Hector Plimmer: Sunshine [Albert’s Favourites]
“Sunshine”, the latest release from DJ/Instrumentalist Hector Plimmer is a pleasant release filled with soft ambient rhythms, delicate drumming and synths. Plimmer’s mellow arrangements project a mood of solitude were inspired by his recent live performances caught the attention of the rising London label Albert’s Favourites. Notable tracks include “Sunshine” featuring hypnotizing vocals from And Is Phi. “I Wish” is filled with gorgeous synths and vocals. “Eastern System” is drenched in tribal rhythms, enhanced by the Kalimba. Whether it’s hip-hop, jazz or a mash up of rhythms Hector is pushing his music forward and this could be the release that gives him the acclaim he deserves.
Myele Manzanza: One Point One [First Word]
Drummer and New Zealand native Myele Manzanza and First Word Records are a perfect match in that they consistently deliver stellar music. Manzanza’s latest release “One Point One” is a entertaining live recording at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles. The date is a string laden affair featuring the Quartetto Fantastico String Quartet, as well as Mark De Clive Lowe on keys and many more. “Bar Thing” is a gorgeous tune that begins with a whirlwind of strings and percussion followed by De Clive Lowe’s simmering keys. The tune continues to heighten the anticipation before bassist Ben Shepard unleashes an infectious groove that is augmented by the vocals of Nia Andrews. “Montara” is a beautiful cover of the Bobby Hutcherson classic where the vibes are replaced by the violinist of the String Quartet and De Clive Lowe on rhodes yet still captures the warm and beauty of the original. Miquel Atwood Ferguson imprint figures prominently on this disc, specifically his arrangements on the sublime “Atlantis” which features Andrews again as well as MC Charlie K This is the live recording where you envision yourself sitting front and center admiring great performances and absorbing one superb recording after another. This is essential listening to say the least.
Carleen Anderson: Cage Street Memorial – The Pilgrimage [Freestyle]
Carleen Anderson’s seventh LP, “Cage Street Memorial – The Pilgrimage” is the third piece of a trilogy that involves a book and a one woman show. Anderson’s latest release is an amalgamation of soul, gospel, and classical rhythms emanating from lifelong experiences and influences. There’s an element of her heritage can be heard in songs like “Wade In The Water”. While “At The Cross” is steeped in the Southern baptist church. “Upwards From The Ground” has elements of folk and showcases Carleen’s vocal range. “There are notable contributors from Orphy Robinson on vibes and bassist/co-producer Renell Shaw piercing groove on “All That Glitters” will warm your soul. Anderson wrote, arranged and played piano on all tracks here. This is a deeply personal and poetic project that utilizes all of her talents and is certainly her most ambitious project yet.
Azymuth: Fenix [Far Out]
One of the crown jewels of Brazil for over forty years, Azymuth returns with their first album in five years. “Fenix” captures their wide range of rhythms, from jazzy fuk to sun drench fusion. Keyboardist Kiko Continentino fills the huge shoes created by the passing of long time member Roberto Bertrami and his energy shines throughout here. Take for instance his spacey chords on “Fenix” which complements Alex Malheiros funky bass grooves. “Orange Clouds” is warm and sublime Brazilian Jazz. “Carumb” is their signature brand of “Samba Doido” aka crazy Samba laced with spirited percussion from Ivan Conti. Longtime fans will be pleased to find the group once again on top of their game.
Omar: Love In Beats [Freestyle]
“Love In Beats”, album number eight is another brilliant release from Omar. As the title suggests there’s plenty of head nodding beats spread across a broad range of rhythms. Part of the formula for the enduring sound is the production between Omar and his brother aka Scratch Professor. If that wasn’t enough the array of guests on board lift these tracks to another level. Evidence of that lies in the opening track “Vicky’s Tune” where Robert Glasper pushes the rhythm with a burst of piano stylings and Ty adds his customary clever wordplay. “Give My Heart” has an air of seventies classic soul with heart warming strings that features the late Leon Ware. “Deja Vu” has an international vibe due in part to French vocalist Mayre Andrada. While many chase the latest trends Omar has cultivated his own sound and it continues to evolve with each release. When it comes to soul music he is the gift that keeps on giving.
