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Yearly Archives: 2020
Church Andrews & Matt Davies : Neighbors [Health]
Church Andrews & drummer Matt Davies collaborate on the experimental project “Neighbors”. Church Andrews is the moniker for Kirk Barley and this is the follow up to the “CA1” lp he released in 2016. “Roadtrip” is filled with wobbly synths and oft-kilter beats. “Elixir” is a cascade of warped beats and spacey electronic textures. “Temporal” exudes a bit more warmth and provides a hint of Barkley’s other projects under his namesake. Together Barkley and Davies explore the limitless possibilities between electronica and the drums. The result is a wide array of tone altering moods and sound sculpters definitely worth checking out.
Georgie Sweet: Misunderstood [Futuristica]
When vocalist Georgie Sweet dropped the lead single “Half Human” in 2018, it provided a sneak peak into a potentially promising lp. It’s safe to say that with “Misunderstood” the promise has been fulfilled in spades. Gergie’s debut is filled with warm soulful hip-hop beats and jazzy vibes topped off with her blissful vocals and heartfelt compositions. There are many gems to sort through but “What I Had Done” is a great place to start. Produced by Marc Rapson, the track features a catchy hook aligned with an infectious hip-hop beat built on top of an irresistible groove. Sweet’s cool harmonies are the icing on the cake. “Sorry” the second single also produced by Rapson blossoms with a slow burning tempo and warm chords. A live recording of the tune from Futuristica HQ is featured here as well. “Flower”, produced by Theo Howarth is a soulful electronic gem with exotic melodies augmented by Sweet’s ethereal vocals. Other notable producers on hand are K15, Mecca 83 and Simon S himself. With nary a weak tune in sight this marks another triumph for the Futuristica label in 2020, not to mention an outstanding debut. For Ms Sweet, the future looks very bright.
Mammal Hands: Captured Spirits [Gondwana]
“Captured Spirits” is the fourth album the Norwich trio known as Mammal Hands. Saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Nick Smart and drummer Jesse Barrett merge classical jazz and electronica into a distinctively polished and engaging sound. Highlights include “Spiral Stair” where Nick Smart’s melodic fingers strike a chord with brother Jordan’s soft yet hearty tone. “Riddle” is filled with dazzling improvised interplay between the Smart brothers. Jordan’s euphoric keystrokes set the bar for Nick’s melodic phrases and create some wondrous moments. Let’s not forget Barrett here, his drumming ranges from the orchestral to the understated whisper thereby setting the table for the Smart brothers to soar. Together the trio create a mood of euphoric orchestral soundscapes that provide a joyful spark throughout. A sparkling showcase and another gem from the Gondwana record label.
Asher Gamedze: Dialectic Soul [On The Corner]
“Dialectic Soul” is the debut from drummer Asher Gamedze. The Cape Town, South African resident garnered much attention when he appeared on Angel Bat Dawid’s album “The Oracle” last year. From the first note on the fiery “State Of Emergence” you’re immediately pulled into Gamedze’s consciouseness. Gamedze’s intense drumming dynamics set the tone for Buddy Wells wailing Tenor that echoes the people’s voices rising up to oppression. “Slyabulela” strikes a softer tone with Nono Nkoane’s soothing vocals filled with poignant lyrics gliding on top of Wells and Robin Fassie-Kock’s melodic trumpet. “Eternally” is pure fire with bassist Thembinkosi Mavimbela’s thunderous bass rhythms keeping everyone on top of their game. Gamedze’s pulsating cymbals heighten the intensity and create a canvas for Wells and Fassie-Kock to swing. This triumphant debut is about reclaiming the soul of all fellow human beings during these trying times. Gamedze taps into the spirit of Coltrane as well as the activism of Miriam Mabeka and the result is a collection of exceptional compositions that inspires hope for all of us. What a recording. You need this as much as any recording you’ll purchase this year.
Otis Sandsjo: Y-Otis 2 [We Jazz]
Berlin based Swedish saxophonist Otis Sandsjo made quite a splash with his 2019 release “Y-OTIS”. With “Y-OTIS 2” he continues to push the boundaries and defies genres. Bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Tilo Weber return while Dan Nicholls takes over for Elias Stemeseder on keys and synths. Along with a few guests they collaborate on a stunning colection of adventurous compositions that drift beyond jazz. “Tremendoce” starts off with Per “Texas” Johansson and Jonas Kullhammar trading engaging flute melodies before accompanied by Eldh’s inticing bass groove. The theme is set with boundless melodies from each musician taking on a life of their own before coming back together as one. Sandsjo sprinkles his creative horn rhythms throughout giving everyone freedom to explore yet still making his presence felt. Nicholls majestic piano rhythms set the mood on “Abysmal”. Sandjso injects an inspired solo midway through as the tempo shifts into high gear. “Atombahn” brims with boundless energy from Sandjso while Nicholls spacey synths elevates the track to another dimension. An ambitious recording filled with innovative compositions. This band is quickly making a name for themselves in a huge way.
