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.

Reg Dancy

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“My Name Is Nicole Willis”, is the latest release from the Finland based classic soul vocalist. Ms Willis revisits some of her earlier releases as well as unleashing new material with help from The Umo Jazz Orchestra. For their part the Orchestra’s added horns and producer Jimi Tenor’s arrangements create a dynamic classic soul experience. One of those new tracks, “Haunted By The Devil” opens up with lush horns and strings followed up with Pete Toikkanen’s funky wah wah guitar. “Together We Climb” should be familiar to fans. Originally performed by Nicole and The Soul Investigators, this alternate take maintains the infectious groove and bluesy guitar rhythms while incorporating swaying orchestral arrangements. “Still Got A Way To Fall”, another bluesy soul burner finds Willis performing spoken word about perseverance through trying times. The Willis, Tenor and Toikkanen partnership knows a thing or two about quality soul music. This sparkling release takes their sound to another level.

Reg Dancy

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DJ Vadim and Californian songwriter vocalist Katrina Blackstone return following their successful collaboration on “Dubcather” with “Double sided”. Vadim’s latest release is amalgamation of dub step grooves, boogie tunes with several eclectic rhythms mixed in between. Among the highlights are “Choose” where Blackstone’s sultry vocals ride over a wicked synth laden beat. “Stand Up” is roots reggae laced with funky dub echo effects and pulsing drums. “How Long” is an upbeat boogie tune with a catchy melody that lingers long after the song is over. Vadim has delivered another impressive disc full of live instrumentation and thumping bass grooves. Along with Ms Blackstone they’ve formed the perfect musical combination.

Reg Dancy

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South Africa continues to build on it’s reputation as a haven for spiritual House music and culture. Thee Gobbs is another stellar DJ to emerge from the homeland to keep on your radar. “It’s Time”, his debut on Atjazz showcases his deft touch as a producer with a keen sense of musicianship. He seemlessly fuses the spirtual melodies with the emotive harmonies deep infectious grooves. This double cd features Gobbs original compositions while disc B features some tasty remixes from some of the most notable DJ/Producers today. “The Love” is a joyous dance track featuring Johannesburg based vocalist Tsholo. “Thin Ice” is another pulsating tune featuring vocalist RJ Reynolds. “Like A Drum”, the track that rose Gobbs name to a broader audience features a number of scorching remixes but among my favorites is the deep house remix from Fish Go Deep. “Time To Rise” receives a soulful house remix from priemere DJ/Producer Sean McCabe. Gobbs had already knocked on the door with his two previous singles. Now with “It’s Time” he’s blowing it wide open.

Reg Dancy

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DJ and avid vinyl collector Kev Beadle  has resided in the upper echelon of respected DJs for over 20 years. So when he started pulling out some of his own dusty vinyl classics for his “Private Collection” series, it gave us another reason to love him even more. Now with Vol.3 he unleashes a delicious collection of seventies slept on tunes you didn’t know you needed before but you certainly know now. The disc kicks off in furious form with “Quiet Fire” infused with spirited drumming from the great Roy Haynes. “La Em Guayaquil” is an infectious jazz-rock hidden gem from the Brazilian band Banda Metalurgia. Louis Hayes’ late seventies free jazz delight “Little Sunflower” features the engaging wordless yodeling of Leon Thomas. Other notable tunes include “Maryke” and “Samba De Amor”. Unless you have direct access to the Kev Beadle vault you would be wise to take a deep drive into this superb collection.

