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Harvey Sutherland – Boy [House Anxiety]

Melbourne based producer/pianist Mike Katz aka Harvey Sutherland has dropped a number of EPs since 2014 that demonstrated a flair for soulful grooves and infectious piano rhythms. “Boy”, his full length debut is filled with future funky synth grooves and dreamy rhythms. The title track is a mellow cascade of swirling synths and hazy vibes. The tempo picks up with “Time On My Side”, an ambient fusion of beats and synths. “Age Of Acceleration” goes one step further, the thumping beats and bass set up the groove. Sutherland lays down dazzling synths along with his honey tinged vocals on top. “Angry Young Man” flirts with a boogie groove primed to whip you into a party mood. Recorded between London and Los Angeles which feels approiate. The album certainly has a LA vibe which suits him well here. An impressive release that ensures you’re gonna have a funky good time.

https://harveysutherland.bandcamp.com/album/boy

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Crackazat – Evergreen [Freerange Records]

“Evergreen” is the latest release from multi-instrumentalist Ben Jacobs, aka Crackazat. The twelve track lp is a bundle of infectious house grooves layered with joyful chords and vibrant melodies. Jacob’s fingerprints are everywhere from tasty guitar licks and electronics to his sparkling falsetto vocals. Among the highlights are “It’s All Different” a delicious house tune that finds Jacobs crooning over a pulsating groove and a heart pounding beat. “True Power” is equally engaging. The bass and drums set up the groove, and Jacobs layers glorious synths on top. If you don’t move to this you need to check your pulse. Overall this is a fantastic voyage of wondrous house tracks that will inspire instant body movement. It’s no wonder that Jacobs is rising up the ranks as one of the premier house producers on the scene today. With the standout London based label Freerange records behind him, the skies the limit.

https://crackazat.bandcamp.com/album/evergreen

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Deborah Jordan & K15 – Human [Futuristica Music]

“Human” is the collaborative project from pianist/producer Kieron Ifill aka K15 and vocalist Deborah Jordan. K15 has produced a number of tracks for Jordan’s solo work in the past but this is their first full length project. What the two have in common is their ability to stir the depths of our emotions through their compositions. Whether through his jazz quintet Culross Close or his house & broken beat projects, K15’s compositions sink into your body and lift your spirits. Jordan’s lush vocals and heartfelt lyrics have always strum the heartstrings since her early work on Silhouette Brown with Dego and Kaidi Tatham. The way they they play together feels complimentary musically and the result is a gorgeous collection of thought provoking compositions. As the song titles suggest, this project explores the various layers of humanity, diving into an array of emotions that make us vulnerable. “Heartbroken” kicks off with a subtle down-tempo hip-hop beat that creates a canvas for Jordan’s blissful vocals. On “Fragility” Ifill opens with a slinky beat followed by tender chords and warm melodies. Jordan laments about the fragile state we find ourselves in the world today. The album goes on like this, delivering one engaging track after another. It’s a marvelous record you shouldn’t miss.

https://deborahjordank15.bandcamp.com/album/human

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Allysha Joy – Torn Tonic [First Word Records]

“Torn Tonic” is the second full length solo release from Melbourne based artist Allysha Joy. Joy who produced this album also serves as a member of the collective 30/70. In addition she’s a frequent guest on a number of emerging Australian artists in an burgeoning music scene. The ten track release is loaded with superb down-tempo compositions that showcase her husky vocals and her lyrical prowess. “Calling You” is a warm composition that features another talented lyricist in her own right in London based vocalist Ego Ella May. “Still Dreaming” is a sonic soulful gem enhanced by Rara Zulu’s melodic phrasings. Joy’s keyboard arrangements are soothing and hypnotic. An introspective LP where Joy tackles personal, social and political issues. It’s a triumph to find her transcending through trying times and finding joy, no pun intended on the other side. Let’s shine a light on this multi-talented artist. All she does is create timeless recordings. This album is no exception.
https://allyshajoy.bandcamp.com/

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Daniel Maulnick – Persistence [Far Out Recordings]

Multi-instrumentalist Daniel Maulnick, son of the infamous Jean “Bluey” Maulnick has certainly blazed his own trail these days. In a short time he’s become a prolific producer for Far Out Recordings and has delivered a number of essential remixes and numerous guest appearances. Maunick’s latest release “Persistance” pulls from influences ranging from drum n bass to Detroit house and garage. The opener “Arraia” exudes infectious deep house rhythms that soothes you even in it’s intense moments. “The Love has Gone” provides blistering drum n bass grooves. “Just Deserts” channels the spirits of Theo Parrish and other Detroit house pioneers. Like many tracks here it has a meditative quality that lingers long after the song is over. “Persistance” is all about pushing through the tough times of lockdown and coming through on the other side. It’s not easy for everyone to quaratine and emerge with essential recordings but Maulnick certainly does and hits the mark.

https://faroutrecordings.bandcamp.com/

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Culross Close – Pressure [Esencia]

