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KVRVBO: Euphoria [Stay True Sounds]
“Euphoria” is the debut full length release from KVRVBO (pronounced Karabo). KVRVBO is one of a number of talented DJ/Producers to emerge from the meteoric house music scene in South Africa. With two critically acclaimed EPs under his belt under the impressive label Stay True Sounds, this record is an ode to classic house and he represents himself very well here. “Conspiracy” is a perfect example of that. A traditional four to the floor banger with warm emotive synth lines juxtaposed against a pulsating rhythm. “O Flopo” is a mid-tempo Afro house tune armed with a gentle thumping bass groove. It’s also one of the few vocal tracks here and features Okay GOD. KVRVBO slows down the pace with “Call For Truth”. A meditative tune filled with potent poetic words of wisdom on top of a steady hypnotic beat. KVRVBO taps into his musical roots to create a deep house gem with his signature sound combined with classic deep house rhythms. A triumphant release that should put him all over the map.
Mista Monk: Multi [Inner Tribe]
Austrailian based rapper Liam Monkhouse aka Mista Monk brings a truck load of funk on his new release “Multi”. Monk has partnered up with an array of like minded eclectic artists who relate to his vision of forward thinking soul music and hip-hop. “Crossroads” packs a load of boom bap as Monk spits hard hitting rhymnes along with vocal assistance from fellow Austrailian native Laneous. “Mind Zone” is a laid back soulful number with an impressive cast. Fellow rapper Illa J jumps on board alongside Pugz Alomz, Lord Lobe and vocalist Charli Umami of Plantself. “This Is For…” is another favorite with thumping beats certain to get your head nod on. “Rains” is a wicked dub track that provides a nice change of pace. Produced by notable producer Inkswell, “Multi” is quality hip-hop. There’s plenty of funk, supreme vocals and beats by the pound that will warrant several spins.
Gizelle Smith: Revealing [Jalapeno Records]
Manchester based vocalist Gizelle Smith returns with her latest lp entitled “Revealing”. The soul and funk chanteuse’s third full length release takes a shift from the high octane raw soul compositions she’s become known for. Like all of us, the past year took a toll on Smith. Aside from the pandemic she also lost her Dad Joe, former musical director for legendary Motown group The Four Tops. She decided to scratch her original compositions and came up with the material we’re treated to here. The opener “Agony Road” has a catchy guitar hook and provides the perfect canvas for Smith’s restrained but potent vocals. “Better Remember” is a mellow tune fueled by a wicked wah wah guitar pedal and a soulful rhythm section. Smith shows a softer side as she confronts social distancing and the anxieties that come along with it. “Riot Cars” and “The Girl Who Cried Snow” have a rock tinged edge to them yet Smith sounds right at home. Although she’s been in the game for more than a decade, Smith has just scratch the surface. This marvelous lp showcases a new side to her and you’re gonna to love the results.
Jimpster: Anthology Vol 1 and 2 [Freerange]
Dj/Producer Jamie Odell aka Jimpster has been on the short list of premier DJs for the past twenty five years. He has released numerous timeless house tracks on his label Freerange records as well as other labels. With the release of the Anthology Vol 1 & 2 lp, we take a moment or several hours to celebrate some of his acclaimed recordings. As one might expect, this two disc set is loaded with bangers. “Sleeper” is heart pounding house with equal parts warmth, groove and heavy beats. “One” is infectious house with vocal assistance from Casamena. Jimpster’s production is on point as the momentum builds throughout the track until it reaches a fever pitch. The digital version of this lp features a couple of down-tempo tunes perfect to shift your mood and give your feet a rest. “The Sun Comes Up” is one of those tunes to help you unwind after a night of clubbing. Or it’s simply just a high quality chillout track. This disc is a great place to add some classics from a DJ still on top of his game.
Makez: City Of All [Heist Recordings]
The Amsterdam based duo known as Makez’s full length debut “City Of All” is the follow up to their impressive 2019 debut EP “Different Planets”. Like their EP, this release is filled with big bold infectious house and down-tempo grooves. “Not So Different” is loaded with masculine energy, pulsating beats and guest vocals courtesy of Lyma. “Feel The Same” is another banger with a big majestic sound, heightened by bombastic cymbals and soaring vocals that punctuate the groove. The duo demonstrate their range as producers isn’t beholden to house. “Looking Up” is a slow burning down-tempo tune augmented by the seductive vocals of Allysha Joy. “Orbit” is an orgasmic blend of jazz, latin and funk that has a meditative quality to it. There’s a deep well of warmth to these compositions. The house tracks aren’t just for dance floor consumption, they’re perfectly suited for any setting. The other tunes are equally impressive. These guys are showcasing a lot of talent here. They’ve crafted a superb album that should make them a household names before long.
