Dos Santos: City of Mirrors [International Anthem]
International Anthem continues to deliver cutting edge music. “City Of Mirrors” from Dos Santos is their first release since 2018. The five member band fuses traditional Latin music with spirited electric guitar rhythms. Baritone saxophonist Elliot Bergman formerly with the band Nomo brings an Afrobeat element to the session. Their compositions explore the emotions of social injustice within their communities of East Los Angeles. “A Shot in the Dark” is bolstered by rich harmonies, searing guitars and percussion. Guitarist/Keyboardist Alex Chavez soaring vocals punctuate the track and his guitar playing is superb. The title track employs the band’s trademark Latin meets electric blues sound. Bergman’s hypnotic clarinet adds a nice touch. “Cages and Palaces” is a pulsating up-tempo track driven by feverish guitar and organ rhythms. “Ghost. Me.” is a moving ballad. Chavez’s vocals are strong throughout and the band rises to the occasion. Their lyrics deal with important issues yet provide hope for better days. This is a marvelous record you can’t listen to enough.
Scrimshire: Nothing Feels Like Everything [Albert’s Favourites]
Adam Scrimshire has been quite busy. Fresh off the sterling release of “Believers Vol.1” he was all set to work on Vol.2. Instead the lockdown shifted his plans. It didn’t slow down his production but like the rest of us, it did affect his emotional state. The feeling of lost and sadness would eventually become the seeds for “Nothing Feels Like Everything”. There’s loads of atmospheric gems here that will stroke your heartstrings. Like “Believers Vol.1” the guess list is beyond impressive. The opener “The Pile” erupts with soft percussion intertwined with folksy guitar and swaying strings. Virtuoso vocalist Cleveland Watkiss sings about life in a post George Floyd world. The hauntingly beautiful “Heron” blossoms with a slow burning melody highlighted by the blissful vocals of Miryam Solomon. “Within Without”, one of many exceptional instrumentals starts out with heavenly strings. From that point the groove is driven by Jessica Lauren’s melodic flourishes on Fender rhodes, Huw Marc Bennett on bass and Emanative on percussion. Only nine tracks here but goodness, each tune is superb. Even in those moments of emptiness, something beautiful emerges. Scrimshire once again delivers another winner that you shouldn’t miss.
Foat, Heinola, Akerblom: Gone To The Cats [Jazz Aggression]
Greg Foat has become one of most prolific pianist in the UK today. He has delivered several gems for labels like Athens Of The North and Strut records. While performing in Finland he decided to head to the studio with two of the finest musicians among the fertile burgeoning jazz scene. “Gone To The Cats” released on Jazz Aggression records features drummer Aleksi Heinola and Bassist Teemu Akerblom. The eight track recording is filled with vibrant compositions that finds Foat utilizing the Fender Rhodes, Moog and synthesizers. On “Feline Fantasy” and “Valley of The Black Cats” Foat’s melodic flourishes are matched by Heinola’s driving rhythms. “Yim & John” finds Foat turning to the Moog and dives deep into the outer limits of melody and gliding around Akerblom’s subtle yet poignant bass grooves. Just when you thought he reached his peak he returns to the Fender Rhodes to travel farther into the galaxy. No filler at all here, just glorious music to savor. Not sure what the cat reference means. All I know is these are some cool cats making great music.
Inkswel: Mind Beats Vol.1 [Inner Tribe]
It has been a busy year for Austrailian producer Jules Habib aka InksWel. He dropped the deeply satisfying “Astral Love” earlier this year. Now he returns with the intergalactic beat tape “Mind Beats Vol.1”. Inkswel chops up an array of dark and moody beats surrounded with outtakes of interviews of Sun Ra. Among the highlights are “Journey For All Men” filled with spacey chords and thick beats. “War” is another banger laced with cosmic synths and features rapper Social Change. “One For Doom” is a fitting tribute to the late iconic rapper. In fact if you’re fans of Doom or beatmakers such as Madlib then you’ll certainly vibe to this.
Jerome Thomas: That Special Sauce [Rhythm Section]
Hackney based vocalist Jerome Thomas has been building a reputation as soul singer to keep an eye on for a number of years. Various projects over the have offered a tease of his velvet falsetto. Once you caught a listen you were left wondering when are we gonna get more? Well, the wait is over. “That special Sauce”, Thomas’s full length debut on Rhythm Section International is filled with hot buttered soul gems dripping with sensuality and romanticism. Thomas ecshews electronics in favor of a six piece band and the result is an organic session that provides the canvas for his passionate lyrics. On the slow burning “Secret” Thomas’s subdued yet seductive vocals sets the mood for an intimate connection. “Settle Down” is fueled by the subtle yet poignant bass licks. The laidback drumming is in the pocket and tailor made for Kwesi Mcintosh’s melodic bass grooves sprinkled throughout the disc. Despite the fact there’s only seven tracks here you’ll get caught up in the rapture nonetheless. Simply stated this is blue lights in the basement music from a rising star in UK soul.
