The Tibbs: Takin Over [Record Kicks]
Record Kicks has proven time and again to be a haven for quality funk and soul music. The latest addition to their roster is the Amsterdam based group The Tibbs. After self releasing an EP in 2014 they’re poised to garner a larger audience with their debut “Takin’ Over”. The eight piece band demonstrate that they can lay down some tasty grooves while lead vocalist Elsa Bekman lights a fire under every tune. “Dog Days” is a fiery tune filled spirited guitars licks from Henk Kemkes. “Until We Meet Again” is a slow burning dim the lights ballad. Guitarist Henk Kemkes spirited guitar licks add a little spice on the classic “96 Tears”. Tight horn arrangements and heartfelt lyrics make The Tibbs an emerging band with plenty of soul to help you get your groove on.
Ross Mc Henry: Child Of Somebody [First Word]
Ross Mc Henry is demonstrating that he is not only a monster bass player but a superb composer as well. “Child Of Somebody”, his latest solo release is a reflection of his thoughts on the events in the world today. This wonderful record filled with sublime yet ambitious compositions, brilliant soloing and a premiere lineup of musicians. “Sketch” displays elegant synergy between Mc Henry and guitarist Dylan Marshall playfully exchanging licks before creating a passage for flutist Tivon Pennicott. “Month Vortex” features warm chords from Pianist Mark De Clive Lowe and Duane Eubanks beautiful phrasings on Trumpet. “Clean Break”, an ode to Ornette Coleman once again finds Marshall out front accompanied by atmospheric horn arrangements. Pennicott featured throughout leads an impressive horn section that also includes NYC residents Corey King on Trombone and Marcus Strickland on tenor sax. As enjoyable as his last album was, Mc Henry has truly out done himself here.
Clara Moreno: Samba Esquema Novo [Far Out]
You can say that Clara Moreno’s career as a vocalist was destiny. She is after all the daughter of Joyce Moreno and Nelson Angelo are two of Brazil’s most treasured stars. Clara’s seventh lp “Samba Eequema Novo” is a reboot of Jorge Ben’s 1963 lp. Among the highlights are a down-tempo version of the classic “Mas Que Nada”. “Vem Moreno Vem”, is a sweet duet with Wilson Simoninha. Bassist Thiago Alves haunting bass sets the mood for Moreno’s sultry vocals on “Quero Esquecer Voce”. The musicians here are part of Moreno’s touring band and the familiarity pays dividends. Pianist Joao Cristal imposes a gentle and enchanting sound while Trombonist Paulo Malheiros horn arrangements are sublime. Moreno not only capture the spirit of Benoir’s work but breathes new life into these timeless recordings. Once again Far Out recordings has released a beautiful slice of Brazil that you need in your collection
After Altamont: An Animal Orchestra [After Altamont]
“An Animal Orchestra”, is the debut from the London based group After Altamont. The seven track disc is an amalgamation of dreamy folk, electronica and live instrumentation. Founder Stavros Potamitis experimentation with electronics began during his early DJ tenure across Europe. From there he moved to London and cut his teeth with production and sound engineering. His myriad of skills play dividends on this ambitious record. Among the highlights are “K-Band” featuring Shawni “Roots” featuring Kevin Davy White on vocals. “Yellow Circus” filled with haunting rhythms is spacious and dense. Potamitis’s ethereal compositions augmented by enchanting vocals result in deeply satisfying listen.
Various Artists: The Boogie Vol. 5 [Tokyo Dawn]
Tokyo Dawn, the Munich based record label has become a boogie wonderland for today’s forward thinking artists around the globe for delivering futuristic funk and infectious boogie grooves. Volume five from the long running compilation doesn’t disappoint as it features an eclectic lineup. One of the exciting newcomers on the scene today is Teeko. The creative turntablist displays his wizardry on the thumping bass and funk tune “The Hot”. If you like your funk with a heavy serving of grit and grime then you’ll definitely enjoy “Databan” from Reggie B. Kaidi Tatham brings his twisted brand of funk and electronica to the remix of Ruth Koleva’s “What Am I supposed To Do”.Other notable mentions include Matt Matix, Soulpersona and Steve Arrington. Is there any wonder that year after year, “The Boogie” ranks in the upper echelon as one of the best long running compilations to date? There shouldn’t be.
