Category Archives: Reviews

Liquid Saloon is a trio of up and coming musicians based in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Gueta” is inspired by afro-beat rhythms and experimantal jazz. Drummer Amir Bresler drives the beat on the title track which also features local instrumentalists such as Nital Hershkovits and Rejoicer on keys. Eyal Talmudi’s melodic clarinet solo towards the end is an added bonus. “Polaroid Banana” is a funky highlight laced with warped out synths and tasty percussion. Fellow Tel Aviv resident Jenny Penkin’s blissful vocals are a delight on the slow fusion burner “Won’t Be Led By Fear”. An impressive debut filled with vibrant rhythms and wicked grooves that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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“Two Tribes” showcases the collaboration between African and European artists who reside in Europe. The compilation features a number of brillant musicians starting with composer/guitarist Andrea Benini’ afro-funk banger “Jawa”. Ghanaian singer Blay Ambolley’s “Walk For Ground” receives an injection of beats courtesy of the Aldubb remix. “Titon To” is a high energy percussive driven tune by Finnish-Beninese group Trio Toffa. “Mozambique” is another up-tempo highlight by the native Mozambican vocalist Selma Uamusse. The disc wraps up with DJ Raoul K’s fifteen minute pulsating “Just a Moment To Find A Way To Sun Day”. Raoul K combines West African rhythms with European production stylings and the result is a long playing Afro-house gem. Agogo records always manage to emerge with a treasure chest of global gems and this compilation is no exception.

Andy Allen

 Laid back psychedelic California soul courtesy of Shafiq Husayn, one third of Sa-Ra Creative Partners. “The Loop” is filled with breezy melodic compositions he’s worked on over the past decade. Shafiq has assembled a number of notable collaborators to raise his tracks to another level. Vocalist Jimetta Rose co-wrote and performed on a number of songs here but the breezy jazz infused “May I Assume” featuring fellow vocalist Fatima is a standout. Other highlights include “It’s Better For You” featuring the infectious raspy vocals of Anderson Paak. Hiatus Kiayote’s poly-rhythmic sound fits like a glove on “Cycles”. Despite the A-list of guests it’s the sonic brew of musical styles molded into an eclectic soulful sound that makes Shariq’s music so joyful and addictive. Long overdue but definitely worth the wait.

Reg Dancy

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“In The Cut” is the debut of Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth. Najor has been a presence in the Southern California music scene for over twenty years. The San Diego based band’s ten track release is filled with gritty funk and soulful instrumentals. Najor sets the tone with spirited yet restrained drumming throughout. The opening track “High Costa” finds the band funkin at a fever pitch. Nick Costa’s guitar playing is on point and Matt La Barber plays a thumpin bass. The band down shifts the tempo on the following tracks. “Gettin it” is laid back funk with a tasty organ melody courtesy of Tim Felten. “Funkin For Jamacha” is another funky number this time with the brass taking center stage. For those who can’t get enough of groups like The Meters and Booker T and MGs you’ll certainly enjoy this.

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With “Philantropiques” French DJ/Producer Guts has composed a gorgeous blend of French and African tropical recordings. Guts invited a number of premiere African artists such as Vum Vum, Pat Kalla and Pinduca. The sun drenched grooves and horn rhythms of “Voyaging Bird” will instantly evoke images of warm weather and lazy afternoons on the beach. “Groove ma Poule” is a festive Jazzy Pop tune that features the Afro-soul duo Djeudjoah & Lieutenent Nicholson. “Li Dous Konsa” is filled with infectious Caribbean rhythms, notably Florian Pelliissier on keys. After showcasing his affinity with hip-hop on his previous releases this radical shift pays big dividends. Simply a superb record from beginning to end that captures the essence of the Southern Hemisphere.

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Pianist/Producer Mark De Clive Lowe explores his ancestry with his latest release “Heritage”. De Clive Lowe consulted with his family to gain a deeper understanding of his Japanese roots and the results are his most personal work to date. “Bushido 1”, meaning “The Way of the Warrior” begins with a splash of piano aligned with Josh Johnson’s simmering alto sax. De Clive Lowe’s melodic excursions takes the listener on a mystic voyage. “Memories of Nanzenji” is a meditative tune that is awash in Brandon Combs expressive cymbals. De Clive Lowe and Johnson’s playing is free flowing and spiritual. “Niten-Ichi” begins with a slow burning piano that quickly evolves into a high energy free for all that includes Teodross Avery on Tenor sax. “Heritage” is the first of a two part project. Based on De Clive Lowe’s brilliance here, there’s no doubt that part two will be as equally rewarding as this one

Reg Dancy

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The songstress Nicole Willis returns with a new album and a new band. “My Soul Sensation” marks a more modern sound and she sounds right at home. The band Banda Palomita is comprised of members from Finland, Senegal and Brazil. They demonstrate their ability to create tasty laid back grooves to complement Nicole’s soaring vocals. “Save Me” is a mellow RnB tune with a sprinkle of synths and percussion. “Reparate” is a mid-tempo boogie tune and “Free” is a dance inspired funk burner filled with infectious electric guitar. Willis has shown time and again that she can belt out classic soul tunes with the best of them. This refreshing release shows she’s a delight in any style.

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Andrew Mitchell aka Andrew Wasylyk is a multi-instrumentalist. “The Paralian” is a blend of ambient jazz and british folk soundscapes. While in Arbroath Scotland for an extended residency Wasylyk came in touch with a 19th century Erard Grecian harp. Along with a grand piano on hand he wrote a number of tunes to reflect the tranquility of the harbor town. “Greendrive #2” is a dreamy tune that evokes images of the east coast of Scotland. “Welter In The Haar” is a highlight that combines blissful Fender Rhodes and strings.  “Adrift Below A Constellation” features soft brass rhythms as well as Wasylyk’s warm vocals. Arbroath sounds like the place to escape from all the noise and this is the ideal soundtrack to bring along with you.

