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Yearly Archives: 2019
Nicole Willis & Banda Palomita: My Soul Sensation [Persephone]
The songstress Nicole Willis returns with a new album and a new band. “My Soul Sensation” marks a more modern sound and she sounds right at home. The band Banda Palomita is comprised of members from Finland, Senegal and Brazil. They demonstrate their ability to create tasty laid back grooves to complement Nicole’s soaring vocals. “Save Me” is a mellow RnB tune with a sprinkle of synths and percussion. “Reparate” is a mid-tempo boogie tune and “Free” is a dance inspired funk burner filled with infectious electric guitar. Willis has shown time and again that she can belt out classic soul tunes with the best of them. This refreshing release shows she’s a delight in any style.
Mark De Clive Lowe: Heritage [Ropeadope]
Pianist/Producer Mark De Clive Lowe explores his ancestry with his latest release “Heritage”. De Clive Lowe consulted with his family to gain a deeper understanding of his Japanese roots and the results are his most personal work to date. “Bushido 1”, meaning “The Way of the Warrior” begins with a splash of piano aligned with Josh Johnson’s simmering alto sax. De Clive Lowe’s melodic excursions takes the listener on a mystic voyage. “Memories of Nanzenji” is a meditative tune that is awash in Brandon Combs expressive cymbals. De Clive Lowe and Johnson’s playing is free flowing and spiritual. “Niten-Ichi” begins with a slow burning piano that quickly evolves into a high energy free for all that includes Teodross Avery on Tenor sax. “Heritage” is the first of a two part project. Based on De Clive Lowe’s brilliance here, there’s no doubt that part two will be as equally rewarding as this one
Te’Amir : Abyssinia & Abyssinia Rise [Tru Thoughts]
Drummer/producer Te’Amir is another artist to emerge from the deep well of Los Angeles. “Abyssinia & Abyssinia Rise” marries jazz and funk with Ethiopian rhythms. A release shaped in large part to Te’Amir exploring his Ethiopian roots. Among the highlights are “Habesha”, a haunting piano driven hip hop track that features Rebekah Raff on harp. “Randal In Addis” is filled with spirited Afrikan horn rhythms courtesy of Randal Fisher. “The Quest” blends Ethiopian jazz inspired instrumentation and soulful vocals from Dustin Warren. A bit disappointing that it’s under 25 minutes but this LP is a delightful listen. Te’Amir is someone to keep an eye on.
Seed Ensemble: Driftglass [Jazz re:freshed]
Just when you thought the burgeoning UK jazz scene couldn’t get any better along comes another group to blow your mind. Seed Ensemble is a ten piece collective led by alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi. “Driftglass” is filled with afro-futurism, poetry and protest brought to life by an array of uber talented musicians. The title is named after a short story by Science fiction writer Samuel R. Delany. “Afronaut” features thought provoking poetry from Xana. Sheila Maurice-Grey’s glorious trumpet phrasings is just a nod of a strong horn section that includes Theon Cross on Tuba and Chelsea Carmichael on Tenor sax. Drummer Patrick Boyle keeps the beat at a fever pitch. “Wake” (for Grenfall) features lyrics by Langston Hughes sung by Cherise Adams-Burnett. The sobering tone and vocal harmonies juxtaposes images of injustice past and present. “Interplanetary Migration” is a spirited melting pot of jazz and afro-beat plus spoken word from Mr Ekow. Between working in other groups like Kokoroko and Nerija, Kinoshi has created something special here. She has composed a superb collection of music that makes a statement. The result is one of the best albums of the year
Medline: A Quest Called Tribe [My Bags]
French producer Medline’s latest release “A Quest Called Tribe” pays tribute to A Tribe Called Quest. Medline adds a gentle touch along with a melodic soul jazz groove to some of our beloved recordings from the legendary hip-hop trio. For starters the classic “Relaxation Electrique” is transformed into a sublime number with soothing vibes. “Jazz (On A Du)” is a medley of well chosen Tribe treats. “Trouver une Voie” channels “Find A Way” from the Love Movement lp. A delightful reminder of just how treasured these tracks are. Not to mention the creative possibilities when placed in the right hands. Medline’s cool rhythmic arrangements will ease any concerns. A superb record worthy of repeated listens.
