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Yearly Archives: 2024
Black and Diamond – Furniture Of the Mind Rearranging [We Jazz Records]
Finnish label We Jazz continues to be at the forefront of avant garde and left of center jazz. The latest band added to their roster is the Chicago based band Black Diamond. Their We Jazz debut is titled “Furniture Of the Mind Rearranging”. Artie Black, who shines on Tenor and bass clarinet is joined by Hunter Diamond who also plays tenor as well as flute. The quartet is rounded out with mainstays Matt Ulery on double bass and drummer Neil Hemphill. The band’s compositions are understated however the melodies are hypnotic and meditative. The opening track “Carrying The Stick” finds Black and Diamond in unison on tenor and flute. Ulery punciates the melody with deep grooves while drummer Hemphill splashes the tune with engaging cymbals. “Zoetic” kicks off with Black and Diamond both on tenor playing off each other. Ulery and Hemphill ease their way into focus. The remaining two tracks, “MyCelium” and “Motor Neurons” features Black and Diamond in duo format. The duo effortlessly interweave phrases and ideas. Overall an impressive release filled with minimalistic yet intimate recordings. While well known in Chicago this should expose the quartet to a wider audience.
https://wejazzrecords.bandcamp.com/album/furniture-of-the-mind-rearranging
Jamie Finlay – Sun Dogs [Wah Wah 45s]
Pianist/Composer Jamie Finlay dropped his first single back in 2005. It feels a bit wrong that we have waited so long for an album. “Sun Dogs” is his full length debut on Wah Wah 45s. Finlay has assembled an array of extraordinary musicians to lift his compositions to another level. Multi-instrumentalist Caitlin LM combines her blissful vocals and baritone sax to “Staring At The Sun”. Vocalist Ellen Beth Abdi is featured throughout this set. “Rain Will Come” is a spiritual jazz number where her vocals will stimulate your eardrums. “Destroy Create (Part 2)” is another highlight. The cosmic track features Abdi once again along with the vocals of Kemani Anderson. Finlay’s bass guitar rhythms are at the heart of the track. Trumpeter Bryan Corbett’s soloing along with MAtt Steele’s glorious rhodes provides a welcoming boost. “Parhellon” is a thematic tune that draws inspiration from Detroit techno. It all adds up to a marvelous album that will catapult it’s way into your rotation. My hope is that the wait isn’t so long for the next album.
Greg Foat & Gigi Masin – The Fish Factory Sessions [Strut Records]
“The Fish Factory Sessions” from Greg Foat & Gigi Masin picks up where the 2022 release “Dolphin” left off. The four tack release features four sublime recordings filled with warmth and ambience. Foat displays impeccable touch and tenderness on “Viento Calido”. Masin is renowned for his ambient compositions and “Three Piece Suite” finds him at his best. The fifteen minute tune is a voyage of cascading melodies certain to take you on a peaceful journey. Masin’s emotive compositions combined Foat’s superb playing makes for a beautiful collaboration. Close your eyes, lean back and enjoy.
https://gregfoat.bandcamp.com/album/the-fish-factory-sessions
VA – Love & Purpose (Volume One) [First Word Records]
“Love & Purpose” is the brainchild of First Word label head Aly Gillani. Gillani lays out the musical progression of UK soul from the eighties to the present for independent artists. The disc begins with “Dazzle You” and “Searching”, two obscure slices of eighties synth heavy soul from Dazzle and Robyn. “Tell Me How It Feels” is one track that received international acclaim from 52nd St. “Hard Work” by Children Of Zeus represents the new face of UK soul. It’s a lovers rock inspired tune showcasing the honey soaked vocals of Tyler Daley. Lynda Dawn is another voice to get familiar with. “Roses” is laidback mid-tempo soul tailor made for chill out moments. Gillani has set the standard by creating one of the premier independent record labels for the last twenty years. From UK artists to the US, First Word has always delivered and this superb release is no exception.
https://firstwordrecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-purpose-volume-one
Glenn Echo & Daniel Meinecke – What Happened To Yesterday Vol. 2 [MotorCity Wine]
“What Happened To Yesterday Vol 2”, the third lp from Glenn Echo and Daniel Meinecke picks up from where Vol 1 left off. That means a heavy dose of dub rhythms and wobbly synth tunes. Meinecke displays his command of the moog and the rhodes while Echo’s production keeps the listener heavily engaged. “Three Season Crank” is filled with infectious reggae rhythms. Electric guitarist Raja Kassis pushes the rhythm forward with his hypnotic chords. “Pull My String” is another mellow tune punctuated by outer world synths. “Off The Rails” differs from the rest of the tunes in tempo only and could easily be found in club roation. The combination of ear popping percussion and psychadelic synths adds up to a certified banger. Echo and Meinecke deliver another dubbed out gem that hits the mark.
