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.
The Liberators: Power Struggle [Record Kicks]
The Sydney based group The Liberators return with another deep dish of impressive heavy grooves. "Power Struggle" features nine tracks of Afro-beat inspired instrumentals certain to keep your head nodding to the beat. The opener "Cairo Uprising" sets the tone with an infectious groove and spirited rhythms. "Dark River" is another up-tempo pulsating tune with jazz infused rhythms. "Red Green Live Die" features wicked bass playing that compliments the funky horns that are featured throughout. "Power Struggle" picks up where their debut left off and that’s by delivering high energy Afro-funk that will keep you on the good foot and wanting more.
Lady Daisy: In My Headphones [BBE]
Lady Daisy has built up a strong following on the underground scene with her unique brand of hip-hop inspired funk and soul. Her sophomore disc "In My Headphones" seamlessly blends her husky voice with an assortment of tasty grooves. Credit husband/producer Batsource, who has also built a following within the underground hip-hop community with his beatmaking prowess. There’s plenty of evidence here starting with the opening track "Ready" a playful soul tune filled with hip-hop influenced beats. "Fruit" is soothing soulful goodness with haunting melodies. "Full Circle" is a tender piano driven tune that displays the gentle side of this talented vocalists. No longer under the radar, Lady Daisy emerges with an impressive record that will no doubt widen her fan base.
Nick Pride and The Pimptones: Reduced Phat Shake [Legere Recordings]
"Reduced Phat Shake", the latest release from Nick Pride & The Pimptones is filled with their signature formula of Northern UK soul that would make vintage Motown lovers swoon. There’s plenty of tasty soulful teasers to get your motor running to the dance floor. "Take Care Of My Love" is a high energy dance number highlighted by the vocals of Susan Hamilton. Other vocal contributors include Courtney Valecia on the ultra funky "It’s A Love Thing" and the slow burning "Hex On My Soul". "Walkin’ Out The Door" is an infectious Blues tune sung by Lyndon Anderson. With an assortment of instrumental tracks like "Soul Food Strutt" and "Non Stop", "Reduced Phat" delivers with an album filled with soulfully deep and satisfying recordings that are light on filler yet heavy on grooves to keep your body shaking to the beat.
The New Mastersounds: Therapy [Legere Recordings]
The New Mastersounds return with their ninth studio album, "Therapy". Their twelve track disc is packed with infectious tunes that embrace their Soul jazz sound. The multinational band originally from Leeds England formed by Guitarist/Producer Eddie Roberts come out of the gate sizzling. The opening track "Old Man Noises", is a organ filled funk tune with percussive rhythms. "Morning Fly" and "WW III" have a heavy jazz foundation, in pert due to Roberts sparkling guitar rhythms. Newcomer Kim Dawson adds her sultry voice to the tasty tune "I Want You To Stay". Other notable selections are "Soul Sista" and "Treasure". Roberts continues to deliver recordings that lean on the soul jazz recordings of the sixties yet sound fresh and relevant today.
Slakah The Beatchild: Soul Movement 2 [Beatchild]
There are a number of credible beatmakers out there but when it comes to merging hypnotic beats and soulful rhythms few do it as well as Slakah The Beatchild. The Toronto native returns with Volume 2 of "Soul Movements" and like "Vol.1" features an array of talented vocalists also from Toronto to lift these tracks to greater heights. Among the guests is Glenn Lewis who croons over the piano driven "Number 1". On "Keep Up" songstress Ayah and Slakah venture into Deep House territory while maintaining their signature soulful sound. "Love Fool" is filled with wicked guitar rhythms and highlighted by the stirring vocals of Tamika Charles. Slakah knows the value of a tasty groove to keep the disc bumping throughout no matter what the tempo might be. There’s no sophomore jinx here, just another superb record..
Guida De Palma and Jazzinho: Veludo [Toca Piano Fala Frances]
Guida de Palma & Jazzinho aren’t strangers to Latin Jazz rhythms as their catalog would strongly suggest . Their latest release, "Veludo" is a testament to that with nine sublime compositions that range from Guida’s Portuguese roots to soul jazz rhythms with warm and dreamy melodies. That combination is evident on the opening track "A Seed In You", a simmering tune highlighted by the incomparable Leon Ware, who knows a thing or two about romantic lyrics. "Papao", Portuguese for Bogeyman is funky organ flavored Samba goodness. "Whispers In The Darkness" is a sensual ballad with strings. Written and produced by De Palma this is a enjoyable record that combines Guida’s lush vocal harmonies and Jazzinho’s strong instrumentation. A perfect record to soothe your mind and warm your soul.