Fellow listeners to Benji B’s Deviation (1xtra) radio show will have noticed that the words ‘Jazzy Sport’ are now synonymous with exemplary Hip Hop, up-to-the-minute Nu Jazz, boundary-breaking Broken Beat, and killer live Disco to boot. Pound For Pound is the perfect demonstration of why this is so, delivering gem after gem from the likes of DJ Mitsu the Beats (alongside Maspyke’s Hanif Jamil), Bembe Segue, Masaya Fantasista, Cro Magnon and Grooveman Spot (who has even roped-in Hip Hop heavyweight Jeru The Damaja for a slice of the action). These guys are not messing around – Japan’s Jazzy Sport is consistently raising the bar and the challenge for others is to try to keep up. This is essential listening – don’t sleep!

Tom Breslin

California-based Stones Throw, home to head-honcho Peanut Butter Wolf and leading light Madlib, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most exciting and productive independent Hip Hop labels, and any new compilation from such a label is always cause for celebration. Far from predictable, Chrome Children 2 pulls together a collection that includes not only Hip Hop, but Jazz and Disco-tinged Funk and Electro (in the true sense of the word) as well. The featured Hip Hop matches some the hottest emcees around – Guilty Simpson, Aloe Blacc, M.E.D – with some of the most forward-thinking producers around – think Dabrye, Four Tet, Danny Breaks and Madlib himself – and the end result is satisfying indeed. For me though, the stand-outs are the Egon re-edit of the Clifford Nyren Disco-funker ‘Keep Running Away’ and ‘Murder’, by the rather comically named James Pants.

Tom Breslin

The formula: a hearty helping of expertly crafted beats – one-part classic Hip Hop, one part Broken Beat – with a sprinkling of highly talented vocalists. How could the man go wrong? Well, he doesn’t! Japan’s Grooveman Spot is on top of his game here, layering squelching synths and soulful keys over crisp, snapping beats that vary in tempo and form, but never in quality. Some are head-nodding instrumentals, some are full-on fodder for a discerning dance floor (‘Rude Fantastic’), and others are graced by star turns from the likes of Count Bass D, Grap Luva, O.C., Jack Davey and Capital A. Of particular note, is the Dilla-esque ‘Turn It Up’ featuring M.E.D. and ‘My Mind’, which introduces – to me at least – skilled Japanese rappers, Hunger, Raythought and U-Zipplain. Overall result: an album that I can’t recommend highly enough!

Tom Breslin

Let’s get the gripes out of the way. Firstly, there are too many skits and interludes on this album for my tastes. Secondly, there are a couple of insipid, ballad-like tracks that let the side down. Right, now to the positives. Most of Subject 2 Status is actually very good, and it’s hard to imagine most UK emcees being able to match the skill and flow of Manchester’s Broke ‘n’ English, a.k.a. Strategy and DRS, when they’re at their best. The high points, here, come on the tougher, up-tempo tracks, where they get a chance to display a rugged, but not aggressive, style that exudes energy and works to great effect. Case in point being ‘Take It Low’, a dynamite marriage of soulful chords, broken beats and smooth rhymes that deserves much success.

Tom Breslin

The Good Lookin’ label, home to Drum ‘n’ Bass pioneer LTJ Bukem, had rather drifted off my musical map of late, so it is particularly heartening to see it release a new artist album. Makoto, a confirmed Bukem-disciple, makes the kind of uplifting, melodic Drum ‘n’ Bass that is all too rare these days. You know, the kind with a sunny disposition, rather than the kind that was spawned by the Dark Overlord. Believe In My Soul is not breaking any new ground, but it’s not supposed to. It’s a high quality album full of intricately woven, musical Drum ‘n’ Bass, infused throughout with Jazz samples and soulful snippets that will please Good Lookin’ fans both old and new. And, if that’s not enough, it also includes bonus remixes by Marky and XRS.

Tom Breslin

Back again with new material, and DJ Vadim has been working hard, because there are 17 tracks here, with no fillers or interludes. What’s more, if you like one song, I think you’ll probably like them all, for The Soundcatcher maintains a certain summery style and feel-good factor throughout that makes it a perfect head-bobbing, relaxing-on-the-beach album. The beats are generally of a Hip Hop nature, but few tracks are straight-up raps. The rest are smooth instrumentals (a la Rae & Christian), laidback, Reggae influenced vocals and all other varieties of pre-party flavours that DJ Vadim has become known for. A good album that will be loved by many.

Tom Breslin

I got a bit of a shock when I received “Beyond The Rains” because I had no idea there was any plan to re-issue this album and the press release doesn’t make any reference to its previous release. Even though this album is 5/6 years old, it has not dated at all and it had been great to hear again. If you’ve never heard “Darker Than A Shadow” with Terry Callier, “Spaces and Places” with Fertile Ground or “Beyond The Rains” and “Love Is Flowing To Love” featuring Billie Godfrey, you’ve been really missing out. There are a couple of added extras “Kaleidoscope” with Lizzie Rendall, “My Words” with the ace Hipnosis and Mac Frank, and finally the release of Drumagick’s remix of “Beyond The Rains”. Here’s a good chance for you to catch up.

Simon Harrison

Sheila Landis is a name I’ve heard of before but for some unknown reason, I’ve looked through my record collection and found nothing by her. I remember asking people about the tracks played and writing them down but never followed up. Thankfully Counterpoint have jogged my memory and compiled twelve excellent tracks which will blow you away. Compiled from her album back catalogue (1981-2002), which was released on her self financed Shelan Records. Sheila’s voice is a true joy to listen to and will certainly put a smile on your face. Essential tracks are “Leigh Anns Dance”, “Nightwalking”, “Gershwins Summertime” and “Summertime”. If Lanis’ name is new to you or if you have some of these tracks missing from your collection, this is a must.

Simon Harrison

In the current climate in the music industry there is a lot of uncertainty with independants. So it’s always great to see people start new labels and continue to push quality music. Basement Soul is a club night based in Brighton and this is their debut but it’s as though they’ve been at it for years. Exclusives from Jneiro Jarel, Soulphiction, Yellowtail and Max Cole aka Moxo Tengu. It’s also fantastic to see Vaceo’s “Cos You’re Here” and Masoul’s “Knowledge” with Ursula Rucker finally get a release. This is one Friday night session I need to visit.

Simon Harrison

I always try to be open minded with all the music I receive but it’s only human nature to always try to guess what to expect. In my mind I had the Raw Artistic Soul album sorted in my head but I was so wrong. I was expecting an album of house and garage but the quality just blew my socks off and can easliy be compared with some of the best house producers around at the moment. Phil Kullmann aka Raw Artistic Soul doesn’t just go down the 4/4 route, there’s soul, jazz, afrobeat and disco in there to keep everyone happy. “The Light” with Ursula Rucker grabbed my attention on first play and it’s the best track I’ve heard Rucker feature for quite sometime. “Pa La Loma” and “Abanico” which add beautiful latin influences and will be of interest to fans of Nu Yorican soul fans. This is what house music is all about.

Simon Harrison