“Love In Beats”, album number eight is another brilliant release from Omar. As the title suggests there’s plenty of head nodding beats spread across a broad range of rhythms. Part of the formula for the enduring sound is the production between Omar and his brother aka Scratch Professor. If that wasn’t enough the array of guests on board lift these tracks to another level. Evidence of that lies in the opening track “Vicky’s Tune” where Robert Glasper pushes the rhythm with a burst of piano stylings and Ty adds his customary clever wordplay. “Give My Heart” has an air of seventies classic soul with heart warming strings that features the late Leon Ware. “Deja Vu” has an international vibe due in part to French vocalist Mayre Andrada. While many chase the latest trends Omar has cultivated his own sound and it continues to evolve with each release. When it comes to soul music he is the gift that keeps on giving.

Reg Dancy

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“Boogie Breakdown” is a collection of the eighties Disco period in South Africa. Compiled by Deano Sounds of the Boston US based label Cultures Of Soul and Dj Okapi, the disc highlights the largely forgotten period and the US influence on the artists highlighted here. The disc features two tracks each from six of South Africa’s most prominent acts during this period. “Good Vibes” from Harari features sublime keys and funky guitar riffs. “I Wanna Be Myself” by Don Laka is filled with wicked synths and thumping bass grooves. These tracks could’ve easily fit right in the eighties boogie era and certainly deserved a larger audience. Cultures Of Soul compilations have successfully explored various rhythms from around the globe and this is no exception.

Reg Dancy

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Percussionist Edwin Sanz might be known more for his work with the European based band Mercadonega however he’s done far more than that. After many successful years with them he went on to perform with the Cuban Orchestra known as Rodrigo & Gabriel. With “Overflow” his second release as a solo artist he’s poised to become a household name. Sanz adds zest to his original compositions and a few covers as well. “Ella” kicks off with a soothing piano melody followed up with Elvin Castillo on vocals “Something About You” originally penned by soul singer Anthony David is transformed it into an infectious merengue. “Eres Tu” is a tender Latin ballad that features Wladimir Patz on vocals. “Overflow” represents the global influences that have helped shaped Sanz blossoming career. This is an engaging disc that’s firing on all cylinders you’ll no doubt enjoy.

Reg Dancy

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“Break The Habit” the third album from vocalist Sophie Barker. Formerly a collaborator with Zero 7 and Groove Armada, Barker’s latest release is filled with lush compositions and haunting guitar rhythms. Producer Alex Pilkington has orchestrated a intimate sound, limiting the number of musicians to allow the warmth to pour through the recordings. Each of these tunes are a delight within itself. “3 Things” features a searing electric guitar as the perfect compliment to Barker’s melodic vocals.”Breathe Me In”, performed with a full band is a stirring number that will strum the heartstrings. “Let’s Start Again” demonstrates the contrast in sounds with synths and trippy drums. Superb emotive songwriting and musicianship throughout, it will be quite difficult to break the habit of repeated spins from this wonderful record.

Reg Dancy

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Just when you think there are no more hidden gems to be found, Mr Bongo continues to impress us. Once again they have blessed us with loads of obscure quality recordings from their massive vault. The new compilation “Mr Bongo Record Club Volume One” features a myriad of musical styles from artists from around the world. With twenty tracks in tow, there’s much to savor here. “Seara De Oxala is Brailian funk by Barbosa. “Fish & Funjee” is African Psychedelic funk from Lantei Lampley.  “El Mercado” is a very hard to find fusion recording from Venezuelan guitarist Alex Rodriguez. In order to get into this club you must bring plenty of funk and lay down some good grooves. All the artists here have gone well beyond that. This is a superb collection that will provide instant satisfaction.

Reg Dancy

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“Anthology Vol. 2” is the second installment of remastered recordings from pianist/organist Brian Auger. Once again Auger seamlessly weaves between bebop and greasy soul jazz with enormous results. Auger puts his stamp on jazz classics such as “Love For Sale” and “All Blues”, the latter featuring vocals by Julie Driscoll.  “Funky Mama” and the Art Blakey classic “Moanin” find him stretching out on the hammond B3. There’s also a number of tunes recorded by Auger’s seventies band the Oblivion Express. “Happiness Is Just Around The Bend” is one and “Straight Ahead” is another. The latter is a touch of fusion highlighted by funky wah wah guitar rhythms and Auger on keyboards. “Black Octopus”, never before released features  the Herbie Hancock 70s fusion band The Headhunters is another delight as well. There’s much to enjoy here so pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and enjoy fifty years of brilliance from Mr Auger.

