Bonobo – Fragments [Ninja Tune]
For many of us 2020 sapped the optimism out of us and finding inspiration was dim. As a result Si Green aka Bonobo went through a period of writers block and felt the need to step away for a bit. Not only did he eventually find the spark, he may in fact created his best album to date. “Fragments” features an array of talented vocalists to an album filled with superb electronic as well as acoustic recordings. “Tides” features blissful vocals from Jamilla Woods was one of the tunes that helped Bonobo get his groove back. “Sapien” is a signature Bonobo electronic tune with infectious beats and synths. The finale “Day by Day” is an uplifting soulful tune featuring Kadhja Bonet. Other notable contributions feature Jordan Rakei and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson among others. This is a testament of transcending through the darkness and finding the light through music. Simply a marvelous record and a welcome return.
VA – Eddy Ramich Presents Croatian Blue [BBE Music]
Eddy Ramich has crafted remixes for the likes of Arthur Verocai, Tania Maria and Sun Ra among others. In addition his house project Eddy meets Yannah and his DJ sets at Kontrapunkt in Zagreb solidifies him as one of the premier DJ/producers of the last twenty years. “Croatian Blue” is a tasty thumping compilation that showcases some of the musicians of his Croatian homeland. The disc starts out with a laid back vibe with the bouncy groove of “Koolade” from Mary & Steff. After that things heat up in a hurry. “South Side” kicks off with percolating percussion and breezy chords that puts you in a Belearic state of mind. “Dissolve” is a punchy tune with an atmospheric vibe that can certainly fill up a dance floor. The ten track disc doesn’t let up and that’s just fine with me. Ramich shines a light on home grown talent while delivering infectious club music in the process.
https://bbemusic.bandcamp.com/album/eddy-ramich-croatian-blue
Sons Of The Sun – Sons Of The Sun [BBE Music]
“Sons Of The Son is the duo of Jtronius and Maverick Quest. Texas based vocalist Jtronius (Joshua Taylor) has built an underground following while London based Maverick Quest has worked with an impressive array of musicians in his own right. Their self titled debut is filled with hot buttered funk and soul compositions. Evidence of that can be heard on “Oceanside”, way too short at a minute and thirty seconds. Long enough however to display their pulse on psychedelic funk. The track is ignited by a seductive guitar groove and a swaying chorus. “Underwater Dreaming” finds Jtronius crooning to a bouncy mid-tempo beat serenaded by sweet syrupy horns. The finale “Shine Like The Sun” is slow minimalist moody funk. Jtronious’s soulful falsetto has plenty of swagger. Add a funky cohesive rhythm section and now you’re onto something. These two have a good thing going here. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of more to come.
Jonny Tobin – Together
Vancouver native and keyboardist Jonny Tobin’s fourth release was inspired to lift the spirits and soothe the souls of folks suffering from the devastating year that was 2020. “Together”. a joyous collection of tunes goes a long way to doing just that. “Neon Afterglow” a funky up-tempo tune displays some his synth wizardry. “Always” is a dreamy laidback tune well suited for lazy afternoons. “Super Genesis 64” is fast paced funk that kicks off a flurry of piano riffs. “Vivid Dreams” is an atmospheric gem filled with glorious vocal harmonies. Tobin’s compositions are vibrant, imaginative and separates him from other beat makers. You can feel the good vibes flowing throughout his beats. A superb recording filled with optimism and worthy of repeated listens.
MF Robots – Break The Wall [BBE Music]
MF Robots are the duo of Jan Kincaid and Dawn Joseph. If the name Kincaid rings a bell, it’s because he’s one of the founding members of the Iconic UK group The Brand New Heavies. Together the duo has arranged an array of sophisicated funk, soul and disco compositions that are refreshing and downright enjoyable. Notable tracks are “Gold”, an irresistible dance friendly tune filled with lush vocals and funky horns. “Good People” is a mid-tempo stomper with slick keyboards and funky rhythm guitar. The aptly titled “Happy Song” is bursting with sparkling percussion, tasty horns and arm vocal harmonies. In the age of electronics and DIY production, Music For Robots is reminding us how enjoyable the sound of a sparkling rhythm section can be. Add some horns and sweet vocals with heartfelt lyrics and you got a bonafide banger.
