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Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella: People Need People [Schema Records]
Italian DJ/Producer Nicola Conte’s latest release “People Need People” finds him returning to form of showcasing Italian Club Culture. Conte is more than just a DJ these days. He’s become a solid guitarist and he’s surrounded himself with an esteemed group of musicians. Accompanied by Trombonist Gianluca Petrella, the duo collaborated on a couple of EPs and this superb release is the manifestation of those efforts. There’s much to savor here starting with the opening track. “Hold On To Your Dreams” opens with Magnus Lindgren’s meditative flute which sets the mood for Debo Ray’s enchanting vocals. “The Higher Love”, a sublime tune that offers a message of hope and change. Vocalist/pianist Carolina Bubbico’s evocative vocals combined by with the raw poetic skills of rapper Rashan Ahmad make this tune an instant favorite. Another keeper is the title track. A rumbling tune with heart pounding percussion and vibes courtesy of Pasquale Mirra. Bubbico provides backing vocals for Davide Shorty as he sings about the need for us to step away from our devices and become social again. Conte and Petrella have created a brillant record filled with global rhythms. Their mission is heal wounded souls through these beautiful recordings. Without a doubt one of the best releases this year.
Prequel: Love Is [Rhythm Section International]
DJ/Producer Prequel has delighted us with an array of moody house tracks and eps over the years. With his full length debut “Love Is” he fuses hip-hop jazz and house to give his perspective on love. It’s a concept album about the highs and lows from family to relationships. Prequel takes his production prowess to another level with the aid of some of Melbourne’s bottomless pit of talented musicians. The dark and moody “When Love Is New” armed with a pulsating bottom that echoes Motor City house. It also features amazing string arrangements courtesy of violinist Tamil Rogeon. “Violeiro” sparkles with Brazilian rhythms aligned with punchy beats. “All I’m Missing Is You” has a dizzying piano melody that takes you on an enjoyable ride. The remarkable “Love Is” is a meditative gem that features the emotive spoken word vocals of Cazeaux O.S.L.O. The album also ebbs and flows with jazzy sophisticated interludes that fits the mood. While there may be a touch of heartache here there’s plenty of euphoria that’s punctuated by these recordings. Prequel steps out of his comfort zone just a bit and creates a deeply satisfying debut. Few producers have explored a sound and a topic as marvelous as this record.
Amanda Whiting: After Dark [Jazzman Records]
“After Dark” is the new release from harpist Amanda Whiting. Ms Whiting has performed with a number fo jazz and soul luminaries from Jamie Cullum to Matthew Halsall’s Gondwana orchestra. Whiting has played the harp since the age of 6 but mainly played classical music. She started building her chops in jazz in recent years and she hasn’t look back. Based on this release the years of study have paid off. The disc starts out in a modal mood. “Messed Up” highlights Whiting’s gentle flourishes juxtaposed with the splash of drummer John Robinson’s high hat. “Stay For One” is a melancholy tune that features fellow Gondwana member Chip Wickham on flute. Wickham shows up again on the swinging tune “The Feist”. Whiting ebbs and flows around Wickham warm melodies. The harp has become more promiment than ever. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of delightful recordings from Whiting. Jazzman records never disappoints and this release is no exception.
Madlib: Sound Ancestors [Madlib Invasion]
DJ/Producer Otis Jackson aka Madlib refuses to stay in one lane. His roots in hip-hop are firm and his deep dive into jazz and Brazilian music has elevated him well beyond your average beat maker. With his latest release “Sound Ancestors” he hands over hundreds of beats to Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet. Hebden hand picks and re-masters some of the beat conductoer’s unreleased gems and knocks it out of the park. “Road Of The Lonely Ones” is a prime example. Madlib weaves together a classic 70s soul vocal sample over a drum snare beat. “Dirtknock” is vintage neck snapping hip-hop. “Duumbiyay” is another testament to the master of his craft. The tune features what started as acapella of children singing and culminates with spiritual jazz rhythms and live instrumentation woven together. Hebden arranges the entire disc with a nice flow so you’re treated to one prime cut after another. With hundreds of tracks in his posession here’s hoping another album like this one will be on the way.
Menagerie: Many Worlds [Freestyle ]
DJ/Producer Lance Ferguson aka Lanu has so many projects that it’s futile to keep track. What’s extraordinary is there’s no dip in quality in any of them. Whether it’s The Bamboos, Rare Groove Spectrum or his Lanu project. Now with the third full length from Menagerie, he continues to cement his status as one of Melbourne’s brightest stars. “Many Worlds” blossoms with spiritual and straight ahead jazz compositions. The disc kicks off with potent “Hope”. Phil Noy’s robust tenor is in top here while Daniel Farrugla pushes everyone to the edge with his spirited drumming. The ex-factor here is the hymn caliber vocal harmonies that elevate the track to greater heights. The title track features a slow burning groove but the dynamic interplay amongst the musicians are high intensity. Pianist Mark Fitzgibon forays on electric piano are complimented by the sheer harmonic guitar rhythms sprinkled throughout. “Hymn of The Turning Stone” is another winner. Fitzgibbon’s brings the thunder once again with melodic flourishes that will keep your head on a swivel. Noy’s playing evokes images of Pharoah Sanders and the stylistic touches of the composition allows everyone to shine among this nine piece unit. The energy of the compositions, the musicianship and the vocal harmonies are healing and downright marvelous. Whether you’re a lover of spiritual or straight ahead jazz, purchasing this record will provide immediate satisfaction.
