“Leve Leve” is the brain child of French dJ Tom B. He’s been collecting music from Brazil and various countries for twenty years. Upon collecting Angolan music he came across the Island music of Sao Tome and Principe, two small islands off the coast of Gabon in central Africa. The sixteen track compilation is filled with uplifting compositions that will instantly transport you to the island. “Conjunto Equador Mado”is filled with warm vocal harmonies and sparkling guitar that fuses the rhythms of Sao Tomean with rebita, inspired from Angola. “Africa Negra” unites an assortment of rhythms such as Socope, Puita and danca-congo. The album title is a phrase frequently used among the islanders that means “Take it easy”. These high energy compositions will inspire you to do exactly that.

Reg Dancy

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Singer songwriter Tawiah has been a staple in the South London music scene with numerous guest appearances and a couple of EPs under her belt. Her heavenly vocals has taken lead for The Cinematic Orchestra, Eric Lau and many more. “Starts Again” is her full length début and sounds nothing like what she’s done before. That being said the ten track lp is a brilliant stripped down session that weaves together her musical outlook while chronicling her life journey. “Recreate” starts out with a rumbling drum beat and a bass heavy groove. “Borders” is a soul pop tune filled with a joyous chorus that spreads her message that her love has no boundaries. “How Much Left” floats with warm string arrangements courtesy of Miquel Atwood Ferguson. Co-Produced by Sam Beste and notable contributions from Sharlene Hector, Rahel Debebe Dessalegne among others. This is a superb outing from an ultra talented vocalist.

Reg Dancy

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Far Out recordings presents “Maria Maria” a classic recording from Milton Nascimento. Originally recorded in 1976, it features some of Brazil’s most revered musicians such as the late Nana Vasconcelos and Joao Donato. The concept of “Maria Maria” came from a show conceived by himself and songwriter Fernando Brant based on the composite life story of the daughter of a black slave called Maria. Nascimento wrote the music while Brant wrote the lyrics but they both collaborated on the title track. This cinematic production is filled with spoken word interludes bridged between Nascimento’s smoothing vocals and folk flavoured compositions. Highlights include “Trabalhos” and “Os Escravos De Jo”, the latter is a spirited composition that features Toninho Horta on guitar along with vocalists such as Nana Caymmi, Fala de Belem and Beto Guedes. Nascimento’s love of cinema is brought to life here and is falsetto vocals lifts these compositions to another level. For long time fans these previous hard to find recordings are a must have. For newcomers this is a great introduction for one of Brazil’s most treasured vocalists.

Reg Dancy

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While scanning the thirty plus track listing for “The Anthology” from Omar, I couldn’t help but think how many artists would’ve rolled out a “Greatest Hits” while barely having half the catalogue that he has under his belt. With that said this is a great opportunity to rejoice in the stunning collection of music from the Don of UK Soul. From early favourites like “There’s Nothing Like This”, The Anthology is a lovely trip down memory lane with timeless recordings. “Best By Far” is an underrated record if that’s even possible. it’s left-field soul that’s still sounds brand new. Let’s not forget the notable duets he has shared the mic with over the years. “Be Thankful” with Erykah Badu, “Who Chooses The Seasons” with Carleen Anderson and of course “Feeling You” with Stevie Wonder. That’s not all, “Pass It On”, a mid-tempo funky number featuring Terri Walker is one of two new tracks here along with “Long Time Coming”. Seriously, you should have most of these songs already but if you don’t then you need this this in your collection now. This is simply a great selection from the Man who is still at the top of his game. Salute!

Reg Dancy

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“Soulgliding”, the compilation courtesy of DJ/Producer Rainer Trueby is a breezy collection of late seventy early eighties mellow grooves and boogie tunes. It’s a gorgeous compilation of hidden gems from familiar artists as well as the obscure. A nice reminder that among the synth heavy party jams there were plenty of melodic compositions worthy of repeated spins today. The dreamy soundscapes of Peter Brown’s “Without Love” sets the mood with meditative rhythms. “Lady Of The Night” is mellow soul jazz courtesy of LA composer Les Hooper. “It Ain’t No Big Thing” is an infectious mid-tempo boogie from Donna McGhee. “Dust To Dust” is sublime spacey soul from Cloud One, the moniker created by Patrick Adams. There are other highlights throughout here that make this a musical paradise you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy

