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Yearly Archives: 2019
Paper Tiger: Rogue Planet [Wah Wah 45s]
Paper Tiger returns with their third lp. “Rogue Planet” picks up where “Blast Off” left off. That means more left of center sci-fi beats coinciding with their engaging brand of hip-hop. There’s much to savor from this project whether it’s rapper Raphael Attar displaying his lyrical dexterity on bangers such as “Lullaby” and the jovial “Old”. There’s notable guest appearances from Steve Spacek on “The Cycle”.”Bioluminescent” features blissful vocals from Noya Rao bandmate Olivia Bhattacharjee. “Slinky” and “Posture Poseurs” are two of several notable instrumentals to keep your head on a constant nod. The Leeds based band find the right balance between electronica and soulful instrumentation and are growing with each release. It all adds up to a superb record that provides immediate satisfaction.
Azymuth: Demos (1973-75) Volumes 1&2 [Far Out Recordings]
“Demos Vol 1 & 2” are Azymuth releases taken from reel to reel and cassette recordings from 1973-75. These recordings took place at the late Jose Roberto Bertrami’s home studio in Laranjeiras, Rio De Janeiro. When he shopped these demos to various labels around Brazil he was turned away. One listen and it’s clear that this vibrant mix of samba, jazz and rock was free flowing fusion that was ahead of it’s time. There are brillant performances featured right from the start with “Prefacio”. This spirited tune is highlighted by Bertrami’s fiery work on keys and Ivan “Mamao” Conti’s intense drumming. “Laranjeiras” and “Equipe” are slow burning soulful funk tunes. They pick up the intensity once again on tracks like “Duro de Roer” and “Castelo”. Alex Malheiros funky bass builds a steady groove for Bertrami and Conti to let loose. Credit producer Joe Davis for finally bringing this project to light. It’s certainly their most experimental work that stands tall alongside their classic recordings.
Terkel Norgaard: With Ralph Alessi [We Jazz Records]
We Jazz Records is quickly becoming one of my favorite labels for avant garde Jazz. Drummer Terkel Norgaard not only is a skilled drummer but is a talented composer as well. “With Ralph Alessi” a nod to the New York City based trumpeter who shows why he’s been one of the premiere trumpeters of the last two decades. Norgaard’s group consists of some of the key players on the Copenhagen scene. Alessi shines right from the start on “One”. Alessi’s beautifully fluid tone fits in perfectly alongside the trio’s melodic excursions. “Seventeen” is another highlight that features cascading piano melodies from Soren Gemmer. Norgaard’s subtle brush strokes on “Twentyone” is the fuse that inspires everyone to dive into his harmonic canvas. The Danish trio along with Alessi sound as if they’ve played together for years. Beyond satisfying and an example of improvised brilliance.
Greg Foat: The Mage [Athens Of The North]
“The Mage”, pianist Greg Foat’s ninth album is his first for the Edinburgh based label Athens Of The North. Foat’s deft hand at composing and arrangements are in top form here as he weaves folk soundscapes with free jazz rhythms. “Of My Hands” is an atmospheric tune with soaring harmonies that features Trinidadian singer Kathy Garcia who originally recorded it forty years earlier. “The Magic Radish” starts out with a brooding bass line, hypnotic percussion and features Duncan Lamont on Tenor. Other notable contributors are veteran tenor Art Themen, guitarist Ray Russell, Malcolm Catto and the rising drummer Moses Boyd. Foat skillfully bridges the gap between the past and the present while solidifying his stature as a superb pianist and composer.
Coladera: La Dotu Lado [Agogo]
And yet another winner from Agogo records. Singer guitarist and Belo Horizonte native Vitor Santana & Portuguese singer guitarist Joao Pires are the duo better known as Coladera. They’re also joined by Cape Verdean master percussionist Miroca Paris. “La Dotu Lado” is a stirring collection of Lusaphone compositions inspired by Brazilian and Portuguese rhythms. The title track has a traditional bossa nova tempo highlighted by Santana & Pires unique guitar strumming and vocal harmonies. “Mandinga” is a swaying tune that features Aline Frazao on vocals. “Ceu Azulino” is filled with blissful flamenco rhythms. While their first lp failed garner much attention, this joyful release is a pleasure worthy of repeated listens.
