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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Vancouver native Jay Phelps began making a name for himself at home before deciding to move to London at age Seventeen. While establishing himself he proceeded to co-lead the jazz group known as Empirical to critical acclaim. With his sophomore solo release the Trumpeter is ready to expand his sound. “Free As The Birds” kicks off with ethereal intro “Of The World” showcasing his warm tone and soft vocals. “Amphitrite’s Bounty” is another blissful beauty filled with warm keys. Things get a bit more adventurous midway through the disc when Phelps partners up with some of New York’s premiere musicians. Phelps soloing syncs up beautifully with David Binney’s alto and the wordless melodies of Emillia Martensson on “Flash”. Pianist John Escreet’s dazzling flurries raises the track to even greater heights. The sparkling samba tinged title track brims with joy in part due to Nilson Batata’s lively percussion and Martina DeSilva’s soft vocals. The entire disc is a delight and worthy of repeated listens. There’s a lot to like here from Phelps and he’s one to keep an eye on for sure.

Reg Dancy

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Not resting on their laurels, The New Mastersounds continue to push the envelope towards crafting jazz infused funk and soul. They used two sessions to complete this record spending time in New Orleans once again and Denver Colorado. There’s a couple tracks reminiscent of the trademark Mastersound but the emphasis here is more on laid back soulful grooves. Evidence lies in the aptly titled “Pudding Pie and “Living That Jazz Life”. On the former, guitarist Eddie Roberts lays down an easy like Sunday morning type of groove made for finger poppin’. Keyboardist Joe Tatton chips in with some sweet swaying melodies. “Gonna Be Just Me” is an up-tempo burner that features Adryon De Leon from the LA funk band Orgone. The mellow finale “Swimming With My Fishes” glides into the sunset thanks in part to Mike Olmos and Joe Cohen of The West Coast Horns. Sometimes you want to get up and have a funky good time. Other times you want to lean back and enjoy the groove. Whatever you choose just make sure you bring this quartet along with you. They won’t disappoint you.

Reg Dancy

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Hard to believe it’s been seven years since Steve Spacek and Ashley Anderson aka Katalyst last appeared on the scene. That doesn’t seem to matter for the duo known as Space Invadas are as sharp as ever. With their new lp “Wild World” Katalyst lays the foundation with classic soul inspired samples with an analog sound and beats tailor made for Spacek’s falsetto vocals. That’s apparent right out the gate with “Welcome”. Katalyst laces the track with heavy beats for Spacek and Melbourne vocalist Natalie Slade’s sweet soulful vocals to soar. The title track is a hip-hop soulful banger where rapper Remi and spacek wax poetic about the state of affairs in the world today. “Don’t Ever Look Back” has a percussion filled Latin vibe while “Say Something” is a mellowed out love song. This is a tightly produced lp with twelve strong tracks. Katalyst has distinguished himself as a premier producer while Spacek’s recognizable voice is always a delight. These two make quite a team and it’s great to have them back.

Reg Dancy

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Oakland producer Space Ghost’s second lp “Endless Light” is an amalgamation of 80s synth grooves sprinkled over melodic tempos ranging from funk to house. “Color Waves” is mid-tempo cosmic funk with sparse drum programming and synths. On standout tracks “Following A Vision” and “Eyes Closed”, Ghost developes a pattern of building a house tempo before settling back into mellow atmospheric beats and synths. “Strong Heart” is a dreamy down-tempo voyage that features him on the vocoder. Space Ghost cultivates his own sound with this release by pushing the boundaries of soul, ambience and electronica. In a crowded electronic field he’s emerging as a standout.

