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Menagerie: The Arrow Of Time [Freestyle]
Producer and multi-instrumentalist Lanu Ferguson has serenaded us with a myriad of projects ranging from The Bamboos to Black Feeling. His broad musical vision have made him a sort after musician and created high anticipation for his releases. Menagerie, his latest project is no exception. Ferguson’s latest is inspired by the 1970’s spiritual jazz era and is filled with post bop spiritual and Afro jazz rhythms. “Evolution”, erupts with an enchanting piano solo and percussion followed by Fallon Williams philosophical words of wisdom. “The Arrow Of Time” is another winner fueled by simmering horns, tantalizing keys and a harmonious vocal chorus. “Spiral” is an infectious jazz funk gem with a monster groove. “The Arrow Of Time” is a marvelous collection of compositions that inspire joyous energy and warm vibes. Ferguson once again knocks it out of the park with an album that provides definite satisfaction.
The Andy Tolman Cartel: Cypher [Freestyle]
Inspired by the great movie soundtracks of the seventies, The Andy Tolman Cartel present “Cypher”. This nine track lp captures the cinematic soundscapes that were as pivotal to film as the movie itself. An accomplished bass player, Tolman integrates funk and big band rhythms seamlessly throughout this disc. “Move Over” is a funky number that features Jo Harmon on vocals and Steve Watt on the Hammond Organ. “You What” is another sizzling highlight that kicks off with Tolman’s funky guitar intro and features Carl Hudson on keyboards. Produced by Nick van Gelder who also occupies the drum chair on the entire disc. “Cypher” engages you to visualize some of your favorite movie scores and ensures you’ll have a funky good time while doing so.
Ikebe Shakedown: The Way Home [Colemine]
The Brooklyn based band return with another collection of infectious gritty funk instrumentals. “The Way Home” pulls from an array of influences of Afro, psychedelia and a heavy dose of soul. There’s plenty to savor here starting with the opening track “Supermoon”. A fiery soul tune ripe with blistering horns, percussion and wicked electric guitar rhythms. “she’s Knocking” is slow grinding soul that follows the same formula. With their trademark tight instrumentation and no sign of filler, “The Way Home” is a sure bet for soul aficionados.
30/70 Collective: Elevate [Rhythm Section International]
Clearly there’s something in the water down in Melbourne. With the success of Hiatus Kaiyote we now have 30/70 Collective to emerge from their vibrant music scene. “Elevate” is the superb follow up to their impressive debut “Cold Radish Coma”. This sublime release resonates with warm soulful harmonies and strong instrumentation. The opener “Slangin” is laid back, warm and melodic. The tune is built around rhythmic synths, moogs and a cavalcade of vocals, most notably lead vocalist Allysha Joy. “Misrepresented” follows the same formula with the addition of funky guitar rhythms and horns. Each track here flows together thematically and filled with rich textures and catchy hooks. The only negative is there’s only 9 tracks to savor. That being said, “Elevate” is deeply satisfying record that warrants repeated listens. This is a group to keep an eye on
James L’Estraunge: Eventual Reality [BBE]
“Eventual Reality” is the full length debut from The James L’Estraunge Orchestra. Producer Ricky Reid, one half of the Soul Renegades shifts gears by crafting an engaging collection of atmospheric gems and dreamy soundscapes. In order to tap into this creative process he escaped the busy Edinburgh scene and retreated to the peaceful Swedish highlands. The move has made an immediate impression right from the start. “Me And The Bear” is a down-tempo tune filled with gorgeous rhodes and string melodies. “We Rise” begins with a stretch of boisterous strings and horns followed by lush vocals layered over an infectious groove. An a composer Reid strikes the right balance between electronica and live instrumentation and makes a profund statement with this impressive release.
