The cream of the UK’s soul and funk musicians, most notably Snowboy, Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick and Jan Kincaid and Simon Bartholomew of The Brand New Heavies, have joined forces to create The Super-Phonics. ‘Interstellar’ opens with the appropriately titled ‘P.A.R.T.Y’ which perfectly sums up this set of feel-good disco/boogie cuts. There’s really not a bad track throughout but pay special attention to the Chic influenced ‘Dial L For Love’, ‘Better Try And See’ and a great version of Linda Williams’ classic ‘Elevate Our Minds’. If you like Joey Negro’s The Sunburst Band then this is for you.

Andy Allen

Since the early days of house music Robert Owens has been an ever present force and his distinctive vocals have graced some of the genre’s most defining moments. His latest full length project is packed with deep house delights and features quality productions from the likes of Jimpster "Inside My World", Simbad "New World", Wahoo "Happy" and Atjazz "Now I Know". Quite simply, house music doesn’t get any better than this!

Andy Allen

Martin Iveson AKA Atjazz has always been right on point with his productions and ‘Full Circle’ is no different. Released on his own Mantis label it combines elements of deep house, broken-beat and digital soul and features a variety of guest vocalists including Robert Owens and Ernesto. There’s also Vancouver’s finest Amalia who graces the head-nodder ‘One’, Mr J of Phuturistix who appears on ‘Together’, Dawne B on the techy ‘Parralels’, Clara Hill on the bass heavy groove ‘Before’ and Sarah Jane Morris who fronts the feel-good vibe of ‘Fantasy’, all of which are nothing short of brilliant. Do not miss this one!

Andy Allen

Formed in Iran in 1991 by Hamid Motebassam this CD has lyrics from the poems of Attar, Rumi, Hafiz and Sayeh beautifully sung by Salar Aghili. This is classical Persian music that’s spiritual, sensitive and enveloping in it’s warmth and beauty. Superb.

Graham Radley

Third album and he just keeps getting better. Brazil provides the source with the mix bringing in a varied selection of dance friendly influences . Behind this infectious dance music though DJ Delores addresses issues like capitalism (Proletariado) and idealism (Cala Cala) as well as on a lighter note looking at relationship. Regulars joining him include Maestro Forró, Gabriel Melo, Fernando Catatau, vocalists Isaar and Maciel Salu, and guest appearances by Silvério Pessoa and by Marion. Excellent.

Graham Radley

Big band samba is back and oh yes it sounds sweet, the driving force is producer Alexandre Kassin, plus percussionist Domenico Lancellotti and singer/guitarist Moreno Veloso (son of Caetano) who started Orquestra Imperial as a side project, Listen out too for veteran samba star Wilson das Neves, cool tasty and vibrant.

Graham Radley

Featuring Shuggie Otis, Moreno + 2, Domenico +2, Kassin + 2, Eddie, Os Mutantes, Jim White and Los de Abajo, plus exclusive unreleased tracks from the Godfather of Brazilian soul Tim Maia (Que Beleza and Bom Senso) this is Luaka Bop doing what they do so well, mixing it up and making it special. Great.

Graham Radley

How to classify ? it’s a folked up jazz, fired by dubby brass meets electro type thingy really. Formed by three members of Bellowhead, plus Japanese musicians and the Bon dancers, it’s a wildly different sound that’s often challenging but if we wanted safe we can find enough cans of mediocrity on the shelves can’t we ? Terrific.

Graham Radley

An amazing guitarist who Dave Grohl has rightly been championing, her voice is lighter and by nature takes the tracks in a different direction but there’s a diversity going on that’s refreshing and honest.  Also includes full length CD of her debut ‘Everybody Loves You’.

Graham Radley

Australian duo Confection (Josh Beagley and Juanita Tippins) follow up their debut single with a very tasty long player. Although this is all brand new material you’d swear it was a long lost soul set from around 1984. Both ‘Fantasisin’’, a killer down-tempo groove very much in the vein of Juicy’s classic ‘Sugar Free’ and the mid-tempo boogie outing ‘I Choose You’ from the 12” are present  plus other boogie bombs in the shape of ‘I’ve Gotta Thing (4U)’ and ‘You Got The Love’. If you’re a fan of Paul Laurence, Lillo Thomas, Kashif etc then you’re going to love this album.

Andy Allen