Kamasi Washington: The Epic [Brainfeeder]
The aptly titled "The Epic" is the debut from thirty four year old tenor Saxophonist Kamasi Washington. Kamasi has been part of the burgeoning Los Angeles jazz scene for a number of years and has finally taken a break from performing to compose a stunning body of work. The triple lp is rooted in Jazz while fusing rnb and funk. He’s also complimented by a large orchestral ensemble and his working band The West Coast Get Down. There’s much to savor here starting with "Change Of The Guard", an explosive tune highlighted by Kamasi’s spirited soloing and the melodic phrasings from the 20 piece choir. "Final Thought" kicks off with a smoothing gospel tinged organ riff before shifting into an explosive spiritual tune. Fellow LA residents Dwight Trible lends his spirited vocal phrasings to "Malcolm’s Theme" and Thundercat lays down some stimulating bass licks on "The Message". Overall "The Epic" is a triumph filled with nearly three hours of spiritual inspiring compositions and superb performances. This is a great introduction to the talented Saxophonist and to a record that is easily one of the best of the year.
Dele Sosimi : No Fit Touch Am [Wah Wah 45s]
Almost ten years since his last release, London resident and aforbeat ambassador Dele Sosimi returns with "No Fit Touch Am". Dele worked alongside the legendary Fela Kuti and eventually became his music director of Fela’s Egypt 80 and Positive Force. Dubbed the King of Afrobeat piano, Sosimi’s keyboard prowess appears on a number of tracks here. "Where We Want to Be" is a mid tempo groove with infectious syncopated rhythms and tasty horns. "Na My Turn" is another funky number that speaks about rising up to the political corruption in Nigeria. "I don’t Care" is filled with tasty rhythmic guitars and percussion. Sosimi’s sought out to produce a recording that’s not only filled with powerful lyrics that speak to activism but also superb instrumentation and arrangements. He succeeds mightily on both fronts.
Hiatus Kaiyote: Choose Your Weapon [Sony]
Out of nowhere "Tawk Tomahawk", the debut from the Australia based group Hiatus Kaiyote swooped in and sunk into our hearts and souls and captured everyone’s attention. Their debut was rich with gorgeous melodies, creative songwriting and a multifaceted talent in vocalist/guitarist Nai Palm. Their follow up lp "Choose Your Weapon" is a wonderful record with an myriad of unpredictable melodies with a soulful element that defies categories. "Shaolin Munk Motherfunk" is a syncopation of rhythms thanks in part to Simon Mavin’s imaginative keyboard arrangements. "Jekyll" starts out with Mavin’s lush piano melody that gradually builds into a thematic gem. "Breathing Underwater", an ode to Stevie Wonder is full of warm arrangements and swaying melodies. Paul Bender lays down hypnotic guitar rhythms on the Japanese cinematic inspired "The Lung". Few releases with eighteen tracks could keep you satisfied quite like this one. Not only is this an exception but it’s certainly one of the best releases of the year. Highly recommended.
Ajoyo: Ajoyo [Ropeadope]
Ajoyo is a seven piece collective spearheaded by saxophonist Yacina Boulares. Originally from Tunisia (North Africe), "Ajoyo" is a hybrid of rhythms emanating from Cameroon. Boulares cultivated this sound while working with an illustrious collection of Cameroonian musicians like Jojo Kuo, the former drummer for Fela Kuti and the late Martino Atangani, among others. This engaging eight track release has much to offer. "Chocot" is a blistering instrumental with funky horns and festive afrobeat rhythms. "Benskin" features lush vocals from Sarah Elizabeth Charles and spirited melodies from Can Olgun on keys. "The Pearl" is another uplifting tune with soothing horns which also features Charles.Overall Ajoyo is filled with strong yet understated musicianship and uplifting lyrics that touch on social issues. This is a glorious record filled with good vibes that will move your feet and lift your spirit.
J’von & Ackryte: Raw Sheep [Cascade Records]
Born in Oakland but raised in Seattle Washington, rapper J’Von teams up with Minneapolis producer Ackryte for their third project entitled "Raw Sheep". J’Von’s lyrical dexterity serves him well as he effortlessly breezes through a variety of topics over Ackrute’s hypnotic laid back beats. Evidence of this can be heard on "Where’s Bob Villa". J’Von calls out wannabe hard core rappers on "[Violence] of the lambs". LA based tapper Blu jumps on the track "They dnt beleev"as well as "Autmn". A perfect marriage of wicked beats and tight rhymes results in a very entertaining record by the emerging duo. Definitely worth checking out.
