Dopegems: Necksnappin [Heavenly Sweetness]
"Necksnappin" is the latest release from Dopegems, is filled with soulful psychedelic funk. Slick Tim, drummer, guitarist and producer of the french funk group knows how to lay down a good groove and surround it with wicked electric guitar rhythms. Highlights include "Condor Redux, a slow tempo funk with Wah Wah guitar rhythms". "Like A Thief In The Night" is a scorching up-tempo funk number filled with tasty vibes and Rhodes. "First Come, First Serve" is another slow tempo funk with soft rock sensibilities. There’s no doubt that Slick Tim has embraced the seventies funk and fusion scene and has applied those lessons well. Tasty grooves surrounded by slick arrangements makes this an impressive release from the versatile five piece band.
Hollie Cook: Twice [Mr Bongo]
"Twice", the followup to the critically acclaimed debut from Hollie Cook picks up where she left off. That is serenading us with tropical string laden reggae tunes filled with cinematic sound scapes. Indeed Holli’s sunny vibe and breathless vocals are as refreshing as a cool summer breeze. Cook and Prince Fatty, who also produced her first album strike the right chord on tunes like "Ari Up", "99" and "Looking For Real Love", "Postman" is another gem augmented by the steel pan rhythms. With nine tracks in total, the disc moves along swiftly with no weak tunes to skip over. Overall "Twice" is a lovers rock filled with affairs of the heart that you’ll find irresistible
Neil Cowley Trio: Touch and Flee [Maim Jazz]
Pianist Neil Cowley along with Bassist Rex Horan and Drummer Evan Jenkins have been a unit from the beginning and the synergy between them is flawless. Their fifth studio release is further proof of that chemistry. "Touch and Flee" has an assortment of lightly energetic tunes surrounded by a number of mellow compositions. Two of those perolating tunes are "Sparkling" and "Couch Slouch", both are fresh and imaginative. Modal tunes such as the enchanting "Queen" and "Bryce" are glorious arrangements that highlight Cowley’s skills as a composer. There is great interplay here and as far as trios go, these guys are first rate. Pour yourself a glass of your best wine and let this marvelous record take you away.
Kev Beadle: Presenting Private Collection Volume 2 [BBE]
Kev Beadle, one of the UK’s premiere DJs displays his affinity for Avant Garde Jazz. His latest release "Private Collection Volume 2" contains a number of sparkling yet obscure Spiritual Jazz recordings that have grown in statue since their release more than forty years ago. When it comes to hard to find gems, there’s no better place to start than with Archie Shepp’s "Song For Mozambique". This soothing yet powerful tune features intense poetry from Haki Madhubuti. "I’m Trying To Find A Way" is another winner. This uplifting orchestral tune by Stanley Crowell features Trumpeter Eddie Henderson and Trombonist Julian Peterson among others. This enchanting release not only provides a sneak peak into Beadle’s diverse collection but also shines a light on a cherished collection of music that has been long overlooked.
Richard Spaven: Whole Other [Fine Line Records]
Richard Spaven has become one of the premiere drummers on the scene today. His rhythmic playing, largely influenced by the Drum n Bass and Broken Beat sound emerging out of the underground club scene in London has made him a sought after drummer. He provided a sampling of his talents on "5ives", the EP he released in 2010 by combining these elements, along with Jazz, Hip-Hop and Dub Step. On his full length debut "Whole Other", he showcases his skills as a composer while enlisting an array of talented vocalists to bring them to life. The title track is a downtempo tune that features the lush vocal harmonies of The Hics. "SideIISide" features warm Rhodes playing from Grant Windsor and gorgeous vocals from Sharlene Hector. "Tribute" features sublime guitar rhythms courtesy of Stuart Mc Callum. Spaven is pushing the boundaries by blending genres and making beautiful music in the process. He’s certainly one to watch moving forward.