Ross McHenry Trio: The Outsiders [First Word]
Guitarist Ross McHenry’s third release for First Word records is his first trio album. “The Outsiders” is rounded out with long time collaborators drummer Myele Manzanza and pianist Matthew Sheens. Their synergy is apparent on a number of standouts tracks. On the opening tune “It’s Not How I Remembered It”, Sheens melodies are assertive yet tender while Manzanza’s rhythmic phrasings gain momentum along the way. The title track comes in three parts, each beginning with elegant melodies yet each distinguishing itself from the other. On “Pt.2” McHenry lays down moody rhythms augmented by Manzanza’s deft touch on cymbals. On “Pt.3” Sheens, the lead voice throughout dials up the heat with a swirling barrage of high powered virtuosity. With two impressive fusion lps to his name, McHenry demonstrates he’s equally adept in a trio setting as well. This is a highly satisfying record.
Various Artists: DJ Andy Smith Presents Reach UP – Disco Wonderland [BBE]
DJ Andy Smith, internationally known for collaborations with Portishead as well as his sort after DJ sets reinforced his reputation as a certified crate digger. “Reach Up – Disco Wonderland” is an ode to the seventies NYC club scene, specifically the Paradise Garage and Studio 54. In addition he resurrects a few hidden gems for us to enjoy all over again. “For The Love Of Money” a seventies classic from the Disco Dub Band has an unforgettable bass groove that drove folks to the dance floor and still resonates today. “First Time Love Affair” was an early eighties hit from the late Jimmy Ross. “Share The Night” is an underrated synth laden boogie tune that captures the spirit of NYC eighties club culture. If you want to take a trip down memory lane then you’ll no doubt enjoy this disc.
The Haggis Horns : One Of These Days [Haggis Records]
The Haggis Horns 4th album “One Of These Days” features a grittier bluesy sound while maintaining their trademark raw soulful sound. The slow grinding groove of “Curse Of The Haggis” is evidence of that and a pleasant sign of things to come. Long time member Lucinda Slim adds her sultry vocals to the mid-tempo “World Gone Crazy”. On “All Fuzzed Up” the band demonstrates that they can turn up the heat when necessary. There’s much more to savor here with appearances from John McCallum and Doc Brown respectively. Twenty years on the scene The Haggis Horns are still one of the premiere UK soul bands around today.
Web Web: Oracle [Compost]
Web Web is a German based supergroup of acclaimed musicians. The essence of “Oracle” is derived from the Spiritual Jazz movement of the seventies. On “Journey To No End” the quartet explore searing exciting exchanges among each other. Pianist Roberta Di Gloia sets the table with a glorious melody while Tony Lakatos’s soloing on Tenor. On “Unreal Prediction” Lakatos’s adventurous phrasing on Soprano are deeply satisfying when playing alongside Gloia’s rhythmic rhodes. “Alternate Truth” is a moody mellow tune yet full of imagination. Peter Gall’s simmering percussion allows Lakatos and Gloia to stretch out. Their solos flow naturally and are a joy to listen. “Oracle” isn’t impressive because it was recorded in one take. It’s very impressive because these are musicians at the top of their game coming together with superb compositions. This is a delightful record worthy of repeated listens.
Binker & Moses: Journey to the Mountain of Forever [Gearbox Records]
Binker Golding and Moses Boyd are part of the collective of young musicians emerging on the vibrant London scene. As Binker and Moses they remind us just how engaging a drum and sax duo can be without the reliance of a chordal instrument. The duo explores a a variety of moods with Golding’s adventurous solos servng as the lead voice. “Trees On Fire” finds Binker swinging with a flurry of energy that builds throughout while Boyd infectious rhythms equally holds his own. “The Valley Of The Ultra Blacks” find Golding on soprano and unleashing a flurry of spirted soloing while Boyd’s mighty percussion asserts itself with high energy. With fifteen tracks of their own compositions and inspired by the great duets of the past. Binker and Moses come out swinging and produce one of the best records of the year. I’m already looking forward to their next release.