This is one album I’ve been after for months, in fact I had to borrow a copy from a friend to drop some tracks on my radio show. Raw Fusion seem to have done a deal with Tru Thoughts and I hope this album receives more attention for Up Hygh because it’s much deserved. The beats are deep, funky with squelchy basslines and have spent many an hour learning and studying beats from J-Dilla. Guest vocalists include Phonte & Pooh of Little Brother, Planet Asia and the wonderful Eska and all bring soul to the preceedings and should have you coming back for more. All we need now is their excellent remix of Steve Spacek’s “Dollar” to get an official release.

Simon Harrison

There seems to be a competition going on between Quantic and Nostalgia 77 to see who can release the most music in a short space of time, and it’s pretty much neck and neck at the moment. A few weeks ago the breathtaking album “The Impossible Equation” was released – and on vinyl only which was nice – and now we have “Borderlands”. The Nostalgia 77 Octet is the live incarnation of Benedic Lamdin’s solo project. In February the band locked themselves away in a cottage in Wales to rehearse and record this album and by the sounds of it, that must have been quite a week. Inspired by the sounds of soul, funk, gospel and classic jazz of the 60’s and 70’s, it all comes together beautifully for a modern world. Jazz at its best for the twenty-first century.

Simon Harrison

Mr. Degiorgio is firing all cylinders at the moment. His amazing Beauty Room project is now in the shops and he’s gone back to where I first heard of Kirk, when the first Planetary Folklore album was released on Mo Wax nine years ago. A lot has changed over the years but Kirk has never lost his touch. Volume Two is a beautiful electronica sound with broken beats, orchestral pieces and ambience thrown into the nine tracks. “Irradiant” and “It’s all turning blue” are just two tracks that have been going down a storm. Archive were certainly wise to pick up on this gem.

Simon Harrison

Mr Bongo is back with another stunning compilation, which has been put together by Sean Marquand and Greg Caz. It’s named after their weekly night in Brooklyn, NYC, a night which must be pretty special judging by the tracklistings here. Twenty two tracks in total which obviously are Brazilian influenced but with sprinklings of soul, funk and disco. Disco is one thing I wouldn’t expect to work with a Brazilian vocal but listen to Silvio Casar’s “A Festa” and you’ll be sure to change your mind. Chalo Eduardo’s “Beija-Flor Suite” will blow any dancefloor apart and the rest of the selections are simply top notch. Miss at your peril.

Simon Harrison

One of the best ways to get your music out there is basically to do everything yourself, and that’s what Dogdaze has done – and full respect. What we have here is an album with no compromises which features some of the darkest beats and heaviest basslines you’ll hear this year. Dave has been taking tips from the likes of Danny Breaks and Tipper, especially in “Junglism” and “Transmission”. “In Dog We Trust” bridges the gaps between broken beats, hiphop and soul. Broken beats monsters “So” and “Ride” will find a home with fans of Domu. Heavyweight stuff.

Simon Harrison

Compiled by Casbah 73 this first rate compilation shines the light on some lesser-known jazz gems from around the world and covers a variety of styles. It opens with the sweeping strings and bossa rhythm of ‘Consolacao’ from Luiz Eca & Orquesta Da Cordas before moving into Salena Jones’ rip roaring take on ‘Right Now’ and the bright and breezy ‘Don’t Kill Your Fantasy’ by Chinchilla. Esther Phillips’ northern soul favourite, ‘Just Say Goodbye’ also takes it’s rightful place, as do the mad fusion dancers ‘Snowflake’ from Ronnie April’s Positive Energy and Gerardo Batiz’ ‘En Fa’. The one I’m currently hooked on though is Archie Whitewater’s psychedelic soul-jazz masterpiece ‘Cross Country’, which isn’t unlike Chicago’s early work.

Andy Allen

This is the 3rd long player from Bonobo, and whilst it retains elements of the lounge styling found on previous work "Days To Come" has a much deeper jazz flavour. This is in no doubt due to the fact that Bajka graces several cuts with her fragile yet beautiful voice. The title track is an outstanding example but not to be overlooked is "Nightlite", which has a northern soul meets spiritual jazz vibe! Also worthy of note is the mellow folky feel of "If You Stayed Over" with Fink.

Andy Allen

At first glance you could be mistaken for thinking this was a funky house compilation but don’t be put off by the ‘fashionable’ pretty couple on the cover because this CD includes some of the best broken-soul cuts of recent times. It kicks off in fine style with Mark De Clive-Lowe’s ‘Heaven’ featuring Bembe Segue before moving into the killer Math Union Remix of ‘Juice’ from Season featuring Ernesto, the Brooklyn Remix of ‘Brothers On The Slide’ by Patchworks Ginger X Press and Champion Soul’s ‘Holdin’ On’ (Spymusic Remix). Other worthy inclusions are ‘Disney’ from Channel Two featuring Kim Hill and DJ Spinna’s Vocal Mix of Roy Ayers’ ‘Holiday’ but my favourites are ‘Be The One’ by L’Aroye featuring Humphrey, the U-Key Disco Mix of Doob’s ‘Princess’ and ‘You Say’ by Moodorama, which are all new to me. So the moral of the story is never judge a book by its cover!

Andy Allen

Malena Perez comes with a strong album of deep Latin house, which will appeal to lovers of Osunlade, who incidentally handles some of the production along with Alix Alvarez and Carlos Nino (Build An Ark). It features the singles ‘Free To Fly’, ‘Chase The Butterflies’ with both the original and Kenny Dope remix present here and ‘Praise The Day’. The down-tempo groove of ‘Surrender’ and the breezy ‘Tomorrow’ are also deserving of your attention but the real standouts are ‘Confession’, an infectious flute and organ laced piece and the 4 Hero influenced ‘What Do I Do’.

Andy Allen

Aim aka Andy Turner is one producer whose productions I’ve always looked forward to hearing. Ever since his first 12″s on Grand Central, he’s always been a name to watch out for. My interest is because I was brought up in a town not far from where Andy was brought up and still resides. I do remember seeing him at clubs around the area, back in the day. Whenever I have read reviews of his work, funnily Barrow-In-Furness always seems to get a mention and he way well be the only producer in the area making music. “Flight 602” is his third album and proves yet again he is a quality beats producer and serves up plenty of funkiness for prevailing dancefloors, especially with “Birchwood”, “Smile” both of which should find a home with Quantic fans. Niko, Turner’s wife features on vocals and gives the album a little more depth and variety. This is a great way to kick off Atic Records.

Simon Harrison