Sorceress: Dose [Wonderwheel]
Formerly known as Funkommunity, the rising five piece band from New Zealand and founded by composer Isaac Aesili has re-emerged as Sorceress. The reason for this change is for everyone to recognize them as a band of many styles beyond funk. Their previous release, the sorely slept on "Chequered Thoughts" is evidence of their universal yet progressive sound and "Dose" builds on that formula. Among the prime selections are the Afrobeat flavored "Desire" filled with percussive rhythms . "Teacups" features a tasty groove aided by soothing trumpet phrasings. "Freeloadoubt" is blissful futuristic soul with playful lyrics courtesy of vocalist Rachel Fraser. "Dose" is filled with twisting melodies and phrasings that will seduce your eardrums. It all adds up to an enjoyable record that you don’t want to miss.
The Impellers: My Certainty [Legere Recordings]
On one hand The Impellers third release "My Certainty", is packed with the raw soul you’ve come to expect from the ten piece band. On the other hand this release offers a new wrinkle or two and displays noticeable growth in their music. Vocalist Clair Witcher lures us in with her sultry voice while composer mufti-instrumentalist Glenn Fallows and the band lay down tight grooves throughout the disc. "The Routine" is a signature Impellers tune that’s filled with funky horns and infectious guitar rhythms. The title track ventures into acoustic territory and presents a pleasant change of pace. "Can’t Change Me" is a bluesy slow grinding ballad. Fans will appreciate the evolution of their funky sound while newcomers will simply enjoy the ride.
Ikebe Shakedown: Stone By Stone [Ubiquity]
"Stone By Stone", the sophomore release by the seven piece Brooklyn NY based band is packed with all the ingredients that made their debut such a hit. There’s blistering horns, funky guitar rhythms and lively percussion yet the sound is more layered then the self titled debut. There’s less of a jam session feel and the result is more mature compositions. There are a number of standout tracks like "The Offering" and "Last Stand", both are head nodding hip shaking tracks. The title track "Stone By Stone" is a laid back tune with psychedelic arrangements. Recorded at Daptone studios, Ikebe Shakedown are representing the raw soul and funk movement in a huge way.
Third Coast Kings: West Grand Boulevard [Record Kicks]
The funk and soul band from Ann Arbor Michigan made quite an impression with their 2012 debut. Their sophomore release "West Grand Boulevard" is firmly entrenched in the early Detroit raw soul sound and picks up where their debut left off. This band knows how to lay down a tight groove as evidenced by "Moving In The Night" and "Lead Foot". Vocalist Michelle Belle heats things up on "Just Move" while Sean Ike croons over the deep funk "Birds And Bees". Producer Nate Goldentone knows a thing or two about bringing out the best in a band having worked with The Liberators and Dojo Cuts. If you like your funk uncut and you need to kickstart a party then you need this on your playlist.
Mr Thing: Strange Breaks And Mr Thing 3 [BBE]
Mr Thing has built up a resume as one of the most sought after DJ/Producers on the scene today. He and BBE have formed a strong relationship that is going well beyond a decade now and with "Strange Breaks Vol. 3", it certainly feels like a happy marriage. "Vol. 3" is all about the funk and I mean Deep Funk. Mr Thing has dusted off an assortment of gritty funk joints from the seventies that will inspire you to shake your groove thing on any given day. He kicks things off with The Disco Orchestra’s "Do It Again" which features slick horn arrangements that covers Issac Hayes "Do Ya". Amral’s Trinidad Cavaliers "It Sure Is Funky" is highlighted by beat scratching and tasty Steel Pan rhythms. "Fire To The Galleon" lays out some infectious guitar grooves. If you love rare grooves and funky rhythms then you’ll certainly enjoy this disc.
