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Mammal Hands: Captured Spirits [Gondwana]
“Captured Spirits” is the fourth album the Norwich trio known as Mammal Hands. Saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Nick Smart and drummer Jesse Barrett merge classical jazz and electronica into a distinctively polished and engaging sound. Highlights include “Spiral Stair” where Nick Smart’s melodic fingers strike a chord with brother Jordan’s soft yet hearty tone. “Riddle” is filled with dazzling improvised interplay between the Smart brothers. Jordan’s euphoric keystrokes set the bar for Nick’s melodic phrases and create some wondrous moments. Let’s not forget Barrett here, his drumming ranges from the orchestral to the understated whisper thereby setting the table for the Smart brothers to soar. Together the trio create a mood of euphoric orchestral soundscapes that provide a joyful spark throughout. A sparkling showcase and another gem from the Gondwana record label.
Georgie Sweet: Misunderstood [Futuristica]
When vocalist Georgie Sweet dropped the lead single “Half Human” in 2018, it provided a sneak peak into a potentially promising lp. It’s safe to say that with “Misunderstood” the promise has been fulfilled in spades. Gergie’s debut is filled with warm soulful hip-hop beats and jazzy vibes topped off with her blissful vocals and heartfelt compositions. There are many gems to sort through but “What I Had Done” is a great place to start. Produced by Marc Rapson, the track features a catchy hook aligned with an infectious hip-hop beat built on top of an irresistible groove. Sweet’s cool harmonies are the icing on the cake. “Sorry” the second single also produced by Rapson blossoms with a slow burning tempo and warm chords. A live recording of the tune from Futuristica HQ is featured here as well. “Flower”, produced by Theo Howarth is a soulful electronic gem with exotic melodies augmented by Sweet’s ethereal vocals. Other notable producers on hand are K15, Mecca 83 and Simon S himself. With nary a weak tune in sight this marks another triumph for the Futuristica label in 2020, not to mention an outstanding debut. For Ms Sweet, the future looks very bright.
Church Andrews & Matt Davies : Neighbors [Health]
Church Andrews & drummer Matt Davies collaborate on the experimental project “Neighbors”. Church Andrews is the moniker for Kirk Barley and this is the follow up to the “CA1” lp he released in 2016. “Roadtrip” is filled with wobbly synths and oft-kilter beats. “Elixir” is a cascade of warped beats and spacey electronic textures. “Temporal” exudes a bit more warmth and provides a hint of Barkley’s other projects under his namesake. Together Barkley and Davies explore the limitless possibilities between electronica and the drums. The result is a wide array of tone altering moods and sound sculpters definitely worth checking out.
Jersey Street: Love Rising Up [Ubuntu Music]
“Love Rising Up” is the latest from Manchester based group Jersey Street and their first release on Ubuntu music. Fronted by vocalist Dawn Zee their music fuses jazz, house and soul. It has been awhile since we heard from them but based on this recording, the wait was well worth it. The disc kicks off with the title track, ripe with lush strings an irresistible house groove topped off by Zee’s vocals soaring over the melodies. “No One Can Take Your Place” is another banger filled with polished jazz orchestration. The pace winds down with “Open Your Mind”, a slice of mellow infectious soul jazz. Zee’s nuanced vocal chops combined with superb musicianship is unmistakable throughout these engaging recordings. The fact that the group made a considerable amount of preparation towards production and arrangements is evident through the first listen. An exceptional album from some of Manchester’s finest that shouldn’t be missed.
Nimbus Sextet: Dreams Fulfilled [Acid Jazz]
Led by pianist Joe Nichols, the Glasgow based jazz band Nimbus Sextet unload an array of engaging soul jazz recordings. The core of the band, Nichols, drummer Alex Palmer and bassist Mischa Stevens came together while attending Edinbough University. By 2018 the band evolved into a sextet, which brings us to their debut”Dreams Fulfilled”. They bust out of the gate with the searing groove of “Trap Door”, riped with blazing horns and melodic keys. Nichols along with Saxophonist Martin Fell sereanades us with warm mellow melodies on “Klara”. Guest guitarist Luca Pisanu adds adventurous rhythms to the contemporary piece “Seance”. An impressive debut for this talented group that will garner plenty of attention.
