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Emanative: Earth [Jazzman]
Nick Woodmansey aka Emanative’s 2009 release “Space” was a celestial beauty of cosmic compositions. That astral journey would lead to “The Light Years Of The Darkness”, the first release for the Steve Reid Foundation. Through that project he would connect with a number of like minded musicians that would inspire a deeper dive into his spirituality, which brings us to “Earth”. Emanative’s latest release focuses on African, Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Among the highlights are “Heaven’s Mirror”, enhanced by The Pyramids Idris Ackamoor’s psychedelic horn riffs and David Molina’s deep bass grooves. “Iyaami” sets the tone with a five minute balafon solo before seguing into a slow simmering Afrobeat groove for vocalist Dele Sosimi. “Sandhyavandanam” is a meditative tune with a hypnotic bass and Tabla rhythms. Nat Birchall contributes his tenor sax melodies to “Spice Route Suite” and “Reflection”. The latter features heavenly vocal harmonies from Liz Elensky. Other notable contributors throughout this disc include Jessica Lauren, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Ben Hadwen and Ahu just to name a few. Woodmansey set a high bar with his previous projects yet he has easily surpassed them with a tremendous record.
Chip Wickham: Shamal Wind [Lovemonk]
With “Shamal Wind” flutist/saxophonist Chip Wickham draws inspiration from Arabian influences. Specifically Doha, a land rooted in ancient cultures and a destination for him to recover from throat Cancer. A new perspective on life inspires him to release five albums within the next five years. For now let’s just enjoy this engaging record. Recorded in Madrid, Wickham’s band is comprised of musicians from Spain as well as the UK who were part of the soul jazz circuit he helped cultivate from years past. On the sublime title “Shamal Wind”, Wickham’s warm touch receives harmonic support from Ton Risco on vibes. “Snake Eyes” is a explosive tune that showcases Wickham’s fluttering expressive flute and Phil Wilkinson’s prowess on keys. Matthew Halsall jumps aboard and combines warm melodies on the splendid modal ballad “The Mirage”. Wickham is following the lineage of Spiritual jazz multi-instrumentalists like Yusef Lateef and Sahib Shihab. It’s a blessing that he’s restored his health and contributing superb compositions once again.
Toshio Matsuura Group: LovePlayDance – 8 Scenes From The Floor [Brownswood]
For his latest album renowned DJ/Producer Toshio Matsuura enlisted some of the Uk’s finest musicians, including drummer Tom skinner as musical director. “Love Play Dance – 8 Scenes From The Floor” is an alternate take on covers that captures Matsuura’s wide ranging taste from Jazz to dance and beyond. Cuban vocalist Dayme Arocena adds a new flavor to Rotary Connection’s “Black Gold Of The Sun” with the help of her Havana based musicians. “Kitty Bey”, a spiritual jazz classic originally performed by Byron Morris and Unity. The intense reboot features Yussef Dayes, trumpeter Yazz Ahmed and rising star Nubya Garcia respectively. The Flying Lotus cover “Do The Astral Plane” is transformed from avant garde electronica to swinging jazz suitable for the dance floor. This is another enjoyable disc from Brownswood recordings that deserves your attention. Matsuuro demonstrates that jazz and dance aren’t worlds apart when placed in the right hands.
Various Artists: Oonops Drops Vol. 1 [Agogo]
“Oonops Drops” is the name of DJ Oonops monthly broadcast on Brooklyn Radio (NYC). Oonops radio show has featured an array of guests from around the globe to expand his listeners musical horizons. When he’s not hosting his show he’s performing DJ sets with an eclectic mix from Dub, afrobeat to hip-hop and more. An avid vinyl collector, he digs deep in the crates to bring some hidden gems for his debut. Among the highlights are “Shadows In The city” by Figub Brazlevic, a dubbed out breakbeat banger that would fit in any soundsystem party. “Suff Daddy is a bouncy boogie tune remixed by Pat Van Dyke. “Mysterious Vibes”, originally a Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds gem receives a proper edit from Cro-Magnum. ShinSight Trio tastefully covers Side Effect’s soulful 70s classic “Always There” in the form of “You Got Soul”. Released on Agogo records Oonops first compilation fits in with their global state of mind. It also stands among their impressive string of releases this year worthy of your attention.
Florian Pellisier: Bijou Caillou Voyou [Heavenly Sweetness]
Pianist Florian Pellisier’s third release “Bijou Caillou Voyou” continues his stretch of impressive albums. “Bijou Caillou Voyou” exudes a smokey night club ultra cool jazz vibe reminiscent of the late sixties NYC bebop era. Pellisier’s quintet of over a decade convey that vibe to perfection. “Coup De Foudre a Thessalonique” is an earthy tune feels like a cool summer breeze. Pellisier’s swirling melodies align with trumpeter Yoan Loustalot’s joyous soloing. “Boca” is festive number that finds poet Anthony Joseph waxing a tale over drummer David Georgelet’s bubbling percussion. Pellisier’s two handed forays and his propulsive style shine on “Colosse de Rhodes” He unleashes a glorious melody for both trumpeter Loustalot and Christophe Panzani’s tenor to glide over. Georgelet keeps the rhythm in high gear. This is a superb release from a band that can swing hard and takes no prisoners. Pellisier is proving to be a priemier pianist and this hard bop gem will provide definite satisfaction.