DJ Vadim: Dubcatcher [BBE]
DJ Vadim has been very busy these days. When he isn’t DJ’ing around the world he’s also producing for numerous artists in all manner of styles. With his latest release "Dubcatcher" he has composed a rich collection of Dub beats and Dance hall rhythms enhanced by an array of talented vocalists and rappers alike. There’s so much to savor starting with "Hope" and "Rise". Each tune feature Bassist/Vocalist Rio Hemopo and frequent Vadim contributor Sabira Jade. "Action" featuring rising star Jimmy Screech is another winner that packs a lot of bass and Hip-Hop beats. Other notable tracks include "Nah Join" and "Originate It", the latter featuring Dynamite MC. Locked and loaded with sixteen tracks, "Dubcatcher" flows with one great vocalist after another and the production is first rate. If you purchase only one Dub record this year, make sure this is the one.
Shawn Lee: Golden Age Against The Machine [BBE]
Multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee has experimented with an assortment of musical flavors over the years ranging from psychedelic soul to cinematic soundtracks. As the title of his latest project suggests, "Golden Age Against The Machine" pays homage to the birth of Hip-Hop in it’s formative years. One ride through this disc will have you searching for your Kangol hat and your shell top Adidas. Further proof lies with tracks like "Back To The Future" where the grooves and synths will invoke memories of Afrika Bambaata’s "Planet Rock". Ohmega Watts smooth flow is the perfect match for the laid back vibe of "We Got The Jazz". "Jackie Chan" would fit perfectly in the Wu Tang library thanks in part to the haunting rhythms and thick beats. While mainstream Hip-Hop has gone corporate, ala "The "Machine", it’s nice to take a trip down memory lane and enjoy beats and rhymes in it’s purest form.
Mark De Clive Lowe: Church [Ropeadope]
There are few of artists who perform comfortably in a myriad of musical styles as well as Mark De Clive Lowe. His personal projects range from Jazz, Broken Beat to Hip-Hop and future soul. In addition, his production credits extend to artists like Sy Smith and Sandra St Victor, not to mention numerous collaborations with the likes of Sheila E and Omar just to name a few. His latest project entitled "Church" is named after the music events he hosts in New York and Los Angeles respectively. From the opener "The Mission", a simmering appetizer that builds momentum features rapper John Robinson. "Brukstep" is a frenetic up-tempo number that displays his keyboard wizardry. Vocalist and partner Nia Andrews contributes her blissful vocals to the elegant tune "Hollow" as well as two other compositions. There’s a number of tasty Jazz compositions here that are airy and rhythmic like "Imam" and "Sketch For Miguel" the latter featuring Miguel Atwood Ferguson on Viola and Jamire Williams on drums. Quite simply you can insert this disc, press play and walk away and you’re disappointed only when the record ends. Highly recommended.
Various Artists: The Boogie Vol 4 [Tokyo Dawn]
"The Boogie" Vol.4 is a gathering of funk heavyweights from the consistently productive Tokyo Dawn label. Each artists sprinkles their personal brand of funk and the result is seventy plus minutes of infectious funk. Among those heavyweights is UK soul man Omar who provides two tracks here. "My Prediction" and "Do What I Do", the former is remixed with wicked synths courtesy of Opolopo. Equally impressive was Reggie-B’s space age funk in the form of "Do You Wanna Ride?". "Welcome To Me" from Amalia’s sorely underrated "Art Slave" is full of soaring vocals and deep grooves. Other highlights include Personal Life’s "One Step Closer", Soul Parlor’s "Hybrid Funk and much more. Make no mistake, this is the disc you need if you want to have a funky good time.
Various Artists: Eglo Records Vol 1 [Eglo ]
Founded in 2008 by Alexander Nut and Sam Shepard, Eglo Records has consistently delivered some of the most inspiring and satisfying future Soul and House music to date. Whether it’s the progressive production of Floating Points, the beat wizardry 0f Funkineven or the stunning vocals of Fatima, every release from this label merits your attention and there’s plenty of reasons why. There’s the sonic grooves of Floating Points "Vacuum Boogie" and the cinematic gem "Wires". Funkieven delivers wicked beats and warped synths in the form of "She’s Acid". The songstress known as Fatima is a phoenix rising and it’s easy to see why with blissful soul tracks like "Innversivions" and "Visit You". Add other notable appearances from Mizz Beats and Shuanise and you have a superb album from the Eglo vault certain to provide definite satisfaction.