Dalindeo: Kallio [BBE]
The sextet known as Dalindeo have created a huge following in their native Finland. With "Kallio", their third lp receiving major distribution from BBE, the rest of the world is treated to the band’s thematic style of jazz. "Kallio", a section in Helsinki features 14 compositions based on the work of film maker Aki Kaurismäki. The disc kicks off with the blistering "Ola Linga 8", highlighted by funky guitar rhythms and fiery trumpet soloing. The tempo simmers down on "Karhupuiston Kuningstar" but the driving force of rhythmic guitar licks make for a pleasant listen. The band shows their ability to swing on "Pengerkadulla" highlighted the combination of guitar and vibraphone rhythms complimenting the spirited horn section. Band leader Valtteri Poyhonen composes a pulsating array of swinging jazz tracks you can either dance to or simply nod your head to. The secret is out, these cats can play..
Various Artists: Spiritual Jazz 6 – Vocals [Jazzman Records]
Jazzman records latest offering of their Spiritual Jazz series shines a light on the obscure yet treasured vocal compositions that span the seventies Soul Jazz evolution. "Spiritual Jazz 6 – Vocals" features compositions that reflect the socio political climate during when they were recorded, yet the overall vibe speaks to universal love and spiritual healing.There’s a variety of musicians here. From the legendary Charles Mingus serenading us with a gentle modal jazz tune in the form of "Moves". Honey Gordon and Doug Hammond share the vocal duties with the latter having penned the tune. Leon Thomas provides his signature brand of yodeling on the Pharoah Sanders recording of "Prince Of Peace". Gary Bartz’s alto sax complements Andy Bey’s baritone vocals beautifully on "Celestial Blues". "Spirits Up Above" is classic soul jazz from Vibration Society, a band formed by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The vocals are courtesy of the Roland Kirk Spirit Choir. There are a wealth of timeless classics here, some of which were unreleased until now. Jazzman Gerald has proven time and again that he has a keen ear for hidden gems and will go great lengths to find these recordings. Clearly this is a labor of love for him and a boon for everyone else. Simply put you need this in your collection.
DJ Spinna: The Sound Beyond Stars [BBE]
DJ Spinna’s roots in house music date back to the time spent around the likes of New York house icons Shep Pettibone and Larry Levan. Although he would cultivate a reputation as a hip-hop dj/producer, he displayed a natural ability to transition into the crowded dj house arena. That was evident when he dropped the Shaun Escoffery remixes for "Space Rider" and Days Like These". Both remain dance floor fillers to this day. Several timeless treats would follow and most are compiled here on the wonderful release, "The Sound Beyond Stars". With over forty tracks here this two disc compilation successfully shines a light on his first rate arrangements. "Live In The Light", featuring Navasha Daya and "What Am I Gonna Do" with Rashaan Patterson are infectious soulful dance tracks that will elevate your spirit as only a great house track can. By the time you get to the end of disc 1 with "Little W. 12st" your spirit has been whipped into a frenzy. Disc 2 is a bit more mellow but no less engaging. "Dear Friend" is an atmospheric house gem and the thumping bass of "The Power" will keep your head on a swivel. This isn’t just a collection of tracks, instead it’s a great performance of true DJ who knows how to set a mood while taking you higher in the process. As far as compilations go, this is as good as it gets. Highly recommended.
Frameworks: Tides [First Word]
Matt Brewer aka Frameworks’ 2012 four track EP "Varnish" was a hypnotic string laden gem that displayed a deft touch as a songwriter and producer. With his full length release "Tides" he picks up where he left off with a superb collection of orchestral electronica layered with jazz and folk melodies. "Old Friend" is a beautiful contrast of electronica and acoustic rhythms augmented by the emotive vocals of J.P. Cooper. "Tides", the title track is a dreamy instrumental. Vocalist Rioghnach Connolly blends her raspy vocals to the haunting strings of "Dawn". There are many electronic releases out there but few will stroke the emotive strings quite like "Tides". If you dig The Cinematic Orchestra you’ll surely love this. For Brewer, the future looks very bright.
D Angelo: Black Messiah [RCA]
The authenticity of D’ Angelo’s music has remained relevant despite a new release in fourteen years. So when word begins to leak about "Black Messiah" is preparing to drop months ahead of schedule, people are going to take notice. In an era where electronica is the rule and live instrumentation is the exception, "Black Messiah" and it’s low-fi analog production has provided a much needed injection of raw hot buttered soul. Indeed this is the kind of soul food that lingers in your body like your Grandma’s sweet potato pie. There’s plenty of evidence with prime cuts like the psychedelic soulful grooves of "1000 Deaths". "Sugah Daddy", and "Betray My Heart" are both mid-tempo funky numbers with tight grooves sprinkled with some playful piano. Each track is treated to some trumpet phrasing courtesy of Roy Hargrove. "Another Life" closes out the disc in fine fashion. A tasty piano riff augmented by D’Angelo’s emotive vocals and funky Wah Wah rhythms. Once again D’Angelo displays a flair for clever arrangements and tasty melodies carried out by a strong musical cast. Whether or not this will be considered a classic will be determined over time but there is no doubt that is one of the early favorites for album of the year.
