Mike City: The Feel Good Agenda Vol.1 [BBE]
Producer/writer Mike City made his mark in the early 2000s with the smash hit “I Wish” by Carl Thomas. From that point he would go on to pen tracks for Brandy, Angie Stone and countless others. For his latest full length release, he’s invited a number of his friends are on board to lift these impressive RnB infused dance tracks to another level. Veteran Fayth Evans urban edged soprano vocals are the perfect match for the track “When I Luv”. The angelic vocals of Teedra Moses float on the soulful house inspired “Been Too Afraid”. The mid-tempo burner “You’re In Heaven” is boasted by the deep smokey vocals of acclaimed songstress Lalah Hathaway. Additional appearances range from Terri Walker, Maysa to UK RnB legend Junior. The title speaks for itself. “The Feel Good Agenda Vol.1” is certain to give you happy feet and provoke repeated listens.
Nubya Garcia: Nubya’s 5ive [Jazz Re:freshed]
There’s a new generation of UK jazz artists and Tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia is one of the key players on the scene. She has studied with members of the educational program known as Tomorrow’s Warriors and has emerged as a sought after horn player. With “Nubya’s 5ive” she fronts a band filled with musicians broadening the scope of jazz. Drummer Moses Boyd is a band leader in his own right and seamlessly keeps the rhythm cooking throughout. With the opening track “Lost Kingdom”, Boyd’s deft command of rhythm provides a foundation for Garcia and trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey. Pianist Joe Armon-Jones spirited playing is pure delight on “Fly Free”. With “Red Sun” Garcia and company stretch out in freewheeling form and the results are pure joy. Whether it’s bebop or experimental, Garcia is a rising star who certainly warrants your attention. The multifaceted Jazz Re:freshed label never disappoints and this superb release is no exception. Highly recommended.
Annabel (lee): The Cleansing [Youngbloods]
“The Cleansing” is the new album from Richard E and Sheila Ellis, better known as Annabel (Lee). Sheila’s poetic songwriting and haunting vocal phrasings compliment the cinematic soundscapes arranged by Richard and they resonate throughout this disc. There are two themes to savor here. The A side is intimate acoustic folk highlighted by “Paris, Room 14” and “Move With Me” where Sheila’s vocals evoke a peaceful dreamy atmosphere. Strings and instrumentation drive the B side and evidence of that lies in the emotive “Autumn Requiem”. “Far” is Avant garde folk and one of the highlights here. This is an intimate and peaceful disc wrapped around abstract sounds and howling classical imagery. A mystical voyage you shouldn’t miss.
Cookin On 3 Burners: Lab Experiments Vol. 1 – Mixin [Soul Messin]
Hailing from Australia, Guitarist Dan West, Drummer Ivan “Choi” Khatchoyan and Organist Jake Mason make up the organ grinding trio known as Cookin On 3 Burners. “Lab Experiments Vol.1” is filled with 60s-influenced funk and soul compositions certain to get your groove on. Among the highlights are “Real Life Baby”, a laid back tune with bluesy guitar rhythms from Dan West and soaring vocals from Emmi. “Wind Up” is a funky instrumental filled with wicked organ rhythms and funky guitar riffs. Veteran soul singer and native New Zealander Kylie Audist adds her strong pipes to the sun drenched mid-tempo “More Than a Mouthful”. An engaging album that would easily fit into the crowded classic soul arena and hold it’s own. These cats indeed know how to burn.
Moonchild: Voyager [Tru Thoughts]
“Voyager”, the third full length release from Moonchild displays tremendous growth from the West coast trio. Once again there’s plenty of lush compositions filled with RnB, soul and folk influences. However “Voyager” is heighthen by a string section and a harpist giving this release a fuller sound. Collectively they’ve penned compositions centering around the varying dynamics of love. Amog the standouts are “Cure”, led by Amber Navran’s soothing vocals and gorgeous keyboard melodies. “Now and Then” features funky beats from producer Max Bryk not often heard from their compositions. “Let You Go” is aided by gentle guitar rhythms. It’s easy to see why this trio has garnered a long line of admirers. This disc is filled with one gorgeous composition after another. Three years in the making, “Voyager” is well worth the wait.
