Category Archives: Reviews

In recent years Berlin has become a musical hotspot for creative musicians, specifically for electronic music. It’s time to make room for Jazz as well. Mathias Modica’s “Kraut Jazz Futurism” is proof of that. The sixteen track compilation features the emerging talent on the German scene showcasing their home grown influences. Karl Hector and The Malcouns might be the most familiar among the bands on this disc. Their brand of Krautrock: groove drenched afrobeat rhythms are on display here with “Orange Man”. The Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra are an impressive 20 piece international collective led by Berlin composer Daniel Glatzel. “J Schleia” is a dynamic eleven minute odyssey that glides through various styles ranging from jazz to classical. “Free” (Get Yourself Together) is infectious psychedelic jazz rock by the Torben Unit band. “The Flood” is filled with cinematic soundscapes and classical arrangements courtesy of saxophonist and Composer Ralph Heidel. As far as compilations go this is an absolute gem that offers something for everyone. You’ll feel as though you’ve entered a portal into a blossoming musical community. Enjoy your stay, you won’t be disappointed.

Various Artists: Downundaground [La Sape]

The talent from Melbourne continues to flow like water from the faucet. They’re the gift that keeps on giving and “Downundaground” is evidence of that. This sparkling compilation features up and coming Australian musicians directed by veteran instrumentalist Horatio Luna. For starters the JK Group is a band to keep an eye on. “Nutha One” is spirited jazz fusion with a funky groove and a touch of broken beat. Antiphon is another group to place on your radar. “Spartan” is cosmic funk with heavy synths and an infectious groove. Big Chief is a collective of musicians that was originally a side project of the rising group 30/70. Fronted by Horatio Luna, “Later That Day” is a ten minute journey of experimental jazz infused house. The only quibble is there’s only seven songs yet each track is a potent recording. Make room in your daily rotation for this one. An impressive recording that’s worthy of repeated listens.

Sefi Zisling: Expanse [Tru Thoughts]

The Tel Aviv music scene has blessed us with some amazing musicians in recent years, none more impressive than trumpeter Sefi Zisling. His sophomore album “Expanse” is filled with warm cozy grooves and captures the spirit of 60s soul jazz groups like Jimmy Smith and Grant Green. Zisling recorded this in a live session with an array of talented musicians and they stay firmly in the pocket. “Happy Solar Return” is a nine minute afrobeat inspired number that features multi-instrumentalist Kutiman and fueled by Idan Kupferberg on percussion “Ongoing Morning” is a slow and dreamy ballad that showcases Zisling’s clean tone. The finale is a sixteen bouncy soul groove jam session certain to get your toes tapping. Zisling embraces the groundwork of the pioneers before him while pushing the music forward. Ensuring that you’re gonna have a funky good time.

Gabriele Poso: Batik [Soundway Records]

Percussionist Gabriele Poso returns with “Batik”, his first release on Soundway records. He first appeared on Osunlade’s Yoruba records label in 2008 and has recorded for Infra Com, BBE, and Agogo as well. Poso along with his Organik trio compose a brillant album ripe with Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with jazz and house. The title track kicks off the disc with Poso on vocals alongside a heavenly chorus layered over a potent groove, tropical beats and moog synths. “Equitoreal” also makes a splash with thunderous percussion, hi hat rhythms and a sensual house groove. “Goldfish” is a blissful instrumental that will instantly create images of blue skies in the Caribbean. Poso lends his vocals on most of the recordings while enlisting renowned vocalists such as Nailah Porter, Nina Rodriguez, Quetzal Guerrero and Sofia Rolio. DJ/Producer Kiko Navarro provides the right balance of beats and programming to make you want to dance or simply kick back and listen. Poso is developing into one of the premier percussionists on the scene today and this album is evidence of that.

Michele Manzo: All Rise [Darker Than Wax]

Italian native multi-instrumentalist Michele Manzo’s release “All Rise” flows from boom bap beats to laid back grooves. He demonstrates an ability to blend drum progarmming with live instrumentation seamlessly. “Crackablackalacka” is neck snapping hip-hop featuring Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow. “Train From Cali” is an mellow instrumental that oozes with warm vibes. Nicolas Ryan Gant’s elevates the funky track “The Best” with his smooth vocals. A solid offering from the talented musician/producer that’s certainly worth checking out.