Lucas Arruda: Onda Nova [Favorite Recordings]
Vocalist Lucas Arruda continues to seamlessly merge Soul and Pop with Brazilian rhythms with his latest “Onda Nova”. The soothing synths of “Dragoes E Tigres” combined with Arruda’s vocals will sink into you like a warm summer breeze. “Soulshine” is a soul jazz number that’s driven by a thumping bass groove and gorgeous harmonies. “What I’d Do For Love” is steeped in the Brazilian Pop/AOR tradition and features a Portuguese version as well. Arruda is carrying the torch set by Lincoln Olivetti & Robson Jorge. Their recordings were a staple of Brazilian funk from the late seventies through the eighties. This release ensures that Brazilian Soul Pop is in good hands.
Guts: Philantropiques [Heavenly Sweetness]
With “Philantropiques” French DJ/Producer Guts has composed a gorgeous blend of French and African tropical recordings. Guts invited a number of premiere African artists such as Vum Vum, Pat Kalla and Pinduca. The sun drenched grooves and horn rhythms of “Voyaging Bird” will instantly evoke images of warm weather and lazy afternoons on the beach. “Groove ma Poule” is a festive Jazzy Pop tune that features the Afro-soul duo Djeudjoah & Lieutenent Nicholson. “Li Dous Konsa” is filled with infectious Caribbean rhythms, notably Florian Pelliissier on keys. After showcasing his affinity with hip-hop on his previous releases this radical shift pays big dividends. Simply a superb record from beginning to end that captures the essence of the Southern Hemisphere.
Jake Najor and The Moment of Truth: In The Cut [The Redwoods Music]
“In The Cut” is the debut of Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth. Najor has been a presence in the Southern California music scene for over twenty years. The San Diego based band’s ten track release is filled with gritty funk and soulful instrumentals. Najor sets the tone with spirited yet restrained drumming throughout. The opening track “High Costa” finds the band funkin at a fever pitch. Nick Costa’s guitar playing is on point and Matt La Barber plays a thumpin bass. The band down shifts the tempo on the following tracks. “Gettin it” is laid back funk with a tasty organ melody courtesy of Tim Felten. “Funkin For Jamacha” is another funky number this time with the brass taking center stage. For those who can’t get enough of groups like The Meters and Booker T and MGs you’ll certainly enjoy this.
Shafiq Husayn: The Loop [Eglo]
Laid back psychedelic California soul courtesy of Shafiq Husayn, one third of Sa-Ra Creative Partners. “The Loop” is filled with breezy melodic compositions he’s worked on over the past decade. Shafiq has assembled a number of notable collaborators to raise his tracks to another level. Vocalist Jimetta Rose co-wrote and performed on a number of songs here but the breezy jazz infused “May I Assume” featuring fellow vocalist Fatima is a standout. Other highlights include “It’s Better For You” featuring the infectious raspy vocals of Anderson Paak. Hiatus Kiayote’s poly-rhythmic sound fits like a glove on “Cycles”. Despite the A-list of guests it’s the sonic brew of musical styles molded into an eclectic soulful sound that makes Shariq’s music so joyful and addictive. Long overdue but definitely worth the wait.
Various Artists: Two Tribes [Agogo]
“Two Tribes” showcases the collaboration between African and European artists who reside in Europe. The compilation features a number of brillant musicians starting with composer/guitarist Andrea Benini’ afro-funk banger “Jawa”. Ghanaian singer Blay Ambolley’s “Walk For Ground” receives an injection of beats courtesy of the Aldubb remix. “Titon To” is a high energy percussive driven tune by Finnish-Beninese group Trio Toffa. “Mozambique” is another up-tempo highlight by the native Mozambican vocalist Selma Uamusse. The disc wraps up with DJ Raoul K’s fifteen minute pulsating “Just a Moment To Find A Way To Sun Day”. Raoul K combines West African rhythms with European production stylings and the result is a long playing Afro-house gem. Agogo records always manage to emerge with a treasure chest of global gems and this compilation is no exception.
