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Kylie Audist: Family Dinner [Freestyle]
Vocalist Kylie Audist has been a member of the burgeoning soul scene in Melbourne for several years. Whether being a featured vocalist for the raw soul outfit The Bamboos or other musical collectives, her powerful emotive vocals are the driving force behind a number of their funk and soul tunes. On her fourth LP, “Family Dinner” Audist deviates from the customary hard driving rhythms of 60s soul in favor of 80s flavored boogie disco grooves. With the LP produced by Bamboos founder Lance Ferguson you can be certain that the grooves and overall instrumentation is in good hands. Evidence can found on “Sensational” for starters. Kylie’s voice roars over a thunderous bass and synth groove. “Waste Of Time” is a mid-tempo tune with a dreamy melody, Kylie shifts to a softer tone and is supported by tasty horns and infectious guitar rhythms. “Rewards” is another winner, a playful swaying Disco tune laced with funky guitar riffs. Loyal fans are used to her brilliance, it’s time for everyone to take notice.
United Vibrations: The Myth of The Golden Ratio [Ubiquity]
United Vibrations is comprised of three brothers Ahmad, Kareem, Yusef Dayes along with close friend Wayne Francis II.Their latest release “The Myth Of The Golden Ratio” is a tale of a time long ago when people prospered simply from the fruits of nature and lived a life devoid of greed or corruption. Their music is a myriad of flavors that defies categories that is best summed up as conscious music filled with African and Caribbean rhythms. Among the highlights are “Grow” filled with a haunting bass groove and horns that speaks to the divide between government and residents. “Far Far Away” is divided into three parts, act one builds momentum with shimmering percussion and hypnotic horns Act two evolves into a full blown jam session delivering messages from the past to revisit a fertile world of love and peace and a call to take back our communities. Conceptually and rhythmically this LP hits the mark by stirring your consciousness and your soul. This is a superb recording that certainly qualifies as one of the most important records you’ll hear this year.
Travis and Tom: The London Cologne Journeys of Travis Blaque and Shareholder Tom [Buro 9]
The seeds of Travis & tom were planted in 2009 when London based MC Travis Blaque and Colonge producer Shareholder Tom first met. This was during the recording sessions for Shareholder Tom’s debut album. A friendship formed over the years and it was only a matter of time before they would collaborate for a LP. The result is “The London Colonge Journeies of Travis and Shareholder Tom” Travis’s smooth flow shines on the Afro funk grooves of “The Good Good” and the reggae flavored “Lisa. You have to Change”. “I’ve got To Get Away” is a tropical infused pop tune certain to generate good vibes. .This is another gem to emerge from the Cologne Germany based Buro 9 label.
Various Artists: Movements Vol 8 [Tramprecords]
The Bravarian based label Tramp records return with their long running series entitled “Movements”. Volume eight showcases eighteen tracks of the rarest of rare soul music. Comprised of a variety of unsung artists displaying notable skills yet never gaining a mainstream audience. Among the highlights are the soul jazz tune “Slow Down” by veteran vocalist Howlett Smith. “Don’t Give A Damn” is down home soul from the King Cain Silvertone Band. Vibraphonist Ulysses Crockett delivers some tasty soul jazz with “Sunshine Superman”. Just when you think they have unearthed all the hidden gems they dig even deeper. There’s much more to savor here and while you’re enjoying it you can be sure that volume nine isn’t far behind.
Jazz Invaders: Find The Love [Social Beats]
“Find The Love” is the latest release from the six member ensemble from the Netherlands from as The Jazz Invaders. Their ten track disc is smoothed out soul jazz layered with warm harmonies and solid horn arrangements layered over Disco rhythms. “Disco Fever” is a soft mid-tempo boogie tune sprinkled with Linda Bloemhard’s sweetened vocals. The title track starts out with a bit of funky fusion flavor before seguing into mellow soul. “Much Rosie”, the only instrumental showcases sweet horn soloing and organ rhythms. Overall this is a pleasant journey to the land of eighties flavored Disco grooves, no doubt you’ll enjoy the ride.
