Web Web – Plexus Plexus [Compost Records]
The latest release from Munich band Web Web features guitarist JJ Whitfield. Whitfield has led a number of bands, most recently the Poets of Rhythm. Previously he performed under the alias of Karl Hector & The Malcouns. He brings a dose of psychedelic guitar rhythms to the session and his presence pays dividends. “The Madness Of Ajax” is a mid tempo soul jazz number with Whitfield out front along with Tony Lakatos on flute. “Sacred Tree” is a warm and mellow heater, thanks in part to Lakatos melodic tenor sax. “Nyx” and “Cheiron” are two of the hazy psychedelic tunes. The latter erupts with Peter Gall’s melodic and spacey keys. The band demonstrates that they can play at a high level in all manner of styles. All of their albums have been impressive and this one is no exception.
Rosettes – Lifestyles [Timmion Records]
“Lifestyles”, the debut album from Rosettes is a collection of traditional soul jazz recordings. Led by vocalist Tytti Roto, the stripped down analog sound paves the way for lucid songwriting layered over mellow soul compositions. “The Call” is a lo-fi soul burner driven by laid back guitar rhythms, soft horns and warm vocals from Roto. “Spirals” is another swaying tune with a simmering groove that sinks into your body. Each track follows the same formula from one to another, making it hard to pick a favorite. That also means that every song is a delightful listen.
Colonel Red – Thankful [Inner Tribe Records]
A career that predates the West London broken beat period for which he is best known for, Colonel Red is a pioneer in music. He’s been a consistent force for over three decades. “Thankful” is a self produced seven track recording that gives blessings to his successful career. “Promises” kicks off with Red’s raw falsetto vocals riding a driving drum n synth pulsing beat. “Careful” is another heater with a hypnotic groove. On the former he assures his partner that he’ll always be by her side. With the latter he states that he’s taking a cautious approach to her. “Livin’ In The Sky” demonstrates that he’s equally adept with a slow burning tune as well. Colonel Red’s musical journey has been filled with a large catalogue of bangers in all manner of styles. He has a signature voice that’s recognizable from the first note. We’re thankful for him dropping another marvellous recording.
Kaidi Tatham – Miles Away [First Word Records]
Kaidi Tatham has become one of the most in demand keyboardist/producers on the UK scene today. A career that spans three decades with no signs of slowing down. He’s worked with everyone from 4hero to Marcus Valle, Nubya Garcia and many more. “Miles Away”, his sixth album is filled with the customary funky jazz fusion compositions we have come to enjoy. The bossa nova flavoured “Misty Garden” is a mid tempo burner. “So Happy” is a breezy atmospheric tune with warm vocal harmonies. The hip-hop tinged “Hydration” is filled with funky neck snappin’ drum rhythms. You know Kaidi’s sound when you hear it, warm uplifting keys filled with good vibes. You can’t resist his groove, just give in and enjoy the ride.
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange – Inspire // Radicalise [Energy Exchange Records]
“Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, a staple of the Australian music scene return with their latest album “Inspire/Radicalise”. Produced by founding member and drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist and keyboardist Lewis Moody, the band demonstrates their prowess at delivering thumping instrumental grooves. A robust rhythm section is just part of the driving force behind these compositions. The opening track, “Astras Theme” is a high energy romp fuelled by Moody on the Moog and Eric “Sunny” Owusu on congas. “Shine Your Light” is a funky boogie tune that features Karai on vocals. “Cyberfunk” is symbolic of the entire album, infectious grooves that inspire happy feet and plenty of body shaking. An engaging album that deserves your attention.
https://zeitgeistfreedomenergyexchange.bandcamp.com/album/inspire-radicalise
Jazzanova – In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live [Sonar Kollektiv]
Hard to believe that “In Between”, the ground-breaking debut lp from the Berlin collective Jazzanova is twenty three years old. In a time when there were a number of potent electronic and broken beat tunes, the Jazzanova lp stood out. Now the team returns with “In Between Revisited”, a live rendition of the timeless recording. The Jazzanova band have been touring and recording for fifteen years so the time was right. The live recording breathes new life and injects a wealth of warmth into the recordings. On “No Use”, Clara Hill’s vocals are every bit as lush as they were on the original recording. Florian Manzel’s trumpet is a nice addition to “Another New Day”. Nigerian born Wayne Snow takes over the vocal chair and puts his stamp on “That Night”. The word classic gets tossed around quite a bit but this lp deserves that praise. A welcome return from the Sonar Kollektiv team.
