As Valet: Virgo Stellar [Futuristica]
Parisian Producer/beat maker As Valet, former member of the group Electric Conversation delivers a deep dish of soulful electronic grooves with “Virgo Stellar”. Valet’s abstract compositions underline his skill at cultivating an ecosystem of sublime electronica. Whether it’s downtempo or infectious deep house, the result is a deep dish of musical goodness. “Come True” is a warm and mellow house gem that glides underneath the blissful vocals of former Electric Conversation member LaNote, who is featured throughout the disc. “Verite’ Sur L’amour” has a deep and percolating beat that is augmented by the vocals of J.Mcfysian and LaNote. “Lab E Aint” is the lone instrumental and is a slice of heaven due in part to the sublime blending of electronica, wordless harmonies and atmospheric grooves. This is a terrific release from a producer who shamefully remains under the radar. This release should provide the shine he rightfully deserves.
Flamingo Pier: Flamingo Pier [Soundway]
New Zealand collective Flamingo Pier’s self titled full length debut is filled with punchy Disco, funky boogie and infectious house tunes. This album builds on the highly regarded EPs released in 2019 and 2020. The nine track release packs quite a punch right out of the gate. “Eternal” has elements of classic Disco with soaring strings, sweet horns and infectious drums courtesy of label mate Julien Dyne. Another label mate, saxophonist Nathan Haines shares production duties on the tasty house banger “Last Call”. The eight minute banger will be an instant floor filler for many DJs. “Make You Wonder” has a percolating guitar infused boogie groove. The entire disc has an uplifting vibe that stems from a year of being in lockdown. The band was finally able to gather together in the studio and the energy manifested into a joyful recording that’s certain to make you dance, toe tap or however you choose to move.
Rolf Zielke: Beaches In Your Soul [Agogo]
Pianist Rolf Zielke’s engaging release “Beaches In Your Soul” is a tasty stew of contemporary Jazz with a tinge of Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences as well. Zielke and his band come out the gate swinging on the elegant “Awakening”. Saxophonist Stephan Abel’s warm yet robust melodies are the perfect compliment to Zielke’s shimmering flourishes. Cellist Stephen Braun adds another layer of melodic brilliance on strings. Braun shines even brighter on “Night Sea Journey”, a blissful atmospheric composition. Mohannad Nasser’s strumming on the oud adds a touch of a Middle Eastern vibe woven together perfectly. Zielke’s elegant playing and arrangements will evoke images of Bill Evans but he’s clearly carving out an identity for himself here. “Okavango Serenade” is a lovely ballad enhanced by Trumpeter Beeny Brown’s sublime melodies. Zielke’s playing and songwriting are top notch. The musicians on board here rise to the occasion. He has demonstrated a great deal of creativity by weaving a multitude of cultures into a deeply satisfying set. No doubt more attention will be coming his way.
Dego: The Negative Positive [2000 Black]
“The Negative Positive”, the latest from DJ/Producer Dego is filled with instrumental grooves and tasty vocal treats. Dego seamlessly blurs the lines between soul, boogie and broken beat and has built an impressive catalog since his partnership with Marc Mac as 4Hero. Under his 2000 black label, he has released countless grooves and bangers for himself as well as collaborations with mainstays like Kaidi Tathum, Lord & Ranks among others. With this release Dego has pulled back the tempo but the tracks still pack quite a punch. “This Is A Message To You” is one of the strongest tunes here. A catchy mid-tempo tune enhanced by Nadine Charles lovely vocals. The title is filled with effusive beats and funky synths. Vocalist Samii warms up the laid back boogie tune “Recovered Memories”. For moments when you need to chill this record will serve as the perfect antidote.
Wheel Up: Good Love [Tru Thoughts]
Danny Wheeler aka DJ Wheel Up releases his much anticipated full length debut “Good Love”. Wheeler teams up with broken beat pioneer Afonaut from Bugz In The Attic fame as well as his own solo projects. The essence of broken beat personifies this disc and the lead track “Good Love” is evidence of that. The infectious banger features Alabama based rapper Blint Story and vocalist Destiny Will and ignites instant body movement. It’s certain to find it’s way onto several DJs playlist. “Rise Above” is another Bruk flavored classic that features drum n bass duo Pola & Bryson, aka “Abacus”. Blint Story shows up again on the politically tinged Bruk banger “Stay For Long” which is woefully too short at under three minutes. Bembe Segue, a long time contributor to a number of Broken beat compositions with a number of artists displays her unique vocals to the boogie groover “Fusion”. “Good Love” is a triumph that celebrates broken beat and club culture. It’s an album filled with joyful vibes that deserves heavy rotation.