“Pressure” is the latest from Culross Close, the London quintet featuring producer/pianist Anthony Kieron aka K15. Fans of K15 who have long embraced his soulfully deep electronic recordings have certainly appreciated his growth as a pianist as well. The opening trumpet melodies of “To Belong” serve as e serenading appetizer to the heavenly strings and chords that propels the tune to greater heights. “Convictions” kicks off with spoken word while easing into a mellow piano driven hip-hop inspired tune. The finale “The Will to Live” raises the tempo and unleashes infectious beats and synths. Kieron and his bandmates blurr the lines between jazz and electronica and the results are an array of splendid emotive recordings.

https://k15music.bandcamp.com/album/pressure

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VA – New Tangents In Kampala, London & Nairobi Vol. 1 [Extra Soul Perception]

“New Tangents In Kampala, London and Nairobi” a collaboration from Extra Soul Perception, like-minded musicians spanning from London to Africa. Some of the artists on hand here are familiar to many, others may not be but all are brillant. “Hold On” has a laid back hip hop beat laced with emotive chords from pianist/producer K15. Nairobi based vocalist Karun and North London rapper/poet Lex Amor’s tender vocal textures complement each other beautifully. “Roses” is a mellow RnB funk banger featuring soul siren Lynda Dawn. “Hewe” is a mediative percussion driven tune with sketches of African rhythms and haunting vocals from West African native Azu Tiwaline. The musical pathways of London and Africa cross and create a marvelous collection of sublime soulful compositions that will prove to be very satisfying.

https://extrasoulperception.bandcamp.com/album/new-tangents-in-kampala-london-and-nairobi

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VA – Future Sounds of Jazz Vol 15 [Compost Records]

“Future Sounds of Jazz Vol 15” is the latest compilation from the reliable German based Compost Records. The twenty one track release features compositions with sketches of jazz layered over house grooves, electronics and African rhythms. The selections are curated by Label head Michael Reinboth. The disc kicks off with the warm percussion driven groove of “Last Home” from Bristol based DJ/producer Typesun. “At Les” from Toshio Matasura is a rich and vibrant composition laced with percolating guitar rhythms. “Sunday Afternoon” is a ten minute atmospheric gem filled with relentless beats out front and seductive horns and jazz tinged chords around the edges. The track has a meditative quality that pulls you before you even know it. “Future Sounds of Jazz” is a sampling of worlds colliding, the visceral vibes of future sounds with the cerebral cool of Jazz. It’s a splendid compilation from Reinboth.

https://compostrecords.bandcamp.com/album/future-sounds-of-jazz-vol-15

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Aurora Dee Raynes – Invisible Things [Tru Thoughts Recordings]

“Invisible Things” is the debut from the North London band known as Aurora Dee Raynes. The band started as a duo between Stephen Raynes and Danielle Kranedonk before morphing into a live band. The ten track lp blurres the lines between live instrumentation and electronica while topping things off with soothing vocals from the aforementioned Kranendonk. Standout tracks include “Crazy That You Love”, a bubbling tune with dynamic drums, vibes and strings. “Drawn to Sciences” is another simmering track with tasty drumming and soaring vocals from Kranendonk. The downbeat percussion rhythms of “Shout Shout” is augmented by warm chords and a touch of reverb certain to transport you a place of paradise. There’s enough promise here to hope there’s more to come from this talented group. Just another strong release from the dependable Tru thoughts label.

https://auroradeeraynes.bandcamp.com/album/invisible-things

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Alex Malheiros – Tempos Futuros [Far Out Recordings]

Bassist Alex Malheiros, one third of the legendary jazz fusion group Azymuth returns with “Tempos Futuros”. Malheiros’s signature Brazilian jazz fusion melodies are on full display here, as well as an array of Brazil’s premiere musicians. “Telegrammas Para Arp” glistens with Dudu Viana’s warm understated synths and Malheiros funky bass grooves. “Prece” percolates with infectious percussion from Sidinho and Ian Moreira. Malheiros daughter Sabrina. a major talent in her own right tops off the tune with her feathery vocals. “O Temporal” is equal parts warm and melodic while brimming with funky guitar grooves and synths. UK based producer/multi-instrumentalist Daniel Maunick’s organ flurries are a welcome bonus. Maunick seamlessly weaves the traditional Brazilian melodies with a touch of future grooves in all the right places. This record is a bundle of warm melodic vibes and infectious samba funk certain to elevate your mood. A joyful listen that you shouldn’t miss.

https://faroutrecordings.bandcamp.com/music

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Jimpster – Birdhouse [Freerange Records]