Sean Khan – Supreme Love – A Journey Through Coltrane [BBE Music]
With “Supreme Love”, UK saxophonist Sean Khan breathes new life into the timeless recordings of the saxophone colossus John Coltrane. Khan is joined by legendary UK jazz musicians Saxophonist Peter King and guitarist Jim Mullen as they cover different periods in the Tenor titan’s career. Vocalist Heidi Vogel, a supreme vocalist known for her work with the Cinematic Orchestra among others elevates the spiritual recordings of “A Love Supreme” and “Naima”. She equally shines on “Starchild” as well. Khan lets loose on “Cousin Mary”, one of Coltrane’s premiere bebop compositions. Also on board are Kaidi Tatham and Daz I Kue, two old friends from the broken beat movement. Tatham’s remixes on “Starchild” and “Azawala” are notable highlights. Khan’s journey through music has led him to this moment. Covering Coltrane’s work is no easy task but he has met the moment. A marvelous record that shouldn’t be missed.
https://seankhanfo.bandcamp.com/album/supreme-love-a-journey-through-coltrane
VA – Zepherin Saint presents Soulful Culture Vol. 2 [Tribe Records]
Producer Dean Zepherin, aka Zepherin Saint has amassed a tremendous collection of soulful afro house compositions over the last decade. The Harrow London native’s second installment of “Soulful Culture” is a delicious blend of soulful and deep house recordings from his Tribe recordings catalog. The superb compilation contains contributions from prominent DJs like Louie Vega, Larry Heard to premiere vocalists like Arnold Jarvis. This compilation has plenty of star power. The disc kicks off with “Directions” a simmering ten minute synergy of percussion and organ grinding grooves from percussionist Jab. Alex Attias pulls off a rare occurrence of Georgia Anne Muldrow on a house track with the soulful banger “I Wanna Know”. “Sweet Ting” by Trinidadian Deep is one of an array of deep spiritual house gems with lush rhythms on display here. “In The Distance” is an atmospheric soulful house heater from DJ Spinna. There’s far too many tasty house treats to mention here. Frankly, two plus hours of infectious house music never sounded better. Simply put “Soulful Culture Vol 2 is a triumph. Purchase, press play and get swept away.
https://www.beatport.com/release/zepherin-saint-presents-soulful-culture-vol-2/3588508
Various Artists – 20 Years of Bastard Jazz [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Since its inception in 2001 Bastard Jazz Recordings has been one of the premiere labels for hip-hop and boogie funk recordings. The Brooklyn based label has steadily bolstered its reputation as a home for emerging independent global talent. “20 Years of Bastard Jazz” highlights 20 tracks from a deep vault by an eclectic array of artists. The hip-hop duo Potatohead People are two of the frequent contributors to the label. “Bonzai View” is warm mellow synth funk while “Sunflower” is an infectious dance track courtesy of a DJ Spinna remix. “Keep It Working” from The Pendletons is a body shaking dance track with a tasty groove. LA based DJ/Producer B. Bravo’s brand of laid back synth funk is on display with “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You”. “Majestic Diver” by Manatee Commune has a swaying up-tempo groove tailor made for late night cruising. There’s much to savor from this non-stop boogie wonderland. As far as compilations go, you definitely need this one.
Jordan Rakei – What We Call Life [Ninja Tune]
Jordan Rakei’s fourth studio album “What We Call Life” is his most personal release to date. On the ten track release, he opens up about dealing with his anxieties through therapy. In addition he comes to terms with his parents divorce from years ago to finding love. The result of Rakei bearing his soul is arguably his best album to date. “Unguarded” is a beautiful ballad intertwined with alluring strings and synths. “Send My Love” is an up-tempo groover that glistens with warm synth arrangements. On “Wings”, Rakei merges rugged guitar grooves with spacey electronics. Through it all Rakei’s honey toned falsetto shines ever so brightly and provides pure joy. Whether it’s his Dan Kye alias, numerous guest appearances or his solo projects, Rakei’s star status continues to rise. There’s no doubt you’ll get swept away by these glorious compositions.
Boomerang Records Presents: Global Sounds [Boomerang Records]
Global Sounds is a collaboration of artists from around the world creating infectious groove infused electronic compositions. The lineup is stellar with appearances by Steve Spacek, Scrimshire, Afronaut Zu and many more. The disc kicks off in a mellow mood with “Say No More” featuring the blissed out vocals of Bryony Jarman-Pinto. London based vocalist Andre Espeut appears on three tracks and each are high energy bangers. He teams up with DJ/Producer Footshooter on “Looking Back” and pairs with producer Duke High on “Pilolo With Me”. On the broken beat flavored “Sunrays” he’s joined by multi-instrumentalist Mark De Clive Lowe. Each track offers an eclectic pairing that pushes the boundaries that are both cohesive and impressive.