Jonny Drop: Beat Tape [Albert’s Favourites]
London based DJ Jonny Drop latest release “Beat Tape” offers a myriad of rhythms that your average beat tape doesn’t. Instead of your usual electronic drum patterns supplying the beats there are snare drum rhythms reminiscent from the seventies soul period that provide the foundation. Not too surprising considering Drop is an avid drummer himself. Add some sassy jazz vocal samples and astral melodies and you have a recording that provides definite satisfaction. Highlights include “Mind field” is cosmic jazz funk with ethereal vocal samples. “Billy’s Girl”features spacey keys and dreamy soundscapes. “This Is The One” is filled with haunting vocals and strings. This release is filled with superb remixing as well as a glimpse into Drop’s musical archive. As far as beat tapes go, this is definitely a cut above the rest.
Nomade Orquestra: [Far Out]
The Sao Paolo based band known as the Nomade Orquestra is a hybrid of influences fromjazz and funk to Afrobeat blended into their Brazilian roots. The strong level of musicianship from the ten member group that is evident right from the start. “Samurai” opens up with swaying horn arrangements and a thumping rhythm section. There’s some spirited soloing from Marco Stoppa on Trumpet and Marcos Mauricio on keys. “Morning Birds” is filled with hypnotic flute rhythms and features Beto Montag on Marimba. “Venus” is spacey psychedelic jazz featuring haunting guitar rhythms courtesy of Luiz Galvao. Formed in 2012 this band displays a maturity well beyond their existence. This band is cooking on all levels and this superb release is evidence of that.
Guts: Eternal [Heavenly Sweetness]
“Eternal”, the new LP from Fabrice Franck Henri, aka Guts is a contrast in musical styles. The French producer’s follow up to his previous release “Hip-Hop Over All” features hip-hop, soul, pop and Afro-beat rhythms. With his working band on board, Guts has enlisted an eclectic group of artists to bring his musical vision to life. Brooklyn based hip-hop group Tanya Morgan appear on four tracks here. Of those “All Of Nothing” is the strongest. Aided by vocalist Lorine Chia, the hip-hop trio trade verses over a funky drum beat and bass groove. Trumpeter/Vocalist and Label mate Leron Thomas appears on five of tracks . He applies his uncompromising blend of genres to the twisted funk tune “Give You Up” Guts and his band stretch out on their own by covering the Ronnie Laws classic “Every Generation and the laid back piano driven jazz funk “Desintoxication”. “Eternal” has a little something for everyone and offers another example of the burgeoning talent emerging from the Heavenly Sweetness roster.
Beatspoke: The Journey Is The Destination [BBE]
Off the heals of their impressive debut “No Rush”, Sarah Gessler and Josh Fontan, the duo known as Beatspoke return with “The Journey Is The Destination”. Their sophomore LP is features the electro-soul vibes that garnered them critical acclaim. Sarah’s lush vocals glide over the emotive down-tempo beats like “Untended” and “Sink Or Swim”. French rapper Pumpkin jumps on board and drops a few verses on the moody “Fading Fast” and “Solid Information”. Multi-instrumentalist Rom lends his talents on “Lately”. The tight production of Fontan, the spoken word of Gessler and a few friends make for a sublime melodic listening experience.
Jack Costanzo: Mr Bongo [Jazzman Records]
Legendary percussionist Jack Costanzo, aptly named Mr Bongo was unquestionably the premiere percussionist of his era for Latin music. A career that started in the 40s, he’s performed with everyone from Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra to Gilbert Castellanos. Costanzo honed his skills in Havana, Cuba and he would eventually front his own Orchestra throughout the 50s and 60s during the Mambo craze. After a semi retirement, he returned to record with Ubiquity records in 2001. Jazzman records, arguably the premiere crate diggers of obscure music have compiled a superb collections of his early recordings. “Quiera” recorded live “Maleguena” one of several recordings that feature prominent pianist Eddie Cano is a eight burner filled with sizzling percussion and piano soloing. “Caravan” brings the heat with blistering trumpet soloing to complement the fiery rhythm section. If you need an introduction to the Mambo and Mr Costanzo in particular then you certainly need this in your collection.