Reg Dancy

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This is the second installment by DJ Charles Maurice and Favorite Recordings “French Disco Boogie Sounds”. This rare and obscure collection features an array of French and West Indian artists recorded between 1978 to 1986. “Funky Biguine” recorded by French Caribbean act Crystal is a nice boogie tune filled with percolating percussion and well placed synths. French vocalist Greg Smaha’s falsetto glides over the mid-tempo “Sunshine”. “Talk Me Mam’s” filled with seductive strings and soothing keys would’ve been right at home in any NYC club during the peak of Disco. This is a nice glimpse into a forgotten period in the rich musical history of Nice in particular and France in general. Props to Charles Maurice and Favorite Recordings for their diligence in resurrecting these quality recordings.

Reg Dancy

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If we’ve learned anything musically within the last two years, it’s that the LA music scene has exploded like no other area. Trumpeter Josef Leimberg has been right in the middle of the scene, having worked with everyone from Kamasi Washington, Miguel Atwood Ferguson and Kendrick Lamar just to name a few. With his debut “Astral Progressions” he’s poised to make himself a household name. Leimberg has brought along some of his friends who help share his vision. “Interstellar Universe” features the aforementioned Washington on Tenor Sax and embodies the big sound in the form of strings and a chorus found on his recent recording “The Epic”. Georgia Anne Muldrow sounds right at home on the cosmic sounds of “As I Think Of You”. Other notable tracks are “Between Us 2” featuring Bilal and the title track  featuring Kurupt. You’ll no doubt want to hop on board this pleasant journey of celestial vibes and interstellar sounds. Leimberg’s compositions seamlessly weaves elements of soul, jazz and hip-hop while incorporating his own sound. Thanks to this wonderful record, his audience is poised to grow at a rapid rate.

Reg Dancy

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You may be familiar with Flutist and Saxophonist Chip Wickham from from his funk and soul projects.  Among his various affiliations are The Fire Eaters, a group he formed with guitarist Eddie Roberts from The New Mastersounds. From there he went on to play in the Craig Charles Fantasy Funk band. Ultimately his journey would lead him towards the world of Jazz and a collaboration with trumpeter Matthew Halsall. He would proceed to perform on Halsall’s debut “Sending My Love”. Wickham and Halsall formed a friendship which led to collaborations with Nat Birchall Go Go Penguin and others. “La Sombra”, his debut  is comprised of seven lush compositions inspired by his years of residency in Madrid. The title track opens the disc on a lovely note, a gentle ballad with a haunting piano intro. Wickham caresses the notes tenderly while drummer Antonio Pax subtle jabs on vibes is equally satisfying. “Red Planet” and “The Detour” are rousing pieces. Each are ignited by Pianist Gabri Casanova and fueled by bassist David Salvador providing the perfect canvas for Wickham’s rich phrasings. Wickham’s bandmates are assembled from Madrid’s vibrant Jazz scene share his vision and passion. It’s quite possible you’ll get swept away by this superb recording.

Reg Dancy

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The fourth release from the Bahama Soul Club builds on the legacy of their previous release “The Cuban Tapes” “Havana 58” fuses the Latin and Bossa rhythms of the past with the vibrant sounds of today. Some of Cuba finest vocalists and musicians are on board to add a bit of spice to an array of engaging compositions. Olvido Ruiz, the lead singer of the Bahama Soul Club showcases her range on three tracks. “Let God” is bluesy soul and “Muevelo Papi” boasts an infectious samba groove. Sexto Sentido, Cuba’s premier vocal quartet shines on several tracks as well. “Meyer Lansky” features the quartet’s warm harmonies over a seductive piano groove and hypnotic drum snare. “Tropicana Flight” shows they’re equally adept at turning up the tempo on this guitar thumping boogie tune. “Havana 58” is poised to transport you to a musical culture that filled with generations of great music. You’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.

Reg Dancy

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