Trevor Lawrence Jr: Relationships [Ropeadope]
The name Trevor Lawrence Jr may not jump off the page at first but when you dig a little deeper you’ll find that the Los Angeles native has been drumming for everyone from Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar to Stevie Wonder just to name a few. If that wasn’t enough he’s also the drummer for saxophonist Terrace Martin’s new group, The Pollyseeds. Somehow he found the time to craft his full length debut entitled “Relationships”. Lawrence’s debut illustrates his musical vision of traditional soul, jazz, hip-hop and funk. Among the highlights are “B-Side” a seventies inspired soul layered with wah wah rhythms and sultry vocals. “The Guts” is gritty street soul featuring Shariff Simmons on spoken word and tasty trumpet riffs from Nicholas Payton. “Bring The Party” is a catchy up-tempo jazz funk instrumental. “Tiptoe” is blissful RnB enhanced by live and programmed drums and features Neka on vocals. There’s an enormous amount of talent emerging from LA and Lawrence Jr is the latest example. He’s certainly one to watch.
Richard Spaven: The Self [Soul Has No Tempo]
Richard Spaven continues a steady ascent as one of the premiere drummers on the scene today. He has gained international acclaim through his trademark drumming style, resulting in collaborations with the likes of Jose James, Flying Lotus and others. “The Self”, his latest release is a culmination of all his influences, notably jazz, electronica and drum n bass. “Stills” is a atmospheric gem highlighted by frequent collaborator Jordan Rakei’s smooth falsetto. “The Hidden Camera”, filled with dub step rhythms is a nod to the London club culture. “Greeting to Saud” is a blissful tribute to the great McCoy Tyner is laced with gorgeous synth melodies courtesy of pianist Kris Bowers. A visual album filled with ambient sound and textures worthy of repeated listens. If you’re familiar with Mr Spaven then you know his music defies genres and for that we’re grateful based on the results. If you’re new to him then you’re in for a treat.
Lord Echo: Harmonies [Soundway Records]
Melbourne producer Lord Echo has built an impressive resume filled with compositions that fuse reggae, afrobeat and latin rhythms. His latest full length release “Harmonies” may be his best yet. There’s plenty to savor here right from the outset. “Woah! There’s No Limit” is an engaging reggae tune with swaying horns and tropical rhythms. “The Sweetest Meditation” is a gorgeous boogie tune filled soothing vibes and infectious percussion. Both of the aforementioned tunes feature the golden falsetto vocals of Mara TK who appears on two additional racks as well. Two other noteworthy reggae tunes are “Low To The Street” and the superb cover of The O’Jays “I Love Music” Both tunes feature the blissful vocals of Lisa Tomlins. Throw in the afro-soul instrumental “Makossa” and you have one of the more enjoyable albums of the year.
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.