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Yearly Archives: 2020
On-ly: Broth [La Sape]
The Melbourne based label La Sape has been very busy this year. Among their projects are the JK Group, Horatio Luna and Godtet among others. Another impressive project has emerged courtesy of pianist and instrumentalist Joshua Smeltink aka On-ly. On-ly’s latest lp “Broth” is an exploration of psychedelic fusion and hypnotic grooves. On-ly’s approach to his compositions are a bit unorthodox but pleasing nonetheless. “Cante Hondo” is a trippy stew of moogs and synths. “Get It” is a twelve minute journey of atmospheric jazz funk loaded with synths and percussion. “Double Edge” is mellow spaced out funk. Overall “Broth” is a tasty treat of avant garde jazz funk along the lines of Miles Davis “Bitches Brew” with a touch of Weather Report that’s definitely worth checking out.
JK Group: The Young Ones [La Sape]
Saxophonist Josh King stretches out on his own with the release of “The Young Ones”. King taps into a more jazzier sound combined with Dilla inspired beats and house rhythms in contrast to the soulful hip-hop oriented sound of the Melbourne based group 30/70 of which he’s an active member. “Seeds” is an infectious up-tempo banger with crackling percussion courtesy of drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist. It’s essential jazz funk with elements of house that’s irrestiblea. “Nutta One” is another up-tempo heater filled with spacey soundscapes. King’s tone on the horn is big and broad as evidence on the slow burning “Jazz Muggie”. On “23” the band dives deep into a samba groove and stretches out. Zeitgeist’s powerful rhythms provide the canvas for King’s horn and Lewis Moody’s gorgeous piano melodies. King makes a potent impression with his debut and demonstrates the ability to lay down a groove in a myriad of styles. It’s an impressive album that you shouldn’t miss.
Matthew Tavares & Leland Whitty: Visions [Mr Bongo]
Keyboardist Matthew Tavares formely of BADBADNOTGOOD is joined by former band-mate saxophonist Leland Whitty on the deeply satisfying “Visions”. Tavares and Whitty are joined by bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes and drummer Matthew Chalmers to round out the quartet. “Visions” is filled with meditative and spiritual compositions that are open and atmospheric. “Through The Looking Glass” is spiritual jazz highlighted by Whitty’s flourishes on soprano and Tavares modal approach on keys. The intensity kicks up on “Woah” before Tavares slows down the pace with his fluid piano phrasings. Whitty exchanges his sax for flute and the soft tone compliments Anderon’s gentle guitar strokes on the sublime “Visions Of You”. The quartet came together and completed this album in one take. It’s a triumph from these like minded musicians to compose such a heartfelt and spiritual record.
The RAH Band: Producer’s Choice [Atjazz Record Company]
Richard Anthony Hewson aka The RAH band returns with his latest release “Producer’s Choice”. Hewson’s career dates back to the sixties when he worked with a wide array of musicians from the Beatles and Diana Ross to Herbie Hancock. Hewson founded the RAH band in 1977 and hasn’t released anything since his “Perfumed Garden” ep in 2015. “Producer’s Choice” features some of Hewson’s biggest tunes. Among the highlights are “Downside Up” a boogie tune with jazzy horns and synths originally released in 1981. The aforementioned “Perfumed Garden” has been transformed into a breezy mid tempo tune that will heighthen the excitement for what’s next. “Messages from The Stars” harkens back to the days of eighties flavored boogie funk. It’s a successful evolution of Hewson’s prime cuts that will certainly please long time fans and impress newcomers as well.
Various Artists: Alex Attias presents LillyGood Party Vol. 2 [BBE Music]
Alex Attias is not only a premier DJ and avid record collector, he’s a superb producer as well. Attias has crafted remixes for a number of artists over the years and his DJ sets, specifically his Lillygood parties are not to be missed. Of course not everyone can make it to Switzerland, Attias’s home base for his parties so the next best thing is to press play to his latest BBE release “Lillygood Party Vol. 2”. This twelve track release is packed with soulful funk and house bangers certain to fill a dance floor or ignite a house party. There isn’t a weak track in sight here so you’re in for a treat. “Playground” is irresistible deep house layered with gorgeous chords from Martin Iverson aka Atjazz featuring Saral Jazz. Yam Who’s rework of Dwayne Morgan’s “Everything” features soulful spoken word over lush deep house grooves. “Children Of The World” is a signature Louie Vega production filled with gospel inspired vocals and infectious percussion. As far as compilations go, this latest version of “Lillygood” is as good as it gets. Vol. 1 was good but Vol. 2 is on another level.