The Fantastics: Take A Shot [BBE]
Hard to believe it’s been nine years since The Fantastics last full length release. The band turned over their roster and only two members remain from the original lineup. Recently they have gone out on the road to try out their new material and based on this new release, the audience gave marks. “Take Another Shot”, their third lp is filled with high energy funk and soul jazz compositions that have become their trademark. Keyboardist Greg Boraman, one of the original members has tapped into new blood to push the band’s music forward. Guitarist James Byron brings an open minded approach to genre bending compositions resonating throughout the recording. Vocalist Selene Fleming’s resume includes appearances with Incognito and Leroy Hutson. She punctuates a number of tunes here like “Say You Will” and “Can’t Decide”. The latter is an organ fueled psychedelic tune with rip roaring guitars. Mark Norton’s melodic flute is front and center on the mellow soul jazz tunes “Better Than Dead” and “Oblique”. Overall it’s a strong ten track album that will certainly satisfy your soul jazz palette.
Balimaya Project: Wolo So [Jazz Re:freshed]
The Balimaya project is a collective of Uk musicians collaborating on Mande music. Mande is a family of ethnic groups from West Africa. Led by UK based Djembe musician Yahael Camara Onono, the group consists of members of burgeoning bands Kokoroko and Seed Ensemble. “Soninka Patronba” begins with warm percussions and a brimming horn section. The tune shifts tempos from mellow to spirited high energy grooves. “City Of God” is a meditative blend of Kora, trumpet and Trombone rhythms. “Dakan” is another polyrhythmnic tune bursting with hypnotic percussions, soothing keys and sublime horn arrangements. A marvelous record that flows with spirited energy and enthusiasm. This is a showcase of the abundance of talented UK musicians with a foundation of Jazz and their pulse on the Mande culture.
The Kondi Band: We Famous [Strut]
“We Famous”, the sophomore release from Sierra Leonean native Sorie Kondi, DJ/Producer Chief Boima and Will LV better known as The Kondi Band. The ten track disc are filled with West African rhythms, specifically Freetown Sierra Leone. Boima discovered Kondi through a youtube video and eventually arranged for him to travel to the States. During that visit the duo scheduled five live dates and eventually made their way to the studio. “We Famous”, four years in the making is the follow up to their 2016 debut. “Don’t Follow Sweetness” is an infectious tune highlighting Kondi’s vocals as well as his mastery of the thumb piano. “She Doesn’t Love You” is enhanced by Boima’s use of electronics and features guest vocals from fellow Sierra Leone native Mariama Jalloh. “It’s God’s World” is another dance floor filler with an infectious groove that features Sweatson Klank. This is another winner from Strut records who have a knack for finding hidden gems. None any bigger than Kondi.
Barton Think: My Last Album [Time Is The Enemy]
The enigmatic Barton Think reveals very little about himself but his music is speaking volumes. “My Last Album” is filled with an assortment of genre bending grooves enhanced by an array of talented vocalists and MCs. “Beautiful Place” is a mid-tempo soul burner fronted by broken beat pioneer Colonel Red with assistance from Dynamite MC. Colonel Red also appears on “Voices” is a reflective downtempo tune. “In The Dark” has a percolating beat punctuated by the feathery vocals of Denitia. “I Can’t See” is a tasty instrumental filled with jazzy hip hop beats. Let’s hope this isn’t Barton’s “last” album because he certainly has more to offer based on the strength of this impressive release.
Rafael Moraes: Reconnection [Yoruba records]
Eight years since his debut, Rafael Moraes returns with his sophomore release “Reconnection”. Moraes stepped back into the studio and emerged with an album loaded with infectious Afro house compositions that sink into your body and is certain to lift your spirits. “Fingers” features fellow labelmate Jesse Gannon and erupts with spirited percussion, swaying piano and lush vocal harmonies. Nadiirah Shakoor is another long time Yoruba soul contributor and her warm soulful vocals ignite the deep house gem “In Love Again”. “No Escaping” is another heater where Moraes is joined by premier DJ/Producer Aroop Roy, who adds his mix of Afro, funk and Latin rhythms. Moraes combines an array of musical sensibilities that takes the album beyond the dance floor. This is deep house at it’s best and a long overdue gem.
