James L’Estraunge: Eventual Reality [BBE]
“Eventual Reality” is the full length debut from The James L’Estraunge Orchestra. Producer Ricky Reid, one half of the Soul Renegades shifts gears by crafting an engaging collection of atmospheric gems and dreamy soundscapes. In order to tap into this creative process he escaped the busy Edinburgh scene and retreated to the peaceful Swedish highlands. The move has made an immediate impression right from the start. “Me And The Bear” is a down-tempo tune filled with gorgeous rhodes and string melodies. “We Rise” begins with a stretch of boisterous strings and horns followed by lush vocals layered over an infectious groove. An a composer Reid strikes the right balance between electronica and live instrumentation and makes a profund statement with this impressive release.
Ross McHenry Trio: The Outsiders [First Word]
Guitarist Ross McHenry’s third release for First Word records is his first trio album. “The Outsiders” is rounded out with long time collaborators drummer Myele Manzanza and pianist Matthew Sheens. Their synergy is apparent on a number of standouts tracks. On the opening tune “It’s Not How I Remembered It”, Sheens melodies are assertive yet tender while Manzanza’s rhythmic phrasings gain momentum along the way. The title track comes in three parts, each beginning with elegant melodies yet each distinguishing itself from the other. On “Pt.2” McHenry lays down moody rhythms augmented by Manzanza’s deft touch on cymbals. On “Pt.3” Sheens, the lead voice throughout dials up the heat with a swirling barrage of high powered virtuosity. With two impressive fusion lps to his name, McHenry demonstrates he’s equally adept in a trio setting as well. This is a highly satisfying record.
Various Artists: DJ Andy Smith Presents Reach UP – Disco Wonderland [BBE]
DJ Andy Smith, internationally known for collaborations with Portishead as well as his sort after DJ sets reinforced his reputation as a certified crate digger. “Reach Up – Disco Wonderland” is an ode to the seventies NYC club scene, specifically the Paradise Garage and Studio 54. In addition he resurrects a few hidden gems for us to enjoy all over again. “For The Love Of Money” a seventies classic from the Disco Dub Band has an unforgettable bass groove that drove folks to the dance floor and still resonates today. “First Time Love Affair” was an early eighties hit from the late Jimmy Ross. “Share The Night” is an underrated synth laden boogie tune that captures the spirit of NYC eighties club culture. If you want to take a trip down memory lane then you’ll no doubt enjoy this disc.
The Haggis Horns : One Of These Days [Haggis Records]
The Haggis Horns 4th album “One Of These Days” features a grittier bluesy sound while maintaining their trademark raw soulful sound. The slow grinding groove of “Curse Of The Haggis” is evidence of that and a pleasant sign of things to come. Long time member Lucinda Slim adds her sultry vocals to the mid-tempo “World Gone Crazy”. On “All Fuzzed Up” the band demonstrates that they can turn up the heat when necessary. There’s much more to savor here with appearances from John McCallum and Doc Brown respectively. Twenty years on the scene The Haggis Horns are still one of the premiere UK soul bands around today.
Web Web: Oracle [Compost]
Web Web is a German based supergroup of acclaimed musicians. The essence of “Oracle” is derived from the Spiritual Jazz movement of the seventies. On “Journey To No End” the quartet explore searing exciting exchanges among each other. Pianist Roberta Di Gloia sets the table with a glorious melody while Tony Lakatos’s soloing on Tenor. On “Unreal Prediction” Lakatos’s adventurous phrasing on Soprano are deeply satisfying when playing alongside Gloia’s rhythmic rhodes. “Alternate Truth” is a moody mellow tune yet full of imagination. Peter Gall’s simmering percussion allows Lakatos and Gloia to stretch out. Their solos flow naturally and are a joy to listen. “Oracle” isn’t impressive because it was recorded in one take. It’s very impressive because these are musicians at the top of their game coming together with superb compositions. This is a delightful record worthy of repeated listens.
