I recall talking to Ed Motta about his musical influences following his appearance at the Jazz Cafe a couple of years back. He cited a diverse spectrum of styles from Black Jazz / Strata East to Barry Manilow. Fortunately ‘Aystelum’ leans towards the former, particularly on tracks such as the opener ‘Awunism’, ‘E Muita Gig Vei!!!’, ‘Balendoah’ and the title track. His Brazilian soul roots are also present and correct on the fabulous ‘Patidid’ and ‘Gueagui’. Of course he delves into the Parisian music hall style as he did on ‘Dwitza’, but on the whole this is an excellent set from an outstanding talent.

Andy Allen

Soil & Pimp Sessions waste no time in following up their recent ‘Pimp Master’ set with this 6 track EP. No surprises here just more of their distinctive brand of frantic ‘death jazz’. ‘Fragment’ is the instant highlight but drop ‘Ms B.C.’, ‘Sweat’ or the title track and you won’t be disappointed.

Andy Allen

Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva releases his third album for Ninja Tune’s baby brother – Big Dada. Mr Manuva manages to surpass himself once more with that distinctive voice and experimental riddums. Two singles: ‘Colossal Insight’ and ‘Too cold’ have already graced the shelves in rekkid stores across the planet featuring some superb remixes alongside the originals. Now Roots is a real marmite situation, you either like his style of vocal or you hate it. This dude has written some brilliant songs in the past and there are plenty more to be devoured from this album.
I think Roots Manuva has matured even more with this release. Some of the beats are very original and he proves that he’s still not scared about rhyming about the real deal in this messed up land we call home. If you still haven’t bought this gem then at least give it a listen – Roots Manuva fans will love it.

Jax

Part 2 of New Flesh fame unleashes his first solo album on the Big Dada label. This album has been work in progress for a few years now as he is been kept busy with New flesh and various other side projects. The album is rammer-jammed with superb guest vocalists entwinded with very fat sounds ranging from Grime to Reggae to Detroit fuelled rhythms.The double A-side of ‘Get Square feat. Fallacy’ and ‘Will It Ever feat. Sandra Melody is already getting some great response in the press and on the floor – and i’m sure the full deal will receive the same praise on its release at the end of Sept ’05. The beats are fully loaded and he’s really gotten the most from his vocalist side-kicks. Well worth checking out.

Jax

Former member of Rednose Districkt, shows how well this young talent can work on his own. He’s picked a fine selection of vocalists which include Jneiro Jarel, Cee-Major, U-Gene, Lady Alma and others. Not only that but you won’t stop shaking your hips to the deep grooves that Sublime has put together, which will rock any dancefloor or sound just as nice on your headphones. Kindred Spirits just continue their domination of things soulful.

Simon Harrison

I’ve been looking forward to hearing D’nell’s debut album for along time now, ever since Young Lee played the exclusive of “I Read About” on Basic Soul in March 2004. It’s been a long time but it’s been well worth the wait. D’Nell are long time partners producer, Dan Jones and beautiful vocalist Ellie Hajee. Featuring some wonderful grooves that continue to grow on you, even after listening to this for a week. Listen to “I Read About” and you’ll buy this on the album version alone.

Simon Harrison

How time flies when you having fun. I cannot believe that Russell is releasing her second album, when it seems like only a few months since “Under The Munka Moon” dropped. Russell has been recording guest vocals left, right and centre but I’m still not tired of one of the UK’s finest vocalists, in fact I want more. You don’t really need me to tell you this is an excellent album because we always knew it was going to be. So stop reading this, get out there and buy a copy.

Simon Harrison

I’ve lost count of Dominic Stanton’s aliases and releases but here is the latest instalment under Domu. I went to the release party of “Return Of The Rogue” back in May but thankfully this will be out soon. Believe me this is an absolute classic from the man who never seems to stop working. As we’ve come to expect from Domu over the years, you never quite know what’s coming next. Well I won’t spoil the plot for you because this is fantastic from start to end. This is sure to be one of the best albums in 2005.

Simon Harrison

Yet another corking album from the Compost stable and this time it’s from Eddy who is half of Eddy and Dus and Yannah aka Jana Valdevit. With a serious amount of musical history between them I always knew this would be good. With a mix-up of Broken beats, Jazz and Brazilian styles and top vocals from Yannah, make sure you pack this for your summer holiday because it’ll make perfect sense on a sandy beach in the sun.

Simon Harrison

As you may have gathered by the title, all of the ten tracks on Ernesto’s latest album have a blues influence. Mixing blues and electronic music may not sound good on paper but this is tastefully and beautifully arranged. Personally I’ve been hammering ‘another ten’ which featured on the 7″ single but ensure you check out the wonderful ‘Father’. Maybe more producers should move to Birmingham because it’s worked wonders for Ernesto.

Simon Harrison