Reg Dancy

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BBE has done a masterful job of shining a light on the Roy Ayers archive in recent years. The latest installment “Silver Vibrations” features a few more hidden gems worth checking out. There’s an unedited version of “Chicago” that still sounds relevant today thanks in part to the thumping bass groove. “Lots Of Love” is a boogie tune that was part of a solo release by Roy on his own imprint from the early eighties. “D.C. City” is one of the stronger tracks here. It features Roy at his best blending jazz and funk with soulful vocals. Tracks like “Keep on Movin'” don’t measure up to the standard we’re used to hearing from him. That being said, there’s enough here to remind you why you fell in love with the Ubiquity sound in the first place.

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Led by saxophonist, band leader and Bristol resident Peter Cunningham, Ishmael Ensemble’s nine track lp is celestial jazz meets electronica filled with atmospheric soundscapes. “Full Circle” pulls you in instantly with the glorious harp rhythms and pulsating drums topped off by the emotive vocals of Holysseus Fly. “Siren” starts out with a funky bass lick before diving into a flurry of broken beats, horns and synths that build toward an exhilarating crescendo. “The River” is a meditative tune that’s elevated by trumpeter Yazz Ahmed’s warm effortless tone. Overall “A State Of Flow” is a bold and adventurous release that you shouldn’t miss.

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It’s hard to imagine that “Poison Fruit” is Ivan “Mamao” Conti’s first release in over twenty years. Although the legendary drummer is one third of the infamous group Asymuth, don’t expect this to be your typical Asymuth album. Instead “Poison Fruit” is filled with experimental house beats and electronic rhythms. That’s due in part to London based producer Daniel Maunick. Mamao was introduced to Maunick by his son Thiago Maranhao who serves as co-producer. Tracks like “Encontro” will sound right at home with the traditional Asymuth sound. While “Bacurau” opens with explosive percussion rhythm riding a bass driven house groove. The title track goes deeper into experimental left-field house with spacey synths. As a bonus there are some superb remixes from notable DJ/Producers like Glenn Astro, Max Graef just to name a few. Samba flavored jazz fusion combined with samples and electronics pays dividends here. Mamao and Maunick connect the dots and emerge with a splendid record.

Reg Dancy

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Brighton based musician Alphabets Heaven’s latest release “Your Lifestyle” is filled with laid back beats and atmospheric vibes. Similar to most beat tapes there’s a lengthy tracklist (nineteen) but only two tunes exceed three minutes. The disc begins with the warm acoustic guitar rhythms of “Nylon”. From here you’re pulled into a journey of mellow moods that glides the disc along at a leisurely pace. Along the way you’ll no doubt dig notable beats like “Laces”, “Follow” and “Tote Bag”. Like all the great beat makers Alphabets Heaven knows where to pair the right sample with the perfect beat. As a result it’s the perfect mixtape for a long drive to ease your mind.

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Anthony Kieron, better known as K15 is firmly entrenched as a premiere producer of soul and house. With his London based quintet Culross Close he’s starting to stretch out as a musician as well. The six track ep “Forgotten Ones” is a myriad of Cosmic compositions that transcend genres. The disc begins with the heavenly keys of “Fractured” a soothing intro that’s a precursor for what lies ahead. The title track, one of the highlights here is filled with blissful vocal harmonies. Kieron’s rhythmic rhodes are complimented by enchanting cymbals from drummer May Goode. “The Tiniest Lights Still Shine” is another winner. It’s an infectious tune with a bass n drum groove with Nathaniel Jiddu’s spacey moog synths on top of it. This is an inspiring and imaginative piece of work that will transport you to a spiritual mental space. The only quibble is there’s only twenty five minutes of music here but essential listening nonetheless. We’ve come to expect nothing less than from Kieron and this is no exception.

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French producer Medline’s latest release “A Quest Called Tribe” pays tribute to A Tribe Called Quest. Medline adds a gentle touch along with a melodic soul jazz groove to some of our beloved recordings from the legendary hip-hop trio. For starters the classic “Relaxation Electrique” is transformed into a sublime number with soothing vibes. “Jazz (On A Du)” is a medley of well chosen Tribe treats. “Trouver une Voie” channels “Find A Way” from the Love Movement lp. A delightful reminder of just how treasured these tracks are. Not to mention the creative possibilities when placed in the right hands. Medline’s cool rhythmic arrangements will ease any concerns. A superb record worthy of repeated listens.

Reg Dancy

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Just when you thought the burgeoning UK jazz scene couldn’t get any better along comes another group to blow your mind. Seed Ensemble is a ten piece collective led by alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi. “Driftglass” is filled with afro-futurism, poetry and protest brought to life by an array of uber talented musicians. The title is named after a short story by Science fiction writer Samuel R. Delany. “Afronaut” features thought provoking poetry from Xana. Sheila Maurice-Grey’s glorious trumpet phrasings is just a nod of a strong horn section that includes Theon Cross on Tuba and Chelsea Carmichael on Tenor sax. Drummer Patrick Boyle keeps the beat at a fever pitch. “Wake” (for Grenfall) features lyrics by Langston Hughes sung by Cherise Adams-Burnett. The sobering tone and vocal harmonies juxtaposes images of injustice past and present. “Interplanetary Migration” is a spirited melting pot of jazz and afro-beat plus spoken word from Mr Ekow. Between working in other groups like Kokoroko and Nerija, Kinoshi has created something special here. She has composed a superb collection of music that makes a statement. The result is one of the best albums of the year

Reg Dancy

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