https://glennechodanielmeinecke.bandcamp.com/album/mcwr019-what-happened-to-yesterday-vol-2
Potatohead People – Eat Your Heart Out [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
“Eat Your Heart Out” is Potatohead People’s first release since 2020’s “Mellow Fantasy”. Despite the long wait the duo from Vancouver pick up where they off. That means plenty of laid back soulful hip-hop beats that would make Dilla blush. Of course there’s an array of vocalists and rappers to take these tracks to the next level. “Keepin It Kool” has the perfect melding of flavors – lush vocals, jazz infused hip-hop beats – that sets the table for the entire album. Kendra Dias is a frequent contributor who also appears on the equally sublime “Everything U Need”. Other highlights include “Last Nite” featuring legendary rapper Redman. “Secret Mission” features Detroit rapper Frank Niti and funk vocalist Reggie B. “Follow Your Heart” is a blissful instrumental with warm chords. When it’s not broken, there’s no need to tinker. Simply continued dopeness from Nick Wisdom and AstroLogical.
https://potatoheadpeople.bandcamp.com/album/eat-your-heart-out
The Selenites – Live From The Moon [Stereophonk]
“Live From The Moon” is the third release from the Parisian group The Selenites. The band specializes in Ethiopian music rooted in 60’s spiritual Jazz. The disc is filled with melancholic melodies and spirited rhythms. “Apollo IX” is a haunting yet fiery tune taken from their debut lp “Ethio Jazz Groove Project”. The nine minute plus tune is highlighted by bandleader Antoine “Obi Riddim” Laloux’s hypnotic flurries on flute and Marco’s warm tone on Baritone sax. “Crush Bottom Fruit”, heard first on their second lp “Behind The Mask” is a mediataive tune fueled by Fab “Fondamental Big Daddy’s” electric bass. Fab sets the stage for Marco and Riddim’s warm harmonic melodies. The live recording finds the band in their element. weaving through an array of psychadelic compositions that will keep the audience in the palm of their hands. Well worth checking out.
Clyde Beats – Hyper Reality 2 [Atjazz Record Company]
“Hyper Reality 2” is the sophomore release from Clyde Beats. The fifteen track lp is a funk deluxe synth filled beat banger filled with tasty grooves. “It’s Time” features vocalist and songwriter Jane Hamilton. The laidback tune combines soothing vocals and warm chord progressions. “Rising Up” is another funked out track that features funk disciple Amalia. “Unconditional” is another head nodder with warped out synth arrangements and lush vocals. “Snapped” is tailor made for rappers Jakka Blades & Manny Marko. If you listen further you’ll appreciate the way Clyde pushes the envelope beyond boom bap. The arrangements are engaging and creative. This isn’t the type of record you would expect to find from the Atjazz label but it’s definitely worth checking out.
https://clydebeats.bandcamp.com/album/hyper-reality-2-an-english-gentleman
Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation – Things Are Getting Better [Day Dreamer]
“Things Are Getting Better” is the latest release from Jimetta Rose and the Voices of Creation. The title speaks to the evolution of the choir that Rose assembled from her Los Angeles community. It also speaks to her perseverance through tough times during the pandemic. “Let The Sunshine In”, the previous release from 2022 just scratched the surface of how potent this choir can be. This release showcases a more confident choir that is hitting their stride. Evidence lies in “Already Real To Me” where Rose’s soul infused gospel vocals will uplift every soul within listening distance. The tune starts off in acapella fashion with subtle riffs from musical director/organist Jack Maeby. “Portals” delivers an electricfying performance that’s filled with inspiration and faith. There’s plenty of talented contributors such as saxophonist Isiah Collier. Rose nearly walked away from the music business before linking up with Maeby for this project. We’re grateful that she stuck with it and blessed us with an uplifting collection of soul and gospel compositions.
https://jimettarosethevoicesofcreation.bandcamp.com/album/things-are-getting-better
Quiet Dawn – Celebrate [First Word Records]
French multi-instrumentalist Will Galland aka Quiet Dawn returns with another banger entitled “Celebrate”. This release picks up where the previous EP “Movements” left off. That means an array of broken beat rhyrhms that will inspire you to dance. There’s an impressive list of guest stars certain to puncuate that fact. “All Around” features the queen of Broken Beat Bembe Seque. The tune moves along at a laidback pace before the tempo cranks up. The infectious groove along with dizzying keys sink into your body. It unleashes a jolt of joy that you can only feel from a bonafide banger. “Lost From Life” is another burner that features Oliver Night from the Co-Op collective. Night’s honey toned vocals are a perfect match for the hooks and melodies of the track. “It’s All About Freedom”, driven by samba rhythms and gorgeous vocal harmonies is another heater to savor. Whether it’s hip-hop inspired beats or broken beat rhythms Quiet Dawn has always delivered. This marvelous album is no exception.
