr. “Hasla La Victria Siempre” is infectious Latin Jazz from Copa Salvo. Ten solid tunes that will certainly fill your jazz appetite. As Jean Claude says: “These rare jazz nuggets need to be given their day in the Sun”. We couldn’t agree more.
The Rail Abandon: Kalba [Wah Wah 45s]
“Kalba” is the debut from Issac Birituro and Sonny Johns better known as The Rail Abandon. Biritur, a xylophonist from Ghana and Johns is a singer/songwriter/producer from Leeds. “Kalba”, named after Birituro’s home town in Ghana. The opener “Yesu Yan Yan” is a spirited tune that channels the spirit of Ghana thanks to the vibrant vocal harmonies and birituro’s xylophone melodies. “Fur Svenja” is a warm folksy tune woven by Leafcutter John’s guitar rhythms and Sonny John’s vocals. Birituro’s xylophone aligns beautifully with the string melodies featured on “Nye Fo Chen”. Recorded in St Mary’s Church, these emotive compositions take on a spiritual vibe that builds throughout the lp. This is a collaboration that was meant to happen. A duo from different paths come together to compose a brilliant record that will lift your spirits.
Marcos Valle: Sempre [Far Out Recordings]
Marcos Valle returns with another collection of samba tinged boogie tunes. “Sempre” is Valle’s fifth release on the Far Out label. This vibrant recording is heightened by prominent Brazilian musicians like Asymuth bassist Alex Malheiros and percussionist Armando Marcal among others. The opener “Olha Quem Ta Chegando” is infectious samba boogie laced with funky guitar and brass arrangements. “Odissela” is a funky synth laden instrumental. “Alma” is a mellow sun drenched head nodder. Valle’s vocals are in peak form and the production is in the capable hands of Daniel Maunick (son of Incognito frontman Bluey). This is another impressive release from the resurgent vocalist that will please long time fans and attract newcomers as well.
Scrimshire: Listeners [Albert’s Favourites]
Adam Scrimshire’s fourth full length release is a triumph ripe with brilliant haunting recordings. “Listeners” takes you on journey of blissful soundscapes fusing soul, jazz and electronica. The title suggests that he’s more of a listener as he allowed his collaborators freedom to express themselves by sharing their own stories. Those collaborators are a collection of some of our prominent artists on the scene today. “Life Is Valuable” is an electronic soulful tune that features the husky vocals of James Alexander Bright. The rising multi-instrumentalist Emma Jean Thackray’s warm vocals and trumpet phrasings are a delight on “Won’t Get Better”. The disc wraps up with the glorious composition “Thru You” featuring the incomparable Georgia Anne Muldrow. My minor quibble is there’s only nine songs but rest assured that each song is a delight worthy of repeated listens. All of Schrimshire’s recordings have been superb but this may be his best yet. Highly recommended.
Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen: Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen [We Jazz Records]
Tenor saxophonist Timo Lassy and drummer Teppo “Teddy Rok” Makynen have collaborated for years on the Finnish Jazz scene but this is their first lp as a duo. Makynen demostrates not only is he a wonderful drummer but a top notch composer as well. Makynen’s adventurous compositions provide a challenge for Lassy to stretch out and he delivers. “Liberty pt1 & 2” opens with Lassy delivering fiery free flowing solos. Makynen is equally up to the task with explosive cymbal work as well. On “Telemagenta” Makynen lays out a spirited groove with changing patterns while Lassy’s restrained yet powerful phrasings paint vibrant colors. “Dark Cyan” is a highlight among many that displays Makynen’s affection for electronic music and the boundless directions he can take his music. Makynen’s explosive polyrhythms combined with Lassy’s spiritual playing make for an extraordinary record. Thirteen tracks with each centering around three minutes and all of them packing a punch. Yet another sterling release from the brilliant We Jazz record label. As far as duos go they don’t get much better than this. Let’s hope an encore arrives soon.
Flofilz: Transit [Melting Pot Records]
“Transit”, the third lp from German beatmaker FloFilz is a moody soundscape of Jazz samples merged with mellow hip-hop beats. “Hoxton Hoops feat. K Le Maestro” showcases a blusey guitar sample that evokes sketches of Grant Green while gliding over a tasty drum snare beat. “You & Me” is one of only two vocal tracks. The piano driven soul jazz heater features rapper Barney Artist. “Camberwell” is another highlight that features Alfa Mist on keys. FloFilz creates a laid back vibe of meditative grooves spread across eighteen tracks that pulls you in from the start and never lets go. With two quality lps preceding this gem, he’s definitely one to keep on your radar.
Quantic: Atlantic Oscillations [Tru Thoughts]
“Atlantic Oscillations” is Will Holland’s first release under his Quantic moniker since 2014’s “Magnetica”. Holland has blazed various cultures in his music, most notably immersing himself in Columbia for seven years. From there he relocated to the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn NY where he has resided for the last five years. Williamsburg has a growing club culture which inspired a number of tracks here. “You Used To Love Me” is a blissful tune with a heavy bottom that features the lush vocals of Denitia. The title track is an infectious soulful disco tune laced with swaying strings and rumbling piano. “Tierra Mama” featuring Nidia Gongora and The Marimba rhythms of “La Reflexion” capture the spirit of Columbia. Holland recorded the entire album with live musicians in his new studio. A wise choice considering the warm sound that permeates throughout the disc. The result is an thrilling merger of Pacific and Atlantic rhtyhms that you shouldn’t miss.