Marcos Valle, Ali Shaheed Mohammad & Adrian Younge: Marcos Valle JID003 [Jazz Is Dead]
The Jazz IS Dead series, lead by Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Mohammed strikes again with the legendary Brazailian vocalist Marcos Valle taking center stage. What Younge and Shaheed Mohammed do so well capturing the emotion of Valle’s sound while blending it with their analog 70’s soul influenced arrangements. The studio sessions harken back to the days when artists completed a recording in one or two takes and that’s more than enough for the veteran vocalist to shine. “Queira Bem” is filled with sun drenched rhodes and sparkling percussion. Valle’s vocals float over the rhythm like a warm summer breeze. “Viajando Por Al” is a seductive bossa duet. “Nao Sala Da Praca has a percolating groove that’s tailor made for Valle. The dusty analog approach from Younge and Shaheed Mohammed are a match made in heaven for one of the vocal Kings of Brazil. Simply a superb release worthy of repeated listens.
Lack of Afro: I’m Here Now [Bastion Music Group]
If there’s one thing you can count on from Adam Gibbons, the man behind Lack Of Afro is you know he’s gonna bring the funk. “I’m Here Now”, his latest release leaves no doubt. Armed with an array of talented vocalists and rappers, all Gibbons has to do is lay down an infectious groove and you have yourself a superb string of tunes. “You Could Do Better” featuring Camila Recchio & Wax is classic soul with wicked wah wah guiter rhythms and strings. New York rapper Kenzo knows what to do with “Bad As Self” and that’s spit razor sharp verses over the head nodding groove.”Wait For Me” is slow burning soul feating Mica Miller. “I’m Here Now” is an instant party starter with all the ingredients for a funky good time. All you need to do is show up, clear the floor and press play.
Nat Birchall: Mysticism Of Sound [Ancient Archive Of Sound]
Nat Birchall has established himself as one of the titans on the Tenor and his latest release provides further evidence of that. “Mysticism Of Sound” builds on his impressive body of work of spiritual jazz compositions. Birchall plays all instruments here and demonstrates that he’s up to the task. “Celestial Spheres” embarks on a spiritual journey that finds Birchall channeling the spirit of Sun Ra through his tenor and soprano sax soloing. “Dance Of The Sun God” is a delightful interplay with Birchall’s horns rhythms and cymbal exchanges. The celestial synth rhythms of the Korg Minilogue figure prominently on “Inner Pathway” and “Outer Realm”. Birchall hits the mark once again with a disc rich in inventive harmonies and meditative vibes that will certainly delight any spiritual jazz enthusiast.
Vibration Black Finger: Can You see What I’m trying To Say [Jazzman]
Vibration Black finger is the brainchild of guitarist/composer Lascelles Gordon. “Can You See What I’m Trying to Say”, a quote from Saxophonist Marlon Brown gives a nod to the obscure spiritual jazz recordings of the seventies. Gordon has compiled edits and recordings over the years from DATs, reel to reel and cassettes. In addition several recordings were made with fellow members Ben Cowen and Diana Gulkind. The opening track “Empty Streets” is just one of two tunes recorded live in studio and it’s a beauty. Ebony Rose’s haunting vocals glide over a hypnotic bass and flute rhythms. “Acting For Liberation Pt 1” is eleven minutes of celestial vibes shaped by spacey synths, horns and electronics. “Liberation Pt 2” is a reprise faeturing the vocals of Maggie Nichols. Gordon’s second release offers a window into his vision. The result is a wonderful arrangement of sonic and spiritual vibrations past and present. Jazzman records never disappoints and this is no exception.
Makaya McCraven: Universal Beings E&F [International Anthem]
“Universal Beings E&F Sides” presents fourteen new tracks from the critcally acclaimed 2018 release from drummer Makaya McCraven. One of the reasons these sessions were so special was the collaboration of emerging UK musicians playing alongside US musicians from the Chicago based label International Anthem. The roster resembles an all star lineup with Saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, bassist Tomeka Reid, guitarist Jeff Parker, harpist Brandee Younger and others. “E&F” is a mixture of live recordings and studio sessions arranged by McCraven. “Half Steppin” is a searing tune highlighted by Soweto Kinch’s alto sax rhythms and Kamaal Williams on keys. In addition McCraven’s infectious broken beats make this track enjoyable either on the dance floor or any other setting. “Kings and Queens” features the dynamic interplay between McCraven and Hutchings while Junius Paul’s funky double bass takes the track to greater heights. “Universal Beings E&F Sides” showcases a community of like minded musicians creating genre bending music with strands of hip-hop, jazz and much more. Their talents are in the capable hands of McCraven who weaves it all together into a marvelous artistic gem.
