After a slew of impressive EPs, Ed Cawthorne aka Tenderlonious drops a proper full length album. “The Shakedown” features his current band the 22a Orchestra, a collective of like minded musicians who know how to groove. The album was recorded in one session and the vibe is laid back 70s jazz and soul styles. “Expansion”, a chilled out fender rhodes driven tunes filled with spirited drumming from Yussef Dayes and Reginald Omas on percussion. Cawthorne’s flute soloing dances over the beat and figures prominently throughout this session. “Yussef’s Groove” highlights Dayes prowess in driving the rhythm. “SV Disco” is a nod to Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village. The track is laced with an infectious bass groove courtesy of Fergus Ireland and tasty keys from Hamish Balfour. Tenderlonious had already made a name for himself for dropping infectious beats and heavy grooves. He’s steadily evolving into a formidable jazz musician as well.

Reg Dancy

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With “Heaven and Earth” Kamasi Washington picks up where “The Epic” left off. Like “The Epic” this is a triple lp filled with orchestral arrangements, a angelic choir and an array of talented musicians from his hometown of Los Angeles. The title reflects Kamasi’s view into the world and it’s potential vs it’s struggle. “Fists of Fury” is transformed from a Bruce Lee soundtrack to an anthem for justice that features Dwight Trible among others on vocals. “Hub Tones” is a blistering cover of a Freddie Hubbard original that features Chris Gray on trumpet. There’s plenty of notable Kamasi compositions as well. “Vi Lua Vi Sol” is a soft melodic tune that features Branden Coleman on keys and the vocoder. Trombonist Ryan Porter applies warm solos as well. “One Of One” is another fiery tune that brings it all together. A climatic arrangement supported by the choir, a strong rhythm section and blistering horns from Washington and Gray. Simply another superb release from a rising star who shows no signs of slowing down

Reg Dancy

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DJ/Producer Simon S has been at the helm of Futuristica for well over a decade. Few labels have consistently released as much high quality downtempo grooves and jazz infused soulful hip hop during this period. The aptly titled “Music 4 Alternative Souls” is filled with dreamy tracks and thought provoking hip hop that sink into your body and warm your soul. “Looking” is sublime downtempo soul by vocalist J.Mcfysian. Newcomer Georgie Sweet’s tender vocals are a delight on the blissful “Half Human”. Rapper Jack Jones spits poignant verses on the gritty “Slick”. There’s some notable remixes as well. K15 reworks “For You” into a lush house stomper and Mecca 83’s layered beats on “Beautiful” are also a highlight. This superb release is just a snapshot of the notable contributions from the Futuristica family. Press play, lean back and enjoy.

Reg Dancy

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Based in Leeds, The Lewis Express pays tribute to the sixties soul jazz trio Young Holt that also featured famed pianist Ramsey Lewis. With recurring members from the ATA label they revisit a time where jazz and RnB lived side by side. “Love Can Turn A Man” is a slow burning piano driven tune featuring pianist George Cooper. “Cancao De Momento” is an upbeat funky Latin tune with a stirring piano intro followed up with spirited percussion from Pete Williams. “Brother Move On” is a classic soul jazz tune that features funky horn arrangements to complement the double bass work of Neil Innes. This is another strong release from the emerging ATA label that will get a warm reception from funk and soul enthusiasts.

Reg Dancy

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Waaju is a quintet specializing in Afro Caribbean funk with a touch of jazz. The London based band have collaborated with a number of acts like Ashley Henry, Jordan Rakei and others. Although it’s only an ep with five tracks they leave a lasting impression with infectious compositions and sparkling performances. The energetic opening track “Ali’s Mall”is filled with pulsating percussion and warm guitar arrangements. It’s also a nod to Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure, a huge influence on the band. The polyrhythmnic “Kaolack” has sketches of dub and features sparkling cerebral electric guitar playing from Tal Janes. “Waaju” is filled with spirited percussion from Ernesto Marichales. Sam Rapley’s Tenor sax is also a highlight. One can only hope that this is just the appetizer and a full length lp will be forthcoming. It should be a certainty based on the strength of this engaging record.

