Although Robb Scott has been performing on the live circuit for years now, ‘Afro Odyssey’ is his first long player. He seamlessly blends cosmic-soul with Afrocentric-jazz and subtle broken-beat to create an album that is contemporary yet classic sounding at the same time. Consistently strong throughout, it’s difficult to select particular favourites but at a push I’d go for the single ‘Fallin’ and ‘Reflections’, featuring the legendary Ellen McIlwaine.

Andy Allen

After teasing us with the Nostalgia 77 Remix of ‘Reversed’, Elizabeth Shepherd Trio now come with their impressive debut album. Contained within are some first rate vocal jazz performances from the opening title track, which pays tribute to some of the scene’s innovators, to the quirky ‘Price Is Right’ which concludes the set. In between there are moments of pure brilliance like the original version of ‘Reversed’, ‘Melon’, an up-tempo Latin jazz excursion and the immaculate ‘Circles’.

Andy Allen

Following last months’ 10" release Kindred Spirits deliver the full album in celebration of what would have been John Coltrane’s 80th birthday (23rd September 2006). The tracks from the 10", ‘A Love Supreme’ by Dwight Trible and ‘John Coltrane’ from Our Cry For Peace featuring Dwight are included along with Clifford Jordan’s original of the latter and Rufus Harley’s outstanding take on the former. Pharoah Sanders’ ‘Prince Of Peace’ takes its rightful place as do the two versions of ‘Naima’ from 4Hero and Mark De Clive-Lowe featuring the voice of Bembe Segue. There’s also Karin Krog & Nils Lindberg’s haunting ‘John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme’, Billy Gaunt’s ‘Mode For Trane’, the incredible spoken word outing, ‘Liberation Of The Spirit’ from Kamau Daaood and the epic ‘Duke And Trane’ by Heikki Samarto Ensemble, Gregg Smith Vocal Quartet & Long Island Symphonic Choral Association. This is a truly stunning collection and a fitting tribute to jazz’s number one son. My only criticism would be the lack of information in the sleeve notes about some of the more obscure tracks.

Andy Allen

Gilles delves into the Impulse archives and surfaces with a fine and varied selection. On the spiritual tip there’s Pharoah Sanders’ ‘Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah’ with vocalist Leon Thomas, Michael White’s ‘The Blessing Song’ from his 1972 ‘Pnuema’ album, the Abbey Lincoln fronted ‘Lonesome Lover’ by Max Roach and the inspirational ‘Wise One’ from John Coltrane. Art Blakey represents with the firing ‘Alamode’ and the quality continues with the likes of Oliver Nelson’s ‘Patterns’, ‘Three Flowers’, a gorgeous waltz by McCoy Tyner, Milt Jackson & Ray Brown’s dreamy ‘Enchanted Lady’ and the gentle bossa of ‘See You Later’ from Dave Mackay & Vicky Hamilton. And to top it all off, Yusef Lateef’s take of ‘First Gymnopedie’, one of the most beautiful pieces to have ever graced these ears.

Andy Allen

Produced by Ed Motta, Jazzinho’s sophomore set is another solid selection of Brazilian rhythms, incorporating elements of soul, funk and jazz along the way. Ed’s influence is apparent throughout and best savoured on the joyful opener, ‘The Lagoon Monster’, ‘Humano, Desumano’, ‘Maria Mulata’ and the awesome bass heavy groove of ‘Da Tempo ao Tempo’, which is also appears with a Nicola Conte rework.

Andy Allen

More quality Japanese jazz gear, this time from Indigo Jam Unit, who are essentially a trio with Yoshichika Tarue on piano, BJ (Katsuhiko Sasai) on bass and Isao Wasano and Kenichi Tateiwa alternating on drums. These guys can really swing which is evidenced on the sizzling ‘Palette’, the hypnotic ‘7th Feeling’ and the Latin tinged ‘Teardrop’. They are equally at home though on the slower material, ‘Snow’, a stunningly beautiful piece, being a good example. The standard of musicianship on show here is exceptional but you’ll have to be quick, as this is a seriously limited release.

Andy Allen

After impressing with their version of Tubby Hayes’ ‘Down In The Village’ for Raw Fusion, the Japanese jazz quartet now deliver their debut long player. The said cut is here along with the title track which also featured on that 12" plus ‘Ipe Amarelo’ and ‘1000 Days Of Spirit’ from their new single also out on Raw Fusion. Other tracks of note are the percussive ‘Skeleton Coast’, ‘Lucky Luciano’ which has a lovely Latin swing and the monster dancer ‘Giant Black Shadow’. The album is produced by Masato Komatsu aka Slowly, who has just released a version of Lesette Wilson’s ‘Caveman Boogie’ featuring Quasimode, which is also worthy of your attention.

Andy Allen

On their debut album Owusu & Hannibal serve up a platter of twisted down-tempo electro-soul. ‘Delirium’ and ‘What It’s About’ from the 12" are present but my advise is to check ‘Lonnie’s Secret’ which really draws you in after a couple of plays, the blissful ‘Elephants’ and the super slinky 80s influenced 2 stepper ‘Le Fox’.

Andy Allen

Compiled by Casbah 73 this first rate compilation shines the light on some lesser-known jazz gems from around the world and covers a variety of styles. It opens with the sweeping strings and bossa rhythm of ‘Consolacao’ from Luiz Eca & Orquesta Da Cordas before moving into Salena Jones’ rip roaring take on ‘Right Now’ and the bright and breezy ‘Don’t Kill Your Fantasy’ by Chinchilla. Esther Phillips’ northern soul favourite, ‘Just Say Goodbye’ also takes it’s rightful place, as do the mad fusion dancers ‘Snowflake’ from Ronnie April’s Positive Energy and Gerardo Batiz’ ‘En Fa’. The one I’m currently hooked on though is Archie Whitewater’s psychedelic soul-jazz masterpiece ‘Cross Country’, which isn’t unlike Chicago’s early work.

Andy Allen

This is the 3rd long player from Bonobo, and whilst it retains elements of the lounge styling found on previous work "Days To Come" has a much deeper jazz flavour. This is in no doubt due to the fact that Bajka graces several cuts with her fragile yet beautiful voice. The title track is an outstanding example but not to be overlooked is "Nightlite", which has a northern soul meets spiritual jazz vibe! Also worthy of note is the mellow folky feel of "If You Stayed Over" with Fink.

Andy Allen