Nat Birchall: Mysticism Of Sound [Ancient Archive Of Sound]
Nat Birchall has established himself as one of the titans on the Tenor and his latest release provides further evidence of that. “Mysticism Of Sound” builds on his impressive body of work of spiritual jazz compositions. Birchall plays all instruments here and demonstrates that he’s up to the task. “Celestial Spheres” embarks on a spiritual journey that finds Birchall channeling the spirit of Sun Ra through his tenor and soprano sax soloing. “Dance Of The Sun God” is a delightful interplay with Birchall’s horns rhythms and cymbal exchanges. The celestial synth rhythms of the Korg Minilogue figure prominently on “Inner Pathway” and “Outer Realm”. Birchall hits the mark once again with a disc rich in inventive harmonies and meditative vibes that will certainly delight any spiritual jazz enthusiast.
Lack of Afro: I’m Here Now [Bastion Music Group]
If there’s one thing you can count on from Adam Gibbons, the man behind Lack Of Afro is you know he’s gonna bring the funk. “I’m Here Now”, his latest release leaves no doubt. Armed with an array of talented vocalists and rappers, all Gibbons has to do is lay down an infectious groove and you have yourself a superb string of tunes. “You Could Do Better” featuring Camila Recchio & Wax is classic soul with wicked wah wah guiter rhythms and strings. New York rapper Kenzo knows what to do with “Bad As Self” and that’s spit razor sharp verses over the head nodding groove.”Wait For Me” is slow burning soul feating Mica Miller. “I’m Here Now” is an instant party starter with all the ingredients for a funky good time. All you need to do is show up, clear the floor and press play.
Marcos Valle, Ali Shaheed Mohammad & Adrian Younge: Marcos Valle JID003 [Jazz Is Dead]
The Jazz IS Dead series, lead by Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Mohammed strikes again with the legendary Brazailian vocalist Marcos Valle taking center stage. What Younge and Shaheed Mohammed do so well capturing the emotion of Valle’s sound while blending it with their analog 70’s soul influenced arrangements. The studio sessions harken back to the days when artists completed a recording in one or two takes and that’s more than enough for the veteran vocalist to shine. “Queira Bem” is filled with sun drenched rhodes and sparkling percussion. Valle’s vocals float over the rhythm like a warm summer breeze. “Viajando Por Al” is a seductive bossa duet. “Nao Sala Da Praca has a percolating groove that’s tailor made for Valle. The dusty analog approach from Younge and Shaheed Mohammed are a match made in heaven for one of the vocal Kings of Brazil. Simply a superb release worthy of repeated listens.
Sauce81: S8100 – Nervous Breaks and Galactique Beatstrumentals Selected and Edited by DJ Kensei [Ultra Vybe Records]
DJ Kensei is a legendary DJ who’s career spans back to the eighties. He’s best known for his hip-hop mixtapes during the nineties as well as his abstract project Indopepsychics. he selected some tracks from sauce81’s album “S8100″ and officially re-edited them for this 12” as “S8100 – Nervous Breaks & Galaaactique Beatstrumentals” Selected & Re-Edited by DJ Kensei”. DJ Kensei puts his stamp on these tunes and transforms them into an a stimulating collection of hip-hop, funk and house grooves. The disc kicks off the brooding hip-hop grooves of “Departure”. “Moonlight” follows up with the same tempo, this time with Sauce81’s swaying falsetto vocal harmonies. “Escape” is a body shaking boogie tune. “5D” is instrumental funk with warped synths. There’s plenty of grooves to make you move here and is definitely worth checking out. Kensi takes a pile of tunes and turns them into gold.
Makaya McCraven: Universal Beings E&F [International Anthem]
“Universal Beings E&F Sides” presents fourteen new tracks from the critcally acclaimed 2018 release from drummer Makaya McCraven. One of the reasons these sessions were so special was the collaboration of emerging UK musicians playing alongside US musicians from the Chicago based label International Anthem. The roster resembles an all star lineup with Saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, bassist Tomeka Reid, guitarist Jeff Parker, harpist Brandee Younger and others. “E&F” is a mixture of live recordings and studio sessions arranged by McCraven. “Half Steppin” is a searing tune highlighted by Soweto Kinch’s alto sax rhythms and Kamaal Williams on keys. In addition McCraven’s infectious broken beats make this track enjoyable either on the dance floor or any other setting. “Kings and Queens” features the dynamic interplay between McCraven and Hutchings while Junius Paul’s funky double bass takes the track to greater heights. “Universal Beings E&F Sides” showcases a community of like minded musicians creating genre bending music with strands of hip-hop, jazz and much more. Their talents are in the capable hands of McCraven who weaves it all together into a marvelous artistic gem.