mfp: Natural Law [R2 Records]
Masaki Konagi, aka MFP first caught our attention when he appeared on Gilles Peterson’s “Brownswood Electr*c 2”. Now with his debut “Natural Law” we’re serenaded with a collection of laid back hip-hop beats and infectious synth laden grooves. MFP (Mindfullpeace) has assembled some notable collaborators to bring out the best in his compositions. The aptly titled “Your Warmth” kicks off the disc with warm and hazy synths and a catchy drum snare beat. The title track is drenched in LA funk and features Melbourne based vocalist Alien. Simon Mavin of Hiatus Kaiyote adds beautiful electronic piano melodies to “Darlin Darlin”. Other notable contributors include Sauce 81, Natalie Slade and rapper Stan Smith. Masaki becomes one with nature and delivers an organic collection where the warm vibes get inside your body and puts you in a good headspace.
Joanna Law: Rhythm Of Years [Tangential]
“Rhythm Of Years”, the new release from Joanna Law is filled with warm and soulful electronica compositions. You may be familiar with Law’s warm and languid vocals from her cover “First Time Ever” back in 1990. The Roberta Flack classic and other gems are featured here. There’s also several tracks that feature a collaboration with Pressure Drop, the Trip hop act that she worked with back in the nineties as well. “You’re Mine”, one of their collaborations starts the disc off.Law’s warm vocals are the perfect compliment to an unrelenting hypnotic groove that builds momentum over the course of play. “Song For Theo” is another winner that’s filled with sunny chords and synths layered on top of an infectious samba groove. As the title suggests, the album explores an array of rhythms and textures evolving from one composition to the next one. Add to that a number of tastyremixes and you have a gorgeous album filled with sublime recordings that you shouldn’t miss.
Voilaaa: Voiciii [Favorite Recordings]
“Voiciii” (Here It Is) is the third lp from Voilaaa and is steeped in engaging Afro Disco. “Woman Can Do” is a heart pounding dance track featuring the vocals of Ayunne Sule. “Water No Get Enemy” features Pat Kalla. It would fit nicely in the TK Disco catalog. “Manu Ecoute” is a nod to Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa”, filled with funky horns and infectious percussion. “Voiciii” is filled with good vibes and infectious grooves that captures the spirit of pioneers such as Fela Kuti and the aforementioned Dibango. This lp has all the ingredients that made Voilaaa famous, a pulsating soundsystem and joyful vibes. Produced by Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart who has a knack for finding talented vocalists from the around the globe.
Tamil Rogeon: Son of Nyx [Soul Bank Music ]
Violinist and composer Tamil Rogeon has built an impressive resume filled with a wide array of accomplishments. He has composed and conducted for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Austrailian National Academy of Music. He’s co-founder of the orchestral electronic band The Raah Project and has worked with acclaimed producer Harvey Sutherland. “Son Of Nyx” is his latest release and it’s a spiritual jazz gem not to be missed. Rogeon’s sublime violin melodies are puncuated by Danny Fischer’s spirited drumming on “House No Wheels”. “Bad Sandals” is filled with Rogeon’s lush melodies. The track is also highlighted by engaging percussion from Fischer and warm vocal harmonies from Rita Satch that make for a climatic finale. The disc wraps up with the ten minute plus spiritual jazz delight “Horns No Eyes”. The tune unleashes splash of riveting fender rhodes in parallel with Rogeon’s majestic phrasing of melodies. Simply a superb ending to a wonderful record. This is an early standout for a 2021 release that you need to get.
LaNote: Rebirth [Futuristica]
Avid fans of the Futuristica label may be familiar with the blissful vocals of LaNote from the Parisian soul electronica group Electric Conversation. Along with beatmaker As Valet the duo made up one half of the eclectic genre bending group. With her debut “Rebirth” LaNote takes center stage and the results are simply marvelous. Valet’s compositions are drenched in down-tempo melodic rhythms. If that wasn’t enough, several tracks also receive the remix treatment from an All-star line-up of producers such Marc Rapson, Mecca 83, DJ Spinna and more. Simon S adds his soulful jazz infused hip-hop touch to “Miracle”. The title track is blissed out down-tempo soul remixed by Nicky Lars. It’s filled with warm vocal harmonies layered with LaNote’s vocals. “Truth Be Told” is warm and hazy soulful electronica at it’s best. You’ll find it hard not to get swept away by LaNote’s low pitch airy vocals. In addition Valet’s soulful compositions make this a brilliant release that you shouldn’t miss. Just press play and let the music take you away.