Reg Dancy

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There’s a wave of up and coming UK musicians interconnected and revitalizing the Jazz scene. They’re not subscribing to the jazz genre but pushing the boundaries in all matter of styles. Right in the middle of it all is pianist Joe Armon-Jones. Jones last appeared with the Ezra Collective and more recently the Brownswood compilation “We Out Here” which featured Nubya Garcia, drummer Moses Boyd and other newcomers. With his full length debut he’s ready to take center stage. Jones opens up with the scorching title track “Starting Today”. Joined by roots reggae poet Asheber, Jones dynamic flurries on Fender Rhodes are accompanied by Garcia on tenor sax and trumpeter Dylan Jones. They shift gears on “Mollison Dub”, a blissed out dub groove named after Ezra Collective Saxophonist James Mollison. Mollison pairs with fellow tenor Garcia on the track as well. David Mrakpor adds warm rumbling bass lines over Jones’s chords. “London’s Face” is a spirited tune that features drummers Boyd and Kwake Bass along with Oscar Jerome on vocals. This is a superb demonstration of Jones wide musical palette, not to mention his deft touch on the keys. You’ll want to seek out his other collaborations but only after repeated listens of this enjoyable record.

Reg Dancy

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The Magnificent Tape Band is made up of ATA Records founders Neil Innes & Pete Williams. Their eight track lp is psychedelic soul filled with sophisticated compositions and arrangements. Top that off with the powerful soulful vocals of Sheffield born Rachel Modest and you have a recording that would fit alongside the 60s Stax recordings. The disc kicks off with “Let The Church Say”, stirring organ grinding ballad that showcases her gospel roots. “When I Saw You” is another soul ballad where Modest’s falsetto is complemented by Gareth Wilkin’s heavenly harp melodies. “Not That Kind Of Woman” is filled with sublime strings and hypnotic guitar rhythms. Modest’s falsetto will evoke images of Russell Tompkins Jr of the Stylistics but she clearly has her own sound. This is a tremendous debut and a must have for fans of classic soul.

Reg Dancy

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Uniting of Opposites is the trio of Tim Liken, Clem Alford and Ben Hazelton. “Ancient Lights” blends electronica with classical Middle Eastern rhythms and the results are quite enjoyable. The opener “Mint” is a spirited tune that features Idris Rahman on Clarinet. Rahman’s phrasings figure prominently on The title track which includes Marcina Arnold on vocals. “Dr Roach” is a drum, bass and clarinet interplay where Rahman’s solos dance around drummer Eddie Hick’s energetic rhythms. “Car Number 27” and “The Uniting Of Opposites” are more traditional Indian meditative compositions that feature Manjeet Singh Rasiya on Tabla and Alford on the Sitar. Overall the trio’s modernistic take pays dividends and breathes new life into the rich Indian musical legacy.

Reg Dancy

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Jake Mason previously occupied the Organ chair for the funk group Cookin’ On 3 Burners steps out on his own with his full length debut. “Stranger In The Mirror” is a blues rooted soul jazz Organ trio made famously by stalwarts such as Jimmy Smith and Jack Mc Duff. The ten track disc is filled primarily with laid back swaying soul grooves but some tasty funky numbers as well. Mason and company dial it up on the hot buttered track “Rib Eye”. Guitarist James Sherlock stretches out but leaves room for guest saxophonist Paul Williamson to shine. They ease up on the gas with the burnin ballad “People Two & One”. They close out with the toe tappin’ “Candy Smack”, ensuring that everyone’s having a groovin’ good time. This trio has played together for more than 20 years and are having as much fun as ever. You’re certain to enjoy the ride as well.

Reg Dancy

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Once known as simply a DJ/Producer, Nicola Conte has turned himself into a credible guitarist as well. “Let Your Light Shine On”, his first release for MPS records showcases his own playing along with his band Spiritual Galaxy. The band members are a accomplish group who are joined by an A-list of guest stars. Together they blaze through an array of jazz infused Afro soul compositions. Trombonist Glantuca Petrella’s coloring behind the beautiful vocals of Bridgette Amofah on the sun drenched “Space Dimensions” is a delight. Another lovely voice, Zara Mac Farlane serenades us with her tender vocals on the soulful sublime “Ogun”. “Mystic Revolution” and “Me Do Wo” are two mellow Afrobeat tunes that feature trumpeter Theo Coker and alto saxophonist Logan Richardson. Every track stands on it’s own and worth playing throughout. Conte’s sparkling release emanates positive vibes during restless times and makes for a joyful listen.

Reg Dancy

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