Various Artists: Theo Parrish’s Black Jazz Signature [Snow Dog Records]
Detroit’s own DJ/Producer Theo Parrish mixes a stunning collection of Spiritual Jazz recordings from the defunct Oakland Ca. label Black Jazz Records. Founded by pianist Gene Russell, the label served as an alternative to traditional jazz by creating politically motivated yet spiritually infused Jazz compositions to reflect the climate during the mid seventies uprising Although they only existed for six years they created a timeless collection of music from an impressive group of musicians. The disc kicks off with "Trance Dance" from pianist Doug Carn. Unsung guitarist Calvin Keys rhythmic playing offers a glimpse of his immense talents on "Criss Cross". There are two compositions here from famed pianist Walter Bishop Jr, "Blue Bossa" and "Those Who Chant". Both are strikingly good but I’ll give the edge to the latter.It starts off with a stirring piano solo before soaring into a spirited session between Bishop and his accompanists. Overall this is a superb compilation that sheds light on a label that made conscious music during an important period and the result is pure unbridled joy.
Daniel Crawford: The Awakening [Bandcamp]
Los Angeles based pianist Daniel Crawford delivers a delightful assortment of Jazz tinged funk and soul grooves. Crawford displays his keyboard wizardry over a number of tracks while inviting an array of talented vocalists along for the ride. Among the highlights are "Strictly For My Negus", which starts out as a piano solo which eventually morphs into explosive forays on the electric piano and synths. "The One" features a soft House tempo as well as the falsetto vocals of Vikter Duplaix. "Trouble" is a mid-tempo tune highlighted by Amp Fiddler on vocals and Flautist Monet."Home" is another winner, an Ode to Africa song by rising soul singer Cleveland P. Jones. "The Awakening" is one of those records that arrives with little fanfare yet eventually becomes a part of your musical rotation. Crawford displays a keen sense of melody combined with a flair for funky compositions. Simply stated this is definitely one of those underrated records you need in your collection.
Various Artists: Footprints [Jazz and Milk]
"Footprints", the latest release from the Munich based label features a diverse collection of previously unreleased funk and Afro-soul compositions from an array of international artists. Highlights include "Time", filled with wicked rhodes and funky samples from Sam Iri. Karl Hector and The Malcouns drops some gritty funk with "Who’s Foolin Who". Bad Jazz Troupe contributes some raw funkiness of their own with "Seventy Three" and "Afro Hop", the latter filled with Latin rhythms and remixed by label founder Dusty. Dusty’s superb collection of hidden gems makes this disc worthy of repeated listens. This is certainly of the better compilations you’ll hear this year.
Various Artists: BamaLoveSoul presents On Deck 2 [BBE]
Roderick Moody, aka DJ Rahdu, host of the immensely popular internet show "BamaLoveSoul" has been an important messenger in shining the spotlight on the burgeoning underground soul scene in recent years. With the success of his first compilation entitled "On Deck", it’s only right that he follows up with another gem. "On Deck 2" is a journey into the paradise of hazy laid back soul from a number of up and coming artists. One of those talents is James Tillman. On "Shangri La" his falsetto floats over a dreamy and intimate composition about an earthy paradise. Birmingham Ala native and gifted lyricist Fayth Hope waxes poetic about strength and fearlessness on "Warrior". Los Angeles native Jevon Reynolds is another name to remember. "Silence" is a touch of modal jazz and soul wrapped into a sultry composition. There’s plenty of quality soul music out right now and this sublime compilation is a good place to explore and savor.
Nicola Conte: Free Souls [Schema Records]
"Free Souls", the latest release from Nicola Conte features an array of deep soul and Jazz compositions that have emerged from the spiritual jazz revolution. There’s a number of talented vocalists who add a little bit of spice to each tune with impressive results. For starters there’s the smooth vocals of Marvin Parks on "Shades Of Joy". Melanie Charles heavenly voice compliments Greg Osby’s alto phrasings on "Amhad’s Blues". Heidi Vogel’s deep vocals dance brilliantly over the beautiful "Sandalia Dela". If you’ve following Nicola’s career then you’re well aware of his love of Jazz and his insatiable desire to discover and present quality recordings. You can mark this as another superb release to his impressive catalog.