As Valet: Virgo Stellar [Futuristica]
Parisian Producer/beat maker As Valet, former member of the group Electric Conversation delivers a deep dish of soulful electronic grooves with “Virgo Stellar”. Valet’s abstract compositions underline his skill at cultivating an ecosystem of sublime electronica. Whether it’s downtempo or infectious deep house, the result is a deep dish of musical goodness. “Come True” is a warm and mellow house gem that glides underneath the blissful vocals of former Electric Conversation member LaNote, who is featured throughout the disc. “Verite’ Sur L’amour” has a deep and percolating beat that is augmented by the vocals of J.Mcfysian and LaNote. “Lab E Aint” is the lone instrumental and is a slice of heaven due in part to the sublime blending of electronica, wordless harmonies and atmospheric grooves. This is a terrific release from a producer who shamefully remains under the radar. This release should provide the shine he rightfully deserves.
Flamingo Pier: Flamingo Pier [Soundway]
New Zealand collective Flamingo Pier’s self titled full length debut is filled with punchy Disco, funky boogie and infectious house tunes. This album builds on the highly regarded EPs released in 2019 and 2020. The nine track release packs quite a punch right out of the gate. “Eternal” has elements of classic Disco with soaring strings, sweet horns and infectious drums courtesy of label mate Julien Dyne. Another label mate, saxophonist Nathan Haines shares production duties on the tasty house banger “Last Call”. The eight minute banger will be an instant floor filler for many DJs. “Make You Wonder” has a percolating guitar infused boogie groove. The entire disc has an uplifting vibe that stems from a year of being in lockdown. The band was finally able to gather together in the studio and the energy manifested into a joyful recording that’s certain to make you dance, toe tap or however you choose to move.
Rolf Zielke: Beaches In Your Soul [Agogo]
Pianist Rolf Zielke’s engaging release “Beaches In Your Soul” is a tasty stew of contemporary Jazz with a tinge of Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences as well. Zielke and his band come out the gate swinging on the elegant “Awakening”. Saxophonist Stephan Abel’s warm yet robust melodies are the perfect compliment to Zielke’s shimmering flourishes. Cellist Stephen Braun adds another layer of melodic brilliance on strings. Braun shines even brighter on “Night Sea Journey”, a blissful atmospheric composition. Mohannad Nasser’s strumming on the oud adds a touch of a Middle Eastern vibe woven together perfectly. Zielke’s elegant playing and arrangements will evoke images of Bill Evans but he’s clearly carving out an identity for himself here. “Okavango Serenade” is a lovely ballad enhanced by Trumpeter Beeny Brown’s sublime melodies. Zielke’s playing and songwriting are top notch. The musicians on board here rise to the occasion. He has demonstrated a great deal of creativity by weaving a multitude of cultures into a deeply satisfying set. No doubt more attention will be coming his way.
Dego: The Negative Positive [2000 Black]
“The Negative Positive”, the latest from DJ/Producer Dego is filled with instrumental grooves and tasty vocal treats. Dego seamlessly blurs the lines between soul, boogie and broken beat and has built an impressive catalog since his partnership with Marc Mac as 4Hero. Under his 2000 black label, he has released countless grooves and bangers for himself as well as collaborations with mainstays like Kaidi Tathum, Lord & Ranks among others. With this release Dego has pulled back the tempo but the tracks still pack quite a punch. “This Is A Message To You” is one of the strongest tunes here. A catchy mid-tempo tune enhanced by Nadine Charles lovely vocals. The title is filled with effusive beats and funky synths. Vocalist Samii warms up the laid back boogie tune “Recovered Memories”. For moments when you need to chill this record will serve as the perfect antidote.
Wheel Up: Good Love [Tru Thoughts]
Danny Wheeler aka DJ Wheel Up releases his much anticipated full length debut “Good Love”. Wheeler teams up with broken beat pioneer Afonaut from Bugz In The Attic fame as well as his own solo projects. The essence of broken beat personifies this disc and the lead track “Good Love” is evidence of that. The infectious banger features Alabama based rapper Blint Story and vocalist Destiny Will and ignites instant body movement. It’s certain to find it’s way onto several DJs playlist. “Rise Above” is another Bruk flavored classic that features drum n bass duo Pola & Bryson, aka “Abacus”. Blint Story shows up again on the politically tinged Bruk banger “Stay For Long” which is woefully too short at under three minutes. Bembe Segue, a long time contributor to a number of Broken beat compositions with a number of artists displays her unique vocals to the boogie groover “Fusion”. “Good Love” is a triumph that celebrates broken beat and club culture. It’s an album filled with joyful vibes that deserves heavy rotation.