The Abstract Orchestra: Dilla [ATA]
The Abstract Orchestra is a big band comprised of jazz musicians from around the UK placing an emphasis on hip-hop with “Dilla”. Their latest release is filled with alternate takes from the catalogue of the acclaimed producer, the late J Dilla. Led by saxophonist Rob Mitchell who mirrors the mixture of rhythms and textures frequently constructed in hip-hop productions. “Fall In Love” brings all the elements together perfectly. Backed by an irresistible drum snare beat and topped off by lush strings and soothing horns. “A.N.G.E.L.” is another banger that highlights the synergy between the strings and horns along with lush backing vocals. “Dilla Mix 1 & 2 is a medley of Dilla treats like “Last Donut” and “Welcome to The Show”. Mitchell and company successfully capture the spirit of hip-hop and Dilla specifically with a superb LP that will remind you of his brillance.
Wayne Snow: Freedom TV [Tartelet Records]
Nigerian born and now based in Berlin, Wayne Snow serves up an array of future tripped out soul sounds with “Freedom TV”. Fellow Berliner Max Graef lends his much sought after production skills to six tracks here as well. Two of those standouts are “Drunk” where Snow’s smooth falsetto rides over a spacey uptempo synth groove. The other is “Rosie”, a slow grinding funk gem that would easily fit into a D’Angelo tracklist. “Nothing Wrong”, produced by Nu Guinea is an uptempo dance floor gem that starts off with simmering percussion followed by an infectious bass groove. After two impressive EPs, Snow has delivered one of the more engaging albums to emerge this year.
BB Boogie: Standing On The Wall [R2]
One of the pioneers of the West London broken beat scene, Daz-I-Kue shifts gears, relocates to Atlanta and gets into the spirit of the boogie with “Standing On The Wall”. Daz invites a superb collection of vocal talent to capture the essence of seventies boogie grooves. Among the highlights are “We Can Do it” a high energy floor burner featuring Vanessa Freeman. “In The Middle”, a cover of the seventies funk group Unlimited Touch is an engaging boogie tune featuring Joy Jones. “Tonight We’re Gonna” is soaring Disco funk that features legendary Soul and Dance vocalist Leroy Burgess. A splendid collection of soulful dance tunes filled with infectious rhythms certain to get your party on.
Dwight Trible: Inspirations [Gondwana]
The list of musicians Dwight Trible has performed with ranges from hard bop musicians such as Bobby Hutcherson to the late J Dilla. For his latest project entitled “Inspirations” Trible teams up with trumpeter Matthew Halsall on the Gondwana records imprint. The two share a love for transcendental and spiritual jazz and they mesh seamlessly here. On “Tryin Times” Trible’s baritone complements Halsall’s rich tone on the Donny Hathaway composition. Pianist Taz Modi’s tender melodies strike deep emotions on the Coltrane classic “Dear Lord”. Bassist Gavin Barras’s shivering grooves establishes the overall sound for the group. There are other glorious covers such as “Feeling Good” and “What the World Needs Now is Love”. What you need to do now is simply hurry up and purchase this wonderful record. Trible’s totally identifiable voice combined with Halsall’s phrasing and production will no doubt result in repeated listens.
Profusion: Where Do I Begin? [First Word]
Kieron Ifill, aka K15 and Emerson make up the duo known as Profusion. K15 has rapidly established himself as a premiere producer with an ear for future soul beats and cosmic synths. Emerson velvet vocals has landed him on a number of tasty projects from labels like BBE to Toyko Dawn and others. Although they’ve collaborated for years they’ve finally stepped forward with their debut lp. On the title track “Where Do I Begin” Emerson’s golden vocals glide over warm n spacey chords and a mid-tempo beat. “Golden” has elements of drum n bass complimenting warm synths. “Flying” is filled with heartfelt lyrics and soothing synths. This lp is brimming with warm vibes and representive of the quality of British soul emerging in 2017.