Vibration Black Finger: Can You see What I’m trying To Say [Jazzman]
Vibration Black finger is the brainchild of guitarist/composer Lascelles Gordon. “Can You See What I’m Trying to Say”, a quote from Saxophonist Marlon Brown gives a nod to the obscure spiritual jazz recordings of the seventies. Gordon has compiled edits and recordings over the years from DATs, reel to reel and cassettes. In addition several recordings were made with fellow members Ben Cowen and Diana Gulkind. The opening track “Empty Streets” is just one of two tunes recorded live in studio and it’s a beauty. Ebony Rose’s haunting vocals glide over a hypnotic bass and flute rhythms. “Acting For Liberation Pt 1” is eleven minutes of celestial vibes shaped by spacey synths, horns and electronics. “Liberation Pt 2” is a reprise faeturing the vocals of Maggie Nichols. Gordon’s second release offers a window into his vision. The result is a wonderful arrangement of sonic and spiritual vibrations past and present. Jazzman records never disappoints and this is no exception.
Roos Jonker & Dean Tippet: Roos Jonker & Dean Tippet [Sonar Kollektiv]
Roos Jonker & Dean Tippet are a singer songwriter team from Amsterdam. They’ve been collaborating as a duo since 2009. Their warm and compelling vocals caught the attention of Benny Sings, eventually becoming members of his group “We’ll Make it Right”. Now the duo present their deeply melodic release on Sonar Kollektiv. On the Bossa flavored “The One” they blend folk and minimal pop over a sweet guitar rhythm. “Script” is a swaying lullaby that finds their vocals floating over a soft piano melody. Jonker is featured on “Dean”, a blissful jazz pop arrangement with wah wah guitar rhythms laced with subtle piano and harp. Jonker and Tippet’s vocals are hypnotic separately. Together they’re simply mesmerizing. Without raising their vocals beyond a whisper they create ten alluring compositions that linger long after the song is over. This is a sheer delight that will certainly stroke your heartstrings.
Chip Wickham: Blue to Red [Lovemonk]
Flautist and Saxophonist Chip Wickham explores the celestial realms of the universe with his latest release “Blue To Red”. Wickham’s spiritual path through Indian and Middle Eastern culture has been paved by legends like Alice Coltrane and Yusef Lateef. In addition his recent collaborations with Matthew Halsall has also molded his musical journey. The disc kicks off the ethereal title track, augmented by the heavenly harp of Gondwana Orchestra’s Amanda Whiting. “Route One” features Dan Goldman’s dazzling Rhodes melodies, which are an effective foil for Wickham’s flute phrasings and Whiting’s harp. Goldman’s blissful keys sets the tone on the tranquil “Cosmos”. The rhythm section of drummer Jon Scott, bassist Simon Houghton, Whitng and Goldman are splendid throughout. Wickham’s flute rises to the occasion and provides the listener on a glorious ride through six engaging compositions. This is another spiritual jazz triumph that you shouldn’t miss.
Greg Foat: Symphonie Pacifique [Strut]
At first glance at “Symphonie Pacifique”, the new release from pianist Greg Foat is the bright and colorful art work. One listen and these thematic compositions appear to mirror the cover art as well. There are more upbeat compositions here than previous releases yet still maintain his usual brillance. Evidence is immediate with the title track, a joyful tune filled with exuberant lush soundscapes. “Yonaguni” is another highlight due to the two cellists on board and the choral vocals. Foat’s joyful melodiic flourishes takes the tune to greater heights. On “Island Life” he shifts the tempo down a bit and creates a cinematic gem filled with lavish harmonic textures. “Lament for Lamont” is a melancholy tribute to composer Duncan Lamont. The rhythm section of bassist Phil Achille and drummer Moses Boyd make for a first rate ensemble. Foat is proving to be a gifted composer as every track is a joyful listen. He continues to expand his musical vision and incorporate new elements. Simply a tremendous record that you shouldn’t miss.
Khruangbin: Mordechai [Dead Oceans]
When the trio known as Khruangbin burst out the gate with “Con Todo El Mundo” in 2018, there was a collective praise. Their stylistic formula of psychedelic funk and vocal harmonies became an instant hit. Their sophomore lp “Mordechai” picks up where their debut left off. The opening track “First Class” is symbolic of their sound. An atmospheric tune filled with tight melodic guitar grooves and a thumping bass. “Time” has a touch of a boogie groove. The guitars are scaled back a bit but the groove is infectious nonetheless. “Connaissais de Face” has a slow burning tempo that serves as a canvas for a whispering vocal dialogue between two people. If you loved the first record then you can rush out and grab this one. There’s little doubt these grooves will get their hooks in you. You won’t resist.