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DJ Vadim: Dubcatcher [BBE]
DJ Vadim has been very busy these days. When he isn’t DJ’ing around the world he’s also producing for numerous artists in all manner of styles. With his latest release "Dubcatcher" he has composed a rich collection of Dub beats and Dance hall rhythms enhanced by an array of talented vocalists and rappers alike. There’s so much to savor starting with "Hope" and "Rise". Each tune feature Bassist/Vocalist Rio Hemopo and frequent Vadim contributor Sabira Jade. "Action" featuring rising star Jimmy Screech is another winner that packs a lot of bass and Hip-Hop beats. Other notable tracks include "Nah Join" and "Originate It", the latter featuring Dynamite MC. Locked and loaded with sixteen tracks, "Dubcatcher" flows with one great vocalist after another and the production is first rate. If you purchase only one Dub record this year, make sure this is the one.
Shawn Lee: Golden Age Against The Machine [BBE]
Multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee has experimented with an assortment of musical flavors over the years ranging from psychedelic soul to cinematic soundtracks. As the title of his latest project suggests, "Golden Age Against The Machine" pays homage to the birth of Hip-Hop in it’s formative years. One ride through this disc will have you searching for your Kangol hat and your shell top Adidas. Further proof lies with tracks like "Back To The Future" where the grooves and synths will invoke memories of Afrika Bambaata’s "Planet Rock". Ohmega Watts smooth flow is the perfect match for the laid back vibe of "We Got The Jazz". "Jackie Chan" would fit perfectly in the Wu Tang library thanks in part to the haunting rhythms and thick beats. While mainstream Hip-Hop has gone corporate, ala "The "Machine", it’s nice to take a trip down memory lane and enjoy beats and rhymes in it’s purest form.
Mark De Clive Lowe: Church [Ropeadope]
There are few of artists who perform comfortably in a myriad of musical styles as well as Mark De Clive Lowe. His personal projects range from Jazz, Broken Beat to Hip-Hop and future soul. In addition, his production credits extend to artists like Sy Smith and Sandra St Victor, not to mention numerous collaborations with the likes of Sheila E and Omar just to name a few. His latest project entitled "Church" is named after the music events he hosts in New York and Los Angeles respectively. From the opener "The Mission", a simmering appetizer that builds momentum features rapper John Robinson. "Brukstep" is a frenetic up-tempo number that displays his keyboard wizardry. Vocalist and partner Nia Andrews contributes her blissful vocals to the elegant tune "Hollow" as well as two other compositions. There’s a number of tasty Jazz compositions here that are airy and rhythmic like "Imam" and "Sketch For Miguel" the latter featuring Miguel Atwood Ferguson on Viola and Jamire Williams on drums. Quite simply you can insert this disc, press play and walk away and you’re disappointed only when the record ends. Highly recommended.
Various Artists: The Boogie Vol 4 [Tokyo Dawn]
"The Boogie" Vol.4 is a gathering of funk heavyweights from the consistently productive Tokyo Dawn label. Each artists sprinkles their personal brand of funk and the result is seventy plus minutes of infectious funk. Among those heavyweights is UK soul man Omar who provides two tracks here. "My Prediction" and "Do What I Do", the former is remixed with wicked synths courtesy of Opolopo. Equally impressive was Reggie-B’s space age funk in the form of "Do You Wanna Ride?". "Welcome To Me" from Amalia’s sorely underrated "Art Slave" is full of soaring vocals and deep grooves. Other highlights include Personal Life’s "One Step Closer", Soul Parlor’s "Hybrid Funk and much more. Make no mistake, this is the disc you need if you want to have a funky good time.
Various Artists: Eglo Records Vol 1 [Eglo ]
Founded in 2008 by Alexander Nut and Sam Shepard, Eglo Records has consistently delivered some of the most inspiring and satisfying future Soul and House music to date. Whether it’s the progressive production of Floating Points, the beat wizardry 0f Funkineven or the stunning vocals of Fatima, every release from this label merits your attention and there’s plenty of reasons why. There’s the sonic grooves of Floating Points "Vacuum Boogie" and the cinematic gem "Wires". Funkieven delivers wicked beats and warped synths in the form of "She’s Acid". The songstress known as Fatima is a phoenix rising and it’s easy to see why with blissful soul tracks like "Innversivions" and "Visit You". Add other notable appearances from Mizz Beats and Shuanise and you have a superb album from the Eglo vault certain to provide definite satisfaction.
