Ratgrave is the duo of multi-instrumentalist Max Graef and bassist Julius Conrad. Their self titled release is filled with adventurous experimental fusion and live instrumentation. “Wilder, glib Hut” and “Fantastic Neckground” are filled with spacey synths and warped guitar rhythms. “El Schnorro” is another highlight laced with tripped out synths. “Eln Kola Bitte!” goes in a slightly different direction with blissful keys and a funky mid-tempo groove. Graef and Conrad are always finding new paths to explore their horizons. This is a musical journey that’s well worth the ride.

Reg Dancy

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Ever since her spectaclur ep “Worthnothings” and her debut lp “Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth” Georgia Anne Muldrow has serenaded us with her blend of intergalactic jazz inspired funk. With her latest release “Overload” she has signed up with Brainfeeder, the label founded by visionary multi-instrumentalist producer Flying Lotus. They’ve known each other for years but felt that this was the right time to work together. The title track has already generated a lot of heat and rightfully so. Produced by Mike & Keys (50 Cent, Snoog Dogg) “Overload’s” infectious trap infused beats and sunny chords sets the disc in motion. Dutchman Moods and Manila’s Lustbass contribute two gorgeous tunes. The mellow funk of “Aerosol” and the astral stylings of “Vital Transformation”. “Canadian Hillbilly” is another highlight filled with warm spiritual melodies. Muldrow and Brainfeeder have managed to make her music more accessible without compromising her core. The result is a superb release that will please loyal fans and welcome new ones.

Reg Dancy

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“Lab Experiments Vol.2 picks up where the gritty soul of Vol.1 left off. Organist Jake Mason, guitarist Dan West and others collaborate on a number of smoking tunes with grooves to make you move. “The Jump Off” sets the disc in motion with Mason’s sizzling organ riffs and West’s thumping guitar licks. Up and coming vocalist Kaiit keeps the fire burning on “Warning” while Fallon Williams gritty vocals punctuate “Force Of Nature”. The bands slows down the pace nice and easy on the laid back “Sunday Mumma” but this is mostly a get up and boogie affair. With notable contributions from mainstay Kylie Audist and Simon Burke, this release marks another winner from the Melbourne funk and soul group.

Reg Dancy

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Vocalist Fatima has been serenading us with future soul rhythms since landing in London in 2006. Soon after she connected with Alexander Nut, head of Eglo Records where she’s consistently released an array of future soul heaters. Her sophomore release “And Yet It’s All Love” follows up the 2014 critically acclaimed “Yellow Memories”. That would be a tough act for anyone but Fatima seamlessly pulls  it off. “Somebody Else” highlights Fatima’s soulful style augmented by the soul infused hip-hop production of JD Reid. Other notable producers include Flako, who adds another dimension with the string laden “Waltz”. Purist produced two of the strongest tracks here, the gorgeous “Only” and the piano jazz infused “May I”. Fatima has solidified herself as a voice to be reckoned with. No matter what style she’s singing it’s always a delight. This superb release has something for everyone and shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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There were a flurry of great lps dropping in 2015 so you’re forgiven if you missed the debut of Killiam Shakespeare. The Philadelphia based band is led by the duo of Keyboardist Corey Bernhard and drummer Steve McKie. Their debut unleashed a collection of spaced out funky compositions that defies genres and proved to be deeply satisfying. Their sophomore release “A Town Called Elsewhere” builds on that debut and demonstrates a maturity in their sound. There are hypnotic instrumentals to savor like “Barry’s Prophecy” and Salt & Pepper Wings”. There’s some vocal contributions that lift these compositions another notch as well. Chris Turner’s vocals are perfectly suited for the emotive “WDTKAL”. Amber Navran of Moonchild lends her sublime vocals to “The One”. The disc wraps up the funky string laden “Milk, Honey, Blood & Tears”. This is one of a handful of bands separating themselves from the pack. The textures and the melodies will linger with you long after the song is over. You need to get familiar with them

Reg Dancy

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Joel Ricci aka Lucky Brown returns with his third full length release for Tramp records. “Mesquite Suite” is filled with dusty instrumental analog tinged funk. The disc opens with “Lone Heart”, a slow burning funk tune in the tradition of the Menahan Street Band. “Justice” has an infectious organ grinding groove layered with sweet flute rhythms. “Glancing Meteors” is driven by funky drumming and tasty guitar licks topped off with swaying horns. A solid recording filled with inspiration from Mulatu Astatke and the aforementioned Menahan Street Band. Lucky Brown’s third lp may very well be his best.

