Although Mudd aka Paul Murphy (not the jazz DJ/producer and Afro Art Records boss of the same name) has been producing music in other guises for years now he first came to my attention in 2005 with ‘Kerry’s Caravan’ a collaboration with Chico Hamilton released on Rong Music. More recently he impressed with the brilliant ‘Villa Stavros’ which saw him team up with keyboardist Kevin Pollard. His latest release ‘Claremont 56’ is his debut solo album which takes in elements of slow motion disco, electro and folk resulting in an atmospheric Balearic soundscape. ‘C40’, a tripped out folk instrumental opens the set before merging into the ambient ‘Mount Pleasant Lane’ which features warm key chords from the aforementioned Pollard. ’54B’ is a solid discoid piece but it’s Mudd’s jazzier side that appeals to me the most with tracks such as the soothing fusion outing ‘Spyro’, ‘The Snicket’ which is underpinned with a subtle samba rhythm and the gentle Latin flavoured ‘Summer In The Wood’.

Andy Allen

Things have certainly changed with the internet and swapping music is affecting the music industry in many way, but on this occasion it worked for me. A friend sent me a few of the early releases on Flogsta Danshall, a name which meant nothing to me at the time but once I’d heard them, I was straight on the web hunting down copies of all their 7″ releases: five in total. The quality continues with this compilation with some of the funkiest, dirtiest beats you’ll here with year, with plenty of nostalgic Commodore 64 samples to keep the beat diggers and retro fanatics happy. I’d be very impressed if you’ve heard of any of the artists featured and it seems like most of the artists are based in Scandinavia, but I’m struggling to get more information. Of course it makes no difference where these tracks are made because they all just need to be played.

Simon Harrison

The third installment is here and boy you should be getting excited. I’ve been thinking for a few weeks about what to say on “Ma Fleur” and I cannot come up with a better description than that when I met up with Simon S from Futuristica Music and was chatting to him about this album:The first time you hear “To Build A Home” it makes you wonder if you’ve just turned on Cold Play but in reality this is just simply beautiful music with wonderful vocals from Patrick Watson. We have more of those stunning arrangements and the added extra of another pairing with Fontella Bass. It was sad to read in the press notes that Fontella is ill but if you need your spirits lifting, just play the amazing “Breathe” and “Familiar Ground”. There is a chance that a specially commissioned screenplay for a film might be made to accompany this release and I so hope Swincoe gets the chance to fully complete this project. Like both previous albums, just buy!

Simon Harrison

Volume One was full of real quality but the problem for me was that I had bought most of the tracks on there. Volume Two is somewhat different: yes there are a few tracks that I have, but if you don’t they are essential, like tracks by Marcina Arnold, Nicola Kramer and Grand Union. The other thirteen artists were mostly unknown to me until recently and myspace has been great getting more information. It’s so good to see the excellent “Tea Leaf Dancers” by Flying Lotus with beautiful vocals by Andreya Triana finally see the light of day because it’s been on most peoples’ wants list for months. You also need to hear tracks by Boomclap Bachelors, Matsi, Middlewood Sessions, Sarah Ann Webb and Daisuke Tanabe’s remix of Elan Mehler. Truly essential.

Simon Harrison

Originally released in 1973 Gary Marks’ ‘Gathering’ gets a welcome reissue by Kindred Spirits. Gary has a gentle yet mesmerizing quality to his voice and together with his band, featuring amongst others guitarist John Scofield and David Samuels on vibes, he delivers a stunning collection of folk-jazz compositions. ‘Sailing’, a tranquil piece, the blissful ‘We Free’, the funky fusion instrumental title track and ‘Him Sometimes’, a superb modal outing are all exceptional but this album is a pleasure to listen to from beginning to end.

Andy Allen

When Adriana Evans’ self-titled debut was released in 1997 it impacted greatly on the newly emerging neo/organic soul scene. Although her follow up ‘Nomadic’ failed to spark the same level of interest this, her third set sees a return to form. It features all the traits of her first, strong beats, infectious horn arrangements and of course Adriana’s delectable vocal tones. She particularly shines on ‘Hey Now’, ‘Calling Me’ and ‘Undercover’ along with the mellow samba ‘Blue Bird In Bahia’ and the Latin flavoured ‘All For Love’, all of which are like a breath of fresh air.

Andy Allen

A best of from 1998 to 2003 on Anonym Records, The Lion Of Zimbabwe developed his Chimurenga Music (music of struggle) style to voice his concerns over political and social issues in Zimbabwe. At the core of the music is the spiritual sound of the mbira but there’s some jit jive and wider influences contributing too to his powerful vocal style and delivery. The CD starts with a track from his latest release ‘Toi Toi’. taking us back it time to ‘Chimurenga ’98’. Good collection.

Graham Radley

The Red Flags are songwriter Keith Mouland (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, whistling) and K.C. (Harry) O’ Shea (upright bass, accordion, piano) here they bring us a very classy collection of Americana/alt. country that stands it fairly and squarely against most others of its ilk. The songs are stories of life, try and listen to ‘Down Across he Border’ to hear them at their best. Very good.

Graham Radley

Excellent new CD from Candido after a too long five year absence, vocally some of the smoothness has gone but developed a rawer edge which fires the music onto the dance floor. His reputation as a songwriter has led to his material being covered by Isaac Delgado, Los Van Van, Oscar D’Leon while his reputation as an improviser means he can rip it up on tracks like ‘El Granmy’. Very Good

Graham Radley

Quite chilled and melodic with varied influences that move from west to East via African and reggae touches along the way. I especially like his version of ‘Road’ the Nick Drake track which here features viola and piano from Brendan and works really well. Worth checking.

Graham Radley