Home » 2026 (Page 2)
Yearly Archives: 2026
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.
Mark De Clive Lowe, Andrea Lombardini and Tommasso Cappellato – Dreamweavers II [Mother Tongue]
Dreamweavers is the trio of Mark De Clive Lowe, Andrea Lombardini and Tommasso Cappellato. Their second release builds on electro acoustic compositions with a touch of jazz funk. “Kaze No Michi” is a celestial journey filled with MDCL’s vibrant melodies. Cappellato’s drumming and groove-driven compositions pack a delightful punch. “Lucid Dreams” is an atmospheric jazz funk gem. Lombardini’s riveting bass groove is the driving force, along with Cappellato’s infectious cymbal drumming .MDCL’s dense keyboard wizardry lifts the track to the outer limits. “The Bass That Don’t Stop” is a MDCL dance floor original imagined with live instrumentation. The trio flex their chops over a tune that inspires everyone to get up and dance. MDCL’s euphoric melodies aligned with Lombardini’s thumping groove is intoxicating. This trio is onto something special here. Each member is a leader in their own right. Together they’re making engaging music that deserves repeated listens.
Leo Middea – Noticias de Puglia [Agogo Records]
“Noticias de Puglia” is the sixth album from Guitarist Leo Middea. The album serves as a postcard to showcase Brazilian music worldwide. The album is a blissful listen ranging from mellow tunes to energetic rhythms. “Bloco pra Tristeza” opens with a splash of warm trombone melodies and simmering percussion. Middea creates a soothing palette for a divine chorus section. “Passarela” showcases his soothing vocals layered over gentle rhodes and horns. Middea has lived in Europe for the past nine years. You can take the man out of Brazil but you can’t remove Brazil from the man. Twelve engaging tracks is evidence of that.
https://leomiddea-agogo.bandcamp.com/album/not-cias-de-puglia
Modha – At Your Pace [Sonar Kollektiv]
Dhanya Langer and Max Scholl are the duo known as Modha. The Berlin based duo share a bond for live instrumentation and emotive compositions. “At Your Pace” captures that spirit by fusing Jazz and hip-hop with soulful melodies. The opening tune “Move At Your Own Pace” speaks to that formula. A lush recording highlighted by heavenly horns from Konstantin Doben. On “Good News”, Allysha Joy’s warm soulful vocals aligned with a heartwarming melody are a match made in heaven. “River” is an ethereal tune that kicks off a percolating bass. Berlin based Keyboardist Abase and Fanni Zahar’s flute combine to create sublime melodies. Fabiano Lima’s percussion is intoxicating. The finale “Find Me” is a slow burning gem that features the songstress Okcandice. Don’t sleep on this record. The eight track recording is a bundle of blissful goodness you shouldn’t miss. Another winner from Sonar Kollektiv.
Eric Hilton – A Sky So Close [Monserrat House]
“A Sky So Close” is the new album from Producer Eric Hilton. Hilton is best known from his days with Thievery Corporation. He co-founded the group in the nineties and they made an impact with down-tempo trip-hop compositions. Those down-tempo grooves can be heard throughout this new release. “The Dharma Lovers” is filled with ambient, dub and blissful rhythms. Add the lush wordless phrasings from vocalist Natalia Clavier to take the track to another level. Clavier, who also was the featured vocalist with Thievery Corporation, shines on the sublime “Lalita”. “Behind My Eyes” has an edgy groove yet still captures the blissful vibes that run throughout this set. The ideal recording to have by your side when you want to chill, either by yourself or with someone else.
Atlantis Jazz Ensemble – Mystic Suite [Marlow Records]
“Mystic Suite” is the third album of a trilogy from Atlantis Jazz Ensemble. The Ontario based band channels the spirits of spiritual jazz labels such as Strata East and Impulse. The first two albums “Celestial Suite” and “Oceanic Suite” are meditative offerings while “Mystic” brings a little more fire to the party. “Damocles” is a burner that features Pierre Chretien’s hypnotic electric piano laying the groundwork. Tenor saxophonist Petr Cancura joins Trumpeter Ed Lister and Alto saxophonist Zakari Frantz. Together they trade solos and create mystical melodies along the way. “As The River Flows” is another highlight. The horn section dazzles again but saves room for Chretien’s deft touch. The rhythm section deserves props as well. Guest percussionist Marielle Rivard and drummer Mike Essoudry create a flame that turns into a fire on “Asphodel Meadows”. Simply a marvelous recording that shouldn’t be missed. While you’re at it, grab the other two also if you haven’t already.
https://atlantisjazzensemble.bandcamp.com/album/mystic-suite
VA – Random Acts Of Kindness [Lumberjacks in Hell]
“Random Acts Of Kindness” is the latest compilation from the label Lumberjacks in Hell. The Amsterdam based label has built a reputation for delivering essential House recordings. Rahaan, Inkswell and Jamie 3:26 are among the prominent DJs who have released music on the label. The opener “Let Me Show You” is a simmering soulful House banger from Chicago based DJ/Producer JT Donaldson. “Hard Times” packs a heavy groove courtesy of Dutch DJ and label front man Marcel Vogel. “Real Love” is another winner that Vogel appears on. The banger has already featured several remixes. This compilation is evidence of the underground House recordings this label is serving up.
Turbojazz – Memorabilia [Last Forever Records]
“Memorabilia”, the sophomore release from Italian producer Turbojazz picks up where his impressive debut “Whateverism” left off. On his debut, Turbojazz demonstrated a flair for creating head nodding, foot stomping grooves in all matters of styles. With this release, he pays tribute to the legacy of dance, Disco and house. The results are infectious dance tracks that sink into your body, thereby inspiring you to get on up to get down. The opening track “The Joy” is filled with sunny chords and the soulful vocals of Berlin based Rona Ray. “Body & Soul” is a slice of early nineties Chicago House. Who better to represent that sound than the iconic House legend Robert Owens on vocals. “Summer Madnezz” dazzles with jazzy horns and trance inspired house rhythms. A delicious release best enjoyed in its entirety. Turbojazz has rapidly become an in demand producer and this release is evidence of that.
https://lastforeverrecords.bandcamp.com/album/memorabilia-album
WAAN – We Want Waan [Sonar Kollektiv]
Hailing from the Netherlands, Saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven are one half of the band known as WAAN. Their sophomore album “We Want Waan” is an electro melting pot of alternative rock and jazz.. “Mirrors” is a powder keg of energy. Wirtz’s melodic sax flurries and synths dance on top of the heart pounding back beat rhythms. The track was recorded live at De Twee Spieghels, a prominent venue in the Netherlands. “Moto No Oto” is a burning meditative gem where Wirtz’s soothing sax blends seamlessly with the lush strings from Rene van Munster and Beste Sevindik. Philadelphia rappers Ivy Sole drop poignant verses to the brooding beat of “Been Blue”. The track is a haunting collage of jazz infused hip-hop. Produced by WAAN along with Oscar de Jong (Kraak & Smaak). The result is an enjoyable and stimulating album. This band has built bridges to multiple genres and we’re reaping the benefits.