Resonators: The Constant [Wah Wah 45s]
The diamond in the rough phrase certainly applies to the emergence of Resonators in the Dub Step/Reggae field. Indeed, the Brighton/London based group captures the spirit of Roots Reggae by merging sparkling rhythms, thumping bass grooves and soothing vocals from Kassia Zermon and Faye Houston. The performances on “The Constant” reflect a band that plays with the precision and fluidity that comes from numerous sessions and constant touring. Highlights include “Soldier”, “Vipers” and the Dub plate vocals of “Surrender” . The production is superb as well complete with additional horns and overdubs. “The Constant” is a breath of fresh air that is not only a first rate reggae album but simply one of the more impressive records of 2012.
Martha High and Speedometer: Soul Overdue [Freestyle]
Martha High has been belting out soul songs for four decades strong. Martha started off working as a member of the Jewels, a group that was part of the James Brown Revue. Martha would continue to work with the Godfather of soul and later on work with former band member Maceo Parker. On “Soul Overdue” her voice sounds as strong as ever as she covers classics and makes them her own. A prime example is her rendition of the Etta James timeless “I’d Rather Go Blind” and Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man”. Other highlights include “Save Me” and “Dragging Me Down”, two burning tracks that demonstrate that Speedometer are more than capable of giving up the funk. A killer rhythm section and a dynamic voice adds up to a wonderful record. “Soul Overdue” is right on time.
Various: The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club [Freestyle]
You can count on Craig Charles as a certified messenger of the funk and his weekly radio show on BBC’s Radio 6 is testament to that. Throughout the nineteen track disc, Charles compiles some of the heavy hitters of today as they carry the baton of tasty funk with gritty grooves. There are many prime cuts to savor like “Seven Nation Army” by Nostalgia 77 featuring the soaring vocals of Alice Russell. “A Time For” is another taste of slow burning funk courtesy of Lack Of Afro. For instrumentals there’s The Haggis Horns “The Bump” and “Shaft In Africa” from The Mighty Showstoppers just to name a few. Don’t have the time hand pick your funk? No worries, Craig Charles’s selections will supply all the funk you need.
Double Yellow: Life in the Slow Lane [Here and Now recordings]
Double Yellow is the duo of Singer/songwriter Dave Lilley and DJ/Producer Diesler. "Life in the Slow Lane”, their full length debut is a potpourri of musical flavors rooted in deep grooves and tasty funk. Among the highlights are the Dixie Jazz flavored “No One Knows” that features the sweet vocals of Suzanne Lilley. “Zygote No.9” is heavy funk with hypnotic grooves. “Dust Can Grow” is a laid back Latin jazz flavored tune that features vocals from Edward Pye and and Daniel Smith on trumpet. Lilley’s imaginative songwriting and Diesler’s beats make for an engaging record. Admirers of the “We Got Caught” ep will not be disappointed.
Positive Flow: Flowlines [Tokyo Dawn]
Jesse Reuben Wilson, the man behind Positive Flow returns with his first full length release since 2006. We hope there isn’t another six year gap in between albums because “Flowlines” is packed with superb recordings by an array of talented artists like Colonel Red, Omar, Andre Espeut and many more. “Flowlines” starts out impressively with “Children Of The Sun”, a mid-tempo soulful electronica blessed by the angelic vocals of Heidi Vogel. The disc picks up the tempo with “My Prediction”, filled with thick grooves and the unmistakable vocals of Omar. “In The Garden of Your Life” is another laid back soulful beauty sung by Vanessa Freeman. Jesse does a superb job with string arrangements on the aforementioned tracks and throughout the entire disc that adds an emotive element to his compositions. In addition to the vocal contributions there are some funky instrumentals such as “Phaedra’s Flight” and the celestial “Capoeira”. You know you have a great record when you can find a new favorite every time you play it. Simply put this is futuristic soul music of the highest order and one of the best records of the year.
