Fresh for Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label is the stunning debut long player from Jose James. Jose possesses a distinctive smoky quality to his voice which sits perfectly on this 10 track selection of largely down-tempo jazz works. ‘The Dreamer’ which initially appeared on ‘Brownswood Bubblers Vol. 1’ is present and correct along with the original mix of ‘Blackeyed Susan’. Other highlights include ‘Love’, a slightly funkier outing with a live, almost drum ‘n’ bass rhythm and an inspired version of ‘Nola’ originally performed by Bill Lee and Ronnie Dyson on the Spike Lee movie soundtrack ‘She’s Gotta Have It’. Touch down anywhere on this album though and you won’t be disappointed. If I had to make one slight criticism it would be that ‘Equinox’ and ‘Resolution’ from the limited edition 10" haven’t made it on to the set.

Andy Allen

Benedic Lamdin keeps the pressure on with yet another exquisite release under the guise of The Nostalgia 77 Octet. Again this is deep jazz of the highest order and features outstanding moments such as the funked up ‘Journey Home’, ‘Chola’, a stunning waltz and the modal ‘Stars’ fronted by vocalist Sophie Smith. Sophie also graces ‘One Step Out’ and ‘To Have Or To Be?’, two spiritual outings. Not to be overlooked though are the gentle meanderings of ‘Medusa’ and ‘When Love Is Strange’.

Andy Allen

Recorded on the last date of the band’s 2006 tour at the Barcelona Teatre Musical, the band was augmented on the night by guests from the original CD, Roberto Carcasses on piano, Raúl Rodriguez on tres, Faada Freddy from Daara J, a full Cuban horn section and Gyan Singh on tabla. Everyone is firing on all cylinders and the DVD fully demonstrates what a brilliant band they are. They also include a live and studio version of ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ what more could you want?

Graham Radley

Good new album from Luka, which sees him collaborating with Simon O’Reilly, who also produces. Tribe reflects Luka’s roots and has an overall relaxed feel but is not without a bit of bite where it’s needed. Excellent collection of musicians helping out as well including BJ Cole, Elmear O’Grady and Robbie Perry.

Graham Radley

Excellent dance floor filler with beaty, bouncing tracks fromj Jose Cone y Ola Fresca, Joe Bataan, Anitibalas, Quantic, X Alfonso, Los Amigos Invisibles, The Spam Allstars, Bobi Cespedes, Baku, Bitman & Roban, Nortec Collective, Ozomatli, Up, Bustle & Out & Los Mocosos. That’ll keep your feet busy won’t it?

Graham Radley

The title comes from the Scots word for what you do at hallowe’en – as in ‘dookin’ for apples. Mike Katz, Alan Reid, Alasdair White and Sean O’Donnell demonstrate why they are still one of the best bands around, 30 years on and still producing creative, quality music. Picks for me would be ‘Gathering Storm’ a song from Alan and ‘Dookin’ For Beetroot/The Head Rooster’ from Mike Katz. An excellent collection.

Graham Radley

Follow up to ‘State of Mind’ for the Afro-Argentinean singer-guitarist and it’s more infectious soul pop produced by Joe Mardin. Several of the tracks carry a message including ‘All The Answers’ and ‘Ghost Of War’ and the music varies from the acapella doo-wap of ‘Ain’t Happened Yet’ to ‘Tembererana’ which is another song with a message while incorporating music from his Argentinean roots. Raul has clearly soaked up a lot of influences but he’s made his own music as a result and rather splendid it is too.

Graham Radley

Debut CD (although well known as an actress in Italy) she explores the gap between her birthplace of Somalia and her adopted home of Italy. It’s a modern tale that lets the traditional sounds and instruments of Africa discover more contemporary European influences and flourish in their company. Refreshing.

Graham Radley

Robert Strauss follows up his debut album ‘Quasars & Phasars’ (Freerange) with an even stronger set. Whilst contemporary, ‘Mr. Feelings’ is heavily influenced by the feel-good grooves of 80s soul. With boogie bombs like ‘Music Is My Life’ fronted by Richie Henessey, ‘Miami Jammin’ and ‘Hot Like An Oven’ featuring the legendary Leroy Burgess. This should be huge.

Andy Allen

Renowned jazz artist Doug Hammond makes a welcome return with his first studio album in 20 years. With Doug on drums, sanza and vocals accompanied occasionally by Kirk Lightsey on piano this is an extremely sparse set but one that retains the magical quality of his 70s recordings for Tribe. ‘A Real Deal’ is consistent throughout but the tracks particularly worth mentioning are ‘Dope Of Power Suite (Four Tet Club Mix)’, ‘Rizz Biz’, ‘Moves’ and the stunningly beautiful ‘A Tear’.

Andy Allen