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Seu Jorge & Roge have built a friendship going back 25 years. Although they grew up together in Rio De Janeiro and wrote songs they’ve never recorded together until now. Due to scheduling conflicts they didn’t have time for rehearsing so the recording for this duet was done in one session. Based on the results that’s all they needed. This stripped down acoustic recording is accompanied by two percussionists, Peu Meurray and Pretinho da Serrinha. Roge’s falsetto vocals lead off on “Meu Brasil” followed by Jorge’s regal baritone against the backdrop of sweeping brushes and percussion. Their vocals intertwine seamlessly on “Pra Voce Amigo”. “Onda Carioca” is a festive composition with a tasty guitar groove that culminates the recording. Seven splendid songs performed by two of Brazil’s finest vocalists. A delightful album that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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Barcelona based producer and multi-instrumentalist Damian Botigue aka Karmasound has demonstrated a flair for fusing various styles with infectious grooves. Starting with his 2018 EP “Probabilidades” was a mashup of Latin vibes spread across broken beat and funk rhythms. Now with his full length début “La Busqueda” he takes the energy up another level. Botigue turns up the tempo with “Dando Vueltas”, a splash of piano melodies and synths layered over blistering conga rhythms. “Instantes” is another vibrant piano driven tune complemented by spirited percussion tailor made to fill a dance floor. “Se va” is a mellow tune that allows you to catch your breath but is equally satisfying. With a foundation of early Latin Jazz fused with the forward thinking sounds of today, Karmasound’s full length début is invigorating and a flat out winner.

Reg Dancy

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Volume 2 of the new Eglo records compilation celebrates ten years in the game. Initially started by Alexander Nut and Sam Shepard aka Floating Points. Shepard has moved on but Nut has carried the mantle of consistency delivering timeless gems ranging from futuristic soul, broken beat, electronica and much more. There have been some notable contributions along the way from artists who have become household names. K15, Fatima and Steve Spacek just to name a few. Spacek is featured on six tracks and each one is marvellous but “If U Wan 2 Find Me” and the cosmic flavored “The Abstract Eye” are standouts. The aforementioned Fatima’s career has been ascending from the start. “Phoneline” represents her earlier work with producer Funkineven and the bottom heavy beats of “Somebody Else” is from her latest lp. Australian artists Destiny71z and Natalie Slade are two of the emerging new talents signed to the label. “Foodprogramvoltage” is irresistible left of center house from Destiny71z that combines analog and electronic thumping beats. Slade’s “Humidity” is laid back soul and a prelude to her upcoming debut lp which will properly showcase her soulful vocals. There’s much more to digest here so you absolutely need this in your collection. Simply put Eglo has been one of the première labels over the last decade and there’s no hint that will change any time soon.

Reg Dancy

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Fukuoka, Japan based DJ/Producer Brisa has delighted us with an array of soulful house, drum n bass and other infectious grooves since his début lp “Elevation Perception in 2008. During that time he has become one of the première DJ/Producers on the scene today. On his latest full length release “Th3rd” he eschews his signature house arrangements for an assortment of electronic excursions encompassing various tempos. The opening track “Cloudnine” is a mid-tempo tune with warm melodic synths and vocals. “New Way” is a bombastic heater laced with restless drums and bass that we’ve come to expect from him. “DLMD” is another standout up-tempo track that sparkles with soulful rhodes wizardry and funky percussion. Brisa could’ve taken the safe route and released another “Wide Awake” lp. Instead he demonstrates his versatility as well as delivering another quality recording.

Reg Dancy

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Drummer Teppo Makynen one third of 3TM started out with the critically acclaimed “Form”. They followed that up with “Abyss” serving as a prelude to their new release “Lake”. Tenor sax man Jussi Kannaste and bassist Antti Lotjonen complete the trio. Together they navigate through nine thematic compositions centered around the elements of natural scenery. On the title track Kannaste’s soloing is restrained yet ebbs and flows while Makynen’s cymbal sound and subtle use of electronics creates an atmospheric landscape. “Suburban Portraits” opens with warped synths that comes and goes while Kannaste soloing navigates through the ambient terrain. There’s little use for fireworks here, rather everyone simply surrenders to the needs of the song and in this case that’s more than enough. Makynen has compose a compelling piece of work here that’s pure bliss from start to finish.

Reg Dancy

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