Byron The Aquarius: Ambrosia [Axis Records]
Fans of Byron The Aquarius might be a bit surprised when they set their ears to his latest release. While “Ambrosia” has elements of house it’s also bursting with jazz fusion as well. The disc kicks off with “New Beginnings”. Brazilian native Chocolat’s percolating bass gives the track a little Latin flavor while Rasheeda Ali’s tasty flute adds a heavenly melody. Trumpeter Dashill Smith’s graces the aptly titled “Space & Time”. In addition to the five original compositions there are some notable remixes on tap. Produced by Detroit techno pioneer Jeff Mills who matches Byron’s mastery of infectious grooves with an array of talented musicians. “Ambrosia” is evidence that Byron is more than just an esteemed DJ/house producer.
The Quiet Ones: The Quiet Ones [Humble Recs]
You may be familiar with Marc Brown and Chris Franck from their work with the group Smoke City and Da Lata. Each focused on their own solo material before getting back to form The Quiet Ones. Their shared love for African and Brazilian music is spread all over this project. “Ninguem” featuring Carlo Alexandre and Amarina Sena is sublime and filled with sun drenched Brazilian melodies. You’re forgiven if you thought for a minute you were listening to Seu Jorge on this track. “I Need Your Love” is filled with psychedelic guitar rhythms. “Malamba” featuring vocalist Sergio Perere is filled with the rich Afro Brazilian traditions of sparkling guitar and percussion. Jordanese vocalist Lama Zakharia is a delight on the exotic “Mawjood”. Brown and Franck have assembled musicians from London to Brazil to Senegal. They pay proper respect to the traditions by creating a modern Brazilian gem that’s deeply satisfying.
Jarrod Lawson: Be The Change [Dome]
2020 has taken a toll on all of us but few have expressed that emotional angst quite as beautifully as Jarrod Lawson. “Be The Change” is his latest release and first for Dome records is nothing short of brilliant. Lawson’s tenor vocals are equally matched by his lustrous keyboard arrangements and songwriting. The title track sets the stage with a gorgeous piano melody and a romping groove. Lawson’s plea to start with ourselves in order to make real change is punctuated by his soaring vocals. Lawson’s pairing with Moonchild’s Amber Navran feels like a match made in heaven on the melancholy “I’ll Be Your Radio”. The Latin tinged “How Long” begins with percolating percussion and flute. The piano eases in before Lawson’s silky vocals take over, calling out for accountability from our elected leadership. The gap between albums was wide but this one was certainly worth the wait. It’s easily one of the best of the year.
Mekbuda: Convincing Delusions [Ubiquity]
Mekbuda is the latest group to emerge from the burgeoning Russian Jazz scene. Their release “Convincing Delusional” is an experimental ride filled with a touch of cosmic jazz. The opening track “KSpacey” is layered with exotic melodies. Keyboardist Alex Petrov and trumpeter Igor Shilov play with a rhythmic urgency that trickles down to the rest of the band. “Distant Shining” is a serene and tranquil space odyssey. “The Space Of Variations” is a ambient composition highlighted by gorgeous flute melodies layered on a hypnotic groove. Despite only six tracks each one is dynamic and showcases their compositional chops. An impressive release that fits in nicely alongside the new generation of jazz musicians.
Nubya Garcia: Source [Concord]
Amongst the new wave of UK jazz phenoms, tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia is one of the hardest working musicians. Whether it’s the two EPs she has released or the numerous appearances she’s made with her talented contemporaries. Whatever the occasion she has made her presence felt. While on tour she managed to find the time to write the material that would ultimately lead to “Source”. Not only is it her official full length debut but it’s also released on the infamous Concord records. With a legendary company behind her she lives up to the challenge with ease. The lp opens up with “Pace”. Garcia’s haunting melodies overlapping a hybrid of rhythms punctuated by bassist Daniel Casimir and drummer Sam Jones. The title track is a dynamic manifestation of afro Caribbean rhythms and sound system culture. Garcia’s hearty tenor floats over the atmospherics created by drummer Jones. Joe Armon-Jones spirited forays on keys takes the track to greater heights. It’s simply twelve minutes of pure orchestrated bliss prone to repeated listens. “Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be” demonstrates Garcia and her bandmates are equally at home with a ballad, each adding a gentle touch. “Source” is far from a traditional jazz record and for that we’re thankful. Garcia’s rich improvisational skills combined with her deep musical heritage makes for a satisfying listen, not to mention a force to be reckoned with.
