The New Mastersounds: Made For Pleasure [Legere Recordings]
With their tenth lp “Made For Pleasure”, the Leeds, based group traveled to New Orleans for this recording. It appears they have been inspired by the musical rhythms flowing through the Big Easy. The evidence is steeped in the organ grinding gritty funk of the title track “Made For Pleasure”. On “Fancy” they flip the Iggy Azalea pop hit into a roots reggae rhythmic gem. “Pho Baby” is a warm bluesy soul tune driven by guitarist Eddie Roberts. Cherly Lowry is the guest vocalist steeped in the raw soul lineage of female soul singers before her. She torches three tracks here with “Enough Is Enough” being the standout. The UK quartet remain consistent by delivering straight no chaser funk and soul and hit the mark once again.
The Haggis Horns: What Comes To Mind [Haggis Records]
The Haggis Horns have been serving up their brand of funky horn arrangements to a long list of artists like Mark Ronson, Corrine Bailey Rae and The New Mastersounds, with whom they first premiered. With their third lp, entitled “What Comes To Mind” , they have solidified themselves as a funk and soul band capable of laying down the grooves to make you move. Evidence lies with tunes like “Give Me Something Better” featuring vocalist John McCallum. Lucinda Slim, the other featured vocalist adds some spice to “I Can’t Stop This Feeling”. “Keep On Bumpin” is reminiscent of early seventies boogie funk. Prominent backing vocals and exciting horns make this a worthy listen for funk and soul enthusiasts.
Nat Birchall: Invocation [Jazzman Records]
Tenor Saxophonist Nat Birchall’s latest release and first for Jazzman Records follows the lineage of Coltrane, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders. Birchall’s authoritative voice soars over a superb collection of spiritual jazz compositions penned by himself. “Song to The divine Mother”, the opening track builds with a heighten intensity ignited by Birchall before drummer Johnny Hunter sets the table and keeps a tight rhythm throughout. Pianist Adam Fairhall melodic excursions shines brightly on “A Luta continua” and “Njozi”. The rest of Birchall’s supporting cast provide an understated yet firm presence throughout. Bassist Tim Fairhall lays down solid bass lines and percussionist Christian Weaver makes periodic splashes. “Invocation” is a call to the spirits past and present. It is through the enchanting Tenor voice of Birchall that you’ll find pure joy with the response.
Lucas Arruda: Solar [Favorite]
“Solar”, the sophomore release from Brazilian keyboardist Lucas Arruda demonstrates significant growth from his debut, “Sambadi. Arruda skillfully blends fusion and Brazilian rhythms over his warm and sublime arrangements. “Uma Onda” is laid back hazy fusion that features Alex Malheiros of Asymuth on bass. On “Melt The Night” Leon Ware’s vocals blend perfectly with Arruda’s compositions. It would’ve been nice to feature him on another track or two here. “Aqua” is a pretty ballad influenced by Arruda’s love for RnB and soul music. With another solid album under his belt it’s clear that Arruda is one of the shinning stars on the Brazilian music scene today.
Brian Auger: Back To The Beginning [Freestyle]
Brian Auger, initially earned acclaim as an emerging jazz pianist on the London scene in 1963. However once he heard organist Jimmy Smith his focus would turn towards the hammond B3. He has since solidified himself as one of the premiere organ players of the past four decades. “Back To The Beginning” showcases his early recordings where he seamlessly blended jazz with rock and soul. Auger’s genre bending arrangements would influence dozens of musicians and DJs and along the way set the stage for what we know today as jazz fusion. The two disc set kicks off with “Blues Three Four” a modal jazz tune in a trio setting, one of Auger’s early recordings in the piano chair. “Save Me”, is an energetic funk and soul tune that features the powerful vocals of Julie Driscoll. “Whenever You’re Ready and “Somebody Help Me” are psychedelic jazz funk floor burners. “Butterfly” is a solid cover of the Herbie Hancock hit, one of Auger’s many admirers. This is a must have re-issue, and a great introduction to a remarkable career.
Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators: Happiness In Every Style [Timmion]
On their third lp, Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators take the edge off their signature sound of unfiltered modern soul grooves. Don’t be alarmed, “Happiness in Every Style” still packs plenty of grit for you to shake your groove thing to. Willis raw emotive vocals shine on a number of tracks here while The Soul Investigators lay down tasty grooves and strut their stuff throughout. Among the highlights are “Let’s Communicate”, where Willis vocals dance over funky horns and rhythmic guitar. “Angel” is an engaging yet tender ballad. “Together We Climb” is a mellow funk track laced with melodic wah-wah flavored rhythms. “Hot Sauce”, one of three instrumentals is slow burning psychedelic funk. Engaging vocals, solid songwriting plus and strong melodies add up to another winner from the Finland based band.
Fat Freddys Drop: Bays [The Drop]
With their fourth studio album, the seven member band from New Zealand known as Fat Freddy’s Drop have solidified themselves as one of the most consistent bands working today. Few bands pose a dual threat for turning out impressive recordings layered with solid songwriting as well as first rate stage performances. With “Bays” they continue to remain true to their signature reggae roots while experimenting with psychedelic rhythms and electronica. “Slings and Arrows” finds them in familiar territory with a tight bass lines and hypnotic reggae groove. “Wheels” is experimental funk laced with moody synths. “Razor” follows in the same direction, an energetic up-tempo tune filled with hard driving guitar rhythms and wicked synths. “Makkan” is a mellow ballad filled with swaying horns and wah-wah rhythms. “Cortina Motors” is a ten minute jam session, certain to boost any party. At the center of it all is vocalist Joe Dukie whose falsetto vocals seems to fit in any style. It all adds up to another superb album that you shouldn’t be without.
Rich Brown: Abeng [Rich Brown]
Guitarist Rich Brown is well known as a superb bass player yet on his latest release “Abeng” he’s proving to be an exceptional composer as well. With a first rate band surrounding him, he proceeds to create clever compositions filled with superb soloing as well as incredible ensemble playing. For instance Luis Deniz’s colorful phrasings shine on “Window Seat” and especially on “The Lotus Ascension”. In addition pianist Chris Donnelly Brown’s playing is inventive, melodic and exploratory, specifically on the triumphant finale “Achilles and The Tortoise”. “Chant Of The Exiled (Abeng)” is another standout. The significance of the Abeng is that it is an instrument used by The Maroons (escaped African slvaes) to communicate specific messages throughout their community. In a climate filled with divisiveness Brown expresses his hope for change by pursuing unfamiliar paths. The result is an exciting passage of rhythms and some of Brown’s most exciting work to date.
LoTide: Learn To Wait [Organik]
“Learn To Wait”, the third LP from Australian producer Lo Tide is a sublime electronic recording with ethereal soundscapes. Several vocalists from around the globe occupy one half of the LP while the second half is filled with instrumental dreamy compositions.”Moving On” features seductive guitar riffs that complement the gorgeous vocals of Jenna K. Tomina Vincent’s vocals soar alongside the atmospheric backdrop of “Swallow The Stars”. “Family” is another gem filled with classical Indian rhythms. Overall these down-tempo compositions deliver a depth not found from his previous releases. There is much more space that allows the listener to fill in their own visual imagery.With gorgeous recordings such as these you’ll take delight in embarking on this musical journey.
Various Artists: Black Feeling Vol 3 [Freestyle]
Lance Ferguson is no stranger to funky compositions. Quality recordings with the Bamboos as well as his solo recordings under his Lanu moniker is a testament to that. With his "Black Feeling" compilations he continues to shine a light on obscure soulful recordings placed in the hands of little known albeit talented bands. This is evident on Antipodelica’s raw organic cover of Dexter Wansel’s "Life On Mars". A noticeable contrast to string laden Disco beat of the original, "Laden Strut" is hard driving up-tempo funk from Esperanto. "Sao Paulo" is a sunny n breezy Samba courtesy of Nova Catalina Octet. "Futebol de Bar" is a high energy Mambo with a heart pounding piano melody from The Manuel Azevedo. Sure, there’s a number of raw funk and soul compilations out there but by far "Black Feeling 3" is one of the more pulsating releases you’ll hear this year.