Ludivine Issambourg: Outlaws [Heavenly Sweetness]
“Outlaws” is a tribute to Hubert Laws performed by fellow flutist Ludivine Issambourg. Issambourg has been a fixture in the French jazz scene for years and has also performed with the Paris based band Antiloops. The compositions here capture the spirit of Laws music during the late seventies and early eighties. Which amounts to mellow instrumental jazz inspired rnb. Among the highlights are the opening track “Undecided”, a sun drenched track filled with gorgeous Rhodes from Eric Legnini who also chips in with arrangements. Issambourg’s phrasings layered on top of Legnini’s keys is pure bliss. Issambourg and company does Harvey Mason proud with a flawless cover of “Modaji”. A classic that Laws also performed on. An impressive tribute that should meet Laws approval and will certainly satisfy his fans as well.
Various Artists: Leve Leve Sao Tome & Principe Sounds 70s 80s [Bongo Joe Records]
“Leve Leve” is the brain child of French dJ Tom B. He’s been collecting music from Brazil and various countries for twenty years. Upon collecting Angolan music he came across the Island music of Sao Tome and Principe, two small islands off the coast of Gabon in central Africa. The sixteen track compilation is filled with uplifting compositions that will instantly transport you to the island. “Conjunto Equador Mado”is filled with warm vocal harmonies and sparkling guitar that fuses the rhythms of Sao Tomean with rebita, inspired from Angola. “Africa Negra” unites an assortment of rhythms such as Socope, Puita and danca-congo. The album title is a phrase frequently used among the islanders that means “Take it easy”. These high energy compositions will inspire you to do exactly that.
Crowd Company: Lowdown [Vintage League Music]
“Lowdown” is the third full length album from Crowd Company. The UK funk & soul band return with a high energy eleven track release certain to grip your hips and move your feet. Among the highlights are “Stories”, armed with soaring horns, sultry vocals and an irresistible groove that pushes the entire band. “You Ain’t Ready” is another heater, slightly slower in tempo but a floor burner nonetheless. “Change Your Mind” is slowing burning soul that will inspire you to dim the lights and hold someone tight. Produced by Alan Evans (Soulive), a talented drummer who knows a thing or two about rhythm and groove. In a crowded (no pun intended) funk and soul field, Crowd Company is proving they can hang with the best of them. This potent release is evidence of that.
The Jazz Defenders: Scheming [Haggis Records]
The Jazz Defenders are a quintet from Bristol led by pianist George Cooper. Their ten track release is filled with engaging hard bop recordings. On the opener “Top Down Tourism” Cooper displays a melodic and deliberate style as he’s accompanied by Nicholas Dover’s assertive tone on Sax and Nick Malcolm on Trumpet. Matt Brown’s dynamic drumming and cymbals pushes everyone on the Latin flavoured “Late” They slow down the pace on “Rosie Karima” and perform a beautiful ballad. throughout this set the band channels the spirit of 60s Blue Note recordings. These compositions show they can hold their own with anyone.
Various Artists: DJ Andy Smith Presents Reach Up Disco Wonderland Vol.2 [BBE]
DJ Andy Smith returns to BBE with another instalment of Disco heaters. “Disco Wonderland Vol.2” picks up where Vol.1 left off and features unreleased gems and remixes from Smith himself. “Lost Without You” is infectious boogie funk from Will Sessions & Amp Fiddler. “Star Cruiser” from Gregg Diamond under his Bionic Boogie moniker is classic 70s string laden Disco. “You Don’t Know” was a staple in every club in the mid eighties as a première dance track. The Crissy Kybosh remix gives it new life. Smith’s compilation is filled with eighties flavour and Disco lovers will spring to their feet upon hearing these tracks again. For those unfamiliar with them, you’re in for a treat.
