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Ruby Rushton: Trudi’s Songbook [22a]
“Trudi’s Songbook” is the latest release from the six piece London based band known as Ruby Rushton. Reedist Edward Cawthorne wrote and arranged all tracks here and his flute playing figures prominently throughout the disc. “Moonlight Woman” features a mellow groove that’s driven by Aidan Shepherd’s spacey keys and wicked bass licks from Fergus Ireland. “Prayer for Yusef” taps into the spirit of the acclaimed reedist with Cawthorne’s bamboo flute phrasings. Percussionist Joseph Deenmamode takes the lead of spirited interplay with the rest of the band. This is a slow burning experimental fusion of funk and jazz filled with influences from Dilla to Herbie Hancock’s “Head Hunters”. Cawthorne and company provide plenty of moments that make this release deeply satisfying.
Thundercat: Drunk [Brainfeeder]
“Drunk”, the third full length release from LA bassist Stephen Bruner aka Thundercat is a genre bending pot of eccentric jazz infused with funk and pop rhythms. The 23 track release is a journey of contrasting moods, from light hearted humor to dark subject matters. In order to express these emotions he’s invited a number of his friends from the burgeoning LA scene to take these compositions to another level. On “Uh Uh” he teams up with mufti-instrumentalist Zack Sekoff and unleashes sparkling bass riffs. “Lava Lamp” is a dreamy melodic down-tempo tune featuring red hot producer Sounwave. “Friend zone” is a upbeat number laced with trippy synths that touches on the awkward position of relationships. Flying Lotus jumps on board for several tracks, most notably “Show You The Way” and “Them Changes”, the former featuring icons Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Thundercat’s virtuoso bass wizardry combined with his soft falsetto and zany lyrics are an adventure to behold, not to mention an fascinating listen.
Duke Hugh: Canvas [Rhythm Section ]
In just three years, Rhythm Section International has become one of the premier record labels in South London. They’re been relentless in debuting an impressive array of newcomers and Netherlands native Duke Hugh is no exception. “Canvas” is his impressive full length debut that demonstrates a deft touch for arranging laid back grooves as well as an ear for melody. Highlights include “Greenleaf”, a breezy tune with tasty guitar riffs. “Home” is another mid tempo tune filled with bouncy drums and synths. “Canvas” is a pleasant portrait of Hugh’s creativity as a producer. These are tunes you’ll want to bring along for your chill out moments. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
Lo Tide: Just [Diventa Music]
Lo Tide returns with another assortment of the electronic serene soundscapes we’ve come to expect from him. “Just”, his latest release is a contrast of moods and textures. “Sea and Wind” is a blissful instrumental with warm string arrangements. “Heat” is a down-tempo tune that features the sultry vocals of Frankie Uyterlinde. “Shine A Light” provides a welcome shift to a up-tempo number with a measured groove. Lo Tide’s sound continues to grow and each release is an adventure onto itself. “Just” has dark moments and bright moments and drenched in emotion. He’s rising up the ranks of producers of electronic music.
Inner City Sound Clash: Biorhythm [Stilnovo Music]
“Biorhythm” is the debut album of Eleonora Cutala under the moniker of Inner City Sound Clash. The ten track release is a collection of emotive electronic soundscapes and a melange of moods. In addition, Cutala has collaborated with an array of artists who are in touch with her vision and are superb in expressing themselves through her recordings. The sweet sultry vocals of Jaidene Veda provides plenty of warmth on “The One For Me”. “Sunrise To Sunset” is filled with hazy synths, warm vibes and a perfect match for Olu’s falsetto vocals. “Forgiven” is sultry house bolstered by the vocals of Dezaray. Cutala’s compositions are pure bliss and a sonic journey that you shouldn’t miss.