Daniel Casimir: Boxed In [Jazz Re:freshed]
UK Bassist Daniel Casimir grabbed our attention with the 2019 release “These Days”. With his full length debut “Boxed In” he flexes his notable chops not only as a bassist but as a composer as well. On this set he blends traditional jazz compositions with heavenly string arrangements. Casimir fills out his quintet with some of London’s premiere musicians. Nubya Garcia’s soothing tenor aligns with trumpeter James Copus”s warm melodic tone throughout the disc. The title track and “Safe Pt 1” are among the highlights. Singer Ria Moran showcases her songwriting skills on “Get Even” as well as two other tunes. Is Casmir boxed in? Just the opposite, he’s serving notice that he can play and compose in all matter of styles. A marvelous album that’s dramatic at times but overall pure elegance.
Sampology: Regrowth [Middle Name Records]
On the strength of two impressive EPs, Brisbane native DJ/Producer Sampology embarks on an atmospheric journey with “Regrowth”. The disc is filled with sublime recordings intended to heal the soul during these trying times. “Suffer and Swim” is one of many highlights, a warm and blissful composition heightened by warm guitar rhythms courtesy of Beau Diako and the blissful vocals of 30/70 member Allysha Joy. “Reassemble” is another delight that features James Chatburn’s soft falsetto vocals layered over tender guitar strokes and subtle horn arrangements. “Ten Foot Flowers” starts out with spiritual hymns laced with hypnotic tenor sax melodies that gives way to a brooding mid-tempo groove. Once again Austrailia blesses us with an essential album from their deep pool of emerging artists. While the first EPs featured tasty doses of sampling, “Regrowth” flourishes with live instrumentation throughout. As I was listening to this record, I was instantly transported to somewhere on a beach comforted by a warm Summer breeze. Your imagination may take you somewhere else but not without this marvelous record.
Damu The Fudgemunk: Conversation Peace [Def Presse]
“Conversation Peace”, the latest release from Damu the Fudgemunk is the culmination of beats, rhythms and cinematic soundcapes compiled from the storied archive of KPM/EMI records. The London based music library has amassed over 30,000 pieces of vinyl dating back to 1956. They have forged an arrangement with fellow London label Def Presse to open the vault and Damu is the first to reap the benefits. The Washington DC based DJ/Producer flew to London after wrapping up his critically acclaimed release “Ocean Bridges”. He spent over a week crate digging, compiled some hidden gems and chopped it up. In addition, a few friends dropped in that shared his musical vision for the project. The result is a nine track banger that delivers straight fire right out of the gate. “Power of Mind” is classic boom bap hip-hop armed with head nodding beats, jazz infused vibraphone samples and razor sharp verses from Raw Poetic. On “God Speed” rapper Blu spits over string laden rhythms and beats reminiscent of seventies cinematic action soundtracks. Nitty Scott and Damu are working together for the first time. She sounds right at home over the ambient soundscapes of “Four Better or Worse Pt.1”. Damu is coy about where he uses samples or live instrumentation on each track, preferring to leave it up to the listener to determine. No doubt you’ll spend more time nodding your head from start to finish. Damu is on fire and this is provides definitesatisfaction.
Pie Eye Collective: Salvation [Albert’s Favourites]
Another gem from Albert’s Favourites. The label spearheaded by Adam Scrimshire, Jonny Drop and Dave Koor continues to deliver with genre bending gems. The latest, “Salvation” is the full length debut from Matthew Gordon aka Pie Eye Collective. The ten track lp is a cosmic journey that explores exuberant and moody textures while incorporating elements of electronica, dub and hip-hop. The opening track “Gratitude” blossoms with cascades of ambient soundscapes fused with sketches of trip-hop. “Assimilation” is filled with compulsive hooks and layered with intergalactic synths. MettaShiba adds her dreamy vocals to the atmospheric vibes of “Hymn”. Gordon’s compositions eases into your body and soothes you with warm emotive synths, harmonies and infectious beats. He’s is an emerging talent to keep an eye on.
Various Artists: Lemonade City Vol. 1 [Inner Tribe]
Inner Tribe has rapidly become one of my go to labels for forward thinking soul, funk and hip-hop. The growing number artists contributing to the label include Inswel, Kid Sublime, Soulparlor and many more. “Lemonade City Vol.1” is a twenty one track banger from artists across the globe. It’s a great collection of emerging artists you’ll want to get to know better. The aforementioned Inkswel brings fire to the table with “The Sun”. Rapper Ohmega Watts and vocalist Lailah Reich jump on the track and take it to another level. “Tomorrow” is a gorgeous up-tempo soul tune featuring Erin Buku & Jonny Faith. “Thinking About You” is burning hot soulful house from Oliver Night. For those who struggle to find quality soul and hip-hop, you need this in your collection. Inner Tribe does the digging so you don’t have to.