Greg Foat: The Mage [Athens Of The North]
“The Mage”, pianist Greg Foat’s ninth album is his first for the Edinburgh based label Athens Of The North. Foat’s deft hand at composing and arrangements are in top form here as he weaves folk soundscapes with free jazz rhythms. “Of My Hands” is an atmospheric tune with soaring harmonies that features Trinidadian singer Kathy Garcia who originally recorded it forty years earlier. “The Magic Radish” starts out with a brooding bass line, hypnotic percussion and features Duncan Lamont on Tenor. Other notable contributors are veteran tenor Art Themen, guitarist Ray Russell, Malcolm Catto and the rising drummer Moses Boyd. Foat skillfully bridges the gap between the past and the present while solidifying his stature as a superb pianist and composer.
Terkel Norgaard: With Ralph Alessi [We Jazz Records]
We Jazz Records is quickly becoming one of my favorite labels for avant garde Jazz. Drummer Terkel Norgaard not only is a skilled drummer but is a talented composer as well. “With Ralph Alessi” a nod to the New York City based trumpeter who shows why he’s been one of the premiere trumpeters of the last two decades. Norgaard’s group consists of some of the key players on the Copenhagen scene. Alessi shines right from the start on “One”. Alessi’s beautifully fluid tone fits in perfectly alongside the trio’s melodic excursions. “Seventeen” is another highlight that features cascading piano melodies from Soren Gemmer. Norgaard’s subtle brush strokes on “Twentyone” is the fuse that inspires everyone to dive into his harmonic canvas. The Danish trio along with Alessi sound as if they’ve played together for years. Beyond satisfying and an example of improvised brilliance.
Azymuth: Demos (1973-75) Volumes 1&2 [Far Out Recordings]
“Demos Vol 1 & 2” are Azymuth releases taken from reel to reel and cassette recordings from 1973-75. These recordings took place at the late Jose Roberto Bertrami’s home studio in Laranjeiras, Rio De Janeiro. When he shopped these demos to various labels around Brazil he was turned away. One listen and it’s clear that this vibrant mix of samba, jazz and rock was free flowing fusion that was ahead of it’s time. There are brillant performances featured right from the start with “Prefacio”. This spirited tune is highlighted by Bertrami’s fiery work on keys and Ivan “Mamao” Conti’s intense drumming. “Laranjeiras” and “Equipe” are slow burning soulful funk tunes. They pick up the intensity once again on tracks like “Duro de Roer” and “Castelo”. Alex Malheiros funky bass builds a steady groove for Bertrami and Conti to let loose. Credit producer Joe Davis for finally bringing this project to light. It’s certainly their most experimental work that stands tall alongside their classic recordings.
The Cinematic Orchestra: A Promise [Ninja Tune]
The Cinematic Orchestra’s first release in twelve years is inspired by life events that stir our consciousness past and present. Like their previous releases “To Believe” flourishes in their blend of Jazz, soul and ambient soundscapes. Add to that an incredible A-list of vocalists who take these emotive compositions to another level. So where do we begin? Starting off with the title track where the velvet falsetto of Moses Sunmery is enough to make your heart flutter. The pulsating beats of “A Caged Bird/Imitations of Life” are highlighted by poignant lyrics from Roots Manuva. “A Promise” puts the finishing touch on a splendid album. Heidi Vogel stylizes her heavenly vocals with long lush notes over the eleven minute track that builds a crescendo with each passing minute. Twelve years is a wide gap but this superb record was well worth the wait. Each track is emboldened by elegant orchestrations that unfold patiently, allowing the songs to breathe while building to a glorious finale. Simply put you need this record in your rotation to enjoy repeatedly.
Liquid Saloon: Gueta [Raw Tapes]
Liquid Saloon is a trio of up and coming musicians based in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Gueta” is inspired by afro-beat rhythms and experimantal jazz. Drummer Amir Bresler drives the beat on the title track which also features local instrumentalists such as Nital Hershkovits and Rejoicer on keys. Eyal Talmudi’s melodic clarinet solo towards the end is an added bonus. “Polaroid Banana” is a funky highlight laced with warped out synths and tasty percussion. Fellow Tel Aviv resident Jenny Penkin’s blissful vocals are a delight on the slow fusion burner “Won’t Be Led By Fear”. An impressive debut filled with vibrant rhythms and wicked grooves that shouldn’t be missed.