Culross Close: Forgotten Ones [Esencia Records]
Anthony Kieron, better known as K15 is firmly entrenched as a premiere producer of soul and house. With his London based quintet Culross Close he’s starting to stretch out as a musician as well. The six track ep “Forgotten Ones” is a myriad of Cosmic compositions that transcend genres. The disc begins with the heavenly keys of “Fractured” a soothing intro that’s a precursor for what lies ahead. The title track, one of the highlights here is filled with blissful vocal harmonies. Kieron’s rhythmic rhodes are complimented by enchanting cymbals from drummer May Goode. “The Tiniest Lights Still Shine” is another winner. It’s an infectious tune with a bass n drum groove with Nathaniel Jiddu’s spacey moog synths on top of it. This is an inspiring and imaginative piece of work that will transport you to a spiritual mental space. The only quibble is there’s only twenty five minutes of music here but essential listening nonetheless. We’ve come to expect nothing less than from Kieron and this is no exception.
Alphabets Heaven: Your Lifestyle [Wotnot]
Brighton based musician Alphabets Heaven’s latest release “Your Lifestyle” is filled with laid back beats and atmospheric vibes. Similar to most beat tapes there’s a lengthy tracklist (nineteen) but only two tunes exceed three minutes. The disc begins with the warm acoustic guitar rhythms of “Nylon”. From here you’re pulled into a journey of mellow moods that glides the disc along at a leisurely pace. Along the way you’ll no doubt dig notable beats like “Laces”, “Follow” and “Tote Bag”. Like all the great beat makers Alphabets Heaven knows where to pair the right sample with the perfect beat. As a result it’s the perfect mixtape for a long drive to ease your mind.
Ivan “Mamao” Conti: Poison Fruit [Far Out Recordings]
It’s hard to imagine that “Poison Fruit” is Ivan “Mamao” Conti’s first release in over twenty years. Although the legendary drummer is one third of the infamous group Asymuth, don’t expect this to be your typical Asymuth album. Instead “Poison Fruit” is filled with experimental house beats and electronic rhythms. That’s due in part to London based producer Daniel Maunick. Mamao was introduced to Maunick by his son Thiago Maranhao who serves as co-producer. Tracks like “Encontro” will sound right at home with the traditional Asymuth sound. While “Bacurau” opens with explosive percussion rhythm riding a bass driven house groove. The title track goes deeper into experimental left-field house with spacey synths. As a bonus there are some superb remixes from notable DJ/Producers like Glenn Astro, Max Graef just to name a few. Samba flavored jazz fusion combined with samples and electronics pays dividends here. Mamao and Maunick connect the dots and emerge with a splendid record.
A Man Called Adam: Farmarama [Other Records]
Sally Rodgers and Steve Jones better known as A Man Called Adam return with their long awaited new release entitled “Farmarama”. Like their previous releases “The Apple” and “Duende” their compositions embrace the Balearic sound we’ve come to expect from them. Their passion for an assortment of genres from disco to pop and house come into play here with impressive results. Evidence lies in the opener “Mountains and Waterfalls”. This tropical dance track is filled with catchy loops and samples layered over an infectious percussion and horn riffs. The title track is a post-disco boogie tune with a thumping bass groove and a melody to lose yourself in. “Paul Valery at the Disco” features futuristic synths wrapped around a hypnotic groove that’s bound to take you on a psychedelic trip. An engaging record that’s filled with blissful as well as reflective moments. Rodgers and Jones emotive beats and rhythms will keep your head nodding from one track to the next.
Various Artists: If Music Presents: You Need This – World Jazz Grooves [BBE]
Over the past fifteen years If Music’s label head Jean Claude has built a well deserved reputation by securing quality obsure vinyl recordings. His latest “You Need This World Jazz Grooves” is no exception as he joins forces with fellow record collector Victor Kiswell. Kiswell has traveled the world in search of rare gems and returned with some quality gems here. Among the highlights are the spoken words of Billy Bang Survival Ensemble on “Illustration”. “Timbuktu” is a infectious jazz tune brimming with explosive horns and percussion from Dutch Clarinet/Composer Theo Loevendie Consort. “Itwenty Five” is a tender ballad from atloist South African exile Joe Malinga. Jean Claude has delivered yet another impressive compilation. As the compilation title says, “You Need This”!