Snowboy: New York Afternoon [Snowboy Records]
Veteran DJ/Percussionist Mark Cotgrove aka Snowboy has had a long and distinguish career. He’s been an in demand session percussionist, working with esteemed artists like Lisa Stansfield and James Taylor. With his sixteenth album. “New York Afternoon” he has covered of some of his favorite recordings and given them new life. The title track is a cover of the Richie Cole dance classic. The tune is sung by vocalist Mark Evans and backed by sexy horns and sunny rhythms. “Ole Mambo” originally by Edmundo Ros receives an overhaul complete with horn overdubs and sounds more progressive than the original. With “Better” and “Oxen Free” Cotgrove covers two tunes from Boston Mass singer/pianist Jen Kearny. who returns the favor by adding her vocals to the revamped recordings. Cotgrove’s production and arrangements are first rate and the musicians on board are simply superb. A tremendous recording where the covers actually out do the originals. Cotgrove demonstrates once again that he’s a sparkling conga player and an important ambassador of Latin music.
Andy Compton: Sowetan Onesteps [Peng]
The latest from Bristol based house producer Andy Compton is an ode to South Africa and the bond he has built over the past five years. In recent years South Africa has emerged as one of the most beloved scenes for house music and their dance parties have been known to attract thousands. It was there in 2014 that Compton met Soweto percussionist Bonging and Guitarist Shamrock. The trio proceeded to collaborate on several compositions and the result is “Sowetan Onesteps”. The eleven track disc features Compton’s signature lush production and sultry vocals layered over deep house grooves, Shamrock’s guitar riffs and vocal scats adds new elements to tracks like “A Fathers Love” and “Chillin In The Ghetto”. Bonging’s conga playing evokes the spirit of South Africa and is felt throughout the disc. Vocal highlights include “Time” featuring Kenyan resident and vocalist Asali and “I Belong” features Celestine. This is another triumph for Compton. After thirty albums is still going strong and delivering tasty music.
Sly Johnson: The Mic Buddah [Heavenly Sweetness]
“The Mic Buddah” is the full length release from the multi-talented Parisian native Sly Johnson. Best known for his wide range of skills as a singer, beat-boxer and rapper. Aside from the intro “Ouverture” where he provides a glimpse of his superb beat-boxing skills. Johnson allows his rich soulful vocals to do most of the heavy lifting and that’s more than enough, Highlights include “Everybody’s Dancin'” laced with infectious beats and thumping bass grooves. “Why” is another delight, a hazy down-tempo tune. Vocalist Rachel Claudio drops poignant spoken word lyrics and trumpeter Eric Truffaz melodic phrasings is the icing on the cake. .”Music” is filled with blissful samba rhythms while Magic Malik steps in with warm flute melodies, Malian rapper Oxmo Puccino displays exceptional flow and is a perfect fit for this track. Gritty vocals wrapped around soulful hip-hop textures will grip your hips to force you to move. Johnson is a talent whose star can only get brighter with releases like this.
The James Hunter Six: Hold On! [Daptone]
James Hunter’s style is steeped in classic 60s soul and he has been winning over listeners with his warm and gritty voice since 2006. That’s when his LP “People Gonna Talk” dropped and soared to number one on the Billboard chart. Now with his third album and first for Daptone records he’s poised to expand his fan base. The James Hunter Six bring the heat on this ten track release starting with “Hold On”, the first single and “Free Your Mind”, two notable up-tempo highlights.. The horn section is crisp, the beat is tight and Hunter’s voice is full of warmth and grit. Ladies beware, your temperature may rise with ballads like “Light Of My Life” and “In The Dark”. Both filled with heartfelt lyrics of love and affection. UK fans already know about the talented Mr Hunter and thanks to Daptone everyone else will recognize as well.
Elaine Correa: Rumba Con Flores [Movimentos]
On her debut, Elianne Correa demonstrates that she’s an talented pianist and composer. “Rumba Con Flores” is an eight track LP is woven by her love of Jazz, soul and Afro Cuban rhythms. That fabric is felt right from the start with “Wemilere”, a pleasant tune filled with bata drums and a Yoruba prayer courtesy of Cuban Rumba player Gerardo de Armas and vocalist Manuela Panizzo. Cuban trova Yanaysa Prieto and British Congolese Binisa Bonner are the other vocelists on this date. Prieto sings lead on a number of tracks here. Among those include the standout “Rumba Con Flores” and “Aftertaste”, the latter is certainly influenced by Correa’s love of soul music and is filled with warm and melodic rhythms. Bonner’s soulful harmonies provide the perfect compliment Prieto’s vocals throughout the recordings. This is a delightful debut that delivers a slice of Cuba while seamlessly fusing other genres as well. Superb musicianship and blissful vocals stamps this as a must have. Correa certainly shapes up as an artist to keep on your radar.