Nick Pride And The Pimptones: Go Deep [Legere Recordings]
“Go Deep” is the third overall album and second on Legere recordings from Nick Pride & The Pimptones. Their impressive debut displayed a band heavy on instrumentation and capable of bridging the gap between jazz and soul. On this release they’ve totally focused on funk and soul grooves with impressive results. Beth Macari, who appeared on one track from their previous release “Reduced Phat Shake” has become the full time vocalist on all tracks here and that proves to be a great move. Her sultry vocals make an impact right from the start with “What The Heart Wants”. a slow grinding soul tune made to order for a dim light basement party. “Give It To Me” kicks off with a seductive bass groove complemented by funky horns. “Good Day” is a sun drenched feel good tune certain to lift your spirits.Pride, who arranged all ten tracks sought for a deep soul recording and hits the mark.A deeply satisfying record for funk and soul lovers to play again and again.
Paper Tiger: Blast Off [Wah Wah 45s]
Paper Tiger is a six piece band out of Leeds that made quite a splash with their 2013 debut “Laptop Suntan”. Their second LP entitled “Blast Off” picks up where they left off with funky futuristic hip-hop beats and layered electronic production augmented by edgy lyrics from the band’s leader and lyricist Raphael Attar. In addition the group has enlisted an eclectic array of guests whose talents mesh seamlessly with their sound. Among the highlights are the intergalactic funk gem “Weight In Space” featuring Shafiq Husayn. “Same Mistakes” is filled with off kilter beats and synths. “Ooh” features heralded Stones Throw member Pyramid Vritra spitting over an obscure beat.The disc closes with “Ongami Sessions”, featuring red hot rapper Chester Watson displaying his monotone flow over laid back moody rhythms. The expansive layers of beats and synths will make you move and doesn’t let up. You won’t complain, instead you’ll just keep coming back for more. Another impressive release from the superb Wah Wah 45s label.
Various Artists: Chris Sullivan presents: The Wag Iconic tunes 1983-1987 [Harmless Records]
“Iconic tunes from the Wag Club 1983-1987” pays homage to legendary London nightclub. A collection of funk, Disco and rare grooves has been spread across four discs by Wag founder Chris Sullivan. For those who may not have had the pleasure of gracing the club’s dance floor will certainly recognize a number of these prime cuts. Gil Scott Heron’s “17th Street” and James Brown’s “The Boss” are some of the funky selections from disc one. “Life On Mars” and “Hijack”,are two sizzling Disco tracks from the seventies from Dexter Wansel and Herbie Mann respectively. There’s a few notable soul jazz gems such as Listen Here” by Eddie Harris and Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s “Making Love After Hours”. “Go Bang” by Dinosaur L (Arthur Russell) is a timeless classic that still fills a dance floor. A compilation packed with well over fifty tunes will transport you to a time and place where a diverse group of people gathered for good vibes and good music. You may not ever attended the club but after listening you will wish you did.
San Lazaro: La Despedida [Hope Street]
Based in Melbourne, San Lazaro is a collection of musicians with roots spanning from Chile to Cuba and Catalonia. Their taut experimental compositions fall into many categories but the foundation is authentic Latin music with a spice of Cuban flavor. “Esperanza De La Rumba” starts off with hypnotic percussion followed by wah-wah guitar and soaring vocals. “Descarga Soledad”, arguably the strongest track is Latin meets psychedelic rhythms. “Rompe El Cascaron” features strong vocal contributions from everyone augmented by tender guitar rhythms. San Lazaro’s lyrics are laced with gripping stories chronicling everyday life. Overall their harmonic vocals, robust horns and infectious guitar rhythms make for an engaging listen.
Various Artists: Kon and the Gang [BBE]
In a short period of time, renowned DJ/Producer Kon has established himself as one of the masters of the edits as well as a premiere remixer. The Boston Massachusetts native made an impressive début with “On My Way” and now with his latest entitled “Kon & The Gang” he dispels any notion of a sophomore slump. Kon adds his editing skills to “Closer” from Truccy (Rainer Truby/Corrado Bucci), transforming it into an infectious boogie disco tune. “Can’t Get Enough” shows Kon at his best. He does a brilliant job of chopping up the Eleven King classic and transforming it into a new tune altogether. With the Doc Daneeka track “I Promise” that features Seven Davis Jr, Kon takes an already scintillating tune and flips it into a thumping house tune. Essential house grooves, wonderful boogie tunes, this disc provides that and more. You need this in your collection.