It’s been over a year since Eric Lau dropped his ep titled: “Eric Lau Presents Dudley Perkins and Friends”. Still, it seems like he came out of nowhere and instantly delivered some serious beats. The promise he showed on those tracks was evidence that a special talent had arrived. Finally our patience has been rewarded with “New Territories”, a gorgeous collection of soulful beats combined with lush vocals from some of the most exciting up and coming vocalists in the game today. One of those vocalists is Tawiah and she is featured on the track “I Don’t Do It To”. Tawiah’s vocals overlap with the dreamy keys and the head nodding beats. On “Time Will Tell”, Eric lays down a melancholy tantalizing soul gem topped off by Sarina Leah’s blissful vocals that springs hope for brighter tomorrows. Newcomer Tosin Tao’s voice may remind you of Donny Hathaway and the track “Don’t Let Them” is a funky soul burner that simmers with every beat. It’s clear that Eric Lau can make beats but he’s not satisfied with just that. The man is serious about making quality soul music with great vocals. I say mission accomplished.

Reg Dancy

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Another gem has been released from the jazz vaults. “Soul Of Africa” is wonderful work from pianist Jef Gilson and Tenor saxophonist Hal Singer that was recorded in Paris during burgeoning jazz scene in the seventies. Jef Gilson was already building a reputation as a talented pianist in Paris while Hal Singer was best known for his RnB work. Together,  they create timeless pieces that serves up an African flavor thanks largely to the percussion work of Del Rabenja and Gerard Rakotoarivony. On “Mother Earth”, the track starts off with Del and Gerard laying down the groove while Hal’s tenor floats above it. This tune is also enhanced by Bernard Lubat on vibes. “Garvey’s Strut” is a real winner as well. Gilson’s work here is spirited and uplifting while Hal’s robust playing is the perfect complement. Soulful and rhythmic, “Soul Of Africa” is essential listening.

Reg Dancy

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Finn Peters has been on the scene for a while but it was in 2006 he made his debut as a leader with the critically acclaimed “Su Ling”. With his second release “Butterflies” there are two noticeable differences.  One is the reliance on his flute playing than on his sax playing. His tone on the flute is impressive and his compositions take these tunes to greater heights. The other difference is while “Su Ling” was more of an acoustic record, “Butterflies” has more of a classical vibe. The title track, "Butterflies", highlights Finn’s engaging and spirited solo with guitarist Dave Okumu. “Atlas” is a brilliant composition that finds Finn on alto sax creating subtle harmonic images while drummer Tom Skinner is interactive with his every move. All selections here are rich in melody and the band approaches each song with passion and tenderness. This is simply another great release by Finn Peters that would be a welcome addition to your collection for those quiet moments.

Reg Dancy

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Somehow Busy People’s debut single ‘The City/‘Someday’ passed me by but thankfully both of these superior broken-soul nuggets are included here. With a whole host of top performances from guest vocalists such as B-Zar, Aminata, Yann, Justin Chapman, Lisa C, Lai Cheun and Jen (all of which are new names to me) ‘Never Too Busy’ continues the broken-soul vibe with other strong moments such as ‘Make It Happen’, ‘Bling Bling’, ‘Get Out’, ‘Not Me’ and ‘Final Words’. This has got to be one of the most consistent albums I’ve heard for sometime so don’t delay, pick up a copy today!

Andy Allen

It may have been ten years between the release of Incognito’s debut album ‘Jazz Funk’ (1981) and their second ‘Inside Life’ (1991) but since then Bluey and his collective have certainly made up for it as ‘Tales From The Beach’ marks their 13th release. As always the production is faultless and although there’s nothing unexpected here it will no doubt please their legion of fans. For me though the real winner on this set is ‘Feel The Pressure’, an infectious jazz-funk meets broken-beat monster co-produced by Ski Oakenfull and featuring Tony Momrelle, Imaani and Joy Rose on vocals.

Andy Allen

Although Inverse Cinematics have been providing us with top quality productions and remixes since 2002 surprisingly ‘Passin’ Through’ is their first long player. It’s been well worth the wait though as this is a fantastic collection of new material (other than the inclusion of the anthemic ‘Detroit Jazzin’’) which effortlessly fuses elements of deep house, jazz and hip-hop. ‘Sundrops’, ‘Sambatime’ and ‘Don’t Give Up’ are all heavy hitters in the vein of the aforementioned ‘Detroit Jazzin’’ but not to be overlooked are ‘Interplanetary Motivations’ and the title track, two slow motion chuggers, plus the jazzy hip-hop jam ‘Take It Back To 86’ featuring Jebidiah.

Andy Allen

Joey Negro and the crew return with their 3rd Sunburst Band album and as with ‘Here Comes The Sunburst Band’ and ‘Until The End Of Time’ it’s packed with outstanding disco delights and boogie bombs. It features vocal performances from the likes of Leroy Burgess and Yolanda Wynns but even better are the Pete Simpson fronted cuts such as the outstanding ‘Our Lives Are Shaped’ and a killer version of David Bowie’s ‘Fashion’. Diane Charlemange graces the classy groove ‘Put A Lyric In It’ and the immaculate stepper ‘Movin’ With The Shakers’ which comes off like a Jones Girls track. Other standouts include ‘Turn It Out’ featuring Taka Boom which is reminiscent of early Level 42 material and ‘Dusk’, a clever if somewhat cheeky cut obviously inspired by Maze’s ‘Twilight’.

Andy Allen

‘Jim’, Jamie Lidell’s follow up to his hugely successful 2005 set ‘Multiply’ sees him journey further into soul territory. He’s ditched much of the electronics in favour of a full backing band, resulting in a real 60s inspired sound. This is particularly evident on the uplifting cuts ‘Another Day’ and ‘A Little Bit Of Feel Good’, both of which could well see some pop chart action, the Sam Cooke influenced ‘All I Wanna Do’ and ‘Green Light’ which is reminiscent of Al Green. The highlight though is ‘Figured Me Out’, a wonderful 80s electro-boogie styled outing which is destined to be huge on the underground dance floors.

Andy Allen

There are DJ’s/producers dropping albums everywhere but few can boast to have an album as strong as this one. Simbad’s “Supersonic Revelation has been a couple years in the making but the wait has been well worth it. Simbad has assembled a little bit of funk, house, rnb and dancehall and the result is a soulful uplifting disc that will move your body. The immensely successful “Soul Fever” needs no introduction. This electronic funk track with the wicked synth lines was one of the biggest records of 2006.The legendary Robert Owens adds his signature vocals to the atmospheric “Someone for Me”. There’s also the title track, which has also become a huge hit, and why not? The killer organ riff and Abdul Shyllon’s lush vocals gives this the feel of a simmering downtempo house track that never builds momentum but it’s bangin’ nonetheless. There are many other great selections worth mentioning so you owe it to yourself to invest in what is definitely one of the hottest releases of 2008.

Reg Dancy

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Elvin Estela, aka Nobody returns with his follow up to Western Water Vol I “Pacific Drift”. Nobody is building on his love of psychedelic soft rock layered with heavy bass lines and lively drum beats. The major difference is the addition of Niki Randa on vocals and she definitely adds another dimension not heard on the previous release. “All The Shallow Deep” is a unique fusion of electric guitar and experimental beats complemented by Niki’s lush vocals. “Ignite” is another highlight where the beats are a little more progressive but the tone is dreamy and harmonic. Nobody has created a soft rock gem with a west coast vibe that evokes images of lazy summer days soaking up rays. Fans of “Pacific Drift” will surely enjoy this.

Reg Dancy

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