Liquid Saloon: Gueta [Raw Tapes]
Liquid Saloon is a trio of up and coming musicians based in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Gueta” is inspired by afro-beat rhythms and experimantal jazz. Drummer Amir Bresler drives the beat on the title track which also features local instrumentalists such as Nital Hershkovits and Rejoicer on keys. Eyal Talmudi’s melodic clarinet solo towards the end is an added bonus. “Polaroid Banana” is a funky highlight laced with warped out synths and tasty percussion. Fellow Tel Aviv resident Jenny Penkin’s blissful vocals are a delight on the slow fusion burner “Won’t Be Led By Fear”. An impressive debut filled with vibrant rhythms and wicked grooves that shouldn’t be missed.
The Cinematic Orchestra: A Promise [Ninja Tune]
The Cinematic Orchestra’s first release in twelve years is inspired by life events that stir our consciousness past and present. Like their previous releases “To Believe” flourishes in their blend of Jazz, soul and ambient soundscapes. Add to that an incredible A-list of vocalists who take these emotive compositions to another level. So where do we begin? Starting off with the title track where the velvet falsetto of Moses Sunmery is enough to make your heart flutter. The pulsating beats of “A Caged Bird/Imitations of Life” are highlighted by poignant lyrics from Roots Manuva. “A Promise” puts the finishing touch on a splendid album. Heidi Vogel stylizes her heavenly vocals with long lush notes over the eleven minute track that builds a crescendo with each passing minute. Twelve years is a wide gap but this superb record was well worth the wait. Each track is emboldened by elegant orchestrations that unfold patiently, allowing the songs to breathe while building to a glorious finale. Simply put you need this record in your rotation to enjoy repeatedly.
Ishmael Ensemble: A State of Flow [Seven Songs]
Led by saxophonist, band leader and Bristol resident Peter Cunningham, Ishmael Ensemble’s nine track lp is celestial jazz meets electronica filled with atmospheric soundscapes. “Full Circle” pulls you in instantly with the glorious harp rhythms and pulsating drums topped off by the emotive vocals of Holysseus Fly. “Siren” starts out with a funky bass lick before diving into a flurry of broken beats, horns and synths that build toward an exhilarating crescendo. “The River” is a meditative tune that’s elevated by trumpeter Yazz Ahmed’s warm effortless tone. Overall “A State Of Flow” is a bold and adventurous release that you shouldn’t miss.
Roy Ayers: Silver Vibrations [BBE]
BBE has done a masterful job of shining a light on the Roy Ayers archive in recent years. The latest installment “Silver Vibrations” features a few more hidden gems worth checking out. There’s an unedited version of “Chicago” that still sounds relevant today thanks in part to the thumping bass groove. “Lots Of Love” is a boogie tune that was part of a solo release by Roy on his own imprint from the early eighties. “D.C. City” is one of the stronger tracks here. It features Roy at his best blending jazz and funk with soulful vocals. Tracks like “Keep on Movin'” don’t measure up to the standard we’re used to hearing from him. That being said, there’s enough here to remind you why you fell in love with the Ubiquity sound in the first place.
Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian [Athens Of The North]
Andrew Mitchell aka Andrew Wasylyk is a multi-instrumentalist. “The Paralian” is a blend of ambient jazz and british folk soundscapes. While in Arbroath Scotland for an extended residency Wasylyk came in touch with a 19th century Erard Grecian harp. Along with a grand piano on hand he wrote a number of tunes to reflect the tranquility of the harbor town. “Greendrive #2” is a dreamy tune that evokes images of the east coast of Scotland. “Welter In The Haar” is a highlight that combines blissful Fender Rhodes and strings. “Adrift Below A Constellation” features soft brass rhythms as well as Wasylyk’s warm vocals. Arbroath sounds like the place to escape from all the noise and this is the ideal soundtrack to bring along with you.