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Yearly Archives: 2026
Haroldo Bontempo – Ao Vivo em Quarteto [Cantores del Mundo]
“Ao Vivo em Quarteto” is a live recording from Haroldo Bontempo. The singer/guitarist’s album is steeped in Brazilian folk with traces of Bossa Nova and samba. This setting finds Bontempo as part of a quartet. “Ate’ Que Eu Gosto de Voce” is vintage soulful samba that features Vinicius Mendes on flute. “Na Casa do Jornalista” harkens back to 60s bossa nova. Bontempo is joined by bassist Carol Ramalho and drummer Be Moura. Mendes appears again on flute as well on sax. “Virgem” is another highlight that originally appeared on his first album and features Arthur Melo on bongos. The only regret is not being part of the audience to witness such a marvelous session.
https://haroldobontempo.bandcamp.com/album/ao-vivo-em-quarteto
Sandra St. Victor – Eleven [Mother Tongue Records]
“Eleven” is Sandra St. Victor’s first release in over a decade. The former lead vocalist for the Family Stand returns with an infectious funk and soul full length release. St. Victor, who co-produced the album along with Patrick Gibin, surrounds herself with heavy hitters such as Lalah Hathaway, Mark De Clive Lowe among others. “Moonchild” featuring Kaidi Tatham is a sweeping dance floor filler with a relentless funky groove. “Go Up Moses” is a dark and moody tune with a haunting groove that features Mocean Worker. “Regarding Leon” is a down-tempo sultry soul burner. St. Victor is in peak form here and long time fans will be pleased. A potent album that provides instant satisfaction.
Moyses Dos Santos – Maria [Far Out Recordings]
A native of North Eastern Brazil, electric bassist Moyses Dos Santos has been residing in London since the early 2000s. After touring with Asymuth in 2022, drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti encouraged him to reconnect with his Brazilian roots. Dos Santos has taken that advice and has crafted a marvelous record. “Maria”, named after his Mother, features renowned Brazilian and international artists. The opening track “Boa Viagem” is a sizzling Brazilian jazz dance floor filler. The samba tinged rhythms and spirited horn section are a welcome highlight. “Brazilian Spirit” is an Afro Jazz burner that kicks off with a gorgeous piano intro, followed by warm vocal harmonies. Theo Croker’s melodic trumpet is layered over a seductive piano and bass groove. “Saudade” is another winner. Linda Dawn’s heavenly vocals are right at home with Arthur Verocai’s soothing string arrangements. Far Out Records nails it again. Dos Santos’s latest will stand as one of the best records of the year.
Kutiman & Dekel – Hope [Siyal Music]
Multi-instrumentalist Kutiman and vocalist Dekel return with “Hope”, a warm soulful psychedelic release inspired by the agony and ecstasy of love and human connection. The duo have built a bond that has manifested into an organic approach to the recording. The result is a warm and lush release that’s filled with vulnerability and introspection. The title track is a blissful tune highlighted by a gentle guitar rhythm and Dekel’s vocals. “Sunshine” is hazy psychedelic soul at its finest. Kutiman’s subtle synth arrangements morph into dreamy soundscapes. “Let Your Love” features Dekel on lead and Odeliya LLouz on backing vocals. Although the album barely exceeds twenty minutes, it’s a marvelous listen nonetheless.
Muca & Roberto Menescal – Beleza [The Secret Warehouse Of Sound]
“Beleza”, the latest release from multi-instrumentalist Muca is a musical journey back to his Brazilian roots. Muca has spent the last sixteen years residing in the UK. He decided that the timing was right to reconnect to his youth growing up in Sao Paulo. He’s joined on this journey by composer/guitarist Roberto Menescal. Menescal has been a pioneer of Brazilian Bossa Nova since the mid-sixties. He’s penned recordings like “O Barquinho”, “Voce” and many more. The twelve track LP features a different vocalist for each recording from around the globe. Six songs are sung in English while the other six in Portuguese. “Ladeira” is a soothing samba tune featuring Bahian vocalist Josyara. The aptly titled “Midnight Lullaby” is laced with lush arrangements and gentle guitar licks. The highlight is the soft and stylistic vocals of British Brazilian vocalist Liana Flores. The finale “Feeling When It Comes” is stripped down bossa nova featuring the earthy vocals of Heidi Vogel. Co-produced by Menescal, Muca has captured the essence of bossa nova. The superb lineup takes this record to greater heights. Press play and prepare to be swept away.
