Shez Raja: Soho Live [33 Records]
You might be familiar with the Shez Raja Collective from his impressive record "Mystic Radikal". ."Soho Live", is the bass guitarist latest recording and it’s an all-star jam session focusing on atmospheric soulful jazz compositions. Raja’s funky bass rhythms set the tone for his accomplished guests to stretch out and they do exactly that. "Karmic Flow" showcases Violinist Pascal Roggins, who creates wonderful melodies throughout the disc. Soweto Kinch drops by and delivers spirited hip-hop rhymes as well. "Eastern Revolution" is another banger filled with slow burning grooves and Middle Eastern rhythms that features Aaron Liddard’s scorching sax solo. Monika Lidke provides vocal phrasings to compliment Raja’s funky bass licks on "Chakras On The Wall". With other notable appearances like Andy Phelps and Shabaka Hutchings, the latter appearing on "Adrenalize", "Soho Live" is certain to provide a funky good time.
Algebra Blessett: Recovery [BBE]
Five years after her debut, Algebra Blessett returns with "Recovery". This fourteen track release showcases Algebra’s broad range with a mix of soulful bass heavy tracks, acoustic tunes and some tasty ballads to balance everything out. "Right Next To You" and "Nobody But You" are filled with thick beats and certain to keep your head on a steady nod. "Writers Block" is a tender tune that finds Algebra wrestling with penning a love song while managing her own emotions. "Better For Me" is a bittersweet ballad where she laments about the unfulfilled dreams of a lost relationship. Indeed Algebra’s superb songwriting skills combined with tight production leads to an entertaining record that serves notice that quality RnB is alive and well.
Various Artists: Lets Boogaloo Vol 6 [Record Kicks]
"Let’s Boogaloo", presented by Dean Rudland is a celebration of the storied legacy 60’s Latin Music. With most of the music produced by Bobby Marin, Vol. 6 features rare and unreleased material that originated out of East Harlem, the birthplace of the burgeoning Nuyorican sound. There’s plenty to savor here starting with the opener, The Machito Orchestra’s stirring rendition of Sam & Dave’s "Hold On I’m Coming". The Ocho Band, led by Chico Mendoza is a simmering Latin Jazz tune that was produced Marin. "There’s No Other Girl" is a slow burning number by The Latin Chords. Heavily influenced by the music of James Brown and Jackie Wilson, Marin’s fusion of soulful RnB and Latin rhythms still resonate today. This disc is a wonderful reminder of where it all started.
Various Artists: Americana Rock Your Soul Vol 2 [BBE]
Zaf Chowdhry and Mark Taylor, soul music connoisseurs return with their second installment of the "Americana – Rock Your Soul" series. Volume two continues with another collection of rare unreleased material from the 70’s and 80’s. Just like Vol.1 there are a few hidden gems, however this collection is a bit more upbeat and engaging than Vol.1. That’s quite evident by the opening track "There’s A New Group In Town", by A Breakaway. "Vaya Mulata" by Luc Cusineau is laid back funk with a stirring touch of the Wah Wah guitar. "Give It To You" is sweet atmospheric Disco by RCR. Jaye P. Morgan delivers a smooth ballad with an eighties vibe complete with soothing vocals and synths on "Here Is Where Love Belongs". Overall this is a much more enjoyable set than Vol.1. While they’re aren’t any knockout tracks, there’s enough to keep you entertained for the journey through the archives of the Black American songbook.
Various Artists: Freedom Jazz France [Heavenly Sweetness]
The Parisian label Heavenly Sweetness once again have dug deep into their vaults to showcase some of the most obscure yet very stimulating Jazz compositions. "Freedom Jazz France", a collection of spiritual Jazz recordings spanning from the mid to late sixties from artists who had taken up residence in Paris for one reason or another. No matter the reason, there are timeless treasures like "Note So High", a hard bop tune that features vocals from vocalist Stella Levitt. "Colchiques" is sublime modal jazz from organist Eddie Louiss. "La Musique d’ orphee" is celestial jazz with melodic background vocals. These recordings certainly were influenced by the burgeoning free jazz movement of the late sixties yet each artist has their own unique story to share and their impressive compositions are a testament to that. Overall this is a fascinating listen and another superb release from Heavenly Sweetness.