“Birdhouse”, the seventh lp from DJ/Producer Jamie Odell, aka Jimpster was created during the lockdown of 2020. It finds him taking a step back in time with a collection of soulful down-tempo electronic gems. There’s much to savor here with plenty of selections worthy of repeated listens. “Ascension” is a warm and sultry track featuring UK vocalist Oliver Night. “Beautiful Day” featuring Cairo is equally engaging. Cairo’s feathery vocals layered over Odell’s emotive rhodes arrangements add up to an intoxicating mix. “Future Paradise”, one of the few instrumentals here is an gorgeous cascade of lush strings and synths. “Tell You” is awash in spiritual vibes and heavenly vocals. I do hope this isn’t a one and done project. Odell has made some exceptional House music and there’s no doubt there’s more on the way. That being said we need an occasional release here and there like this one. Simply a marvelous release that deserves a place on your shelf.
https://jimpster.bandcamp.com/album/birdhouse

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Moonchild – Starfruit [Tru Thoughts Recordings]

“Starfruit”, the fifth album from Moonchild demonstrates a band that’s hitting it’s stride. Their signature sound of soft melodic tones and heartfelt songwriting has resonated with audiences around the globe during their worldwide tour. The vocals of Amber Navran have certainly struck a chord, no pun intended and her vocals are recognizable from the first note. The new release supplies more of their musical good vibes, this time with an array of superb artists in their own right. The opener “Tell Him” aligns Amber with the velvet vocals of Lailah Hathaway. It has a noticeable groove not often found in their compositions yet still embodies the lush texture you’ve grown to love. “You Got One” is equally divine. Alex Isley’s heavenly vocals alongside Navran’s is like two Angels in a versus match. “Get By” is filled with joy and exuberance due in large part to the up and coming band Tank and The Bangas. Despite the large amount of guests on hand here their authenticity remains true to form. Overall it’s another marvelous release that you shouldn’t miss.

https://thisismoonchild.bandcamp.com/album/starfruit

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Lance Ferguson – Rare Groove Spectrum, Vol. 2 [Freestyle Records]

February 24, 2022

New Zealand’s own Lance Ferguson has been one of the most prolific producers of the past two decades. The New Zealand native is notable for his work with the funk and soul band The Bamboos and his spiritual jazz band Menagerie. In addition his solo projects have dived into nu soul and broken beat as well. Ferguson latest, “Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 2” is a collection of re-works you’re certain to fall in love with all over again. “Far Beyond”, originally crafted by DJ/Producer Dave Lee is an infectious boogie tune. The Carly Simon classic “Why” is re-imagined as a breezy mid tempo jazz pop instrumental. Marcus Valle’s “Estrelar” has been transformed into funky laid-back guitar driven gem that evokes images of lazy sun drenched afternoons. Surrounded by an array of A-list musicians, Ferguson and his band-mates add a level of warmth not previously felt from on the originals. An enjoyable nine track disc that will meet Ferguson’s loyal fans approval. Newcomers will enjoy it as well.

https://lanceferguson.bandcamp.com/album/rare-groove-spectrum-vol-2

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Julien Dyne – Modes [Soundway Records]

February 15, 2022

You can always count on an assortment of punchy hypnotic grooves from DJ/Producer Julien Dyne. “Modes”, his latest release is no exception. Dyne’s fifth full length lp features his signature sonic production as well as a few of New Zealand’s premier vocalists. “The More I Get The Less I have to Pay” features Semisi Ma’i’ai from the band Marlins Dreaming. Ma’i’ai’s soft feathery vocals are layered seamlessly alongside the sunny percussion powered arrangements. “With You” is filed with thoughtful infectious house grooves to support the soulful vocals of Allysha Joy. “Windows”, featuring Tim Guy and Nkechi erupts with propulsive percussion and sparkling keys that will summon all to the dance floor. Other notable heavyweights include Joe Dukie, Ladi6, Mara TK and more. Dyne started working on this project during the first lockdown of 2020 and provides the antidote for an upward moodswing. This is a superb collection of house inspired compositions filled with warmth and depth that’s worthy of your attention.
https://juliendyne.bandcamp.com/album/modes

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Electric Conversation – The Lost Recordings [Futuristica Music]

February 10, 2022

It’s safe to say that the Parisian group Electric Conversation’s spectacular debut “Communication” was one of the high marks of 2007, Their Jazz infused soulful hip-hop compositions melted into your body like warm butter on toast. The quartet was discovered by Futuristica songstress Deborah Jordan while opening for Silhouette Brown. Their style made them the perfect fit for the emerging Futuristica label. Sadly, after their second album the foursome lost a member with the passing of Oz aka ZigSixteen. Two members of the band, As Valet and La Note have re-emerged with strong solo projects. “The Lost Recordings” captures the spirit of their debut. “Kro/Zig” erupts with warm hypnotic chords along with La Note trading verses with Oz. “J’m” is more of the same along with a deep looping groove. A marvelous record filled with repetitive harmonies, rhythmic patterns, soulful rhymes and vocals. It reminds you why you fell in love with the band in the first place. Many lost recordings need to remain that way. Not this one. An absolute joyful listen.

https://electric-conversation.bandcamp.com/album/the-lost-recordings

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