Sun Circle: Love Stories EP [Futuristica]
“Life Stories EP” is the first release from Simon Skolfield and Deborah Jordan since 2009’s “Reborn”. The duo certainly has been busy during that span with Jordan’s solo projects and Skofield’s array of production credits for his Futuristica label. With all the activity it’s a pleasant surprise that they found time for this splendid six track EP. The disc kicks off beautifully with “Cry”. The steady deliberate down-tempo beat and heavenly melody create a perfect canvas for Jordan’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. “My Heart” oozes with emotion. Jordan’s heartfelt lyrics combined with the sublime classical instrumentation will tug at your heart strings. The title track is another down-tempo treat filled with warm keys and strings. Marc Rapson’s rework adds a little more bounce while transforming it into an atmospheric gem. Sun Circle delivers a marvelous EP that is warm, fresh and lush. The Futuristica family continues to gift us with one superb recording after another.
Caravela: Orla [None More Records]
“Orla”, the full length debut from Caravela is filled with sublime Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist Ines Loubet Franco’s warm and melodic vocals enanate from her native Portuguese to her recent experiences in Brazil. There’s a purity to her voice that few can match. When you combine that with the band’s driving percussive rhythms you have an intoxicating mix to quench your musical palette. “Vale Do Capao” blossoms with hypnotic electric guitar rhythms from Telmo Souza that simmer while Jansen Santana’s percussion will immediately lift your spirits. “Um E Melo” is a slow burning delight that features emotive spoken word from Dizraeli. The seven track release is laced with organic grooves that speak to social issues from Brazil to Cape Verde. This superb release demonstrate a deep rhythmic palette that will take you on glorious ride. Don’t miss it.
Anthony Joseph: The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives [Heavenly Sweetness]
“The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives” is the latest offering of spoken word brilliance from Anthony Joseph. The poet’s latest release is a jam fest filled with Afro Caribbean rhythms fronted by a powerhouse lineup. Jason Yarde, who also serves as producer serenades us with his buoyant Alto and baritone sax on several tracks. On the opener “Kamau”, Shabaka Hutchings brooding bass clarinet slivers into your body while Colin Webster’s fiery Tenor dances on top of the infectious groove. The tune is a tribute to Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite who passed away in early 2020. “Calling England Home” is a slow burning number about a man trying to find his place in a new country for decades before feeling at home. “Language” is another long playing heater that pays tribute to Jamaican Poet Anthony McNeill. Drummer Rod Youngs sets the stage with heart pounding rhythms while creating space for others. Tenor titan Denys Baptiste muscular Tenor sends shivers while Webster switches from Tenor to Baritone and delivers with spine tingling soloing. The horn players aren’t the only stars here. Parisian pianist Florian Pellisser finds his place within the delicious groove on “Swing Praxis” to add colorful melodies. Bassist Andrew John is superb at laying down a delicious groove and keeping your head on a swivel throughout the disc. As for Joseph, he’s at his absolute best as he dives deep into his Caribbean roots. Quite simply it’s another masterpiece from Joseph. He’s the gift who keeps on giving. He’s an absolute treasure and this record is among the best to emerge this year.
Work Money Death: The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides Can Be The Place From Which Creation Arises [ATA Records]
“The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides Can Be The Place From Which Creation Arises” is the latest project from the group Work Money Death. The project was the creation of Saxophonist Tony Burkill and pianist Adam Fairhall. The group performed with Burkill for his ATA records debut back in 2017. Although there’s only two tracks here they both come in at around seventeen minutes each. The two track disc has a spiritual jazz vibe as Burkill channels the spirit of Pharoah Sanders. On the haunting opener “Dusk” Neil Innes distinctive bass patterns are the driving force behind the tunes. Innes’s vamps are a perfect compliment to the melodic flourishes from Burkill and pianist Adam Fairhall. “Dawn” is a sixteen minute passage driven by a quest to spread peace and love. Burkill’s tenor is strong out the gate but isn’t the only element serving notice. Emotive percussions courtesy of Pete Williams are in alignment with Fairhall’s glorious soloing. Drummer Sam Hobbs understated rhythms serves as the perfect canvas for everyone to shine. Marvelous work from on hand here and another winner for ATA records.
Str4ta: Aspects [Brownswood Recordings]
Str4ta is the brainchild of renowned DJ/Producer Gilles Peterson and Jean “Bluey” Maunick of Incognito fame. “Aspects” is a nod to the eighties flavored Brit Funk era that they helped pioneer. Together they set in motion a genre that grew in stature and spawn numerous bands from the inception. Some of those bands were Hi Tension, Light Of The World and Freez just to name a few. The opening tune “Aspects” immediately transports us back to that time. A blistering up-tempo burner with an infectious groove backed by punchy drum programming. “Rhythm In Your Mind” takes the baton and serenades you funky atmospheric vibes. “Steppers Crusade” combines a wicked bass groove with blissful synths to put you in positive state of mind. In fact the entire disc is going to infuse you with good vibes while you reflect on just how precious this moment in time was. More importantly Brit Funk is alive and still relevant today thanks to these two legends.