https://muca1.bandcamp.com/album/muca-roberto-menescal-beleza
Horatio Luna – Action Reaction [La Sape]
If you didn’t know it already I’m here to tell you that Horatio Luna is one of the premier bassists on the scene today. He’s one of many talented musicians who have emerged from Australia in recent years. The Melbourne native has the gift of groove and knows how to apply it to every recording he appears on. Luna’s latest, “Action Reaction” is packed with funky bangers where the groove works its way up from your feet to your hips. Before you know it everyone is getting their groove on. There’s plenty of bangers to choose from. The aptly titled “Spicy” is fueled by wicked synths layered over an infectious groove. Jake Amy and Brad Ballard take turns displaying their proficiency with funky synth arrangements throughout the album. “The Win” is a simmering House tune aided by Hugo Turudija’s seductive Tenor melodies. “Rectify”, a tribute to Moodymann, is chilled out cosmic jazz with a hypnotic groove. Six years removed from his debut, Luna delivers with a sophomore release that provides immediate satisfaction.
Alsogood – 1000 Smiles [Island Records]
Alsogood is a musician and producer from Italy. He’s self released a number of laid back jazz infused hip-hop instrumentals. In addition, he’s one third of the band Figura. “1000 Smiles” is a sublime recording blending lo-fi soul and jazz compositions. “Feliz” is a blissful tune with warm vocal harmonies and subtle acoustic guitar melodies. “Citta del Sole” is another mellow tune that opens with a sublime piano melody. The soothing horn arrangements are an engaging complement. The title track features a funky groove and a hypnotic violin solo. Alsogood latest release demonstrates a gift for warm soul jazz compositions. Definitely worth checking out.
Jéroboam – Jéroboam [Favourite Recordings]
The Parisian group Jéroboam is an eleven piece funk and soul band. Their self titled debut album is filled with slick eighties inspired boogie funk bangers. The band released a slew of singles on the Space Grapes label, home of another boogie band Another Taste. This is their debut for Favourite Recordings. The opener “Sweet Addiction” is infectious funk punctuated by wicked synths and guitar rhythms. “Sleepless Night” is a warm mid-tempo tune tailor made for slow dancing. “Surrender” is equally enjoyable due to the smooth bassline, vocal harmonies and a punchy horn section. Overall a sparkling debut filled with uplifting lyrics and funky grooves galore. All the things that made eighties funk n soul so special are delivered here in abundance. It’s so delicious, you shouldn’t miss it.
Tom Funk – What’s It Gonna Be [Lazy Robot Records]
London based DJ/Producer Tom Funk spans across infectious funk, hip-hop and soul on “What’s It Gonna Be?”. The ten track album features an array of heavyweight vocalists providing some punch to the compositions. The opener “Coming Back For More” is sophisticated funk featuring the falsetto vocals of Brae Leni. “For Love” is oozing with buoyant Jazz funk arrangements highlighted by the presence of the UK don Omar. “Brighter Day” is another feverish funk burner that features vocalist Andre Espeut. Espeut’s vocals ride on top of a wicked synth and wah wah guitar rhythm section. A superb collection that will keep your head nodding from start to finish.
Scrimshire – Bring Our Light To Every Corner [Albert’s Favourites]
“Bring Our Light To Every Corner”, the ninth album from Adam Scrimshire is a project that was ten years in the making. Scrimshire’s recordings have always been crafted in his emotions. The ability to transcribe those feelings into emotive compositions has been a strength of his and a treat to the listener. “Asleep, A Dream” encapsulates a spiritual jazz vibe with a touch of folk. The tune gets a lift from Amanda Whiting’s blissful harp and Dwight Trible’s wordless phrasings. Idris Rahman’s flute makes its presence felt on a number of recordings. “With Our Eternal Hope & Joy” features frequent contributor Faye Houston on vocals and drummer Chris Bott. The track opens with a stirring piano melody from Jessica Lauren. In addition, Rahman’s fiery flute and sax plus lush vocal harmonies take the track to another level. After a fever pitch, the band simmers down just a bit for poet Joshua Idehen to deliver positive verses. “Awake, A Dream” appears in two takes. An expansive fifteen journey is the finale of a brilliant recording. This is arguably Scrimshire’s best recording to date.
https://scrimshire.bandcamp.com/album/bring-our-light-to-every-corner
Web Web – Kover Kover [Compost Records]
Ten years in the game, the latest from Web Web is their first without any original compositions. “Kover Kover” reimagines an array of classic rock and Pop compositions and the results are quite impressive. The Grace Jones classic “Slave To The Rhythm” is evidence of that. Tony Lakatos’s Soprano dances on top of the spirited rhythm section. Drummer Peter Gall along with bassist Christian Von Kaphengst’s funky upright bass lays down a wicked groove that gets a hold on you. The group captures the psychedelic essence of Jimi Hendrix’s “Burning Of The Midnight Lamp”. They transform it into a low fi fusion gem. Joe Jackson’s “Stepping Out” is awashed in meditative blissful soundscapes. Web Web has taken a collection of standout tunes and placed their personal stamp on them. The results are truly marvelous. The unwritten rule is when you cover a tune, it should be as good or even better than the original. Mission accomplished.
