Giselle Smith: Ruthless Day [Jalapeno Records]
“Ruthless Day” is the second full length lp from Giselle Smith. Formely the front woman for the Mighty Mocambos Giselle has arranged a collection of high powered funk that allow her vocals to soar. Among the highlights are “Sweet Memories”, a mid-tempo track oozing with wah-wah guitar funk. “Hero” is a bluesy duet with Eric Boss. “Around again” is infectious funk with tasty piano arrangements. A potent release filled with emotive lyrics, Giselle is a welcome addition to the funk and soul scene.
Rhi: Reverie [Tru Thoughts]
“Reverie”, the debut from London based singer songwriter Rhi is a ten track assortment of dreamy explorative electronica filled with haunting mellow beats. Among the highlights are the ambient downtempo “Cherry Glow”. “Romance” is a passionate tune filled with warm keys and sensual phrasings. Blissful vocals and miminal production is the theme throughout here. Rhi has created an album filled with mystique and romanticism which makes for an enchanting listen.
Ty: A Work Of Heart [Jazz Re:freshed]
Brixton’s own veteran rapper Ty returns with his fifth LP entitled “A Work Of Heart”. Ty’s effortless wordplay is on full display as he weaves through a number of personal topics. In addition he’s enlisted some of his ultra talented friends to spread his message. On “Brixton Baby” featuring vocalist and fellow Brixton resident Mpho he pays homage to his hometown. The track strikes a resemblance to the Roy Ayers classic “We Live In Brooklyn”. On “Somehow Somewhere Someway” Ty is joined by the legendary Umar Bin Hassan of the Last Poets to address some of the injustices within our communities. “Eyes Open” featuring Rootz & Deborah Jordan is another thought provoking track about interpreting fact from fiction from the news we receive. “World Of Flaws” featuring underrated rapper John Robinson speaks to our imperfections and how we judge each other. Ty seamlessly delivers his razor sharp bars on top of head nodding beats and live instrumentation. As he states on “Somehow Somewhere Someday”, “You won’t hear an empty song from me”. As you listen with pure satisfaction there’s no doubt about that.
Submotion Orchestra: Kites [SMO]
With their fifth LP, The Submotion Orchestra return to their roots with jazz infused electronica combined with live instrumentation. “Kites” maintains the atmospheric soundscapes that we fell in love with from their debut “Finest Hour”. Each member drew inspiration from photographic images they brought to the recording. They transformed those images into a splendid collection of emotive compositions. “Variations” is a elegant slow burning tune with blissful keys and hypnotic beats. “Own” is another winner filled with warm strings and blissful horns. Ruby Woods angelic vocals, missing for most of their previous lp shines throughout here. The disc wraps up with “Alone”, a haunting orchestral gem where Woods weaves images of space and open skies around her soft vocals. This is a gorgeous release that is simply sublime. Loyal fans will be more than pleased while new fans will realize what they’ve been missing.
LyricL: UnequiVocal [Tokyo Dawn]
“UnequiVocal” is an aptly title, for there may be no equal for the lyrical dexterity of poet and hip-hop lyricist Nkechi da LyricL (aka Lyric L). LyricL has performed with everyone from Mark De Clive Lowe, Bugz In The Attic and Aroop Roy just to name a few. “UnequiVocal” is her follow up to her smash debut “Amazed”. Although that record dropped over six years ago she has seamlessly picked up where she left off. That means there’s a myriad of rhythms tailored to her exceptional rhyming skills enhanced by a number of talented guests as well. On “Dreamstate” LyricL is joined by rapper 3rd Person and Breakplus to trade verses over a laid back boom bap beat. “Juxtapose” is an intoxicating Afro house number featuring Rachel Huggins and Shaun Ashby. “Expected To” featuring Daz-I-Kue is a wicked bruk beat track reminiscent of her work from the London broken beat scene from over a decade ago. That’s just a sampling of the amount of gems spread across this record. I can easily go on but you need to listen for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended.