The Liberators: Power Struggle [Record Kicks]
The Sydney based group The Liberators return with another deep dish of impressive heavy grooves. "Power Struggle" features nine tracks of Afro-beat inspired instrumentals certain to keep your head nodding to the beat. The opener "Cairo Uprising" sets the tone with an infectious groove and spirited rhythms. "Dark River" is another up-tempo pulsating tune with jazz infused rhythms. "Red Green Live Die" features wicked bass playing that compliments the funky horns that are featured throughout. "Power Struggle" picks up where their debut left off and that’s by delivering high energy Afro-funk that will keep you on the good foot and wanting more.
Lady Daisy: In My Headphones [BBE]
Lady Daisy has built up a strong following on the underground scene with her unique brand of hip-hop inspired funk and soul. Her sophomore disc "In My Headphones" seamlessly blends her husky voice with an assortment of tasty grooves. Credit husband/producer Batsource, who has also built a following within the underground hip-hop community with his beatmaking prowess. There’s plenty of evidence here starting with the opening track "Ready" a playful soul tune filled with hip-hop influenced beats. "Fruit" is soothing soulful goodness with haunting melodies. "Full Circle" is a tender piano driven tune that displays the gentle side of this talented vocalists. No longer under the radar, Lady Daisy emerges with an impressive record that will no doubt widen her fan base.
Nick Pride and The Pimptones: Reduced Phat Shake [Legere Recordings]
"Reduced Phat Shake", the latest release from Nick Pride & The Pimptones is filled with their signature formula of Northern UK soul that would make vintage Motown lovers swoon. There’s plenty of tasty soulful teasers to get your motor running to the dance floor. "Take Care Of My Love" is a high energy dance number highlighted by the vocals of Susan Hamilton. Other vocal contributors include Courtney Valecia on the ultra funky "It’s A Love Thing" and the slow burning "Hex On My Soul". "Walkin’ Out The Door" is an infectious Blues tune sung by Lyndon Anderson. With an assortment of instrumental tracks like "Soul Food Strutt" and "Non Stop", "Reduced Phat" delivers with an album filled with soulfully deep and satisfying recordings that are light on filler yet heavy on grooves to keep your body shaking to the beat.
The New Mastersounds: Therapy [Legere Recordings]
The New Mastersounds return with their ninth studio album, "Therapy". Their twelve track disc is packed with infectious tunes that embrace their Soul jazz sound. The multinational band originally from Leeds England formed by Guitarist/Producer Eddie Roberts come out of the gate sizzling. The opening track "Old Man Noises", is a organ filled funk tune with percussive rhythms. "Morning Fly" and "WW III" have a heavy jazz foundation, in pert due to Roberts sparkling guitar rhythms. Newcomer Kim Dawson adds her sultry voice to the tasty tune "I Want You To Stay". Other notable selections are "Soul Sista" and "Treasure". Roberts continues to deliver recordings that lean on the soul jazz recordings of the sixties yet sound fresh and relevant today.
Slakah The Beatchild: Soul Movement 2 [Beatchild]
There are a number of credible beatmakers out there but when it comes to merging hypnotic beats and soulful rhythms few do it as well as Slakah The Beatchild. The Toronto native returns with Volume 2 of "Soul Movements" and like "Vol.1" features an array of talented vocalists also from Toronto to lift these tracks to greater heights. Among the guests is Glenn Lewis who croons over the piano driven "Number 1". On "Keep Up" songstress Ayah and Slakah venture into Deep House territory while maintaining their signature soulful sound. "Love Fool" is filled with wicked guitar rhythms and highlighted by the stirring vocals of Tamika Charles. Slakah knows the value of a tasty groove to keep the disc bumping throughout no matter what the tempo might be. There’s no sophomore jinx here, just another superb record..
