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.
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.