Home » 2020 (Page 5)
Yearly Archives: 2020
Omar: The Anthology [Freestyle]
While scanning the thirty plus track listing for “The Anthology” from Omar, I couldn’t help but think how many artists would’ve rolled out a “Greatest Hits” while barely having half the catalogue that he has under his belt. With that said this is a great opportunity to rejoice in the stunning collection of music from the Don of UK Soul. From early favourites like “There’s Nothing Like This”, The Anthology is a lovely trip down memory lane with timeless recordings. “Best By Far” is an underrated record if that’s even possible. it’s left-field soul that’s still sounds brand new. Let’s not forget the notable duets he has shared the mic with over the years. “Be Thankful” with Erykah Badu, “Who Chooses The Seasons” with Carleen Anderson and of course “Feeling You” with Stevie Wonder. That’s not all, “Pass It On”, a mid-tempo funky number featuring Terri Walker is one of two new tracks here along with “Long Time Coming”. Seriously, you should have most of these songs already but if you don’t then you need this this in your collection now. This is simply a great selection from the Man who is still at the top of his game. Salute!
Milton Nascimento: Maria Maria [Far Out Recordings]
Far Out recordings presents “Maria Maria” a classic recording from Milton Nascimento. Originally recorded in 1976, it features some of Brazil’s most revered musicians such as the late Nana Vasconcelos and Joao Donato. The concept of “Maria Maria” came from a show conceived by himself and songwriter Fernando Brant based on the composite life story of the daughter of a black slave called Maria. Nascimento wrote the music while Brant wrote the lyrics but they both collaborated on the title track. This cinematic production is filled with spoken word interludes bridged between Nascimento’s smoothing vocals and folk flavoured compositions. Highlights include “Trabalhos” and “Os Escravos De Jo”, the latter is a spirited composition that features Toninho Horta on guitar along with vocalists such as Nana Caymmi, Fala de Belem and Beto Guedes. Nascimento’s love of cinema is brought to life here and is falsetto vocals lifts these compositions to another level. For long time fans these previous hard to find recordings are a must have. For newcomers this is a great introduction for one of Brazil’s most treasured vocalists.
Tawiah: Starts Again [First Word]
Singer songwriter Tawiah has been a staple in the South London music scene with numerous guest appearances and a couple of EPs under her belt. Her heavenly vocals has taken lead for The Cinematic Orchestra, Eric Lau and many more. “Starts Again” is her full length début and sounds nothing like what she’s done before. That being said the ten track lp is a brilliant stripped down session that weaves together her musical outlook while chronicling her life journey. “Recreate” starts out with a rumbling drum beat and a bass heavy groove. “Borders” is a soul pop tune filled with a joyous chorus that spreads her message that her love has no boundaries. “How Much Left” floats with warm string arrangements courtesy of Miquel Atwood Ferguson. Co-Produced by Sam Beste and notable contributions from Sharlene Hector, Rahel Debebe Dessalegne among others. This is a superb outing from an ultra talented vocalist.
Gyedu Blay Ambolley: 11th Street Sekondi [Agogo]
Ghanian legend Gyedu Blay Ambolley has been a staple of West Ghana since his début in 1973. The seventy two year old vocalist and saxophonist follows up his acclaimed 2017 release “Ketan” with “11th Street Sekondi”, named after the area he grew up in West Ghana. Ambolley has performed alongside legends such as Fela Kuti and Ebo Taylor. The nine track touches social and political topics while blending genres better known within the region as Highlife. “I No Dey Talk I Do Dey Lie” is a slow burning funk with soulful horns and afrobeat rhythms. “Sunkwa” begins with a flurry of horns and a funky guitar groove. Ambolley’s vocal style is more like his signature rap style known as Simigwa. Factor in his baritone voice and Tenor sax prowess and you’re in for a treat. “11th Street Sekondi” is warm, funky and engaging. Ambolley’s career, already filled with accolades is showing no signs of slowing down.
Michele Manzo: All Rise [Darker Than Wax]
Italian native multi-instrumentalist Michele Manzo’s release “All Rise” flows from boom bap beats to laid back grooves. He demonstrates an ability to blend drum progarmming with live instrumentation seamlessly. “Crackablackalacka” is neck snapping hip-hop featuring Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow. “Train From Cali” is an mellow instrumental that oozes with warm vibes. Nicolas Ryan Gant’s elevates the funky track “The Best” with his smooth vocals. A solid offering from the talented musician/producer that’s certainly worth checking out.
Gabriele Poso: Batik [Soundway Records]
Percussionist Gabriele Poso returns with “Batik”, his first release on Soundway records. He first appeared on Osunlade’s Yoruba records label in 2008 and has recorded for Infra Com, BBE, and Agogo as well. Poso along with his Organik trio compose a brillant album ripe with Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with jazz and house. The title track kicks off the disc with Poso on vocals alongside a heavenly chorus layered over a potent groove, tropical beats and moog synths. “Equitoreal” also makes a splash with thunderous percussion, hi hat rhythms and a sensual house groove. “Goldfish” is a blissful instrumental that will instantly create images of blue skies in the Caribbean. Poso lends his vocals on most of the recordings while enlisting renowned vocalists such as Nailah Porter, Nina Rodriguez, Quetzal Guerrero and Sofia Rolio. DJ/Producer Kiko Navarro provides the right balance of beats and programming to make you want to dance or simply kick back and listen. Poso is developing into one of the premier percussionists on the scene today and this album is evidence of that.
