Various Artists: French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol 2 [Favorite Recordings]
This is the second installment by DJ Charles Maurice and Favorite Recordings “French Disco Boogie Sounds”. This rare and obscure collection features an array of French and West Indian artists recorded between 1978 to 1986. “Funky Biguine” recorded by French Caribbean act Crystal is a nice boogie tune filled with percolating percussion and well placed synths. French vocalist Greg Smaha’s falsetto glides over the mid-tempo “Sunshine”. “Talk Me Mam’s” filled with seductive strings and soothing keys would’ve been right at home in any NYC club during the peak of Disco. This is a nice glimpse into a forgotten period in the rich musical history of Nice in particular and France in general. Props to Charles Maurice and Favorite Recordings for their diligence in resurrecting these quality recordings.
Josef Leimberg: Astral Progressions [World Galaxy]
If we’ve learned anything musically within the last two years, it’s that the LA music scene has exploded like no other area. Trumpeter Josef Leimberg has been right in the middle of the scene, having worked with everyone from Kamasi Washington, Miguel Atwood Ferguson and Kendrick Lamar just to name a few. With his debut “Astral Progressions” he’s poised to make himself a household name. Leimberg has brought along some of his friends who help share his vision. “Interstellar Universe” features the aforementioned Washington on Tenor Sax and embodies the big sound in the form of strings and a chorus found on his recent recording “The Epic”. Georgia Anne Muldrow sounds right at home on the cosmic sounds of “As I Think Of You”. Other notable tracks are “Between Us 2” featuring Bilal and the title track featuring Kurupt. You’ll no doubt want to hop on board this pleasant journey of celestial vibes and interstellar sounds. Leimberg’s compositions seamlessly weaves elements of soul, jazz and hip-hop while incorporating his own sound. Thanks to this wonderful record, his audience is poised to grow at a rapid rate.
Chip Wickham: La Sombra [Love Monk]
You may be familiar with Flutist and Saxophonist Chip Wickham from from his funk and soul projects. Among his various affiliations are The Fire Eaters, a group he formed with guitarist Eddie Roberts from The New Mastersounds. From there he went on to play in the Craig Charles Fantasy Funk band. Ultimately his journey would lead him towards the world of Jazz and a collaboration with trumpeter Matthew Halsall. He would proceed to perform on Halsall’s debut “Sending My Love”. Wickham and Halsall formed a friendship which led to collaborations with Nat Birchall Go Go Penguin and others. “La Sombra”, his debut is comprised of seven lush compositions inspired by his years of residency in Madrid. The title track opens the disc on a lovely note, a gentle ballad with a haunting piano intro. Wickham caresses the notes tenderly while drummer Antonio Pax subtle jabs on vibes is equally satisfying. “Red Planet” and “The Detour” are rousing pieces. Each are ignited by Pianist Gabri Casanova and fueled by bassist David Salvador providing the perfect canvas for Wickham’s rich phrasings. Wickham’s bandmates are assembled from Madrid’s vibrant Jazz scene share his vision and passion. It’s quite possible you’ll get swept away by this superb recording.
Bahama Soul Club: Havana 58 [Buyu]
The fourth release from the Bahama Soul Club builds on the legacy of their previous release “The Cuban Tapes” “Havana 58” fuses the Latin and Bossa rhythms of the past with the vibrant sounds of today. Some of Cuba finest vocalists and musicians are on board to add a bit of spice to an array of engaging compositions. Olvido Ruiz, the lead singer of the Bahama Soul Club showcases her range on three tracks. “Let God” is bluesy soul and “Muevelo Papi” boasts an infectious samba groove. Sexto Sentido, Cuba’s premier vocal quartet shines on several tracks as well. “Meyer Lansky” features the quartet’s warm harmonies over a seductive piano groove and hypnotic drum snare. “Tropicana Flight” shows they’re equally adept at turning up the tempo on this guitar thumping boogie tune. “Havana 58” is poised to transport you to a musical culture that filled with generations of great music. You’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.