KVRVBO: Euphoria [Stay True Sounds]
“Euphoria” is the debut full length release from KVRVBO (pronounced Karabo). KVRVBO is one of a number of talented DJ/Producers to emerge from the meteoric house music scene in South Africa. With two critically acclaimed EPs under his belt under the impressive label Stay True Sounds, this record is an ode to classic house and he represents himself very well here. “Conspiracy” is a perfect example of that. A traditional four to the floor banger with warm emotive synth lines juxtaposed against a pulsating rhythm. “O Flopo” is a mid-tempo Afro house tune armed with a gentle thumping bass groove. It’s also one of the few vocal tracks here and features Okay GOD. KVRVBO slows down the pace with “Call For Truth”. A meditative tune filled with potent poetic words of wisdom on top of a steady hypnotic beat. KVRVBO taps into his musical roots to create a deep house gem with his signature sound combined with classic deep house rhythms. A triumphant release that should put him all over the map.
Mista Monk: Multi [Inner Tribe]
Austrailian based rapper Liam Monkhouse aka Mista Monk brings a truck load of funk on his new release “Multi”. Monk has partnered up with an array of like minded eclectic artists who relate to his vision of forward thinking soul music and hip-hop. “Crossroads” packs a load of boom bap as Monk spits hard hitting rhymnes along with vocal assistance from fellow Austrailian native Laneous. “Mind Zone” is a laid back soulful number with an impressive cast. Fellow rapper Illa J jumps on board alongside Pugz Alomz, Lord Lobe and vocalist Charli Umami of Plantself. “This Is For…” is another favorite with thumping beats certain to get your head nod on. “Rains” is a wicked dub track that provides a nice change of pace. Produced by notable producer Inkswell, “Multi” is quality hip-hop. There’s plenty of funk, supreme vocals and beats by the pound that will warrant several spins.
Gizelle Smith: Revealing [Jalapeno Records]
Manchester based vocalist Gizelle Smith returns with her latest lp entitled “Revealing”. The soul and funk chanteuse’s third full length release takes a shift from the high octane raw soul compositions she’s become known for. Like all of us, the past year took a toll on Smith. Aside from the pandemic she also lost her Dad Joe, former musical director for legendary Motown group The Four Tops. She decided to scratch her original compositions and came up with the material we’re treated to here. The opener “Agony Road” has a catchy guitar hook and provides the perfect canvas for Smith’s restrained but potent vocals. “Better Remember” is a mellow tune fueled by a wicked wah wah guitar pedal and a soulful rhythm section. Smith shows a softer side as she confronts social distancing and the anxieties that come along with it. “Riot Cars” and “The Girl Who Cried Snow” have a rock tinged edge to them yet Smith sounds right at home. Although she’s been in the game for more than a decade, Smith has just scratch the surface. This marvelous lp showcases a new side to her and you’re gonna to love the results.
Jimpster: Anthology Vol 1 and 2 [Freerange]
Dj/Producer Jamie Odell aka Jimpster has been on the short list of premier DJs for the past twenty five years. He has released numerous timeless house tracks on his label Freerange records as well as other labels. With the release of the Anthology Vol 1 & 2 lp, we take a moment or several hours to celebrate some of his acclaimed recordings. As one might expect, this two disc set is loaded with bangers. “Sleeper” is heart pounding house with equal parts warmth, groove and heavy beats. “One” is infectious house with vocal assistance from Casamena. Jimpster’s production is on point as the momentum builds throughout the track until it reaches a fever pitch. The digital version of this lp features a couple of down-tempo tunes perfect to shift your mood and give your feet a rest. “The Sun Comes Up” is one of those tunes to help you unwind after a night of clubbing. Or it’s simply just a high quality chillout track. This disc is a great place to add some classics from a DJ still on top of his game.
Makez: City Of All [Heist Recordings]
The Amsterdam based duo known as Makez’s full length debut “City Of All” is the follow up to their impressive 2019 debut EP “Different Planets”. Like their EP, this release is filled with big bold infectious house and down-tempo grooves. “Not So Different” is loaded with masculine energy, pulsating beats and guest vocals courtesy of Lyma. “Feel The Same” is another banger with a big majestic sound, heightened by bombastic cymbals and soaring vocals that punctuate the groove. The duo demonstrate their range as producers isn’t beholden to house. “Looking Up” is a slow burning down-tempo tune augmented by the seductive vocals of Allysha Joy. “Orbit” is an orgasmic blend of jazz, latin and funk that has a meditative quality to it. There’s a deep well of warmth to these compositions. The house tracks aren’t just for dance floor consumption, they’re perfectly suited for any setting. The other tunes are equally impressive. These guys are showcasing a lot of talent here. They’ve crafted a superb album that should make them a household names before long.