Smoove: First Class [Jalapeno Recordss]
DJ/Producer Smoove has long established his allegiance to the funk and his love for Hip-Hop through his DJ sets as well as his recordings with partner Turrell. On his latest solo project “First Class”, he treats us to his exclusive remixes from an array of artists who know how to lay down a groove. “Traveling Man” is a prime example of the funk that is brewing here as Jazz & Blues singer Brenda Boykin croons over a sizzling organ grinder meets thumping bass groove. Smoove turns up the heat with some well-placed edits on “Baby Your Lovin” by Electmric Empire. “Da Wiesel” by Boogaloo Stomp evokes memories of Kool & The Gang’s “Love & Understanding” and hearing this again will get you moving on the good foot. Other highlights include “It’s My Funk” by Charlie Funk feat Afrika Bambaataa & King Kamonzi and “Son Montuno” by the Una Mas Trio. “Frist Class” is exactly that; a first rate funk and soul burner that delivers from beginning to end.
Olympic Cyclone Band: Seasons Greetings [Jalapeno Recordss]
Some of my favorite holiday songs are the ones that don’t necessarily sound like holiday songs. In the case of “Seasons Greetings” by the Olympic Cyclone Band they clearly know how to lay down a groove and make Christmas tunes sound hip. From the traditional “Little Drummer Boy” laced with a sizzling bass line to the bluesy organ grinding “Away In A Manger”. In addition to the instrumental holiday delights there are some vocal treats as well. Stephanie Davies soothing vocals add a bit of spice to “When A Child Is Born” and Fiona Egan on “All Is Bright” will leave you feeling that “Silent Night” never sounded as good as this. If you’re a traditional sort then you’ll feel right at home with their renditions of “Jingle Bells” and the “!2 Days Of Christmas”. Either way “Seasons Greetings” would make for a great stocking stuffer and should make its way onto everyone’s holiday playlist.
Re:jazz: Kaleidoscope [InfraCom]
There’s a lot to like about the latest release from the Frankfurt band known as Re:jazz. While their previous recordings have featured more of an acoustic sound “Kaleidoscope” features that as well as elements of contemporary Jazz, Latin rhythms and groove based electro soul. Credit Jazzanova producer Axel Reinemer for providing the analog approach to these recordings and in the process creates a live organic listening experience. Take for instance the sunny vibes of “Wonders Of The World”, a mellow tune that introduces featured vocalist Mediha. Mediha replaces Inga as the lead vocalist here and makes her mark on three tracks, including a stirring cover of Robert Owen’s “Tears”. Pianist/DJ Matthias Vogt highlights the transformation of this classic from a deep house classic to an acoustic Jazz gem. “Windy City” is an adventurous jazz instrumental filled with multiple moods and textures. “Lambic 9 Poetry” is funky soul jazz fusion with a laid back groove. No matter what direction the seven member ensemble has taken here they’ve achieved their task of broadening their musical horizons. The result is an exceptional record that should satisfy devoted supporters while inviting new listeners as well.
Patrick Adams: The Best of P and P Records [P&P]
You can’t reminiscence about the essence of boogie and Disco music without invoking the contributions of Patrick Adams who along with Peter Brown formed P&P records during the mid-seventies. Indeed Cloud One, one of the first groups to emerge from the P&P imprint would release one of the most sought after underground hits in 1976 with “Atmosphere Strut”. The nine minute bouncy party jam with the wicked synths and the catchy chorus “Get Up and Fly, Fly Away” was that rare Disco hit that could host a party all by itself. This would be the first of many hits; “Disco Juice” was another Adams masterpiece that had a sweet melody and a funky groove. Aside from Cloud One, Adams penned another hit with Marta Acuna with the club friendly “Dance Dance Dance”. As many of the Disco hits of this period relied heavily on synthesizers to make a hit, Adams brought more than that to the table. He was a consummate writer, composer and musician who knew how to make quality recordings that turned into hits. That he’s remained relevant after thirty years is a testament to that. That being said, the P&P catalogue captures some of his most creative work that still sounds great today.
Mathias Stubo: Mathias Stubo [BBE]
Norwegian drummer/multi-instrumentalist embarks on a journey of heavenly rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes. Among the highlights are the explosive afro-beat inspired “Those High Frequency Feelings”. Martin Mata contributes to the celestial “Opp I Lufta”. “Back Into My Life” is another enjoyable instrumental slice of electro ambient grooves. With other subtle hints of Pop, funk and well placed sampling throughout the disc, Mathias Stubo delivers a refreshing album filled with creativity and imagination that proves to be a fascinating listen.