Sefi Zisling: Expanse [Tru Thoughts]
The Tel Aviv music scene has blessed us with some amazing musicians in recent years, none more impressive than trumpeter Sefi Zisling. His sophomore album “Expanse” is filled with warm cozy grooves and captures the spirit of 60s soul jazz groups like Jimmy Smith and Grant Green. Zisling recorded this in a live session with an array of talented musicians and they stay firmly in the pocket. “Happy Solar Return” is a nine minute afrobeat inspired number that features multi-instrumentalist Kutiman and fueled by Idan Kupferberg on percussion “Ongoing Morning” is a slow and dreamy ballad that showcases Zisling’s clean tone. The finale is a sixteen bouncy soul groove jam session certain to get your toes tapping. Zisling embraces the groundwork of the pioneers before him while pushing the music forward. Ensuring that you’re gonna have a funky good time.
Various Artists: Downundaground [La Sape]
The talent from Melbourne continues to flow like water from the faucet. They’re the gift that keeps on giving and “Downundaground” is evidence of that. This sparkling compilation features up and coming Australian musicians directed by veteran instrumentalist Horatio Luna. For starters the JK Group is a band to keep an eye on. “Nutha One” is spirited jazz fusion with a funky groove and a touch of broken beat. Antiphon is another group to place on your radar. “Spartan” is cosmic funk with heavy synths and an infectious groove. Big Chief is a collective of musicians that was originally a side project of the rising group 30/70. Fronted by Horatio Luna, “Later That Day” is a ten minute journey of experimental jazz infused house. The only quibble is there’s only seven songs yet each track is a potent recording. Make room in your daily rotation for this one. An impressive recording that’s worthy of repeated listens.
Various Artists: Mathias Modica presents Kraut Jazz Futurism [Kryptox]
In recent years Berlin has become a musical hotspot for creative musicians, specifically for electronic music. It’s time to make room for Jazz as well. Mathias Modica’s “Kraut Jazz Futurism” is proof of that. The sixteen track compilation features the emerging talent on the German scene showcasing their home grown influences. Karl Hector and The Malcouns might be the most familiar among the bands on this disc. Their brand of Krautrock: groove drenched afrobeat rhythms are on display here with “Orange Man”. The Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra are an impressive 20 piece international collective led by Berlin composer Daniel Glatzel. “J Schleia” is a dynamic eleven minute odyssey that glides through various styles ranging from jazz to classical. “Free” (Get Yourself Together) is infectious psychedelic jazz rock by the Torben Unit band. “The Flood” is filled with cinematic soundscapes and classical arrangements courtesy of saxophonist and Composer Ralph Heidel. As far as compilations go this is an absolute gem that offers something for everyone. You’ll feel as though you’ve entered a portal into a blossoming musical community. Enjoy your stay, you won’t be disappointed.
3TM: Lake [We Jazz]
Drummer Teppo Makynen one third of 3TM started out with the critically acclaimed “Form”. They followed that up with “Abyss” serving as a prelude to their new release “Lake”. Tenor sax man Jussi Kannaste and bassist Antti Lotjonen complete the trio. Together they navigate through nine thematic compositions centered around the elements of natural scenery. On the title track Kannaste’s soloing is restrained yet ebbs and flows while Makynen’s cymbal sound and subtle use of electronics creates an atmospheric landscape. “Suburban Portraits” opens with warped synths that comes and goes while Kannaste soloing navigates through the ambient terrain. There’s little use for fireworks here, rather everyone simply surrenders to the needs of the song and in this case that’s more than enough. Makynen has compose a compelling piece of work here that’s pure bliss from start to finish.
Brisa: Th3rd [Bastard Jazz]
Fukuoka, Japan based DJ/Producer Brisa has delighted us with an array of soulful house, drum n bass and other infectious grooves since his début lp “Elevation Perception in 2008. During that time he has become one of the première DJ/Producers on the scene today. On his latest full length release “Th3rd” he eschews his signature house arrangements for an assortment of electronic excursions encompassing various tempos. The opening track “Cloudnine” is a mid-tempo tune with warm melodic synths and vocals. “New Way” is a bombastic heater laced with restless drums and bass that we’ve come to expect from him. “DLMD” is another standout up-tempo track that sparkles with soulful rhodes wizardry and funky percussion. Brisa could’ve taken the safe route and released another “Wide Awake” lp. Instead he demonstrates his versatility as well as delivering another quality recording.
Various Artists: Eglo Records Vol. 2 [Eglo]
Volume 2 of the new Eglo records compilation celebrates ten years in the game. Initially started by Alexander Nut and Sam Shepard aka Floating Points. Shepard has moved on but Nut has carried the mantle of consistency delivering timeless gems ranging from futuristic soul, broken beat, electronica and much more. There have been some notable contributions along the way from artists who have become household names. K15, Fatima and Steve Spacek just to name a few. Spacek is featured on six tracks and each one is marvellous but “If U Wan 2 Find Me” and the cosmic flavored “The Abstract Eye” are standouts. The aforementioned Fatima’s career has been ascending from the start. “Phoneline” represents her earlier work with producer Funkineven and the bottom heavy beats of “Somebody Else” is from her latest lp. Australian artists Destiny71z and Natalie Slade are two of the emerging new talents signed to the label. “Foodprogramvoltage” is irresistible left of center house from Destiny71z that combines analog and electronic thumping beats. Slade’s “Humidity” is laid back soul and a prelude to her upcoming debut lp which will properly showcase her soulful vocals. There’s much more to digest here so you absolutely need this in your collection. Simply put Eglo has been one of the première labels over the last decade and there’s no hint that will change any time soon.