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

April 8, 2022

“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

Aurora Dee Raynes – Invisible Things [Tru Thoughts Recordings]

March 30, 2022

“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

Alex Malheiros – Tempos Futuros [Far Out Recordings]

March 21, 2022

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

Jimpster – Birdhouse [Freerange Records]

March 13, 2022

“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

Moonchild – Starfruit [Tru Thoughts Recordings]

March 8, 2022

“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

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

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

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

Bonobo – Fragments [Ninja Tune]

January 31, 2022

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.

https://bonobomusic.bandcamp.com/album/fragments

VA – Eddy Ramich Presents Croatian Blue [BBE Music]

January 27, 2022

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

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