Marcos Valle returns with another collection of samba tinged boogie tunes. “Sempre” is Valle’s fifth release on the Far Out label. This vibrant recording is heightened by prominent Brazilian musicians like Asymuth bassist Alex Malheiros and percussionist Armando Marcal among others. The opener “Olha Quem Ta Chegando” is infectious samba boogie laced with funky guitar and brass arrangements. “Odissela” is a funky synth laden instrumental. “Alma” is a mellow sun drenched head nodder. Valle’s vocals are in peak form and the production is in the capable hands of Daniel Maunick (son of Incognito frontman Bluey). This is another impressive release from the resurgent vocalist that will please long time fans and attract newcomers as well.

Reg Dancy

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“Kalba” is the debut from Issac Birituro and Sonny Johns better known as The Rail Abandon. Biritur, a xylophonist from Ghana and Johns is a singer/songwriter/producer from Leeds. “Kalba”, named after Birituro’s home town in Ghana. The opener “Yesu Yan Yan” is a spirited tune that channels the spirit of Ghana thanks to the vibrant vocal harmonies and birituro’s xylophone melodies. “Fur Svenja” is a warm folksy tune woven by Leafcutter John’s guitar rhythms and Sonny John’s vocals. Birituro’s xylophone aligns beautifully with the string melodies featured on “Nye Fo Chen”. Recorded in St Mary’s Church, these emotive compositions take on a spiritual vibe that builds throughout the lp. This is a collaboration that was meant to happen. A duo from different paths come together to compose a brilliant record that will lift your spirits.

Reg Dancy

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Jean Claude, the founder of the London record shop IF Music continues to resurrect hidden gems from every corner of the universe. With “A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol 3, he blesses us with an eclectic collection of tasty treats from all parts of the globe. Among the highlights are “24 Caret” from Gazor Szabo. The legendary Hungarian guitarist incorporates folk with deep jazz over a scintillating fourteen minutes that’s filled with melodic passages. “Manteca” features a flurry of piano melodies courtesy of the underappreciated Phineas Newborn Jr. “Hasla La Victria Siempre” is infectious Latin Jazz from Copa Salvo. Ten solid tunes that will certainly fill your jazz appetite. As Jean Claude says: “These rare jazz nuggets need to be given their day in the Sun”. We couldn’t agree more.

Reg Dancy

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Another bundle of instrumental funk from the Brooklyn based band Ikebe Shakedown. “Kings Left Behind” is a collaborative effort with each band member taking part in the production. The opener “Not Another Drop” sets the tone with raw psychedelic soul layered with infectious wah wah guitar rhythms. The slow burning “Mary’s Corner” is reminiscent of cinematic Western soundtracks. “No Going Back” is another winner. While the bongo and wicked guitar licks get you in the mood to groove, the brass adds the final touch of an instrumental treat. There are several parts to this band but they all come together as one. That’s what makes their releases such an essential listen.

Reg Dancy

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Paper Tiger returns with their third lp. “Rogue Planet” picks up where “Blast Off” left off. That means more left of center sci-fi beats coinciding with their engaging brand of hip-hop. There’s much to savor from this project whether it’s rapper Raphael Attar displaying his lyrical dexterity on bangers such as “Lullaby” and the jovial “Old”. There’s notable guest appearances from Steve Spacek on “The Cycle”.”Bioluminescent” features blissful vocals from Noya Rao bandmate Olivia Bhattacharjee. “Slinky” and “Posture Poseurs” are two of several notable instrumentals to keep your head on a constant nod. The Leeds based band find the right balance between electronica and soulful instrumentation and are growing with each release. It all adds up to a superb record that provides immediate satisfaction.

Reg Dancy

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“Atlantic Oscillations” is Will Holland’s first release under his Quantic moniker since 2014’s “Magnetica”. Holland has blazed various cultures in his music, most notably immersing himself in Columbia for seven years. From there he relocated to the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn NY where he has resided for the last five years. Williamsburg has a growing club culture which inspired a number of tracks here. “You Used To Love Me” is a blissful tune with a heavy bottom that features the lush vocals of Denitia. The title track is an infectious soulful disco tune laced with swaying strings and rumbling piano. “Tierra Mama” featuring Nidia Gongora and The Marimba rhythms of “La Reflexion” capture the spirit of Columbia. Holland recorded the entire album with live musicians in his new studio. A wise choice considering the warm sound that permeates throughout the disc. The result is an thrilling merger of Pacific and Atlantic rhtyhms that you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy

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“Transit”, the third lp from German beatmaker FloFilz is a moody soundscape of Jazz samples merged with mellow hip-hop beats. “Hoxton Hoops feat. K Le Maestro” showcases a blusey guitar sample that evokes sketches of Grant Green while gliding over a tasty drum snare beat. “You & Me” is one of only two vocal tracks. The piano driven soul jazz heater features rapper Barney Artist. “Camberwell” is another highlight that features Alfa Mist on keys. FloFilz creates a laid back vibe of meditative grooves spread across eighteen tracks that pulls you in from the start and never lets go. With two quality lps preceding this gem, he’s definitely one to keep on your radar.

Reg Dancy

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Tenor saxophonist Timo Lassy and drummer Teppo “Teddy Rok” Makynen have collaborated for years on the Finnish Jazz scene but this is their first lp as a duo. Makynen demostrates not only is he a wonderful drummer but a top notch composer as well. Makynen’s adventurous compositions provide a challenge for Lassy to stretch out and he delivers. “Liberty pt1 & 2” opens with Lassy delivering fiery free flowing solos. Makynen is equally up to the task with explosive cymbal work as well. On “Telemagenta” Makynen lays out a spirited groove with changing patterns while Lassy’s restrained yet powerful phrasings paint vibrant colors. “Dark Cyan” is a highlight among many that displays Makynen’s affection for electronic music and the boundless directions he can take his music. Makynen’s explosive polyrhythms combined with Lassy’s spiritual playing make for an extraordinary record. Thirteen tracks with each centering around three minutes and all of them packing a punch. Yet another sterling release from the brilliant We Jazz record label. As far as duos go they don’t get much better than this. Let’s hope an encore arrives soon.

Reg Dancy

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Vocalist Lucas Arruda continues to seamlessly merge Soul and Pop with Brazilian rhythms with his latest “Onda Nova”. The soothing synths of “Dragoes E Tigres” combined with Arruda’s vocals will sink into you like a warm summer breeze. “Soulshine” is a soul jazz number that’s driven by a thumping bass groove and gorgeous harmonies. “What I’d Do For Love” is steeped in the Brazilian Pop/AOR tradition and features a Portuguese version as well. Arruda is carrying the torch set by Lincoln Olivetti & Robson Jorge. Their recordings were a staple of Brazilian funk from the late seventies through the eighties. This release ensures that Brazilian Soul Pop is in good hands.

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And yet another winner from Agogo records. Singer guitarist and Belo Horizonte native Vitor Santana & Portuguese singer guitarist Joao Pires are the duo better known as Coladera. They’re also joined by Cape Verdean master percussionist Miroca Paris. “La Dotu Lado” is a stirring collection of Lusaphone compositions inspired by Brazilian and Portuguese rhythms. The title track has a traditional bossa nova tempo highlighted by Santana & Pires unique guitar strumming and vocal harmonies. “Mandinga” is a swaying tune that features Aline Frazao on vocals. “Ceu Azulino” is filled with blissful flamenco rhythms. While their first lp failed garner much attention, this joyful release is a pleasure worthy of repeated listens.

Reg Dancy

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