Sauce81: S8100 – Nervous Breaks and Galactique Beatstrumentals Selected and Edited by DJ Kensei [Ultra Vybe Records]
DJ Kensei is a legendary DJ who’s career spans back to the eighties. He’s best known for his hip-hop mixtapes during the nineties as well as his abstract project Indopepsychics. he selected some tracks from sauce81’s album “S8100″ and officially re-edited them for this 12” as “S8100 – Nervous Breaks & Galaaactique Beatstrumentals” Selected & Re-Edited by DJ Kensei”. DJ Kensei puts his stamp on these tunes and transforms them into an a stimulating collection of hip-hop, funk and house grooves. The disc kicks off the brooding hip-hop grooves of “Departure”. “Moonlight” follows up with the same tempo, this time with Sauce81’s swaying falsetto vocal harmonies. “Escape” is a body shaking boogie tune. “5D” is instrumental funk with warped synths. There’s plenty of grooves to make you move here and is definitely worth checking out. Kensi takes a pile of tunes and turns them into gold.
Ego Ella May: Honey For Wounds [Upper Room Records]
Singer songwriter Ego Ella May has a way of making you feel you’re in the middle of a conversation with her. You don’t care what’s it about as long as you’re along for the ride. That’s to say her languid vocals and superb songwriting make for a potent combination. Off the heals of her deeply satisfying 2019 release “So Far”, she’s back with “No Honey For Wounds”. The eleven track release features an array of talented producers but make no mistake who’s the star here. “Song For Bobby” finds her lamenting about a relationship that has come to an end. “Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys” showcases May’s ease in gliding the listener through personal as well as social topics and sounding equally enjoyable along way. Both tracks feature an infectious bottom heavy groove topped off with warm chords courtesy of UK producer Eun. “Science” produced by Alfa Mist kicks off with a gorgeous melody followed by spacey synths creating the illusion that you’ve momentarily transported to the galaxy. This tremendous body of work instantly ranks as one of the best releases of the year. Ms May is on the fast track to star status.
Sault: Untitled (Black Is) [Forever Living Originals]
You know you’re onto something when you release two lps with little fanfare and yet they become instant underground hits. That’s what happened to the group known as Sault. Producer Dean “Inflo” Wynton Josiah and songstress Cleo Sol have made quite the impression not only with their first two lps “5” and “7” but separate careers as well. Inflo has produced for Michael Kiwanuka and Little Simz. Sol has recently released her solo album, which is also produced by Inflo. While the first two lps had a soulful dance appeal, their third lp “Untitled (Black Is)” is stripped down unabashed soul at its best. The theme of the disc is Black pride and whether it’s poignant interludes from Sol or the powerful compositions throughout the message shines loud and clear. “Hard Life” has an unrelenting drum snare beat that finds Sol singing about the struggle to be heard and that a change is coming. “Bow” is percolating with afrobeat rhythms and the additional vocals of Michael Kiwanuka. “Miracles” is classic emotive 70s soul at it’s purest form. With Sol’s seductive vocals supported by enchanting backup vocals, you’ve been lured into the belly of the recording and your only wish is that it doesn’t end. Inflo’s prodcution and arrangements are flawless. Each track flows to the next one and by the time you’ve reached the end you know you just got off an amazing ride. In a year filled with outstanding recordings, “Untitled (Black IS)” is without a doubt one of the best albums of the year. Given all that’s happening around the world it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
The Haggis Horns: Stand Up For Love [Haggis Records]
“Stand Up For Love”, the fifth album from The Haggis Horns finds them getting back to basics. Which is stripped down hard driving funk and soul. “Don’t Give A Damn” features John McCallum’s vocals in top form soaring over the gritty funk groove. They slow the tempo a bit on “Suzi Traffic” and “Give It Up” thereby giving you a moment to catch your breath before they kick back into high gear. The title track demonstrates they can rock a reggae groove as well as they can bring the funk. This release is a reunion os sorts with several original members on board for this session. They’re cooking on all cylinders and deliver another crowd pleasing lp.
Muriel Grossmann: Elevation [Jazzman]
Saxophonist Muriel Grossmann has been releasing quality recordings since the early 2000s. Her blend of spiritual jazz compositions evokes images from the recordings of Coltrane’s special quartet and Pharoah Sanders to modern day premier musicians Nat Birchall and Matthew Halsall respectively. “Elevation” combines some of her work from her 2016 album “Natural Time” and her 2017 album “Momentum”. Grossman’s regular band is in top form as each member pushes the other. The title track finds them launching into action. Guitarist Radomir Milojkovic rhythmic explorations are clean and light yet the result is quite powerful. “Rising” picks up where the opener leaves off. Drummer Uros Stamenkovic’s propulsive playing keeps everyone on their toes. Bassist Gina Schwarz playing is melodic and delicate. Front and center is Grossmann who’s spirited soloing is hypnotic. She pulls you in and commands your attention from start to finish. In summary this is a recording you can lose yourself in and emerge deeply satisfied. The compositions are first rate and engaging. It’s hard to imagine why Grossman isn’t more well known. Let’s hope this release goes a long way to rectify that.