Resolution 88 – Vortex [Synthethesia Records]
The London Jazz funk band Resolution 88 returns with their latest release “Vortex”. Bandleader and composer Tom O’Grady taps into jazz funk pioneers such as Herbie Hancock and The Mizell Brothers for inspiration. Highlights include “The Boss From Boston”. The funky tune features thumping bass rhythms from Tiago Coimbra. Special guest Tom Smith adds tasty melodies on tenor sax. As for O’Grady, he fuels the recording with layers of vibrant synth and keyboard arrangements. “Sky High”, a homage to Larry and Fonce Mizell is mellow spacious funk filled with swaying synths. “Love Will Come Around” is another mellow slow burn that features vocalist Vanessa Haynes. A delightful record that taps into the well of late seventies jazz funk with impressive results. O’Grady demonstrates that he’s a monst
er composer as well as a master of the rhodes.
Divorce From New York – Brick Lane [Tokonoma Records]
Alvaro Granda, aka Divorce From New York follows up his 2023 release “Sausalito” with another banger. “Brick Lane” was inspired by his recent visit to West London and it’s bubbling ecosystem of club culture. Indeed the title track sets the tone with funky synths courtesy of Parisian group Quiet Dawn. The tempo downshifts from upbeat to laidback broken beat bliss. “What is Jazz” is another head nod tune filled with warped synths and electro funk grooves. “Copeland Park” navigates between broken beat and house. Drummer Fernando Damon creates an atmosphere of infectious rhythms that will inspire you to dance. Divorce from New York is a producer on the rise. This record further cements that.
The Brkn Record – The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 [BBE Music]
Jake Ferguson, one half of the Heliocentrics returns with volume 2 of his solo project, The Brkn Record. While the theme of vol 1 centered on braking down oppressive institutions, vol 2 takes an extra step in calling out the injustices within the system. Ferguson certainly has enlisted an array of socially conscious artists to push this message forward. The mighty Anthony Joseph appears on three tracks here. “Skull Tax” comes in with a roar. A thumping bass groove and infectious electric guitar provides the canvas for Joseph’s thought provoking lyrics. “We Need Freedom” is a spirtual gem that kicks off with simmering percussion followed by searing Tenor sax and flute rhythms. UK vocalist Jermain Jackman’s falsetto moves the track to another level. “Prison of Skin” is another spiritual jazz keeper that speaks to the socio-economics prison that has held back countless communities. Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, a Nigerian singer/poet adds her heavenly vocals to the tune. A strong recording that entertains and enlightens you simultaneously.
https://thebrknrecord.bandcamp.com/album/the-architecture-of-oppression-part-2
Arthur Melo – Mirantes Emocionais [Wonderfulsound]
Arthur Melo, a Brazilian composer, guitarist and singer returns after a three year hiatus. Backed by his band O Ministerio da Consciencia, the new album “Mirantes Emocionais” pays homage to Melo’s heroes of the 70 & 80s, specifically Milton Nascimento. In addition, the album has plenty of film refernces as he’s studied film and is a fan of the great Director Brian De Palma. Melo’s feathery vocals float over the percussive electric guitar driven “Dama da Noite”. The psychedelic “Principios Organizadores” simmers with electric and acoustic guitar rhythms. Dante Batista Ribeiro’s playing on the sitar adds another layer of flavor to the recording. “Saidas” is a blissful acoustic tune enhanced by the gentle brushes from drummer Theodora Viana. Produced by Kassim, “Mirantes Emocionais” is a superb recording that recalls the past while applying new ideas from the present.
https://wonderfulsound.bandcamp.com/album/mirantes-emocionais
Musclecars – Sugar Honey Iced Tea! [BBE Music]
Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield are Musclecars. Over the last few years they’ve been making a name for themselves for their lush house remixes for a number of artists. “Sugar Honey Ice Tea”, their debut album captures the essence of New York City club culture made famous by some of the legendary local DJs. DJs like the late Larry Levan and Louie Vega, just to name a few are known for injceting a myriad of musical styles seamlessly into their live sets and kept the party rocking. This lp follows the same formula. “Ha Ya” is a deep percussive afro house with a hypnotic chorus. “Tonight” is infectious soulful house with warm vocals. “Circles 11” is the kind of track that would’ve filled the floor at the Paradise Garage back in the day. The duo flex their remixing skills to extend the groove. The end result is a seven minute funk deluxe banger with a pulsating groove and ear popping percussion. Get to know this duo. Based on this impressive release they should be around for a long time.