Reg Dancy

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Neroli label founder Enrico Crivellaro aka Volcov demonstrated a deft ear for hidden gems with his first Volume of archives. With “From The Archives Vol 2” he compiles another impressive array of compositions ranging from soul to house and jazz infused rhythms. In a crowded field of 70s and 80s compilations Volcov decided to focus on tunes released within the last fifteen years and the ones that made the cut are simply superb. That’s evident from the start with the sorely underrated Carleen Anderson’s “All That Glitters”. This simmering jazz tinged soul burner showcases one of the unique voices of the past twenty years. “On Space” from Ron Trent is a homage to french violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. This dreamy atmospheric gem has a touch of fusion and is heavy on groove. “The Blue Room” from Quentin Kane & Simon Sheldon is an infectious up-tempo nu soul track that gets an elevated remix from Kaidi Tathum. Other highlights include Volcov’s edit of “Lawra” by drummer Tony Williams and the soulful beauty “Let The Music Play” from Collective Peace. This disc flows with one supreme track after another. As far as compilations go, this is one of the best you’ll hear this year. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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Poet/musician Anthony Joseph’s latest release is his first recording in his native island of Trinidad. For Joseph the time is right spiritually to reconnect with his homeland. He has also bought his band along for the trip from France, not an easy task but the results are well worth it. There’s much to savor here starting with the opening track. “Milligan” (The Ocean), a heartfelt tribute to his Father begins with burning grooves from bassist and composer Andrew John and vocals from Ella Andall’s Orisha. Joseph’s poetic words of wisdom dance along side the spirited percussion and horn rhythms. “Dig Out Your Eye” brims with seductive soprano sax rhythms from premiere reedist Jason Yarde, who also serves as producer. “People Of The Sun” is bursting with soca, steel pan, jazz and funk rhythms. One listen and you’ll be transported to the island of Trinidad soaking in the sun and absorbing this superb collection of music. Joseph is one of our great story tellers and this album is evidence of that.

Reg Dancy

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Brandon Coleman has been very busy this year. When he wasn’t in the studio working on his debut he was serving as the keyboardist for tenor titan Kamasi Washington. He’s featured using the vocoder on “Vi Lua Vi Sol” on Kamasi’s latest LP “Heaven And Earth”. With his debut “Resistance” he utilizes the vocoder over an collection of funk and boogie grooves while invoking some of his influences. The opening tune “Live For Today” is an infectious foot stomping boogie tune. “Sexy” is tasty funk that’s reminiscent of Roger Troutman (Zapp). “Sundae” is an obvious nod to Herbie Hancock’s fusion era that’s elevated by N’Dambi’s vocals. This is a promising debut from a rising talent from the progressive Brainfeeder label

Reg Dancy

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Leave it to premiere DJ Joey Negro to assemble another enormous selection of rare gems. Brit Funk Vol.2 has dusted off some hidden UK funk tracks from the late seventies and early eighties that will have you searching for your platform dancing shoes. There’s plenty to savor from this double lp that features several unreleased tracks. Among the highlights are Eastbound Expressway’s “Never Let Go”, a late seventies funk groove with a break beat that certainly jump started parties back in the day. “Ease Your Mind” by Touchdown has an infectious uptempo groove and swirling horn rhythm that has found it’s way into several DJ’s playlist today. “You Gotta Get It” by Congress is another banger with a wicked synth laden bass groove. Eight years after Vol.1 Negro hits the mark once again.

Reg Dancy

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