Guida De Palma and Jazzinho: Veludo [Toca Piano Fala Frances]
Guida de Palma & Jazzinho aren’t strangers to Latin Jazz rhythms as their catalog would strongly suggest . Their latest release, "Veludo" is a testament to that with nine sublime compositions that range from Guida’s Portuguese roots to soul jazz rhythms with warm and dreamy melodies. That combination is evident on the opening track "A Seed In You", a simmering tune highlighted by the incomparable Leon Ware, who knows a thing or two about romantic lyrics. "Papao", Portuguese for Bogeyman is funky organ flavored Samba goodness. "Whispers In The Darkness" is a sensual ballad with strings. Written and produced by De Palma this is a enjoyable record that combines Guida’s lush vocal harmonies and Jazzinho’s strong instrumentation. A perfect record to soothe your mind and warm your soul.
Jesse James: Let Me Show You [Soul Junction]
I was first introduced to deep soul vocalist Jesse James in the early 90s when I bought a copy of the brilliant I’ve Been There Before (Gunsmoke) on 45 from Birmingham’s respected soul collector and radio DJ, Mickey Nold. Jesse James actually goes back way further though and has been recording since the late 60s. On Let Me Show You, the quality UK label, Soul Junction draws together a selection of ten rare and previously unreleased tracks recorded in the 70s. I Feel Your Love Changing is an anthemic modern soul swayer as is I Gave You Love With An A Plus. Also check out his version of the brilliant Just As Long As We’re In Love written by the legendary Terry Callier and Larry Wade and previously recorded by TC himself and The (mighty) Dells. Jesse gets funky on One And Only Love and I’m In Love With Loving You, neither of which would have sounded out of place on any of Willie Hutch’s 70s albums. I Got The Feeling and Let Me Show You are classy steppers but touch down anywhere on this set and you won’t be disappointed.
Valerie June: Pushin’ Against A Stone [Sunday Best]
Valerie June’s music is a blend of country and blues with a touch of traditional spirituals thrown in for good measure. This may not be the usual sound to feature in these pages or indeed my record collection but there’s something very special about Pushin’ Against A Stone, in particular Workin’ Woman Blues, a blistering up-tempo, jazzy country-funk outing complete with a blaring horn section. Pure magic! Also check out the laid back bluesy soul groove, Wanna Be On Your Mind and the old school soul stepper The Hour. If you are a fan of Michael Kiwanuka then this is likely to appeal.
Snarky Puppy: Family Dinner Vol.1 [Ropeadope]
Led by bassist, composer and producer Michael League, Snarky Puppy is a soul/funk collective, who although new to me actually formed in 2004. They’ve had numerous releases, all of which have been instrumental but on Family Dinner they have enlisted the assistance of top notch vocalists to create some outstanding music. The set was recorded and filmed live at Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA in front of a select audience and this package not only includes the album but also a DVD of the performance. Free Your Dreams kicks off proceedings, a tasty organic soul groove featuring Chantae Cann before touching on other solid moments such as the moody Deep, fronted by N’Dambi and the playful Latin jazz dancer Amour T’es La? with Magda Giannikou. Lalah Hathaway revisits Brenda Russell’s Something, a song which she initially covered on her debut album back in 1990, and boy does she rip it up on this new version, performing vocal acrobatics that are quite simply mind blowing. This is soul with a capital S and deserves to be massive.
Sandra St. Victor: Oya’s Daughter [Shanachie]
Sandra St. Victor first came to my attention back in 1990 as the vocalist for The Family Stand who recorded the huge club soul track Ghetto Heaven. Although her debut solo album Mack Diva Saves The World was released in 1996, her recording output has unfortunately been slim with Oya’s Daughter marking only her third offering in thirteen years. It’s been well worth the wait though. Produced by Mark de Clive-Lowe this is an edgy future soul outing with Ms St. Victor’s raw vocals sounding as strong as ever. The bounce of What Have We Learned Pt.1 is certainly one of the highlights as is Another Kind Of Diva (Success Hooker) and Grateful with its’ heavy synth stabs. Even better though are Spirit Talk and I Prefer (Oya) but unfortunately both are under three minutes long which just isn’t long enough for grooves this good! A 12” with extended versions of these two tracks would be nice, please!