Jigmastas: Grassroots – The Prologue [BBE]
It is widely accepted that the golden age of Hip Hop took place throughout the 1990s. Among the diverse collection of MCs and groups were the dynamic MC/DJ Producer collaborations. Think Gangstarr, Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Another combo that made a lot of noise on the underground scene was the duo known as Jigmastas. Brooklyn based DJ Spinna and Kriminul made their share of hypnotic street music. With "Grassroots – The Prologue" we’re re-introduced to the impressive catalog of beats and rhymes this dynamic duo put together. "Lyrical Fluctuation" is a gathering of some of hip hop most influential lyricists. Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoah Monch, Mr Complex and Shabaam Sahdeeq all jump on the track while Krimnul drops potent verses as well "Thief’s Theme" is another banger highlighted by Spinna’s sampling of Nas "The World is Yours". You’re certain to nod your head to "Beyond Real" filled with hypnotic spacey synths and thick beats . Throughout the disc Kriminul fluently displays the depths of his lyrical arsenal. Spinna, for his part chops up beats and arranges tracks with the best of them. If you yearn for some good ole boom bap hip hop then this is definitely the one for you.
Rim Kwaku Obeng: Rim Arrives [BBE]
The availability of a Samuel K Mfojo, better known as Rim Kwaku Obeng recording has been scarce to say the least. It has been a daunting task for record enthusiasts to get their hands on the talented drummer’s late seventies work. Thanks to the emergence of BBE records Africa label, that’s no longer the case. "Rim Arrives", originally recorded in 1977 is filled with Afro infused Disco rhythms that displays his drumming prowess. There’s also an EP scheduled for release but there’s much to savor here. Let’s begin with "Believe In Yourself", a mid tempo burner soaked in funky rhythms, tasty horns and an inspiring chrous. "Funky Drummer" is another sure shot, laced with funky sax, spirited drumming and rhythmic guitar "International Funk", originally a 12 inch release is infectious Disco funk with it’s spirited percussion and synths. Obeng went through some hard times prior to these sessions and his recordings never received the shine they deserved. With "Rim Arrives" his time has finally arrived.
Shaun Martin: 7 Summers [Ropeadope]
"Seven Summers" is the debut of pianist Shaun Martin of Snarky Puppy. The full length release chronicles his journey and growth as an artist and a person. The result is an engaging collection of jazz,fusion laced with funk and gospel rhythms. A fixture in the Dallas Texas community, he’s with everyone from serving as music director for Kirk Franklin to collaborating with Erykah Badu. "Lotus" is spirited fusion with plenty of space for Martin’s superb soloing. "Love Don’t Let Me Down" is a warm ballad with a gospel flavored organ groove. "Madiba" is jazz funk inspired by the passing of Nelson Madela.The disc wraps up with vocalist and fellow Dallas native Geno Young on the funkified "All in A Days Work". There’s a number of tunes that reflects the Snarky Puppy sound but make no mistake, this has Martin’s personal touch all over it. This is an joyous recording that has a little something for everyone.
Farnell Newton: Ready To Roll [Atlantagotsoul]
"Ready To Roll" is soulful RnB with a touch of jazz from the Portland Oregon based trumpeter. Newton has performed with a number of artists and recently toured with Jill Scott. The disc features some tasty vocals on a number of tracks.. "Make Me Yours" is sweet mid-tempo RnB that features vocalist Ashley Jayy. "You Gotta Move" is a slow burning funk treat that’s produced by Donyea Goodman. "Peace & Love" is soulful RnB that features rising star Jarrod Lawson and Tony Ozier. "Dunk Funk" and "Stanky’s Revenge Part Doo" are straight up jam sessions with heavy grooves, funky wah wah guitar rhythms and blistering horn riffs. Although Newton is a respected Jazz Trumpeter there’s little in the way of jazz featured here. There’s plenty of soulful vocals and tight arrangements to ensure you’ll have a funky good time.
Lindsey Webster: You Changed [Atlanta Records]
"You Changed", the second release from Woodstock NY native Lindsey Webster is an impressive collection of sophisticated soul. Webster displays perfect pitch and sultry vocals over twelve well crafted compositions "Fool Me Once" the opening track’s displays her crystal clear voice over a smokey jazz arrangement. "I Found You" and "Lost One" are lush romantic ballads. The finale is "Universe", a seductive jazzy tune augmented by a soaring electric guitar solo and wraps up with an engaging piano solo. This is an elegant and sincere recording brought to life by a small combo of talented musicians providing plenty of space for Webster’s vocals to soar. Now is the time to get familiar if you haven’t already.
