Carlos Niño is proving a very busy man at the moment This is his second Ammoncontact album in only six months and he’s also behind such quality projects like Build An Ark and Dwight Trible. Yes that’s a serious amount of music to release in a short space of time but this just proves how talented Niño is. Here we have 10 instrumental tracks spread over two slabs of vinyl; some labels could do with learning from this. You can hear some of Niño’s influences from jazz to funk and soul all within the heavy grooved based production, with basslines that shake your boots. As a bonus there is the excellent Build An Ark "Temple Jam" that featured on the Dublab Presents In The Loop 2 12" from earlier in the year. It’s worth it for that track alone.

Simon Harrison

I was being given a lift around Leeds with the manager of 2020 vision at the end of 2004 and in his car stereo was a track from ‘Reachin Out’. The track in question was ‘Switch’ which features vocals from legend Flora Purim. I could not quite believe my ears and I can see why that was chosen for the first single. Danny Ward has invited some excellent guests, which include Diane Charlemagne, Qball and Curt Cazal [QNC], Kate Rogers and Nightmares On Wax. 2020 vision are known for their quality house productions but here Danny really pushes the boundaries on just about every style known to man. There’s the bluey ‘Rain’, the house anthem ‘Switch’ and hiphop monster ‘Would You’. What else do I need to say?

Simon Harrison

There is such a lot of fantastic hiphop around at the moment, it’s great to hear an album full of mostly instrumental beats. Written and produced by Boris Mezga from Stuttgart, he is one name you will need to keep an eye out for in the future. Within the first few tracks you can see Boris is being influenced by the right kind of producers; from Madlib to Sa-Ra, but creating his own sound. With twenty tracks totalling over 70 minutes, this is a joy to listen to. Even better you can download the full album for free on Tokyo Dawns website

Simon Harrison

Over the last five months, three beautifully packaged 12’s have been released, produced by the genius Matthew Herbert and featuring stunning vocals from Moloko’s leading lady. All nine tracks from the three 12’s now come complete as a cd package. Of course we have Herbert’s quirky productions skills, which are perfectly suited to Roisin’s vocals, who sounds not a million miles away in style to Herbert’s long time collaborator and wife Dani Siciliano. You have the sought after ‘Night Of The Dancing Flame’, smoker ‘Sinking Feeling’ and my personal faves ‘Ramalama (Bang Bang)’ and ‘Sow Into You’. Keep an eye out for the forthcoming single because it’s supposed to be remixed by someone special.

Simon Harrison

Now when it gets to the third in a series, some compilations get very tired – you know what to expect and they usually miss the boat altogether from the time its mixed to the eventual release date. But not here, the Unabombers manage to hit the spot with every track. From the slow funked up sound of the highly rated Platinum Pied Pipers, the blissful vocals of S.I.A. right through to the awesome isolee remix of Cardiology by Recloose. Regulars at Electric chair in Manchester will no doubt snap this up, but i’d also recommend it to anyone with a bit of soul – its as simple as that.

Jax

Warp’s newest recruit used to be the main man behind Super Collider. His solo work has been highly anticipated and judging by this album it was definitely worth the wait. The first single ‘When I Come Back Around’ is superb and carries the vocal funk of people such as Amp Fiddler. Lidell also borders on Northern soul on the track ‘Music Will Not Last’, furious funk on ‘New Me’ and some lodown jazz piano on ‘What Is It This Time’. Overall the album is very refreshing and gets better by the listen. A million miles away from the usual Warp releases this man is also well worth checking out live if you get the chance. Warp are Brilliant!

Jax

NMS return with more funk-fuelled instrumentals on this their fourth album. Most people seem to remember these guys for their funk version of NuYorican Soul’s ‘Nervous Track’ and here they have covered Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Ain’t No Telling’ and Donny Hathaway’s ‘Zambezi’ to great effect. NMS is led by the exceptionally talented guitarist Eddie Roberts and all eleven tracks are as tight as you’d expect with raw and stripped down productions. Keep an eye out for their excellent funk remix of Soldiers of Twilight’s house anthem ‘Believe’

Simon Harrison

Following on from 2004’s ‘My London Friends’, Arision have kindly given us a chance to own a copy of this now legendary jazz album, where the original sells for big bucks. Recorded at the Living Room in Paris in 1973, this has to be up there with the best piano jazz albums ever recorded. Here Marco plays both the fender Rhodes and piano, to amazing effect with Jacky Sampson on bass and Charles Saudrais on drums, to achieve those funky basslines. Watch out for more reissues from the Arision stable.

Simon Harrison

This is the first full vocal album produced by Dego, who has also brought in second in command Kaidi Tatham in on the act. This is the kind of album that will become a true classic in years to come and that is not just because of the two names already mentioned. This is also due to the incredible soulful vocals of Deborah Jordon, which fit the productions perfectly, and if that isn’t enough Bembe Segue is on backing vocals. Perfect for home listening and also for any club set. That should be enough reasons for you to spend your hard earned cash. 

Simon Harrison

Roger Robinson is now into his tenth year of programming poetry, performing, writing and teaching, and currently divides his time between London, New York and Trinidad. He has been hailed the UK’s answer to Saul Williams and just listening to the stunning 7" single ‘Nicola’s Song’ you can see why there is quite a buzz around the release of his debut ‘Illclectica’. Produced by Roger and Rob Mac from Scratch/Speeka, they have arranged twelve brilliant tracks of various styles and moods, with exceptional poetic lyrics from Roger. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this wonderful album, you won’t regret it.

Simon Harrison