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Yearly Archives: 2026
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.
Lay-Far Dance Orchestra – Skybreak [In-Beat-Ween Music]
DJ/Producer Alexander Lay-Far has cemented his status as a premier producer of infectious dance tracks. That being said, Jazz funk is at the root of his beginnings. Lay-Far Dance Orchestra’s debut “Skybreak” taps into his past. Backed by a band of premier musicians. They seamlessly fuse nu-soul and jazz rhythms over a relentless groove. The opener, “Take Flight Pt 1” cruises along a steady groove providing a canvas for breezy flute melodies from Timur Nekrasov. “Where You From” features funky guitar licks from Lay-far. Maxim Glonti provides infectious piano grooves that will fill a dance floor. “Take Flight Pt 2” dives into a deeper cosmic groove, Glonti’s electric keys brim with warm tones Lay-far has assembled a tight band that delivers from the start. If they’re performing in your neighbourhood then do go see them. A marvellous LP that ensures a funky good time.
Alexander IV – Alchemist [Sonar Kollektiv]
Alexander IV is the alter ego of Dutch producer/multi-instrumentalist Joris Feiertag. You may be familiar with his club flavoured recordings under the name Feiertag. This debut finds him on a different path. Titled “Alchemist”, the thirteen track LP is filled with genre bending compositions fusing soul, electronica and afrobeat rhythms. The opening track “Touch of Gold” has a funky jazz sample punctuated by propulsive drum kick beats. “Now, Pause…” is an atmospheric soundscape of rhythms highlighted by Ursula Rucker’s poetic vocals. “Long Way from Home” is fuelled by afrobeat rhythms and the vocals of label mate Pete Josef. Feiertag demonstrates fluency in a myriad of styles. An engaging debut that merits repeated listens.
Thundercat – Distracted [Brainfeeder]
“Distracted”, the fifth ablum from Steven Bruner aka Thundercat picks up where his previous LP “It Is What It IS” left off six years ago. Joined by long time friend Flying Lotus, Bruner injects plenty of humor and psychedelic rhythms into this recording. “No More Lies”, featuring Tame Impala, is dreamy and atmospheric. “I Did This To Myself” is kickstarted by Bruner’s funky bass riffs. “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time” is mellow heavenly sweetness. Bruner’s falsetto and bass grooves are the driving force throughout the album. Add the notable contributions from premier artists ASAP Rocky, Willow and Impala. Flying Lotus, Greg Kurstin and Kenneth Blume round out the production contributions here. It’s been long overdue but Thundercat makes it worth the wait.
Seu Jorge – The Other Side [Amor In Sound]
“The Other Side”, the latest release from Seu Jorge is his most ambitious project to date. The singer/songwriter/actor has amassed an enormous collection of samba recordings throughout his career. Long time friend and producer Mario Caldato sought out acclaimed producer Miquel Atwwod Ferguson for his warm and melodic string arrangements. Jorge’s cover of Nick Drake’s “River Man” is one of many highlights. Ferguson’s orchestral touch aligned with Jorge’s deep baritone vocals is pure bliss. “Vento De Maio” is a duet featuring fellow Brazilian singer Maria Rita. Jorge’s band are in peak form here. The heavenly strings soar alongside hypnotic guitar and horn rhythms. There’s much more to enjoy here. Jorge and Caldato recorded many of these tunes going back to i009. Bringing Ferguson on board makes for a marvelous recording that you shouldn’t miss.
Nubiyan Twist – Chasing Shadows [Strut Records]
Nubiyan Twist pick up where they left off from their 2024 release “Find Your Flame”. The Leeds based band’s fifth album “Chasing Shadows” continues to connect the dots from Afrobeat, Jazz and hip-hop. The band features a new vocalist in Eniola, along with an array of prime guest appearances. Eniola’s vocals soar on the high energy opener “Azimuth”. “Mlonje: Voices Joined” is another heater that features The Zawose Queens. “Threads” is a festive jazz fusion burner that features funky moog synth flurries from Patrice Rushen. Bandleader and producer Tom Excell has cultivated a vibrant and recognizable sound that everyone needs to get familiar with. Simply put, this is another joyous release that you shouldn’t miss.
Fabiano Nascimento – Vila [Far Out Recordings]
“Vila” is the latest release from Brazilian guitarist Fabiano Nascimento and Trombonist Vittor Santos. “Vila” instantly transports you to the countryside of Brazil. It’s the quiet and secluded neighborhoods where Nascimento grew up that inspired this recording. Santos leads a sixteen-piece Orchestra while Nascimento’s gentle guitar compliments them with aplomb. “Spring Theme” is a tender tune filled with Nascimento’s subtle yet poignant guitar melodies. The blissful strings of the Orchestra emerge like a cool breeze on a warm summer day. Santos’s warm trombone flows alongside the harmonic strings and guitar on “Tema Em Harmonicos”. Nascimento has played with everyone from Arthur Verocai to Carlos Nino. Santos has also played with premier musicians such as Marcos Valle and Elza Soares. This recording is a bit nostalgic and that’s part of what makes it so special. The other part is two master musicians at the top of their game. Stellar work indeed.
Crackazat – Sun [Freerange Records]
Ben Jacobs, aka Crackazat has firmly established himself as one of the premier DJ/producers delivering soulful house compositions. “Sun” is the follow up to the critically acclaimed 2021 release “Evergreen”. A marvellous collection of tunes filled with bright horn lines, joyful synths and infectious grooves. The opening track “Promised Right” sets the tone for the album. A thumping bass groove layered with vibrant horns and synths. “Crouching Tiger” is another banger aided by Lyric Jones vocals cutting through the groove. Oliver St Louis adds his warm vocals to the mid-tempo burner “Nothing But Love”. With a combination of electronics and live instrumentation, Jacobs joyful arrangements inspire instant movement. You’ll enjoy this record either during your next house party or a party within your earbuds.