Gyedu Blay Ambolley: 11th Street Sekondi [Agogo]

Ghanian legend Gyedu Blay Ambolley has been a staple of West Ghana since his début in 1973. The seventy two year old vocalist and saxophonist follows up his acclaimed 2017 release “Ketan” with “11th Street Sekondi”, named after the area he grew up in West Ghana. Ambolley has performed alongside legends such as Fela Kuti and Ebo Taylor. The nine track touches social and political topics while blending genres better known within the region as Highlife. “I No Dey Talk I Do Dey Lie” is a slow burning funk with soulful horns and afrobeat rhythms. “Sunkwa” begins with a flurry of horns and a funky guitar groove. Ambolley’s vocal style is more like his signature rap style known as Simigwa. Factor in his baritone voice and Tenor sax prowess and you’re in for a treat. “11th Street Sekondi” is warm, funky and engaging. Ambolley’s career, already filled with accolades is showing no signs of slowing down.

Da-Lata: Birds [Kartel Music Group]

“Birds”, the fourth lp from London collective Da-Lata is destined to warm your soul with warm tropical Brazilian vibes. Originally formed in 1988 by Christian Franck and Patrick Forge, “Birds” is mainly Franck’s project with a few long time contributors along for the ride. Among the highlights are the aptly titled “Sway”, a blissful Afro-Brazilian tune laced with sparkling percussion and guitar rhythms plus soothing vocals from Vanessa Freeman. “Memory Man” simmers with warm Bossa Nova rhythms and the soulful vocals of Syren Rivers. “To B” is a stripped down acoustic tune with Franck on guitar and warm vocal melodies once again from Freeman. “Thunder Of Silence” is an up-tempo number with an irresistible groove and a funky horn section that features the unmistakable vocals of Bembe Segue. Ten tracks that will sink into your body and fill you up with good musical feelings, “Birds” is a gorgeous recording that shouldn’t be missed.

Floating Points: Crush [Ninja Tune]

Sam Sheppard aka Floating Points latest release “Crush” was made during a five week period during 2017. Whereas his previous release “Elaenia” was a five year process. No matter the length of time the work of art he continues to release is majestic. Sheppard’s utilization of electronics while encompassing a myriad of styles pays dividends once again starting with the opener. “Falaise” brims with intensity, filled with electronic experimentation and strings reaching a climatic fever pitch. “Last Bloom” ratchets up the tempo while providing atmospheric soundscapes. “Environments” starts out melodic and dreamy before shifting the tempo into overdrive. Best you laced those dancing shoes tight. The recordings for this release are more suited for the dance floor as opposed to ambient landscape of “Elaenia”. Nonetheless, this is another set of mesmerizing work from Mr Sheppard who continues to push his music forward and beyond.

Ronin Arkestra: Sonkei [Albert’s Favourites]

Ronin Arkestra is a Tokyo based collective led by multi-instrumentalist Mark De Clive Lowe. De Clive has assembled some of the première players in Japan’s jazz scene for this date. “Sonkei” is filled with rich and engaging compositions driven to greater heights thanks to Wataru Hamasaki on sax and De Clive Lowe on keys. Drummer Nobuaki Fujii from the amazing group Sleepwalker keeps the rhythm at a fever pitch and creates a canvas for everyone to paint figures of color and passion. “Onkochishin” and Cosmic Collisions are evidence of that. The latter finds De Clive Lowe alternating between synths and electronics playing off the explosive horn section. “Circle of Transmigration” is a delight that finds Hamasaki delivering breezy flute melodies The creativity flowing through this session soars from start to finish and leaves you thirsty for more. An exceptional piece of work that belongs every spiritual jazz fan’s collection.

The New Mastersounds: Shake It [Color-Red]

With twenty years in the game The New Mastersounds need no introduction. They continue to be pioneers of funk and soul and their new release “Shake It” doesn’t disappoint. As the title suggests they’ve shaken things up a bit by shedding the fusion from their previous recordings for a grittier funky sound. Acclaimed soul singer Lamar Williams Jr joins the band for this session and immediately puts his stamp on these body shaking recordings. “Let’s Go Back” kicks off with Eddie Roberts down south bluesy guitar riff before morphing into New Orleans funk along with soaring vocals from Williams Jr. “Taking Me Down” flourishes with Afrobeat rhythms and lively percussion from Thievery Corporation drummer Jeff Franca. “Kings & Queens” is another heater with funky horns and a soulful rhythm section. From slow burners to high energy grooves NMS have added another jewel in their crown with another jam packed lp.