Quarter Street: Quarter Street [Hope Street Recordings]
Quarter Street, the debut lp of the Melbourne Australia based collective is packed with classic Latin jazz and dance rhythms. Lead singer Sergio Bolero’s powerful voice soars over an array of blistering compositions backed by an exciting ensemble. There’s plenty of party tracks here starting with "Fantasia" laced with a thundering piano melody and funky horns. "Libre Soy" has a simmering groove complete with fiery percussion, a tasty trombone solo and finishes off with scorching keys. "De Cualquier Manera" rides along on a mid tempo groove and piano melody. This is a joyous listen that will transport you to that vibrant era of 1960-70 Latin Jazz and boogaloo that flowed throughout Spanish Harlem. We’re already looking forward to future recordings from this talented group.
Richard Marks: Never Satisfied [Now Again]
"Never Satisfied" is the anthology from Atlanta singer guitarist Richard Marks. Marks may not be a household name outside Atlanta Georgia however this collection reveals a talented soul singer/songwriter and guitarist as well. Over twenty one tracks Marks and his display the type of raw RnB soul arrangements reminiscent of the Stax house band sound as well as other influences. "Funky Fingers" is a funky organ flavored instrumental. The title track is driving funk with tasty guitar licks and horns. Marks voice isn’t powerful but effective. "Speak Now" is a slow burning ballad with sweet backing vocals. If not for the fact that this was unreleased material you could’ve strip off five or six songs to make a stronger record. That being said, "Never Satisfied" provides some sparkling moments of hot buttered soul that will delight raw soul enthusiasts. .
DJ Vadim and Sena: Grow Slow [BBE]
"Grow Slow", the aptly titled new release from DJ Vadim and Ghanaian native Sena has been brewing for several years. Their chance meeting in 2005 at a festival in Hungary led to a blistering appearance on Vadim’s 2007 critically acclaimed release "Soundcatcher". Sena has since built an enormous following complete with two solo albums of her own and sold out shows as well. So the time felt right to finally collaborate on a full length lp and there’s much to be excited about here. "Work Hard" is an infectious up-tempo tune with well placed synths, African funk and South London beats. The title track kicks off with a tasty rhodes riff before settling into a mid-tempo funky groove. "Morning Light" is a mellow burner filled with fat beats and wicked guitar licks. As one has come to expect from a Vadim recording, the sound system is superb and the arrangements are tailored to bring out the best in his artist. Overall "Grow Slow" packs a punch and keeps on hitting you with rough and rugged grooves and powerful vocals. If you haven’t already taken notice of this emerging talent, it’s time to get familiar.
Alex Puddu: Soultiger [Schema Records]
Guitarist Alex Puddu, Italian native and Copenhagen resident for over thirty years delivers a touch of Latin Soul with his latest release. "Soultiger" will conjure images of Spanish Harlem 1960 through 1970. This was a vibrant period where a new generation of Latin musicians were being influenced by Soul RnB and Caribbean rhythms This melting pot of rhythms would later become known as Boogaloo. One of the prominent members of this emerging new genre was legendary vocalist Joe Bataan, who appears on three tracks here. Indeed "Soultiger" attempts to captures the spirit of the Boogaloo and there are moments of success, The title track is a light boogie funk tune with percolating vibes and percussion. Joe Bataan’s ageless vocals shine the ballad "Love Talk". "I Want You" kicks off with s simmering bass groove followed by warm keys, tasty vibes and sultry vocals from Maja Muhlack. For a thorough venture into the world Latin Afro soul, do check out the earlier recordings of Joe Bataan and Joe Cuba but "Soultiger" is a good place to start.
Beam Up: Innerstand [BBE]
Brian May aka Beam Up captures the spirit of experimental Dub with the release of "Innerstand". This release features an array of great vocal performances that compliment May’s rough and rugged riddims. One of those vocalists is UK resident Terrence Alfonso Bowry. "I Must Be Dreaming", one of five tracks he appears on is filled with classic deep dub grooves, reverbs and monster bass. "No Chains" a traditional roots reggae tune with funky horns features the booming vocals of Jornick Joelick. "Dive" is a touch of spacey dub that features the blissful vocals of Katya Tasheva. The sound system throughout "Innerstand" is incredible and the arrangements are first rate. It’s just the kind of record that will satisfy hard core fans while easily seducing new ones.