Sonar Kollektiv: Sonar Kollektiv 21 years…Feel [Sonar Kollektiv]
It’s no stretch to say that the label from Berlin as known as Sonar Kollektiv has been one of the most admired labels over the last twenty years. So it seems proper to salute them for all the quality recordings they’ve blessed us with. “21 years” features thirty plus tracks that have stood the test of time and hearing them again is simply a breath of fresh air. It’s a superb collection of their own compositions as well as re-releasing recordings from artists they’ve been drawn to over the years. What’s more is this is the first of two compilations so expect another batch of thirty more recordings soon but let’s focus on these for now. The disc begins with “Oh Africa”, the infectious 2013 dance track from Alex Barck, one of the founding members of Jazzanova. “Make It Good” is another floor burner that evokes happy memories from The White Lamp which featured Pete Josef. There’s a load of unreleased gems as well. “Charizo Pancho” is a splendid simmering samba treat from Marlow & Truby. For those drawn to slower tempos there’s the sublime “Paradiso” from Lars Barkuhn. “Feel Like a Feel” is melancholy folk from Paul Bryan aka Sergio Sa. We’ve just scratched the surface for there’s so much to savor here you could spends weeks combing through it all. Believe me you’ll be glad you did. As far as compilations go this will be hard to beat.
Ricardo Richaid: Travesseiro Feliz [Far Out Recordings]
“Travesseiro Feliz” is the début of Far Out recordings latest signing Ricardo Richaid. Richaid displays his chops on electric and acoustic guitar as well as an adept use of electronics and synths. He receives sparkling percussive contributions from Marcos Suzano, multi-instrumentalist Jose Ibarra and others. The opener “Maracas Enterprise-Frio da Manha” starts out as a searing psychedelic tune filled with explosive horns before the tempo shifts into a sublime guitar driven folk. Richaid’s vocals are out front on “Largado Nu”, which erupts with electric guitar rhythms before shifting into a softer acoustic bliss. “O Velho Cai” is a warm stripped down tune that features Liza Machado on vocals. Richaid absorbs all of influences from the deep well of Brazil and applies his crafty arrangements into an impressive début. The talent here is obvious and we’re looking forward to hearing more from him.
Karmasound: La Busqueda [Phuture Shock Muzik]
Barcelona based producer and multi-instrumentalist Damian Botigue aka Karmasound has demonstrated a flair for fusing various styles with infectious grooves. Starting with his 2018 EP “Probabilidades” was a mashup of Latin vibes spread across broken beat and funk rhythms. Now with his full length début “La Busqueda” he takes the energy up another level. Botigue turns up the tempo with “Dando Vueltas”, a splash of piano melodies and synths layered over blistering conga rhythms. “Instantes” is another vibrant piano driven tune complemented by spirited percussion tailor made to fill a dance floor. “Se va” is a mellow tune that allows you to catch your breath but is equally satisfying. With a foundation of early Latin Jazz fused with the forward thinking sounds of today, Karmasound’s full length début is invigorating and a flat out winner.
Seu Jorge & Roge: Night Dreamer Direct to Disc Sessions [Night Dreamer]
Seu Jorge & Roge have built a friendship going back 25 years. Although they grew up together in Rio De Janeiro and wrote songs they’ve never recorded together until now. Due to scheduling conflicts they didn’t have time for rehearsing so the recording for this duet was done in one session. Based on the results that’s all they needed. This stripped down acoustic recording is accompanied by two percussionists, Peu Meurray and Pretinho da Serrinha. Roge’s falsetto vocals lead off on “Meu Brasil” followed by Jorge’s regal baritone against the backdrop of sweeping brushes and percussion. Their vocals intertwine seamlessly on “Pra Voce Amigo”. “Onda Carioca” is a festive composition with a tasty guitar groove that culminates the recording. Seven splendid songs performed by two of Brazil’s finest vocalists. A delightful album that shouldn’t be missed.
Various Artists: Rainer Trueby Presents Soulgliding [BBE]
“Soulgliding”, the compilation courtesy of DJ/Producer Rainer Trueby is a breezy collection of late seventy early eighties mellow grooves and boogie tunes. It’s a gorgeous compilation of hidden gems from familiar artists as well as the obscure. A nice reminder that among the synth heavy party jams there were plenty of melodic compositions worthy of repeated spins today. The dreamy soundscapes of Peter Brown’s “Without Love” sets the mood with meditative rhythms. “Lady Of The Night” is mellow soul jazz courtesy of LA composer Les Hooper. “It Ain’t No Big Thing” is an infectious mid-tempo boogie from Donna McGhee. “Dust To Dust” is sublime spacey soul from Cloud One, the moniker created by Patrick Adams. There are other highlights throughout here that make this a musical paradise you shouldn’t miss.