Penya: Super Liminal [On The Corner]
Penya is a percussion driven quartet led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Magnus PI. “Super Liminal” is their debut LP and the follow up to their impressive “Acelere” EP. They’re woven a myriad of influences ranging from Cuba to Tanzania to assemble a tantalizing stew of compositions. “Search It Out” is driven by Jim Lem’s bata drumming and enhanced by lead vocalist Lilli Elina, whose vocals shine throughout this disc. Lem shines throughout as well, specifically on “Iyesa” and “Kirachi”. The latter is a pulsating track with tribal overtones due in part to the futuristic synths with ancient chants. Magnus PI’s production has created a lo-fi analog sound that befits the nature of the music. You feel as though you are in the midst of a live performance. The energy this quartet exudes is certain to lift your spirits and move your hips. There’s no use trying to fight it, just release yourself and enjoy it.
Menagerie: The Arrow Of Time [Freestyle]
Producer and multi-instrumentalist Lanu Ferguson has serenaded us with a myriad of projects ranging from The Bamboos to Black Feeling. His broad musical vision have made him a sort after musician and created high anticipation for his releases. Menagerie, his latest project is no exception. Ferguson’s latest is inspired by the 1970’s spiritual jazz era and is filled with post bop spiritual and Afro jazz rhythms. “Evolution”, erupts with an enchanting piano solo and percussion followed by Fallon Williams philosophical words of wisdom. “The Arrow Of Time” is another winner fueled by simmering horns, tantalizing keys and a harmonious vocal chorus. “Spiral” is an infectious jazz funk gem with a monster groove. “The Arrow Of Time” is a marvelous collection of compositions that inspire joyous energy and warm vibes. Ferguson once again knocks it out of the park with an album that provides definite satisfaction.
The Andy Tolman Cartel: Cypher [Freestyle]
Inspired by the great movie soundtracks of the seventies, The Andy Tolman Cartel present “Cypher”. This nine track lp captures the cinematic soundscapes that were as pivotal to film as the movie itself. An accomplished bass player, Tolman integrates funk and big band rhythms seamlessly throughout this disc. “Move Over” is a funky number that features Jo Harmon on vocals and Steve Watt on the Hammond Organ. “You What” is another sizzling highlight that kicks off with Tolman’s funky guitar intro and features Carl Hudson on keyboards. Produced by Nick van Gelder who also occupies the drum chair on the entire disc. “Cypher” engages you to visualize some of your favorite movie scores and ensures you’ll have a funky good time while doing so.
Ikebe Shakedown: The Way Home [Colemine]
The Brooklyn based band return with another collection of infectious gritty funk instrumentals. “The Way Home” pulls from an array of influences of Afro, psychedelia and a heavy dose of soul. There’s plenty to savor here starting with the opening track “Supermoon”. A fiery soul tune ripe with blistering horns, percussion and wicked electric guitar rhythms. “she’s Knocking” is slow grinding soul that follows the same formula. With their trademark tight instrumentation and no sign of filler, “The Way Home” is a sure bet for soul aficionados.
30/70 Collective: Elevate [Rhythm Section International]
Clearly there’s something in the water down in Melbourne. With the success of Hiatus Kaiyote we now have 30/70 Collective to emerge from their vibrant music scene. “Elevate” is the superb follow up to their impressive debut “Cold Radish Coma”. This sublime release resonates with warm soulful harmonies and strong instrumentation. The opener “Slangin” is laid back, warm and melodic. The tune is built around rhythmic synths, moogs and a cavalcade of vocals, most notably lead vocalist Allysha Joy. “Misrepresented” follows the same formula with the addition of funky guitar rhythms and horns. Each track here flows together thematically and filled with rich textures and catchy hooks. The only negative is there’s only 9 tracks to savor. That being said, “Elevate” is deeply satisfying record that warrants repeated listens. This is a group to keep an eye on