Nathan Thomas: Still Water [Futuristica]
Singer songwriter Nathan Thomas first captured our attention when he layed his honey vocals down on Rapson’s 2018 house banger “Heat”. Soon afterwards we got a taste of his forthcoming lp when the warm and mellow “SunBlind”, the first single also premiered in 2018. At that point our appetite yearned for more and our patience eventually rewarded with “Still Water”. The superb ten track lp delivers with an array of delicious down tempo soulful compositions. Evidence can be found with the title track, a sublime recording with sketches of jazz and hip hop with production from Simon S. “Peacemakers” blossoms with Marc Raspson’s signature sound of wicked beats and hypnotic keys. “Namaste” is filled with tasty guitar rhythms, sweet vocals and lovely songwriting. Quite simply it’s another winner from the Futuristica family. Thomas’s warm vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics has the makings of a promising career. A brilliant debut from an emerging talent.
Otis Sandsjo: Y-Otis 2 [We Jazz]
Berlin based Swedish saxophonist Otis Sandsjo made quite a splash with his 2019 release “Y-OTIS”. With “Y-OTIS 2” he continues to push the boundaries and defies genres. Bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Tilo Weber return while Dan Nicholls takes over for Elias Stemeseder on keys and synths. Along with a few guests they collaborate on a stunning colection of adventurous compositions that drift beyond jazz. “Tremendoce” starts off with Per “Texas” Johansson and Jonas Kullhammar trading engaging flute melodies before accompanied by Eldh’s inticing bass groove. The theme is set with boundless melodies from each musician taking on a life of their own before coming back together as one. Sandsjo sprinkles his creative horn rhythms throughout giving everyone freedom to explore yet still making his presence felt. Nicholls majestic piano rhythms set the mood on “Abysmal”. Sandjso injects an inspired solo midway through as the tempo shifts into high gear. “Atombahn” brims with boundless energy from Sandjso while Nicholls spacey synths elevates the track to another dimension. An ambitious recording filled with innovative compositions. This band is quickly making a name for themselves in a huge way.
Asher Gamedze: Dialectic Soul [On The Corner]
“Dialectic Soul” is the debut from drummer Asher Gamedze. The Cape Town, South African resident garnered much attention when he appeared on Angel Bat Dawid’s album “The Oracle” last year. From the first note on the fiery “State Of Emergence” you’re immediately pulled into Gamedze’s consciouseness. Gamedze’s intense drumming dynamics set the tone for Buddy Wells wailing Tenor that echoes the people’s voices rising up to oppression. “Slyabulela” strikes a softer tone with Nono Nkoane’s soothing vocals filled with poignant lyrics gliding on top of Wells and Robin Fassie-Kock’s melodic trumpet. “Eternally” is pure fire with bassist Thembinkosi Mavimbela’s thunderous bass rhythms keeping everyone on top of their game. Gamedze’s pulsating cymbals heighten the intensity and create a canvas for Wells and Fassie-Kock to swing. This triumphant debut is about reclaiming the soul of all fellow human beings during these trying times. Gamedze taps into the spirit of Coltrane as well as the activism of Miriam Mabeka and the result is a collection of exceptional compositions that inspires hope for all of us. What a recording. You need this as much as any recording you’ll purchase this year.
Mammal Hands: Captured Spirits [Gondwana]
“Captured Spirits” is the fourth album the Norwich trio known as Mammal Hands. Saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Nick Smart and drummer Jesse Barrett merge classical jazz and electronica into a distinctively polished and engaging sound. Highlights include “Spiral Stair” where Nick Smart’s melodic fingers strike a chord with brother Jordan’s soft yet hearty tone. “Riddle” is filled with dazzling improvised interplay between the Smart brothers. Jordan’s euphoric keystrokes set the bar for Nick’s melodic phrases and create some wondrous moments. Let’s not forget Barrett here, his drumming ranges from the orchestral to the understated whisper thereby setting the table for the Smart brothers to soar. Together the trio create a mood of euphoric orchestral soundscapes that provide a joyful spark throughout. A sparkling showcase and another gem from the Gondwana record label.
Georgie Sweet: Misunderstood [Futuristica]
When vocalist Georgie Sweet dropped the lead single “Half Human” in 2018, it provided a sneak peak into a potentially promising lp. It’s safe to say that with “Misunderstood” the promise has been fulfilled in spades. Gergie’s debut is filled with warm soulful hip-hop beats and jazzy vibes topped off with her blissful vocals and heartfelt compositions. There are many gems to sort through but “What I Had Done” is a great place to start. Produced by Marc Rapson, the track features a catchy hook aligned with an infectious hip-hop beat built on top of an irresistible groove. Sweet’s cool harmonies are the icing on the cake. “Sorry” the second single also produced by Rapson blossoms with a slow burning tempo and warm chords. A live recording of the tune from Futuristica HQ is featured here as well. “Flower”, produced by Theo Howarth is a soulful electronic gem with exotic melodies augmented by Sweet’s ethereal vocals. Other notable producers on hand are K15, Mecca 83 and Simon S himself. With nary a weak tune in sight this marks another triumph for the Futuristica label in 2020, not to mention an outstanding debut. For Ms Sweet, the future looks very bright.