Various Artists: Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura Anthology [Brownswood]
Havana Cultura Anthology”, presented by Gilles Peterson celebrates eight years of the Havana Cultura series. The Havana Cultura initiative was founded in 2007 under the auspices of Cuban rum maker Havana Club. He extended an invitation to Gilles to visit Cuba and listen first hand to the emerging diverse talent channeling all genres. It was an easy decision based on the superb compositions presented here. The Havana Cultura Band figures prominently throughout but there are other sterling performances as well. “Espera Mi Gente” is simmering down-tempo fusion from the band which includes performances from Edrey Riveri aka Ogguere and Danay Suarez on vocals. The energy level kicks up a few levels on “Roforofo Fight” featuring vocalist Mayra Caridad Valdes. Jazz and Hip-Hop mesh seamlessly on “Check La Rima”, the band’s cover of A Tribe Called Qwest’s “Check The Rhyme”. If this is your first exposure to this splendid series then you’re in for a treat. If you’re already familiar then you can expect a continuation of the finest that Cuba has to offer.
Liz Aku: Ankhor [Sonar Kollektiv]
Belgian vocalist Liz Aku has made a name for herself with solo projects and collaborations over the past fifteen years. Now she comes into her own with her latest release on Sonar Kollektiv. “Ankhor”, produced primarily by Mara TK from Electric Wire Hustle is a future soul serenade filled with wicked grooves and visual melodies. “Seasons Change”, originally an instrumental from Canadian production duo Potatohead People is filled with airy vibes and heavy drums. Aku’s vocals layered on top is pure bliss. “Secrets Die” is built around warm Rhodes and Natalia Mann’s beautiful harp melodies. “Just What I Need” is the one track performed with a band. Drummer Lander Gyselinck sets the tone and pianist Bram Weijters creates gorgeous melodies. “Breathing Underwater” is one of two sublime duets with Mara TK. Simply one of the best records to emerge this year and one that should propel Aku to a wider audience.
Ruby Rushton: Trudi’s Songbook [22a]
“Trudi’s Songbook” is the latest release from the six piece London based band known as Ruby Rushton. Reedist Edward Cawthorne wrote and arranged all tracks here and his flute playing figures prominently throughout the disc. “Moonlight Woman” features a mellow groove that’s driven by Aidan Shepherd’s spacey keys and wicked bass licks from Fergus Ireland. “Prayer for Yusef” taps into the spirit of the acclaimed reedist with Cawthorne’s bamboo flute phrasings. Percussionist Joseph Deenmamode takes the lead of spirited interplay with the rest of the band. This is a slow burning experimental fusion of funk and jazz filled with influences from Dilla to Herbie Hancock’s “Head Hunters”. Cawthorne and company provide plenty of moments that make this release deeply satisfying.
Thundercat: Drunk [Brainfeeder]
“Drunk”, the third full length release from LA bassist Stephen Bruner aka Thundercat is a genre bending pot of eccentric jazz infused with funk and pop rhythms. The 23 track release is a journey of contrasting moods, from light hearted humor to dark subject matters. In order to express these emotions he’s invited a number of his friends from the burgeoning LA scene to take these compositions to another level. On “Uh Uh” he teams up with mufti-instrumentalist Zack Sekoff and unleashes sparkling bass riffs. “Lava Lamp” is a dreamy melodic down-tempo tune featuring red hot producer Sounwave. “Friend zone” is a upbeat number laced with trippy synths that touches on the awkward position of relationships. Flying Lotus jumps on board for several tracks, most notably “Show You The Way” and “Them Changes”, the former featuring icons Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Thundercat’s virtuoso bass wizardry combined with his soft falsetto and zany lyrics are an adventure to behold, not to mention an fascinating listen.
Duke Hugh: Canvas [Rhythm Section ]
In just three years, Rhythm Section International has become one of the premier record labels in South London. They’re been relentless in debuting an impressive array of newcomers and Netherlands native Duke Hugh is no exception. “Canvas” is his impressive full length debut that demonstrates a deft touch for arranging laid back grooves as well as an ear for melody. Highlights include “Greenleaf”, a breezy tune with tasty guitar riffs. “Home” is another mid tempo tune filled with bouncy drums and synths. “Canvas” is a pleasant portrait of Hugh’s creativity as a producer. These are tunes you’ll want to bring along for your chill out moments. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on.