Shafiq Husayn: The Loop [Eglo]
Laid back psychedelic California soul courtesy of Shafiq Husayn, one third of Sa-Ra Creative Partners. “The Loop” is filled with breezy melodic compositions he’s worked on over the past decade. Shafiq has assembled a number of notable collaborators to raise his tracks to another level. Vocalist Jimetta Rose co-wrote and performed on a number of songs here but the breezy jazz infused “May I Assume” featuring fellow vocalist Fatima is a standout. Other highlights include “It’s Better For You” featuring the infectious raspy vocals of Anderson Paak. Hiatus Kiayote’s poly-rhythmic sound fits like a glove on “Cycles”. Despite the A-list of guests it’s the sonic brew of musical styles molded into an eclectic soulful sound that makes Shariq’s music so joyful and addictive. Long overdue but definitely worth the wait.
Jake Najor and The Moment of Truth: In The Cut [The Redwoods Music]
“In The Cut” is the debut of Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth. Najor has been a presence in the Southern California music scene for over twenty years. The San Diego based band’s ten track release is filled with gritty funk and soulful instrumentals. Najor sets the tone with spirited yet restrained drumming throughout. The opening track “High Costa” finds the band funkin at a fever pitch. Nick Costa’s guitar playing is on point and Matt La Barber plays a thumpin bass. The band down shifts the tempo on the following tracks. “Gettin it” is laid back funk with a tasty organ melody courtesy of Tim Felten. “Funkin For Jamacha” is another funky number this time with the brass taking center stage. For those who can’t get enough of groups like The Meters and Booker T and MGs you’ll certainly enjoy this.
Guts: Philantropiques [Heavenly Sweetness]
With “Philantropiques” French DJ/Producer Guts has composed a gorgeous blend of French and African tropical recordings. Guts invited a number of premiere African artists such as Vum Vum, Pat Kalla and Pinduca. The sun drenched grooves and horn rhythms of “Voyaging Bird” will instantly evoke images of warm weather and lazy afternoons on the beach. “Groove ma Poule” is a festive Jazzy Pop tune that features the Afro-soul duo Djeudjoah & Lieutenent Nicholson. “Li Dous Konsa” is filled with infectious Caribbean rhythms, notably Florian Pelliissier on keys. After showcasing his affinity with hip-hop on his previous releases this radical shift pays big dividends. Simply a superb record from beginning to end that captures the essence of the Southern Hemisphere.
Mark De Clive Lowe: Heritage [Ropeadope]
Pianist/Producer Mark De Clive Lowe explores his ancestry with his latest release “Heritage”. De Clive Lowe consulted with his family to gain a deeper understanding of his Japanese roots and the results are his most personal work to date. “Bushido 1”, meaning “The Way of the Warrior” begins with a splash of piano aligned with Josh Johnson’s simmering alto sax. De Clive Lowe’s melodic excursions takes the listener on a mystic voyage. “Memories of Nanzenji” is a meditative tune that is awash in Brandon Combs expressive cymbals. De Clive Lowe and Johnson’s playing is free flowing and spiritual. “Niten-Ichi” begins with a slow burning piano that quickly evolves into a high energy free for all that includes Teodross Avery on Tenor sax. “Heritage” is the first of a two part project. Based on De Clive Lowe’s brilliance here, there’s no doubt that part two will be as equally rewarding as this one
Nicole Willis & Banda Palomita: My Soul Sensation [Persephone]
The songstress Nicole Willis returns with a new album and a new band. “My Soul Sensation” marks a more modern sound and she sounds right at home. The band Banda Palomita is comprised of members from Finland, Senegal and Brazil. They demonstrate their ability to create tasty laid back grooves to complement Nicole’s soaring vocals. “Save Me” is a mellow RnB tune with a sprinkle of synths and percussion. “Reparate” is a mid-tempo boogie tune and “Free” is a dance inspired funk burner filled with infectious electric guitar. Willis has shown time and again that she can belt out classic soul tunes with the best of them. This refreshing release shows she’s a delight in any style.
Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian [Athens Of The North]
Andrew Mitchell aka Andrew Wasylyk is a multi-instrumentalist. “The Paralian” is a blend of ambient jazz and british folk soundscapes. While in Arbroath Scotland for an extended residency Wasylyk came in touch with a 19th century Erard Grecian harp. Along with a grand piano on hand he wrote a number of tunes to reflect the tranquility of the harbor town. “Greendrive #2” is a dreamy tune that evokes images of the east coast of Scotland. “Welter In The Haar” is a highlight that combines blissful Fender Rhodes and strings. “Adrift Below A Constellation” features soft brass rhythms as well as Wasylyk’s warm vocals. Arbroath sounds like the place to escape from all the noise and this is the ideal soundtrack to bring along with you.
Roy Ayers: Silver Vibrations [BBE]
BBE has done a masterful job of shining a light on the Roy Ayers archive in recent years. The latest installment “Silver Vibrations” features a few more hidden gems worth checking out. There’s an unedited version of “Chicago” that still sounds relevant today thanks in part to the thumping bass groove. “Lots Of Love” is a boogie tune that was part of a solo release by Roy on his own imprint from the early eighties. “D.C. City” is one of the stronger tracks here. It features Roy at his best blending jazz and funk with soulful vocals. Tracks like “Keep on Movin'” don’t measure up to the standard we’re used to hearing from him. That being said, there’s enough here to remind you why you fell in love with the Ubiquity sound in the first place.
Ishmael Ensemble: A State of Flow [Seven Songs]
Led by saxophonist, band leader and Bristol resident Peter Cunningham, Ishmael Ensemble’s nine track lp is celestial jazz meets electronica filled with atmospheric soundscapes. “Full Circle” pulls you in instantly with the glorious harp rhythms and pulsating drums topped off by the emotive vocals of Holysseus Fly. “Siren” starts out with a funky bass lick before diving into a flurry of broken beats, horns and synths that build toward an exhilarating crescendo. “The River” is a meditative tune that’s elevated by trumpeter Yazz Ahmed’s warm effortless tone. Overall “A State Of Flow” is a bold and adventurous release that you shouldn’t miss.
Ivan “Mamao” Conti: Poison Fruit [Far Out Recordings]
It’s hard to imagine that “Poison Fruit” is Ivan “Mamao” Conti’s first release in over twenty years. Although the legendary drummer is one third of the infamous group Asymuth, don’t expect this to be your typical Asymuth album. Instead “Poison Fruit” is filled with experimental house beats and electronic rhythms. That’s due in part to London based producer Daniel Maunick. Mamao was introduced to Maunick by his son Thiago Maranhao who serves as co-producer. Tracks like “Encontro” will sound right at home with the traditional Asymuth sound. While “Bacurau” opens with explosive percussion rhythm riding a bass driven house groove. The title track goes deeper into experimental left-field house with spacey synths. As a bonus there are some superb remixes from notable DJ/Producers like Glenn Astro, Max Graef just to name a few. Samba flavored jazz fusion combined with samples and electronics pays dividends here. Mamao and Maunick connect the dots and emerge with a splendid record.
Alphabets Heaven: Your Lifestyle [Wotnot]
Brighton based musician Alphabets Heaven’s latest release “Your Lifestyle” is filled with laid back beats and atmospheric vibes. Similar to most beat tapes there’s a lengthy tracklist (nineteen) but only two tunes exceed three minutes. The disc begins with the warm acoustic guitar rhythms of “Nylon”. From here you’re pulled into a journey of mellow moods that glides the disc along at a leisurely pace. Along the way you’ll no doubt dig notable beats like “Laces”, “Follow” and “Tote Bag”. Like all the great beat makers Alphabets Heaven knows where to pair the right sample with the perfect beat. As a result it’s the perfect mixtape for a long drive to ease your mind.