Jungle Fire: Jambu [Nacional]
“Jambu” is the second full length LP from the Los Angeles based band known as Jungle Fire. The ten member group’s scorching sound spans Afrobeat and Latin rhythms layered over gritty funk. They started out by gathering for occasional jam sessions for b-boy acts before morphing into a full time unit. Those jam sessions would eventually lead to a record deal with the acclaimed North Hollywood California based Nacional Records. “Jambu features a mix of fiery up-tempo bangers as well as some mild mid-tempo grooves. “LA Kossa” is infectious Latin funk with blistering horns. “Efori” has a mellow groove with a light touch of percussion. “Bele Bele” is complemented by electric guitar licks and funky horns. Jungle Fire’s brand of “Tropi-Funk” ensures you’re gonna have a funky good time.
Hector Plimmer: Sunshine [Albert’s Favourites]
“Sunshine”, the latest release from DJ/Instrumentalist Hector Plimmer is a pleasant release filled with soft ambient rhythms, delicate drumming and synths. Plimmer’s mellow arrangements project a mood of solitude were inspired by his recent live performances caught the attention of the rising London label Albert’s Favourites. Notable tracks include “Sunshine” featuring hypnotizing vocals from And Is Phi. “I Wish” is filled with gorgeous synths and vocals. “Eastern System” is drenched in tribal rhythms, enhanced by the Kalimba. Whether it’s hip-hop, jazz or a mash up of rhythms Hector is pushing his music forward and this could be the release that gives him the acclaim he deserves.
Myele Manzanza: One Point One [First Word]
Drummer and New Zealand native Myele Manzanza and First Word Records are a perfect match in that they consistently deliver stellar music. Manzanza’s latest release “One Point One” is a entertaining live recording at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles. The date is a string laden affair featuring the Quartetto Fantastico String Quartet, as well as Mark De Clive Lowe on keys and many more. “Bar Thing” is a gorgeous tune that begins with a whirlwind of strings and percussion followed by De Clive Lowe’s simmering keys. The tune continues to heighten the anticipation before bassist Ben Shepard unleashes an infectious groove that is augmented by the vocals of Nia Andrews. “Montara” is a beautiful cover of the Bobby Hutcherson classic where the vibes are replaced by the violinist of the String Quartet and De Clive Lowe on rhodes yet still captures the warm and beauty of the original. Miquel Atwood Ferguson imprint figures prominently on this disc, specifically his arrangements on the sublime “Atlantis” which features Andrews again as well as MC Charlie K This is the live recording where you envision yourself sitting front and center admiring great performances and absorbing one superb recording after another. This is essential listening to say the least.
Carleen Anderson: Cage Street Memorial – The Pilgrimage [Freestyle]
Carleen Anderson’s seventh LP, “Cage Street Memorial – The Pilgrimage” is the third piece of a trilogy that involves a book and a one woman show. Anderson’s latest release is an amalgamation of soul, gospel, and classical rhythms emanating from lifelong experiences and influences. There’s an element of her heritage can be heard in songs like “Wade In The Water”. While “At The Cross” is steeped in the Southern baptist church. “Upwards From The Ground” has elements of folk and showcases Carleen’s vocal range. “There are notable contributors from Orphy Robinson on vibes and bassist/co-producer Renell Shaw piercing groove on “All That Glitters” will warm your soul. Anderson wrote, arranged and played piano on all tracks here. This is a deeply personal and poetic project that utilizes all of her talents and is certainly her most ambitious project yet.
Azymuth: Fenix [Far Out]
One of the crown jewels of Brazil for over forty years, Azymuth returns with their first album in five years. “Fenix” captures their wide range of rhythms, from jazzy fuk to sun drench fusion. Keyboardist Kiko Continentino fills the huge shoes created by the passing of long time member Roberto Bertrami and his energy shines throughout here. Take for instance his spacey chords on “Fenix” which complements Alex Malheiros funky bass grooves. “Orange Clouds” is warm and sublime Brazilian Jazz. “Carumb” is their signature brand of “Samba Doido” aka crazy Samba laced with spirited percussion from Ivan Conti. Longtime fans will be pleased to find the group once again on top of their game.