Alder Ego: II [We Jazz Records]
Alder Ego is a quartet formed by Helsinki based drummer Joonas Leppanen. Leppanen and his Finnish bandmates demonstrate a fluid rapport right out the gate on “Leviathan”. Leppanen’s splashy cymbals create colorful soundscapes for Ilkka Uksila’s melodic vibes. Together they leave plenty of space for trumpeter Tomi Nikku and Saxophonist Jarno Tikka to stretch out. Uksila’s soft vibes massage the gorgeous soloing from Nikku on “Flight”. “Solitude” is another where Nikku and Tikka’s soloing dance around Teemu Akerblom’s subtle bass licks. This band doesn’t break any new ground but they excel with the freedom of superb compositions from Leppanen. As great as this recording sounds I bet they’re even better live. Now that would be a treat.
The Putbacks: The Putbacks [Hope Street Recordings]
Melbourne’s fertile music scene is the gift that keeps on giving. The Putbacks have been around for a minute but this is their first proper release. Produced by Paul Bender (Hiatus Kaiyote) their self-titled debut is filled with delicious 70s flavored acid soul funk and heavy guitar rhythms. “The Ways” is dark psychedelic funk that meshes perfectly with the raspy soulful vocals of Bilal. “Hold On” is slinky instrumental organ grinding funk with hypnotic chords. “No Man No” is a mellow groove with heavenly strings courtesy of Miquel Atwood Ferguson that channels early Charles Stepney recordings. Each of the sixteen tracks here packs a punch and serves up uncompromising gritty funk just the way we like it. After backing Emma Donovan a few years back they’re ready to take center stage. If you like 70s groups like the Meters and early Stax recordings then you’re gonna love this.
Steve Spacek: Natural Sci-Fi [Eglo]
Steve Spacek explores mellow cosmic funk with his second official solo release “Natural Sci Fi”. The initial stages of production for this lp began in 2005 but it was put on hold while he worked on various projects. Since then Spacek has added a few wrinkles, notably the appearance of rapper Oddisee and vocalist Natalie Slade. Oddisee’s effortless flow fits seamlessly on “Take Ova” while the title track is long spacious laid back funk. It’s a bit disappointing there’s only eight tracks but at least it ends on a high note. “Plain Site” is a dreamy tune where Slade’s soulful vocals mesh beautifully with Spacek’s signature falsetto over a slinky funky groove. A solid release that will leave you wanting more but will satisfy you nonetheless.
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra: Naming & Blaming [Hope Street Recordings]
Hailing from Melbourne, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra return with their long awaited sophomore lp. Over the last decade they’ve established themselves as a formidable group in the Afrobeat arena largely from their mesmerizing live performances. They pull no punches right from the start with the uplifting yet fiery “No Passport”. “Fight So Hard” is a mellow extended tune brimming with soulful sax and lively percussion. The title track “Naming & Blaming” rides a slow burning groove that also features MC One Sixth and singer Lamine Sonko. The band’s strong opinions regarding politics and social justice are wrapped around hypnotic grooves and infectious rhythms. It’s a lethal combination that makes them one of the premier ensembles on the scene today paying proper respect to the Afrobeat culture.
Abstract Orchestra: Madvillain Vol 1 [ATA Records]
The Abstract Orchestra made quite an impression with their debut lp “Dilla”. With their sophomore release MF Doom is their source of inspiration. “Madvillain Vol. 1” finds the jazz based Orchestra seamlessly incorporating hip-hop into their compositions while exploring 70s soundtracks. “ALL CAPS” starts out with simple kick snare drum beat and soothing horns before seguing into mind bending improvisation and swinging. “Raid” is a funky fender rhodes driven tune surrounded by blissful horns and strings. Bandleader Rob Mitchell’s arrangements navigate between the production of Madlib and the film scores of Quincy Jones. The results are deeply satisfying and definitely worth checking out.