Lord Echo: Curiosities [Bastard Jazz]
Producer and mufti-instrumentalist Mike Fabs, aka Lord Echo first made his impact from his work with the reggae dub group The Black Seeds. He followed up that successful release with his sparkling debut "Melodies" in 2010 which featured some hypnotic dub beats, wicked grooves and tasty vocals as well. With his sophomore release "Curiosities" he incorporates vintage 60’s rhythms with authentic reggae grooves certain to keep your finger on the repeat button. One of those highlights include "Bohemian Idol" which features Toby Laing of Fat Freddy’s Drop on vocals. "Digital Haircut" features a wicked groove reminiscent of James Brown’s "Sex Machine". "Put It In My Head" blends reggae grooves with a disco beat. In addition, Mara TK’s velvet falsetto takes it to another level. Overall "Curiosities" demonstrates Fabs growth as a producer and a keen ear for classic grooves. Like his debut, this release is a winner and deserves a place in your playlist.
JonWayne: Rap Album One [Stones Throw]
Long before "Rap Album One", Jon Wayne showcased his skills as a producer with the instrumental album "Bowser" as well his three "Cassette" mixtape series. So it’s no surprise to find him successfully performing dual roles on his Stones Throw debut. JonWayne’s dark yet introspective lyrics serves as an open book that reveals a man with a plan who has little time for playing the fake thug role. This is evident on the track like"Find Me In The Future". where he states "You won’t find me doing those silly dances with the proverbial gun to my face. This ain’t Kansas!". On "You Can Love Me When I’m Dead" he displays his lyrical skills and art of story telling over a chilling chopped up piano sample. Other highlights include "Black Magic" and "The Come Up". "Rap Album One" succeeds due to JonWayne’s ability to wax poetic on his story as opposed to rehashing tired cliches. For hip-hop heads who can appreciate lyrical skills and tight production, he’s certainly worth checking out.
Teeko and B Bravo present: Tempo Dreams 2 [Bastard Jazz]
Bastard Jazz delivers a second installment of Tempo Dreams, this time enlisting the talents of Bay area funkateers DJ/Producer Teeko and B. Bravo. Together they create an lp filled with electro-funk jams reminiscent of the eighties funk revolution. Highlights include Don’t Stop", a wicked bass heavy tune with spacey synths. "Come Too Far" eases along with a laid back groove and features the deep bass vocals of Black Spade. "Back To The Mitten" is another funky gem with sweet synths augmented by Tony Ozier holding down the vocals. Teeko’s production is solid throughout and the vocal arrangements are on point. There’s a new generation of funk enthusiasts on the scene delivering the funk and Teeko and B. Bravo are two of many newcomers doing their part to push it along. Much to our delight.
Hackney Colliery Band: Common Decency [Wah Wah 45s]
Funk, Brass and Groove are just a few ways to describe the sound of the Hackney Colliery Band but their sound doesn’t end there. They have managed to combine elements of Punk, Afro-beat and Hip-Hop into their sound with a high degree of success. Ever since they emerged in 2008 their brand of Brass has fused the aforementioned sounds into the London underground music aesthetic. Their latest release, "Common Decency" was recorded live and takes another step forward in their evolving sound. Among the highlights is "Creeping Around After Dark", a tune with a nod to Afro-beat rhythms and swinging horns. "Dead Dialogue" features plenty more funky horns as well as Luke Christie’s spirited work on High Hat and Cymbals. Other treats include "Is Your Love Big Enough?", "Superhero Disco" and the crowd favorite "Prodigy Medley". All in all this is an entertaining and energetic record that will provide definite satisfaction. There’s a surge of Brass Bands emerging all over the globe. With HCB’s British blend of Brass with a touch of Balkan flavor they’re certain to stand out amongst the pack.
Ray Harris: The Transitions [Fusion Music Recordings]
Glasgow native Ray Harris has been fusing Latin grooves with Disco rhythms for a minute now. His new release "The Transitions" follows up the huge success of the Latin Dance hit "Scaramunga" and features a new set of tasty tunes to savor. Among the highlights is "Deep Down Inside", an infectious Disco tune with a catchy hook and blissful vocal arrangements. "Time Of Night" is a Latin dance track filled with live percussion and Harris applying tasty keyboard riffs. "Lose And Find Yourself" is an another winner that starts out as a down-tempo instrumental with Harris providing jazzy synths and closes with warm melodic vocal harmonies. Although only eight tracks, "The Transitions" lush arrangements and engaging rhythms solidifies him as one of the premier Latin dance producers on the scene today.