Malcolm Strachan – Look On The Bright Side [Haggis Records]
Trumpeter Malcolm Strachan’s recordings seem to get better with each release. Strachan’s latest, “Look On The Bright Side” may be his best album yet. Right from the start with the opener “Leave It All Behind”, you know you’re in the right place. Strachan’s soothing melodic flurries float on top of a tight rhythm section. The euphoric strings lift the tune to another level. “Quest For Love” is brimming with energy. The formula remains the same only this time it’s elevated with heavenly vocal harmonies from Tanja Daese, aka Lucinda Slim. The album builds towards another winner, “That’s The Way it Goes”. Strachan’s emotive melodies engulf you like a cool pillow. The arrangements here are joyous and the musicians are in top form. Strachan’s path to this point began with an ode to early Blue Note recordings. With this release the infectious groove is the centerpiece. It will grab you and hold onto you. You won’t resist.
https://malcolmstrachan.bandcamp.com/album/look-on-the-bright-side
Lucas Santtana – Brasiliano [No Format!]
“Brasiliano” is the tenth album from singer/guitarist Lucas Santtana. Santtana’s compositions are best described as Brazilian tropicalism. Indeed, the rhythms featured here blends samba, bossa nova with funk and soul. Legendary singer songwriter Gilberto Gil starts off the album with “A historia da nossa lingua”. Fabio Pinczowski’s spicey synth melodies and Rafa Morass’s guitar riffs surround Gil’s smooth vocals seamlessly. “Eu Ainda Te Amo” is a warm and tender ballad featuring rising pop star Rachel Reis. “Que Seje Um Reggae” is filled with warm tropical vibes and features the Brazialian rock band Os Paralamas do Sucesso. Sung in eight different languages, Santtana approaches a number of topics through vibrant melodies and splendid musicianship.
Detroit Rising – Lush Grooves Vol.1,2 & 3 [Down Jazz Records]
Detroit Rising is the collective fronted by Mark Adams and Chris De Carmine. Adams and De Carmine were members of Roy Ayers Ubiquity. Ubiquity married soul and jazz that resulted in timeless funky recordings. “Lush Grooves Vol.1,2 & 3” was created with Ubiquity and other 70s bands in mind. The compilation features an array of electro soul compositions re-imagined by a supreme team of DJ/Producers. DJ Spinna, Don Surf and Bruk Rogers to name a few. “Vol.1” starts off with the vibrant “Talking Walls”, remixed by Atlanta based DJ Kai Alce. The result is an up-tempo heater with an infectious groove and lush vocals. Jimpster remixes the Roy Ayers standout “Don’t Stop The Feeling” into a burning house banger. “Day Dreaming” features the keyboard wizardry of Kaidi Tathum. Tatham’s lush strings and silky chord arrangements make this a soulful gem. “Vol.2” is equally impressive with “Don’t Look Back”. Bruk DJ/Producer Don Surf flips the tune into a broken beat heater. The production duo Makez rework “Dre’s World” into a soulful Disco floor burner. “Vol.3” keeps the party going. “Open Letter”, remixed by East London based DJ/Producer EVM128 is soulful house at it’s best. Three compilations wrapped into one album that pays homage to the past. The result is a future soul recording with grooves galore destined to sink into your body. I dare you not to dance after listening to this record.
Another Taste – Another Taste II [Space Grapes]
Dutch funk collective Another Taste return with their second full length release. “Another Taste II” taps into a world where analog ruled and boogie funk dominated the dance floor. “Run Into Love” is a prime example. A mid tempo boogie burner with a driving piano melody and engaging vocals. “Please Call” features Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers. Their brand of Gospel-Boogie funk aligns perfectly here. Together they create a gritty Disco banger with a burning kick drum rhythm and hazy synth lines. “Into The Night” is another slice of organic funk that’s reminiscent of early Leroy Burgess boogie bangers. The remainder of the album is equally impressive. Want to party like it’s nineteen eighty nine? You’ll definitely need this in your rotation.