Takuya Kuroda: Fly Moon Die Soon [First Word]
“Fly Moon Die Soon” is the latest lp from Trumpeter Takuya Kuroda and his first on First Word Records. The Kobe Japan native and now Brooklyn resident’s sixth full length release is more groove based than previous releases yet still navigates seamlessly between Jazz and funk. Kuroda’s approach for this recording is more raw and organic, culimating in a warm and soulful project “ABC” is feverish jazz funk with a wicked bass groove. “Moody” also brims with heat. Kuroda’s warm soloing glides along side engaging synth melodies. Kuroda also puts his stamp on two covers here. The Ohio Players “Sweet Sticky Things” receives proper justice but I really love what he does with Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me A Bedtime Story”, injecting a dose of exuberant funk. Kuroda continues to grow with each release. In a short time he’s compiled an impressive catalogue. I wouldn’t say it’s his best but you’ll no doubt enjoy it as much as his other albums.
JD73’s Electrio: Pyramid [Atjazz]
“Pyramid” is latest release from JD73’s Electrio. Formed in 2012, JD73’s Electrio sound is steeped in Jazz fusion with sleek funk serving as the foundation. The trio is comprised of Dan “JD73” Goldman, bassist Hamlet Luton and drummer Gordon Kilroy. Goldman’s rhodes playing is short and sweet and aims straight for the soul. “Stepping Up” is filled with gorgeous rhodes from Goldman layered on top of a languid mid tempo groove. “Subsonic” is an infectious funk toe tapper amplified by Luton’s terrific bass groove. “4 On 4” gets an assist from the dancing electric violin rhythms that bob and weave around Kilroy’s sparkling drumming. Goldman and company serve up a satisfying disc that aims to please jazz fusion enthusiasts.
Pete Josef: I Rise With The Birds [Sonar Kollektiv]
Hard to believe it’s been five years since “Colours”, the debut from Bristol native Pete Josef debuted. The fact that it was such a strong debut combined with some notable side projects allowed us to enjoy his music long after the release. That wasn’t all to the extended break however. Josef felt it was necessary to step away and focus on family. The break rekindled his love for music and that renewed passion is on display here. “I Rise With The Birds” is a brillant record filled with an array of soul, pop and folk compositions. Josef sits in the production chair and surrounds himself with some of Bristol’s promiment musicians here and they rise to the task at hand. “Night Eyes” blossoms with melodic keys that stroke the heartstrings while Marie Lister’s vocals are a perfect match for Josef. “Giants” has a little bit of everything, an infectious groove, soulful horns and swirling strings. “Mainframe” is equally worthy of dance floor spins. It’s also co-written by Jazzanova’s Alex Barck. The honey toned vocalist has struck gold again with a lp worthy of repeated listens.
Dan Kye: Small Moments [Rhythm Section International]
We’re thrilled to see the return of Jordan Rakei’s alter ego, Dan Kye. With Kye it’s a return to the funky dance floor persona we couldn’t get enough of with the 2014 debut “Joy, Ease, Lightness”. With “Small Moments” he picks up where he left off and he hasn’t missed a beat. Rakei came up with these compositions during the pandemic. This thumping eight track floor burner could be the perfect boost for any anxiety you may be experiencing. The momentum building beats of “Mogen” sets the table for Rakei’s soft feathered vocals layered over warm chords. “Sober” is another winner heightened by Sheldon Agwu’s percolating guitar rhythms. Rakei’s proficiency with electronics and arrangements shines through on the instrumental banger “Focus”. The combination of deep grooves, good vibes and Rakei’s swaying falsetto will be irresistible to ignore. Quite a gap between releasesbut “Small Moments” is definitely worth the wait.
Various Artists: Blue Note Re:imagined [Decca Records]
Legendary labels Decca Records and Blue Note team up for the brilliant compilation “Blue Note Re:imagined”. A collection of some of the Uk’s young musical phenoms to provide alternate takes on some of the labels most treasured recordings. Let’s start with Ppppy Ajudha’s cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man”. Ajudha’s vocal and arranging skills totally transform the tune. From the ethereal wordless phrasings to combustive jazz fusion rhythms, Ajudha takes the listener to the edge of their imagination. “A Shade Of Jade” finds Nubya Garcia channeling the spirit of Joe Henderson’s “Mode For Joe”. Garcia’s arrangements swing from 60s hard bop to infectious hip-hop beats and head nodding grooves. Trumpeter Emma Jean Thackery is a rising star with multiple projects worth checking out. She transforms Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil” into an uptempo jazz funk banger. Jordan Rakei’s honey toned falsetto vocals are tailor made for Donald Byrd’s timeless jazz funk gem “Wind Parade”. With sixteen tracks there’s a ton of covers to savor here and other artists you need to get to know better. The musicians here maintain the spirit of the original recordings while bringing fresh ideas to the table. Without a doubt you need this in your collection.