Roger Robinson is now into his tenth year of programming poetry, performing, writing and teaching, and currently divides his time between London, New York and Trinidad. He has been hailed the UK’s answer to Saul Williams and just listening to the stunning 7" single ‘Nicola’s Song’ you can see why there is quite a buzz around the release of his debut ‘Illclectica’. Produced by Roger and Rob Mac from Scratch/Speeka, they have arranged twelve brilliant tracks of various styles and moods, with exceptional poetic lyrics from Roger. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this wonderful album, you won’t regret it.

Simon Harrison

This is the first full vocal album produced by Dego, who has also brought in second in command Kaidi Tatham in on the act. This is the kind of album that will become a true classic in years to come and that is not just because of the two names already mentioned. This is also due to the incredible soulful vocals of Deborah Jordon, which fit the productions perfectly, and if that isn’t enough Bembe Segue is on backing vocals. Perfect for home listening and also for any club set. That should be enough reasons for you to spend your hard earned cash. 

Simon Harrison

Following on from 2004’s ‘My London Friends’, Arision have kindly given us a chance to own a copy of this now legendary jazz album, where the original sells for big bucks. Recorded at the Living Room in Paris in 1973, this has to be up there with the best piano jazz albums ever recorded. Here Marco plays both the fender Rhodes and piano, to amazing effect with Jacky Sampson on bass and Charles Saudrais on drums, to achieve those funky basslines. Watch out for more reissues from the Arision stable.

Simon Harrison

NMS return with more funk-fuelled instrumentals on this their fourth album. Most people seem to remember these guys for their funk version of NuYorican Soul’s ‘Nervous Track’ and here they have covered Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Ain’t No Telling’ and Donny Hathaway’s ‘Zambezi’ to great effect. NMS is led by the exceptionally talented guitarist Eddie Roberts and all eleven tracks are as tight as you’d expect with raw and stripped down productions. Keep an eye out for their excellent funk remix of Soldiers of Twilight’s house anthem ‘Believe’

Simon Harrison

Over the last five months, three beautifully packaged 12’s have been released, produced by the genius Matthew Herbert and featuring stunning vocals from Moloko’s leading lady. All nine tracks from the three 12’s now come complete as a cd package. Of course we have Herbert’s quirky productions skills, which are perfectly suited to Roisin’s vocals, who sounds not a million miles away in style to Herbert’s long time collaborator and wife Dani Siciliano. You have the sought after ‘Night Of The Dancing Flame’, smoker ‘Sinking Feeling’ and my personal faves ‘Ramalama (Bang Bang)’ and ‘Sow Into You’. Keep an eye out for the forthcoming single because it’s supposed to be remixed by someone special.

Simon Harrison

There is such a lot of fantastic hiphop around at the moment, it’s great to hear an album full of mostly instrumental beats. Written and produced by Boris Mezga from Stuttgart, he is one name you will need to keep an eye out for in the future. Within the first few tracks you can see Boris is being influenced by the right kind of producers; from Madlib to Sa-Ra, but creating his own sound. With twenty tracks totalling over 70 minutes, this is a joy to listen to. Even better you can download the full album for free on Tokyo Dawns website

Simon Harrison

I was being given a lift around Leeds with the manager of 2020 vision at the end of 2004 and in his car stereo was a track from ‘Reachin Out’. The track in question was ‘Switch’ which features vocals from legend Flora Purim. I could not quite believe my ears and I can see why that was chosen for the first single. Danny Ward has invited some excellent guests, which include Diane Charlemagne, Qball and Curt Cazal [QNC], Kate Rogers and Nightmares On Wax. 2020 vision are known for their quality house productions but here Danny really pushes the boundaries on just about every style known to man. There’s the bluey ‘Rain’, the house anthem ‘Switch’ and hiphop monster ‘Would You’. What else do I need to say?

Simon Harrison

Carlos Niño is proving a very busy man at the moment This is his second Ammoncontact album in only six months and he’s also behind such quality projects like Build An Ark and Dwight Trible. Yes that’s a serious amount of music to release in a short space of time but this just proves how talented Niño is. Here we have 10 instrumental tracks spread over two slabs of vinyl; some labels could do with learning from this. You can hear some of Niño’s influences from jazz to funk and soul all within the heavy grooved based production, with basslines that shake your boots. As a bonus there is the excellent Build An Ark "Temple Jam" that featured on the Dublab Presents In The Loop 2 12" from earlier in the year. It’s worth it for that track alone.

Simon Harrison

Here we have the new project from DJ Vadim featuring MCS Blu Rum 13 and Yarah Bravo. The first taster of this new project was “Be Your Own” featuring the rather splendid Amp Fiddler remix. As you’d expect from Vadmin’s previous albums, there are plenty of head nodding beats, so much so, your neck with aching by the end of this lp. Both MCs are new names to me but both are certainly names I’ll be on the look out for for future releases because they sound marvellous. Just had a quick search on the net and it seems like I’ve missed rather a lot of Blu Rum 13 previous projects, better get the credit card out. This proves once again that if you’re after pure underground music Ninja Tune is still at the top of their game. Have you checked their forthcoming releases today?

Simon Harrison

Over a year since the first instalment, volume 2 finally hits the shops. Thirteen tracks spread over three 12″s, it looks as beautiful as all the previous BBE releases and the inner sleeve notes give you a background to all the tracks. BBE is all about the attention to detail. Roy Ayers has released so much ground breaking music over the last 30 years, it amazes me that these have been left on the shelf until now. I won’t list specific tracks for you because you need to hear them all and while you’re at it, dig out Volume 1 again.

Simon Harrison