Various Artists: Alex Attias Presents LillyGood Party [BBE]
“LillyGood Party” is a nod to the parties hosted by DJ/Producer Alex Attias in his native Lausanne. Over the years He’s release a number of tracks under various monikers such as Mustang or Freedom Soundz. He also was a part of West London’s broken beat scene during it’s apex via his Vision label. His latest release is a mashup of dance floor bangers and rare gems in various styles. There’s something for everyone starting with the high octane Disco funk of “Earth Overshoot Day” from Cotonete, armed with a Hugo LX remix. One of Tokyo’s finest producers Grooveman Spot’s “Do The Dance” has an wobbly infectious groove that will instantly fill a dance floor. “Curiosity” by Nicole Willis is remixed into a smoothed out soulful banger. Other highlights include a broken beat heater from Kaidi Tatham and Dego and classic RnB soul from Root Soul. Be sure to check Mr Attias next time he’s in your town. This compilation is evidence that he knows how to rock a party.
Dave Grusin: The Friends Of Eddie Coyle [We Want Sounds]
With a career spanning four decades, there’s plenty of material to choose from the Dave Grusin catalog. Somehow “The Friends of Eddie Cole”, the soundtrack to the crime drama was never released until now. Grusin creates a cat and mouse imagery that mirrors the films deliberate slow pace. “Partridge Robbery/Take A Walk” is the only track over three minutes. It’s a slow burning cinematic gem heightened by an impressive string section as well as percussionist Emil Richards. “Jacky Meets Pete And Andrea” is a funky wah wah inspired tune but it’s woefully short at just over a minute. It’s just enough time for Saxophonist Tom Scott and bassist Chuck Rainey to cut loose. With “Baylis Robbery”, Grusin’s string arrangements build a quiet tension that only heightens the drama of the heist. It’s a theme played throughout the disc. Grusin demonstrates here that he’s unheralded when it comes to music scores. Like the film itself, it’s well worth going back to re-examine the rest of his work.
Potatohead People: Nick and Astro’s Guide To The Galaxy [Bastard Jazz]
Nick Wisdom and astrological, the Vancouver duo better known as Potatohead People have built an impressive resume over the years based on their brand of mid-tempo electro funk. “Nick and Astro’s Guide to The Galaxy” is their full length debut after an assortment of EPs over the years. “Quest For Love” embodies their signature sound with a laid back groove and a swaying chorus. “Do My Thing” reflects their J Dilla influence with a neck snapping drum snare beat. Illa J, brother of the late great aforementioned producer jumps on this track and two others as well. “No Sleep Til MTL” is an 80s flavored boogie tune with jazzy trumpet phrasings. These guys have nailed the art of beats and rhythms and this engaging release is evidence of that.
Jessica Lauren: Almeria [Freestyle]
“Almeria”, a province of Spain is scenic, sublime and a natural paradise not known to everyone. For pianist Jessica Lauren, it’s a place filled with fond memories and a romantic charm. They serve as an ideal inspiration to this beautiful new release. Lauren’s warm approach to harmony and rhythm are reflected in this blissful collection of modal compositions. “Kofi Nomad” is a simmering afro rhythmic tune augmented by Collocutor member Tamar Osborn’s baritone sax phrasings. “Amalfi” is a brimming bossa nova treat that features trumpeter Yazz Ahmed, Osborn on flute with Lauren singing the melody. The closing “Argentina” is a stirring duet between Lauren and Osborn. Lauren’s channels the subtlety of Horace Silver on this wonderful ballad. Simply put this is another winner from the premier pianist that shouldn’t be missed.
The Expansions: Murmuration [Albert’s Favourites]
The Expansions are a quartet hailing from South London. They made quite an impression with their debut EP “Lavender”. Their latest release “Murmuration” builds on their debut with more funk infused jazz and soul rhythms. “Pocket 5” is fueled by spirited drumming from Jonny Drop and a thumping groove courtesy of bassist Matt Summerfield. On “Cannonball” Dave Koor’s mellow earthy synths along with James O’Keefe’s guitar provide plenty of warm vibes. “Ivory Mountain” is an uptempo fusion highlight driven by spacey synths and a pulsating groove. The Expansions breathe new life into the 70s fusion period with this engaging record. They’ve learned well from their influences while creating a sound all their own.