Various Artists: The Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra [Far Out Recordings]
The Far Out Monster Orchestra is an amalgamation of soulful Brazilian Disco music created by an illustrious list of musicians from the Far Out roster. Contributors include Alex Malheiros Jose Roberto Brertrami and renowned arranger Arthur Verocai among others. That alone would’ve sealed the deal but they didn’t stop there. By handing these recordings over too some of the world’s foremost DJs they have knocked it out of the park. "Don’t Cha Know" features a tasty grooves normally absent from most Disco recordings. Same goes for "Dead Dance" which features the sorely underrated Marcina Arnold on vocals and there’s also a hypnotic Mark E remix as well. "Keep Believing" is classic disco with sexy vocals and strings. However you won’t be able to resist the rhythmic drum patterns from the Theo Parrish remix. Not to be outdone, the John Morales remix of "Mystery" is also a floor filler. There’s so much so to savor here that made a double album necessary. This project originated in 2008 and finally sees the light of day. Make no mistake you need this in your collection.
Various Artists: Wah Wah 45s: We Wah fifteen [Wah Wah 45s]
What started as a little record company quickly emerged as one of the most important labels in the UK. Wah Wah records, launched by brothers Chris and the late Simon Goss have compiled a deeply talented roster of contrasting styles to rival any label and "We Wah 15" is a testament to that. There’s more than plenty to savor here from the folksy flavor of Sesong’s "Love Untold" to burning hot reggae of "Sweet Love Affair" from The Resonators. "Hey Lover" is raw soul with a heavy groove from Hardkandy with Laura Vane on vocals. "Wallflowerin", the 2006 hit is silky down-tempo soul from Max Cole. "Money" is funky brass courtesy of the Hackney Colliery Band. "Through A Window" is just one of many superb arrangements that guitarist, producer and label co-director Scrimshire has released over the years. The lush composition also features the dreamy vocals of label mate Stac. As far as compilations go this year, you’ll be there hard press to find another as good as this one. Hat’s off to Wah Wah for fifteen years of consistently discovering new talent and delivering great music in the process.
Various Artists: 20+ years rooted in jazznotjazz [INFRACom]
Jan Henning and the late Name Vaughn shared a vision for cutting edge genre bending music. Together they sought to create a home where up and coming musicians would have the freedom to create compositions as their vision sees fit. With the birth of the Germany based INFRACom, consider their mission accomplished. "20+ years rooted in Jazznotjazz" isn’t embedded in one particular genre but a myriad of musical styles. This compilation features a number of artists who’ve contributed to their impressive catalog over the years. Jan’s love for electronica is evident on the self produced drum n bass banger "Megashira". "Reicht" is a funky number filled with wicked synths and broken beats. When it comes to Jazz fusion, "Celebration Of Life" is as good as it gets. This twelve minute gem is highlighted by superb ensemble playing, particularly on trumpet and blissful melodies and rhythms. Vocalist Mediha Rustempasic joins Re:jazz to create soulful bliss on "Love Will Find You". What started as a labor of love has morphed into one of the most important independent labels today. A deeply satisfying record that you shouldn’t miss.
Fatima: Yellow Memories [Eglo]
Swedish native and now London resident, Fatima has been teasing us with a few tracks and EPs here and there for a number of years now. Finally we’re treated to her full length debut released on the highly regarded Eglo records. "Yellow Memories" is a fabulous collection of future soul filled with contrasting styles. This is due to the diverse collection of producers on hand. One of those producers is label mate Flako, who produced "Family" and La Neta". Two tasty mid-tempo tunes filled with gorgeous chords and funky guitar rhythms. Other highlights include "Do Better", one of five tracks produced by Floating Points. "Riding High" is an outer-worldly hip-hop soul highlight, produced by Scoop DeVille. Where much of Fatima’s earlier recordings were arranged primarily with samples. "Yellow Memories" features plenty of live instrumentation to go along with thoughtful songwriting. It all adds up to an impressive coming out party, not to mention one of the strongest records of the year.
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.