Sun Circle: Love Stories EP [Futuristica]
“Life Stories EP” is the first release from Simon Skolfield and Deborah Jordan since 2009’s “Reborn”. The duo certainly has been busy during that span with Jordan’s solo projects and Skofield’s array of production credits for his Futuristica label. With all the activity it’s a pleasant surprise that they found time for this splendid six track EP. The disc kicks off beautifully with “Cry”. The steady deliberate down-tempo beat and heavenly melody create a perfect canvas for Jordan’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. “My Heart” oozes with emotion. Jordan’s heartfelt lyrics combined with the sublime classical instrumentation will tug at your heart strings. The title track is another down-tempo treat filled with warm keys and strings. Marc Rapson’s rework adds a little more bounce while transforming it into an atmospheric gem. Sun Circle delivers a marvelous EP that is warm, fresh and lush. The Futuristica family continues to gift us with one superb recording after another.
Caravela: Orla [None More Records]
“Orla”, the full length debut from Caravela is filled with sublime Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist Ines Loubet Franco’s warm and melodic vocals enanate from her native Portuguese to her recent experiences in Brazil. There’s a purity to her voice that few can match. When you combine that with the band’s driving percussive rhythms you have an intoxicating mix to quench your musical palette. “Vale Do Capao” blossoms with hypnotic electric guitar rhythms from Telmo Souza that simmer while Jansen Santana’s percussion will immediately lift your spirits. “Um E Melo” is a slow burning delight that features emotive spoken word from Dizraeli. The seven track release is laced with organic grooves that speak to social issues from Brazil to Cape Verde. This superb release demonstrate a deep rhythmic palette that will take you on glorious ride. Don’t miss it.
Anthony Joseph: The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives [Heavenly Sweetness]
“The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives” is the latest offering of spoken word brilliance from Anthony Joseph. The poet’s latest release is a jam fest filled with Afro Caribbean rhythms fronted by a powerhouse lineup. Jason Yarde, who also serves as producer serenades us with his buoyant Alto and baritone sax on several tracks. On the opener “Kamau”, Shabaka Hutchings brooding bass clarinet slivers into your body while Colin Webster’s fiery Tenor dances on top of the infectious groove. The tune is a tribute to Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite who passed away in early 2020. “Calling England Home” is a slow burning number about a man trying to find his place in a new country for decades before feeling at home. “Language” is another long playing heater that pays tribute to Jamaican Poet Anthony McNeill. Drummer Rod Youngs sets the stage with heart pounding rhythms while creating space for others. Tenor titan Denys Baptiste muscular Tenor sends shivers while Webster switches from Tenor to Baritone and delivers with spine tingling soloing. The horn players aren’t the only stars here. Parisian pianist Florian Pellisser finds his place within the delicious groove on “Swing Praxis” to add colorful melodies. Bassist Andrew John is superb at laying down a delicious groove and keeping your head on a swivel throughout the disc. As for Joseph, he’s at his absolute best as he dives deep into his Caribbean roots. Quite simply it’s another masterpiece from Joseph. He’s the gift who keeps on giving. He’s an absolute treasure and this record is among the best to emerge this year.
Work Money Death: The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides Can Be The Place From Which Creation Arises [ATA Records]
“The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides Can Be The Place From Which Creation Arises” is the latest project from the group Work Money Death. The project was the creation of Saxophonist Tony Burkill and pianist Adam Fairhall. The group performed with Burkill for his ATA records debut back in 2017. Although there’s only two tracks here they both come in at around seventeen minutes each. The two track disc has a spiritual jazz vibe as Burkill channels the spirit of Pharoah Sanders. On the haunting opener “Dusk” Neil Innes distinctive bass patterns are the driving force behind the tunes. Innes’s vamps are a perfect compliment to the melodic flourishes from Burkill and pianist Adam Fairhall. “Dawn” is a sixteen minute passage driven by a quest to spread peace and love. Burkill’s tenor is strong out the gate but isn’t the only element serving notice. Emotive percussions courtesy of Pete Williams are in alignment with Fairhall’s glorious soloing. Drummer Sam Hobbs understated rhythms serves as the perfect canvas for everyone to shine. Marvelous work from on hand here and another winner for ATA records.
Str4ta: Aspects [Brownswood Recordings]
Str4ta is the brainchild of renowned DJ/Producer Gilles Peterson and Jean “Bluey” Maunick of Incognito fame. “Aspects” is a nod to the eighties flavored Brit Funk era that they helped pioneer. Together they set in motion a genre that grew in stature and spawn numerous bands from the inception. Some of those bands were Hi Tension, Light Of The World and Freez just to name a few. The opening tune “Aspects” immediately transports us back to that time. A blistering up-tempo burner with an infectious groove backed by punchy drum programming. “Rhythm In Your Mind” takes the baton and serenades you funky atmospheric vibes. “Steppers Crusade” combines a wicked bass groove with blissful synths to put you in positive state of mind. In fact the entire disc is going to infuse you with good vibes while you reflect on just how precious this moment in time was. More importantly Brit Funk is alive and still relevant today thanks to these two legends.
Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella: People Need People [Schema Records]
Italian DJ/Producer Nicola Conte’s latest release “People Need People” finds him returning to form of showcasing Italian Club Culture. Conte is more than just a DJ these days. He’s become a solid guitarist and he’s surrounded himself with an esteemed group of musicians. Accompanied by Trombonist Gianluca Petrella, the duo collaborated on a couple of EPs and this superb release is the manifestation of those efforts. There’s much to savor here starting with the opening track. “Hold On To Your Dreams” opens with Magnus Lindgren’s meditative flute which sets the mood for Debo Ray’s enchanting vocals. “The Higher Love”, a sublime tune that offers a message of hope and change. Vocalist/pianist Carolina Bubbico’s evocative vocals combined by with the raw poetic skills of rapper Rashan Ahmad make this tune an instant favorite. Another keeper is the title track. A rumbling tune with heart pounding percussion and vibes courtesy of Pasquale Mirra. Bubbico provides backing vocals for Davide Shorty as he sings about the need for us to step away from our devices and become social again. Conte and Petrella have created a brillant record filled with global rhythms. Their mission is heal wounded souls through these beautiful recordings. Without a doubt one of the best releases this year.
Prequel: Love Is [Rhythm Section International]
DJ/Producer Prequel has delighted us with an array of moody house tracks and eps over the years. With his full length debut “Love Is” he fuses hip-hop jazz and house to give his perspective on love. It’s a concept album about the highs and lows from family to relationships. Prequel takes his production prowess to another level with the aid of some of Melbourne’s bottomless pit of talented musicians. The dark and moody “When Love Is New” armed with a pulsating bottom that echoes Motor City house. It also features amazing string arrangements courtesy of violinist Tamil Rogeon. “Violeiro” sparkles with Brazilian rhythms aligned with punchy beats. “All I’m Missing Is You” has a dizzying piano melody that takes you on an enjoyable ride. The remarkable “Love Is” is a meditative gem that features the emotive spoken word vocals of Cazeaux O.S.L.O. The album also ebbs and flows with jazzy sophisticated interludes that fits the mood. While there may be a touch of heartache here there’s plenty of euphoria that’s punctuated by these recordings. Prequel steps out of his comfort zone just a bit and creates a deeply satisfying debut. Few producers have explored a sound and a topic as marvelous as this record.
Amanda Whiting: After Dark [Jazzman Records]
“After Dark” is the new release from harpist Amanda Whiting. Ms Whiting has performed with a number fo jazz and soul luminaries from Jamie Cullum to Matthew Halsall’s Gondwana orchestra. Whiting has played the harp since the age of 6 but mainly played classical music. She started building her chops in jazz in recent years and she hasn’t look back. Based on this release the years of study have paid off. The disc starts out in a modal mood. “Messed Up” highlights Whiting’s gentle flourishes juxtaposed with the splash of drummer John Robinson’s high hat. “Stay For One” is a melancholy tune that features fellow Gondwana member Chip Wickham on flute. Wickham shows up again on the swinging tune “The Feist”. Whiting ebbs and flows around Wickham warm melodies. The harp has become more promiment than ever. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of delightful recordings from Whiting. Jazzman records never disappoints and this release is no exception.
Madlib: Sound Ancestors [Madlib Invasion]
DJ/Producer Otis Jackson aka Madlib refuses to stay in one lane. His roots in hip-hop are firm and his deep dive into jazz and Brazilian music has elevated him well beyond your average beat maker. With his latest release “Sound Ancestors” he hands over hundreds of beats to Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet. Hebden hand picks and re-masters some of the beat conductoer’s unreleased gems and knocks it out of the park. “Road Of The Lonely Ones” is a prime example. Madlib weaves together a classic 70s soul vocal sample over a drum snare beat. “Dirtknock” is vintage neck snapping hip-hop. “Duumbiyay” is another testament to the master of his craft. The tune features what started as acapella of children singing and culminates with spiritual jazz rhythms and live instrumentation woven together. Hebden arranges the entire disc with a nice flow so you’re treated to one prime cut after another. With hundreds of tracks in his posession here’s hoping another album like this one will be on the way.
Menagerie: Many Worlds [Freestyle ]
DJ/Producer Lance Ferguson aka Lanu has so many projects that it’s futile to keep track. What’s extraordinary is there’s no dip in quality in any of them. Whether it’s The Bamboos, Rare Groove Spectrum or his Lanu project. Now with the third full length from Menagerie, he continues to cement his status as one of Melbourne’s brightest stars. “Many Worlds” blossoms with spiritual and straight ahead jazz compositions. The disc kicks off with potent “Hope”. Phil Noy’s robust tenor is in top here while Daniel Farrugla pushes everyone to the edge with his spirited drumming. The ex-factor here is the hymn caliber vocal harmonies that elevate the track to greater heights. The title track features a slow burning groove but the dynamic interplay amongst the musicians are high intensity. Pianist Mark Fitzgibon forays on electric piano are complimented by the sheer harmonic guitar rhythms sprinkled throughout. “Hymn of The Turning Stone” is another winner. Fitzgibbon’s brings the thunder once again with melodic flourishes that will keep your head on a swivel. Noy’s playing evokes images of Pharoah Sanders and the stylistic touches of the composition allows everyone to shine among this nine piece unit. The energy of the compositions, the musicianship and the vocal harmonies are healing and downright marvelous. Whether you’re a lover of spiritual or straight ahead jazz, purchasing this record will provide immediate satisfaction.