Reg Dancy

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The name Trevor Lawrence Jr may not jump off the page at first but when you dig a little deeper you’ll find that the Los Angeles native has been drumming for everyone from Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar to Stevie Wonder just to name a few. If that wasn’t enough he’s also the drummer for saxophonist Terrace Martin’s new group, The Pollyseeds. Somehow he found the time to craft his full length debut entitled “Relationships”. Lawrence’s debut illustrates his musical vision of traditional soul, jazz, hip-hop and funk. Among the highlights are “B-Side” a seventies inspired soul layered with wah wah rhythms and sultry vocals. “The Guts” is gritty street soul featuring Shariff Simmons on spoken word and tasty trumpet riffs from Nicholas Payton. “Bring The Party” is a catchy up-tempo jazz funk instrumental. “Tiptoe” is blissful RnB enhanced by live and programmed drums and features Neka on vocals. There’s an enormous amount of talent emerging from LA and Lawrence Jr is the latest example. He’s certainly one to watch.

Reg Dancy

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Richard Spaven continues a steady ascent as one of the premiere drummers on the scene today. He has gained international acclaim through his trademark drumming style, resulting in collaborations with the likes of Jose James, Flying Lotus and others. “The Self”, his latest release is a culmination of all his influences, notably jazz, electronica and drum n bass. “Stills” is a atmospheric gem highlighted by frequent collaborator Jordan Rakei’s smooth falsetto. “The Hidden Camera”, filled with dub step rhythms is a nod to the London club culture. “Greeting to Saud” is a blissful tribute to the great McCoy Tyner is laced with gorgeous synth melodies courtesy of pianist Kris Bowers. A visual album filled with ambient sound and textures worthy of repeated listens. If you’re familiar with Mr Spaven then you know his music defies genres and for that we’re grateful based on the results. If you’re new to him then you’re in for a treat.

Reg Dancy

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Melbourne producer Lord Echo has built an impressive resume filled with compositions that fuse reggae, afrobeat and latin rhythms. His latest full length release “Harmonies” may be his best yet. There’s plenty to savor here right from the outset. “Woah! There’s No Limit” is an engaging reggae tune with swaying horns and tropical rhythms. “The Sweetest Meditation” is a gorgeous boogie tune filled soothing vibes and infectious percussion. Both of the aforementioned tunes feature the golden falsetto vocals of Mara TK who appears on two additional racks as well. Two other noteworthy reggae tunes are “Low To The Street” and the superb cover of The O’Jays “I Love Music” Both tunes feature the blissful vocals of Lisa Tomlins. Throw in the afro-soul instrumental “Makossa” and you have one of the more enjoyable albums of the year.

Reg Dancy

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Producer/writer Mike City made his mark in the early 2000s with the smash hit “I Wish” by Carl Thomas. From that point he would go on to pen tracks for Brandy, Angie Stone and countless others. For his latest full length release, he’s invited a  number of his friends are on board to lift these impressive RnB infused dance tracks to another level. Veteran Fayth Evans urban edged soprano vocals are the perfect match for the track “When I Luv”. The angelic vocals of Teedra Moses float on the soulful house inspired “Been Too Afraid”. The mid-tempo burner “You’re In Heaven” is boasted by the deep smokey vocals of acclaimed songstress Lalah Hathaway. Additional appearances range from Terri Walker, Maysa to UK RnB legend Junior. The title speaks for itself. “The Feel Good Agenda Vol.1” is certain to give you happy feet and provoke repeated listens.

Reg Dancy

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There’s a new generation of UK jazz artists and Tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia is one of the key players on the scene. She has studied with members of the educational program known as Tomorrow’s Warriors and has emerged as a sought after horn player. With “Nubya’s 5ive” she fronts a band filled with musicians broadening the scope of jazz. Drummer Moses Boyd is a band leader in his own right and seamlessly keeps the rhythm cooking throughout. With the opening track “Lost Kingdom”, Boyd’s deft command of rhythm provides a foundation for Garcia and trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey. Pianist Joe Armon-Jones spirited playing is pure delight on “Fly Free”. With “Red Sun” Garcia and company stretch out in freewheeling form and the results are pure joy. Whether it’s bebop or experimental, Garcia is a rising star who certainly warrants your attention. The multifaceted Jazz Re:freshed label never disappoints and this superb release is no exception. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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