Various Artists: Boogie Breakdown South African Synth Disco 1980-1984 [Cultures Of Soul]
“Boogie Breakdown” is a collection of the eighties Disco period in South Africa. Compiled by Deano Sounds of the Boston US based label Cultures Of Soul and Dj Okapi, the disc highlights the largely forgotten period and the US influence on the artists highlighted here. The disc features two tracks each from six of South Africa’s most prominent acts during this period. “Good Vibes” from Harari features sublime keys and funky guitar riffs. “I Wanna Be Myself” by Don Laka is filled with wicked synths and thumping bass grooves. These tracks could’ve easily fit right in the eighties boogie era and certainly deserved a larger audience. Cultures Of Soul compilations have successfully explored various rhythms from around the globe and this is no exception.
Edwin Sanz: Overflow [Alex Wilson Records]
Percussionist Edwin Sanz might be known more for his work with the European based band Mercadonega however he’s done far more than that. After many successful years with them he went on to perform with the Cuban Orchestra known as Rodrigo & Gabriel. With “Overflow” his second release as a solo artist he’s poised to become a household name. Sanz adds zest to his original compositions and a few covers as well. “Ella” kicks off with a soothing piano melody followed up with Elvin Castillo on vocals “Something About You” originally penned by soul singer Anthony David is transformed it into an infectious merengue. “Eres Tu” is a tender Latin ballad that features Wladimir Patz on vocals. “Overflow” represents the global influences that have helped shaped Sanz blossoming career. This is an engaging disc that’s firing on all cylinders you’ll no doubt enjoy.
Sophie Barker : Break The Habit [Disco Gecko]
“Break The Habit” the third album from vocalist Sophie Barker. Formerly a collaborator with Zero 7 and Groove Armada, Barker’s latest release is filled with lush compositions and haunting guitar rhythms. Producer Alex Pilkington has orchestrated a intimate sound, limiting the number of musicians to allow the warmth to pour through the recordings. Each of these tunes are a delight within itself. “3 Things” features a searing electric guitar as the perfect compliment to Barker’s melodic vocals.”Breathe Me In”, performed with a full band is a stirring number that will strum the heartstrings. “Let’s Start Again” demonstrates the contrast in sounds with synths and trippy drums. Superb emotive songwriting and musicianship throughout, it will be quite difficult to break the habit of repeated spins from this wonderful record.
Various Artists: Mr Bongo Record Club Volume One [Mr Bongo]
Just when you think there are no more hidden gems to be found, Mr Bongo continues to impress us. Once again they have blessed us with loads of obscure quality recordings from their massive vault. The new compilation “Mr Bongo Record Club Volume One” features a myriad of musical styles from artists from around the world. With twenty tracks in tow, there’s much to savor here. “Seara De Oxala is Brailian funk by Barbosa. “Fish & Funjee” is African Psychedelic funk from Lantei Lampley. “El Mercado” is a very hard to find fusion recording from Venezuelan guitarist Alex Rodriguez. In order to get into this club you must bring plenty of funk and lay down some good grooves. All the artists here have gone well beyond that. This is a superb collection that will provide instant satisfaction.
Brian Auger: Anthology Vol. 2 [Freestyle]
“Anthology Vol. 2” is the second installment of remastered recordings from pianist/organist Brian Auger. Once again Auger seamlessly weaves between bebop and greasy soul jazz with enormous results. Auger puts his stamp on jazz classics such as “Love For Sale” and “All Blues”, the latter featuring vocals by Julie Driscoll. “Funky Mama” and the Art Blakey classic “Moanin” find him stretching out on the hammond B3. There’s also a number of tunes recorded by Auger’s seventies band the Oblivion Express. “Happiness Is Just Around The Bend” is one and “Straight Ahead” is another. The latter is a touch of fusion highlighted by funky wah wah guitar rhythms and Auger on keyboards. “Black Octopus”, never before released features the Herbie Hancock 70s fusion band The Headhunters is another delight as well. There’s much to enjoy here so pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and enjoy fifty years of brilliance from Mr Auger.