Binker & Moses: Journey to the Mountain of Forever [Gearbox Records]
Binker Golding and Moses Boyd are part of the collective of young musicians emerging on the vibrant London scene. As Binker and Moses they remind us just how engaging a drum and sax duo can be without the reliance of a chordal instrument. The duo explores a a variety of moods with Golding’s adventurous solos servng as the lead voice. “Trees On Fire” finds Binker swinging with a flurry of energy that builds throughout while Boyd infectious rhythms equally holds his own. “The Valley Of The Ultra Blacks” find Golding on soprano and unleashing a flurry of spirted soloing while Boyd’s mighty percussion asserts itself with high energy. With fifteen tracks of their own compositions and inspired by the great duets of the past. Binker and Moses come out swinging and produce one of the best records of the year. I’m already looking forward to their next release.
Nicole Willis: My Name Is Nicole Willis [Persephone records]
“My Name Is Nicole Willis”, is the latest release from the Finland based classic soul vocalist. Ms Willis revisits some of her earlier releases as well as unleashing new material with help from The Umo Jazz Orchestra. For their part the Orchestra’s added horns and producer Jimi Tenor’s arrangements create a dynamic classic soul experience. One of those new tracks, “Haunted By The Devil” opens up with lush horns and strings followed up with Pete Toikkanen’s funky wah wah guitar. “Together We Climb” should be familiar to fans. Originally performed by Nicole and The Soul Investigators, this alternate take maintains the infectious groove and bluesy guitar rhythms while incorporating swaying orchestral arrangements. “Still Got A Way To Fall”, another bluesy soul burner finds Willis performing spoken word about perseverance through trying times. The Willis, Tenor and Toikkanen partnership knows a thing or two about quality soul music. This sparkling release takes their sound to another level.
DJ Vadim: Double Sided [BBE]
DJ Vadim and Californian songwriter vocalist Katrina Blackstone return following their successful collaboration on “Dubcather” with “Double sided”. Vadim’s latest release is amalgamation of dub step grooves, boogie tunes with several eclectic rhythms mixed in between. Among the highlights are “Choose” where Blackstone’s sultry vocals ride over a wicked synth laden beat. “Stand Up” is roots reggae laced with funky dub echo effects and pulsing drums. “How Long” is an upbeat boogie tune with a catchy melody that lingers long after the song is over. Vadim has delivered another impressive disc full of live instrumentation and thumping bass grooves. Along with Ms Blackstone they’ve formed the perfect musical combination.
Thee Gobbs: It’s Time [Atjazz Record Company]
South Africa continues to build on it’s reputation as a haven for spiritual House music and culture. Thee Gobbs is another stellar DJ to emerge from the homeland to keep on your radar. “It’s Time”, his debut on Atjazz showcases his deft touch as a producer with a keen sense of musicianship. He seemlessly fuses the spirtual melodies with the emotive harmonies deep infectious grooves. This double cd features Gobbs original compositions while disc B features some tasty remixes from some of the most notable DJ/Producers today. “The Love” is a joyous dance track featuring Johannesburg based vocalist Tsholo. “Thin Ice” is another pulsating tune featuring vocalist RJ Reynolds. “Like A Drum”, the track that rose Gobbs name to a broader audience features a number of scorching remixes but among my favorites is the deep house remix from Fish Go Deep. “Time To Rise” receives a soulful house remix from priemere DJ/Producer Sean McCabe. Gobbs had already knocked on the door with his two previous singles. Now with “It’s Time” he’s blowing it wide open.
Various Artists: Kev Beadle Presents Private Collection Vol. 3 [BBE]
DJ and avid vinyl collector Kev Beadle has resided in the upper echelon of respected DJs for over 20 years. So when he started pulling out some of his own dusty vinyl classics for his “Private Collection” series, it gave us another reason to love him even more. Now with Vol.3 he unleashes a delicious collection of seventies slept on tunes you didn’t know you needed before but you certainly know now. The disc kicks off in furious form with “Quiet Fire” infused with spirited drumming from the great Roy Haynes. “La Em Guayaquil” is an infectious jazz-rock hidden gem from the Brazilian band Banda Metalurgia. Louis Hayes’ late seventies free jazz delight “Little Sunflower” features the engaging wordless yodeling of Leon Thomas. Other notable tunes include “Maryke” and “Samba De Amor”. Unless you have direct access to the Kev Beadle vault you would be wise to take a deep drive into this superb collection.