My Trippin Mojo: Edda’s Garden [Resistant Mindz]
“Edda’s Garden” is mellow soul from My Trippin Mojo. The Leipzig Germany based band’s debut recording is rooted in funky horns, wah wah rhythms and soothing vocals courtesy of Sabrina Bornmann. Among the highlights are the laid back “Unconditional Love”, filled with Bornmann’s warm vocals and Christopher Mengel’s psychedelic guitar rhythms. “My World” is a slow burning dim the lights soul with soothing horns. “Nice Grits and Cool Cars” and “One For sue” are funky instrumentals. Bassist Johannes Riedel recorded the band in his analog studio and the result is vintage 70s soul with just enough grit that will transport you back in time. A splendid debut from a band whose mojo will certainly get your groove on.
David Nesselhauf: Afrokraut [Legere Recordings]
Producer and multi-instrumentalist David Nesselhauf latest release pays homage to the 70s period in German music known as “Afrokraut” This era fuses 70s Afro beat rhythms and German rock elements. Nesselhauf’s infectious compositions pay immediate dividends here. The opening track “Boat Mama” has a funky albeit relaxed groove enhanced by cosmic guitar rhythms. “Come Along Bintang Bolong” features a spirited groove plus vocals from Amadou Bah and fellow Diazpora drummer Lucas Kochbeck “A Route Obscure” is layered with sublime keys and ethereal synths. This is a atmospheric journey that will arouse your curiosity to seek more music from this forgotten period.
Jazz Chronicles: Living In The Past [Futuristica]
“Living In The Past” is the third release from Jazz Chronicles aka DJ/Producer Simon S. Simon has created an array of emotive soul jazz compositions fused with hip-hop beats and infectious grooves. There is much to savor here starting with the opener. “Drift” is an ethereal tune filled with warm harmonic rhythms courtesy of Jon Lloyd on Bass Clarinet and Flutist Rachel Grennell. “Lately” is a sweet down-tempo tune layered warm chords and features the sublime vocals of Nicola Kramer. Potent rhymes from rapper Jack Jones grace the bumpin track “Serious”. A blissful collection that emanates good vibrations and warms the spirit from start to finish. Simply stated another superb release from his Futuristica label
Amp Fiddler: Motor City Booty [Midnight Riot]
Detroit native and veteran funkmaster Amp Fiddler has been a pioneer in the Motor City for over twenty years. The keyboardist/producer’s resume includes a ten year stint in George Clinton’s band as well as working with everyone from Moodyman to Maxwell. Released on Yam Who?’s Midnight Riot label, “Motor City Booty” is a 11 track dance floor burner that showcases his distinctive sound of formulaic funk and soul. Among the highlights are “Superficial” filled with soulful dance grooves peppered with funky keys and percussion. “Soul Fly Pt. 1” is vintage 60s soul while Pt. 2 is a pulsating party house groove. Both versions as well as other tracks here feature the sultry vocal trio Dames Brown as well as contributions from Nico Redd and Alena. Fiddler’s myriad of infectious grooves are synonymous with the Detroit sound and ensures you’ll have a funky good time throughout this enjoyable disc.
Various Artists: Down n Wired [Perfect Toy]
“Down & Wired Vol. 1” is a collection of dusty grooves compiled by the Germany based Perfect Toy label. There’s a number of hidden gems here for the raw soul enthusiast “Tragedy” is up-tempo funk and the only song released by The Revised Brotherhood. “Going West” is a gritty guitar and organ grinding soul jazz gem. “Chain” is slow burning funk filled with blistering horns. While there were a number of funk and soul heavyweight groups during the seventies there were many groups that fell through the cracks. Thankfully we have labels like Perfect Toy to make sure they remain relevant.
Resolution 88: Afterglow [Splash Blue ]
Resolution 88 is a four piece band from London led by composer and keyboardist Tom O’Grady. “Afterglow” their second full length LP builds on their brand of jazz tinged funk styling with impressive results. Among the highlights are “three Four Or More”. filled with O’Grady’s spacey keys and funky bass grooves from Tiago Coimbra. “Raios Do Sol” embodies the Brazilian heritage of bassist Coimbra with warm and melodic rhythms. “Phantom Of The Oberheim” is another winner. Drummer Ric Elsworth lays down a funky rhythm and provides plenty of space for O’Grady’s spacey keys and Alex Hitchcock’s riffs on bass clarinet. Inspired by projects like Herbie Hancock’s “Headhunters” and Asymuth, this is an engaging slice of fusion filled with catchy hooks and funky riffs in abundance.