Alexander Flood – Artifactual Rhythm [Atjazz Record Company]
Australian native Alexander Flood has been quite busy since his debut album “Heartbeat” in 2020 Flood dropped a number of singles and EPs showcasing his command of beat making and his propulsive drumming. Flood, who cites Trumpeter Christian Scott ATunde Adjuah as a mentor taps into his jazz influence while composing bruk inspired dance compositions. Surrounded by an array of top tier musicians Flood merges live instrumentation with dancehall culture with impressive results. “Life Is A Rhythm” is an infectious dance track featuring Caseaux O.S.L.O. “Can’t Get Enough” is another banger featuring Vivian Sessions. The band is filled with some of Australia’s rising stars starting with producer Lewis Moody, Finn Rees on keys and bassist Dylan Paul. Together they have captured the dancehall house inspired sound that would make a DJ blush. A potent release with a bevy of infectious grooves worthy of repeated listens.
https://alexanderflood.bandcamp.com/album/artifactual-rhythm
VA – Horse Meat Disco presents Disco Boogie from Brazil Vol.1 [Mr Bongo]
“Disco Boogie from Brazil Vol.1” is a compilation thirteen years in the making from London collective Horse Meat Disco. The four member unit consists of James Hillard, Severino Panzetta, Jim Stanton and Luke Howard. They started a residency at Eagle London in 2003. Nine years later Howard would embark on the first of many visits to Brazil, He would later receive an invitation to visit the headquarters of Mr Bongo records to listen to some rare obscure Brazilian flavoured boogie recordings. A compilation was approved only to lie in limbo due to licensing issues. Well the wait is finally over. “Harmony Cats” kicks off the comp with a funky cinematic theme and a thumping groove. “Sol De Verao” by Lafayette soars with soulful vocals, blistering brass and strings. “Rio Babilonia” is a mid tempo banger from Jorge Ben. It’s always a treat when crate diggers come across some hidden gems waiting for a second chance to be heard. This is an engaging compilation from the always reliable Mr Bongo
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/horse-meat-disco-presents-disco-boogie-from-brazil-vol-1
Kuna Maze – Layers [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
“Layers”, the latest full length release from DJ/Producer Edouard Gilbert aka Kuna Maze showcases a mellower tempo in contrast to his previous lp “Night Shift”. The album title speaks to his approach to composing this album. Maze’s layering of rhythms and live instrumentation captures the mood of his live performances. “Layered Memories” is a prime example. The mellow tune evokes echoes of Herbie Hancock’s early eighties fusion era. “Tangle” is another simmering tune filled with languid grooves. All eleven tracks follow this formula with superb results. Maze demonstrates that he can create jazz influenced compositions along with house and dub. The finale “Kuna’s Dub” is evidence of that. Maze’s sophomore release is every bit as impressive as his debut.
VA – Our Music Our Culture Vol. 2 [CoOperation Records]
“Our Music Our Culture Vol. 2” celebrates the CoOp. The signature club was spearheaded by Bugz In The Attic members Afronaut and Mark Force, The late Phil Asher, Dego, Domu and IG Culture were early contributors as well. It was during this period that the seeds of Broken Beat were planted. It grew from a London Sunday night hangout into an international phenomenon. Evidence of that lies in the array of bangers compiled here. “Digital Soul” from SoulParlor receives a dynamic dub rework from Naul’s L8 Nite. It’s a certified floor filler. “Loose Legs” is another heater from London DJ/Producer Don Kamares. Other highlights includes “Your Woke Moment” and “Get Stronger” from Ben Hauke and Bruk Rogers respectively. They’re two of the new generation of Bruk beatmakers. As good a compilation as you’ll hear all year. All you need to do is press play and walk away.