Various Artists: 25 Years of Mr Bongo [Mr Bongo]
What started out as a small record store in London quickly emerged as one of the most influential record labels on the scene today. Mr Bongo, founded by David Buttle served as the lone supplier of early hip-hop that emerged from the states. In addition they became known as the source for hard to find Latin and Brazilian music. They steadily grew from there and found residency in Tokyo before finally settling in Brighton. "25 Years of Mr Bongo" celebrates the old and the new. From the storied legacy of hard to find Brazilian music to fresh sounds and new talents. Some of those timeless treasures include the sublime rhythms of "Carolina Carol Bela" from Jorge Ben & Toquinho and "Heaven" from Ebo Taylor. Future classics include the funky grooves and African rhythms of Blo’s "Chant To Mother Earth" and "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" from Quarteto Em Cy. The hypnotic beat patterns of "Boa Noite" by Karol Conka represent the future of Brazilian hip-hop. For a trip into hip-hop’s storied past look no further than The Incredible Bongo Band’s classic "Apache. The wicked electric guitar riffs and the spirited percussion still resonates today. With one eye on the past and the other on the future, Mt Bongo continues to be a trailblazer for all manners of universal music.
Soulparlor: Smile [Tokyo Dawn]
The trio from South Germany known as Soulparlor have steadily built a deep catalog of soulful broken beats, funky grooves and underground house that have won admirers from all around the globe. Their latest release "Smile" could very well be their strongest yet. Once again their disc represents a global collaboration of artists who pledge their allegiance to the funk. Erik Rico delivers two tracks here, "Out On The Floor" and "Wall"., both laced with funky synths. Amalia is an undisputed funk goddess and "Freakay Lady" oozes sweet nad sticky mid-tempo funk. Vocalist Leona Berlin is an artist to keep an eye on. Berlin contributes with three gorgeous dance tracks but "Cruel" is the highlight.. Capital A laments the watered down state of hip-hop while paying tribute to b-boys with "Nostalgia". "Smile" is one of those gems that you simply press play and walk away, it’s that good. The trio’s production skills combined with the vocal contributors ensure that you’ll have a funky good time.
Ralf Gum: In My City [Go Go Music]
If you compiled a list of places that truly embrace soulful house music, be sure to list Johannesburg, South Africa near the top of that list. DJs have been known to perform in front of tens of thousands house party evangelists. One of the prominent DJs in South Africa the last several years captivating dance floors with his signature sound has been Ralf Gum. The German born and now South Africa resident professes his love with the appropriately titled "In My City". Ralf’s third album features an array of international heavyweights who sprinkle their vocal spices to his gorgeous arrangements. What better way to kick off the disc than by enlisting native South African legend Hugh Masekela. His blissful trumpet phrasings augment the soulful grooves on "With Her Hands". Veteran House diva Monique Bingham turns up the heat on the bumpin’ house tune "The Pap". Veteran UK soul icon Omar blesses the playful sunny grooves of "Love Core". "Bi Na Ba Njo", featuring Dele Sosimi is filled with funky Afrobeat rhythms. This is a glorious tribute filled with positive vibes and uplifting house rhythms that captures the pulse of the city.
Paul White: Shaker Notes [R & S Records]
You can be certain that Paul White is gonna keep the music moving in various directions. The UK producer has generated a large following with his left of center Hip Hop beats and production prowess, as evidenced by previous releases like "Rapping With Paul White" and "Paul White and The Purple Brain". With "Shaker Notes" he has eschewed the boom bap and taken his beats to uncharted territory by incorporating African rhythms and outer worldly sounds, Indeed "Shaker Notes" is filled with various textures of electronics and vibes. Among the highlights are "Where You Gonna Go",, sparked by chanting from White as well as hypnotic percussion. "Running On A Rainy Day" is filled with ethereal soundscapes. "All We Know" and "Fighting To Dance" are notable gems as well. With "Shaker Notes" you may not know where you’re going but you’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.
Defected Presents: House Masters – Joey Negro [Defected]
It’s a bit of a surprise that this is the first go round for Joey Negro to sit in the House Masters chair but he and Defected records feel like a perfect match. Negro has solidified his status as one of the premiere DJs of the last twenty years and his remixes and production credits are too numerous to list here. For Defected records he has assembled a superb collection of some of his favorite Disco classics, deep house gems and some tasty boogie tunes. For starters, if you’ve never heard of his remix of Patrice Rushen’s "Haven’t You Heard" you’ll will not want to miss out on this Disco hit. "Ride The Storm" is a certified Club banger from Akabu (One of Negro’s many aliases) featuring Disco Diva Linda Clifford. The Sunburst Band, Joey’s boogie band is also featured here with several tracks. "The Secret Life of Us" and Garden of Love" stand out as favorites. Can’t leave out the deep house dishes and there are plenty. "Can’t Get High Without U" featuring Taka Boom is simply wicked and Raven Maize’s timeless classic "Forever Together" will stir up memories of late night club parties that lasted until the break of day. If this doesn’t spark you to purchase then check your pulse If all is well then quickly add this to your collection.