Reg Dancy

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This is the debut album from Swedish native and Berlin based Saxophonist Otis Sandsjo. “Y-OTIS” is filled with dazzling compositions built around wobbly polyrhythms and electronics. Bassist Frans Petter Eldh, who also produced the album knows how to shake things up end move in an exploratory direction. On engaging tracks like “Yung” and “BOO!”, Sandsjo’s melodic riffs meld seamlessly with glorious interaction from pianist Elias Stemeseder. “Sun Sun” is another abstract tune that kicks off with heavy beats from drummer Tilo Weber followed by hazy horn riffs and imaginative keys. Each member of this quartet has received their share of praise from the jazz community but they’re unafraid to soar beyond the boundaries. This is a creative gem that you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy

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Multi-instrumentalist Adam Gibbons aka Lack Of Afro’s aptly titled “Jack Of All Trades” finds him stretching out across a myriad of genres. As a result we suggest you dust off your party shoes and get into the assortment of grooves he’s delivered. Whatever your taste is there’s plenty here to get your motor running here. “Reach Out (Talk To Me)” is a classic soul floor burner with a tasty guitar groove featuring crooner Elliot Cole. “Only You & Me” is a funky Disco floor filler that features Alyssa & Camila Recchio. Wax & Herbal are two MCs that know how to get the party jumping and they demonstrate on “Back In Business” and “Take It Up A Notch”. Gibbons finds room for a little rock and folk as well with “Over & Out” and “Home” respectively. Gibbon’s sixth lp is much like previous releases, well produced and packed with tasty grooves. Loyal fans are in for a treat and new fans will be equally pleased.

Reg Dancy

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Pronounced “War Baby”, Wvr Bvby is an eight piece band from Melbourne. Their debut for Plug Seven records is a mesmerizing collection of high energy compositions built around meditative rhythms and a hypnotic horn section. Lead/Bassist Carl Lindeberg demonstrates strong songwriting skills on all but 2 tracks here and allows freedom for everyone to shine. “Magnetic Ruins” is filled with swaying horns and seductive rhodes playing from Phoebe Elsworth who also wrote the tune. “BSP” kicks off with engaging guitar licks from Joseph Orton followed up with breezy flute melodies from Erica Tucceri. The band’s sublime melodies steadily builds towards a dramatic orchestrated climax. The finale “And Another Thing” is a ten minute number that follows the same formula. Superb songwriting layered with strong musicianship throughout as opposed to long winded jam sessions. Overall an impressive release from yet another talented band from Melbourne that deserves your attention.

Reg Dancy

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One of the pioneers of the West London broken beat scene, Kaidi Tatham continues to push his music forward with a sparkling new lp. “It’s A World Before You” is filled with breathless up-tempo broken beat and nu soul grooves filled with optimistic vibes. The opener “Joyous” is simply that, an uplifting banger laced with jolting keys and bass. “Out Here On My Own” is mid-tempo soul featuring label mates Children Of Zeus. The title track is another up-tempo heater. It’s also the only one where he shares instrumental duties in which he’s joined by kindred spirit and broken beat stalwart Dego. Together their keyboard arrangements along with Tatham’s drum programming shine through. Mixed by producer extraodianaire Eric Lau who knows how master a recording with the best of them. It adds up to a superb recording that will stay on repeat this summer.

Reg Dancy

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Saxophonist Sean Khan heads to Rio De Janeiro to collaborate with the iconic multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal. You could say that these two are kindred spirits when it comes to improvisation. Their quest for freedom and being in the moment is heard throughout on tracks like “Montreux”. This Pascoal original finds him creating rhythms with the use of a teapot and a pint of water. Khan’s phrasings are subtle but resonate nonetheless. Another Pascoal cover. the breezy jazz funk “Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser” features the sublime vocals of Rio native Sabrina Malheiros. Khan’s own compositions hit the mark as well. The orchestral “Moment Of Collapse” is draped in wind swept strings and the beautiful vocals of Heidi Vogel. “The Blonde” finds them swinging hard and having a good time. Bassist Paulo Russo and Asymuth drummer Jim Mullen keep the rhythm percolating at a fever pitch and laying the groundwork for Khan’s soloing. Inspired by the 17th Century settlement of Palmares in Brazil’s Alagoas region, Khan takes the listener on an astral journey that is pure bliss. Khan and Pascoal together are a real treat that you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy

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