The Rebirth: Being Through The Eyes of a Child [Walk Talkin]
It’s a crime that we’ve had to wait ten years to the Rebirth’s follow up to the amazing "This Journey In". You can find comfort that the new release "Being Through The Eyes of a Child" will not disappoint you in the least. Their is one noticeable difference, Noelle Scaggs, the featured vocalist on their debut has moved on but replacement Baskerville Jones more than holds her own. Carlos "Loslito" Guaico and company provide plenty of the sunny soul jazz arrangements you’ve come to expect from them here. They kick things off with "This Is Coming To?", featuring a funky guitar hook and soulful harmonies led by Jones. "Caterpillar" is a warm synth laden instrumental reminiscent of "Walk Talkin’ Mizell" from their previous release. "Come On Over" is a stripped down gentle acoustic ballad. While their debut is a tough act to follow, The Rebirth succeed by delivering an joyful array of lush arrangements and funky rhythms worthy of repeated listens.
Ambient Jazz Emsemble: Suite Shop Reworks [Here and Now Recordings]
Ambient Jazz Ensemble is composer/producer Colin Baldry. "Suite Shop Reworks" flips the script on his original release "Suite Shop", which was a blissful collection of ambient jazz compositions. "Reworks" however is ambient jazz with a splash of house and electronica filled with atmospheric vibes. The A-list of remixers on board capture the spirit of the original while adding their own signature touch. Cardiac Club contributes on "The Journey" filled with thunderous drums and blazing sax as well as the four to the floor house inspired "Vibrations". The AJE remix of "Jazzface" is an hypnotic cinematic gem. Dylan Colby adds a touch of drum n bass on "Waiting For Space". Veteran mixer George Schilling, whose credits include everyone from Coldcut to Blur and New Radicals handles the majority of the mixing duties here and performs his customary superb work. Baldry and company’s alternate take adds wings to an already impressive record. Climb aboard and enjoy the ride.
The Mighty Mocambos: Showdown [Legere]
"Showdown", the latest full length release of The Mighty Mocambos demonstrate once again that this group can bring the funk and lay down a groove with the best of them. On this date they’ve invited a bunch of guests to ensure you’ll have a funky good time. "In The Dark" is simmering funk featuring vocals from Nichola Richards. "Not Get Caught" is a guitar thumping tune that features vocalist Derobert. "The Spell Of Ra" and "Locked And Loaded" are high energy instrumentals with blistering horns. The legendary Afrika Bambaata appears on three thumping tracks here but he appears to be more of a hype man these days than a lyricist. Overall "Showdown" provides plenty of funk and soul to keep you more than satisfied.
Rongetz Foundation: Kiss Kiss Double Jab [Heavenly Sweetness]
"Kiss Kiss Double Jab", the Rongetz Foundation’s third lp is swinging jazz meets sizzling soul. Trumpeter Stephane Ronget aka Rongetz’s compositions captures the spirit of the New York City scene and features an impressive all star lineup .Newcomer Lilli Cooper, whose luscious vocals and witty charm can be heard throughout this disc. She seamlessly waxes poetic. on "Hip Hop Muze", which features Gary Bartz on alto and Trombonist Steve Turre. Cooper’s vocal dexterity shines again on the Brazilian flavored "cab Samba". "Such A Morning Person" kicks off with a funky drum snare followed by an infectious bass and warm keys. All the ingredients swirling together for Cooper to operate. All in all an engaging disc that is hip, funky and full of swing.
Fabiano Do Nascimento: Danca Dos Tempos [Now Again]
"Danca Dos Tempos" is the sparkling debut from guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento. The son of the late Lucio Nascimento, Fabiano’s debut is filled mainly with sublime folkloric instrumental duets with the legendary percussionist Airto Moreira in his first session appearance in ten years. Other selecetions include his long time drummer Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas. There are several harmonic and melodic treats to savor here. "Canto De Iemanja" and "Nana" are spirited tunes with the latter featuring Pasillas on drums. "Ewe" and "Minha Ciranda" are gentle and breeezy tunes that feature vocalist Kana Shimanuki. Armed with superb technique as well as emotive songwriting, Nascimento bridges the gap from Brazil’s storied past and proves that it’s future is in good hands.