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Jazzanova: Funkhaus Studio Sessions [Sonar Kollektiv]
The Berlin collective known as Jazzanova have compiled a catalogue that long time veterans would trade their right arm to have in their possession and the numerous remixes and compilations is a testament to their success. Over the years they’ve evolved from creating timeless electronic grooves from the critically acclaimed “In Between” to composing timeless soul gems featured on “Off All The Things”. Now with “Funkhaus Studio Sessions” they have taken to the stage and improvise on their catalogue and display a musical side previously unheard from the group. Paul Randolph, who provided vocals to the 2009 hit “Let Me Show Ya”, revisits that tune and other recordings from the Jazzanova catalogue with startling results. Randolph’s raw emotive vocal chops resonate on several tracks like “No Use”. Originally sung by Clara Hill, Paul adds a touch of his own tenderness to this down-tempo ambient gem. Part 2 of this tune is a funkier version that demonstrates the cohesion the band has achieved from their constant touring during the past three years. “I Human” is the only original track featured here. Co-written by Randolph, It’s a light hearted tune that pokes fun at the social media world we now live in. There are many more highlights like the atmospheric “Believer”, a Randolph original from his “Lonely Eden album. The disc wraps up in grand fashion with Shaun Escoffery’s “Let Me Go”. Paul and fellow Jazzanova musicians let loose on the 2002 hit that serves as a fitting finale to a disc that deserves daily spins in your musical rotation. Simply stated it’s another superb recording by Jazzanova and one of the best lps you’ll hear this year.
Sy Smith: Fast and Curious [Psykol Records]
Despite three impressive albums and two EPs to her credit Sy Smith has yet to receive the recognition that her body of work would suggest. Sy’s vocal talents have graced the recordings of esteemed artists like the Chaka Khan, Me’Shell N’degeocello and many more as well as a frequent contributor to the Foreign Exchange. All of her releases have been well received by her devoted fan base yet they haven’t taken off to the masses. That could very well change now with the infectious “Fast and Curious”. Mark De Clive Lowe takes hold of the production chores and provides Sy with a soulful dance sound that guarantees hip twisting and neck snapping movement. His wizardry behind the boards and on keys combined with Sy’s angelic vocals feels like the perfect marriage. The disc kicks off with the title track which is built on a mid-tempo groove and funky synths. From there the tempo builds with “Truth” but the formula of funky bass grooves and clever synth arrangements remains the same. Sy’s cover of two classic recordings is also impressive. On “Nights” (Feel like Getting Down) she’s joined by Rahsaan Patterson as they breathe life into the Billy Ocean dance hit. While on “Lovergirl” she woos her lover while flipping the Teena Marie dance track into a tender mid-tempo teaser. From start to finish this disc delivers and could easily ignite your next house party or simply quench your daily soul music thirst. Whatever the case be sure not to miss it.
Visioneers: Hipology [BBE]
Marc Mac demonstrated his love for hip-hop when he dropped “Dirty Old Hip-hop” for BBE in 2007. With his latest release “Hipology”, he takes his appreciation to another level. “Hipology” is filled with jazz infused funk and soulful hip-hop treats that are certain to keep your head on a swivel. The disc is also filled with first rate performances starting with BK MC T.R.A.C. who reminiscences about simpler times during his youth on “Back In Time”. On “Shine”, underrated wordsmith John Robinson waxes uplifting poetics about fulfilling your dreams. On “Swahililand”, Marc reworks the classic Ahmad Jamal track made famous by De La Soul and gives it a fresh coat of beats to groove to all over again. With other notable funky gems like “Jungle Green Outlines” and the classic “Apache”, “Hipology” is poised to deliver immediate satisfaction to hip-hop heads and funk aficionados alike.
Pitch & Scratch: Together [Legere]
DJ Suro and Mzuzu, the duo from Hamburg known as Pitch & Scratch follow up their 2009 release “Hamburg Hustle” with another collection of rhythmic funk and soul grooves. “Together” is heavily influenced by pioneers like the JB’s and indications are they’re honed their craft well. Highlights include “Maculele” highlighted by Leila Pantel’s soothing vocals. “Breakers Delight” is a mid-tempo funk pleaser and “Get Down” is a laid back melodic tune with a jazzy groove. The funk and soul group roster is growing by the minute but as long as Pitch & Scratch are contributing grooves like these they’ll have a long term membership.
Blundetto: Warm My Soul [Heavenly Sweetness]
Max Guiguet aka Blundetto has shown a flair for beats and rhythms. After turning heads with his 2010 release “Bad Bad Things” he returns with the superb “Warm My Soul”. Blundetto’s sophomore release is filled with jazzy tinged soulful rhythms merged with reggae beats and a talented array of vocalists. On “Hercules” Blundetto teams up with multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee to create a slow burning reggae groover highlighted by the vocals of Hugh Coltman. Rapper Aqueel drops lyrical commentary over the down-tempo “It’s All About”. Courtney Johns falsetto delights on “Treat me like that”. Overall this eleven track disc doesn’t have a weak song in sight and provides fresh arrangements to some familiar reggae grooves. Blundetto is definitely one to keep an eye on as a producer on the rise.
Various Artists: Spiritual Jazz 2 Europe [Jazzman]
Jazzman records are routinely dropping gems and this fine collection of jazz classics is no exception. Dedicated to the late UK Pianist Michael Garrick, “Spiritual Jazz 2 Europe” features unreleased material that centers on the 60’s UK Jazz evolution. The opening track “Communion” by Trombonist Erich Kleinschuster and his sextet is a modal jazz treat filled with Rhodes and strings. “Archangelo” by Raphael is avant-garde spiritual jazz with a shivering chorus. Barney Wilen continues on this path with the fiery “Africa Freakout” that features shimmering Tenor riffs layered over a tasty rhythm guitar and is certainly one of the highlights. Serbian Trumpeter Dusko Goykovic also delivers with “Bosma Calling. This is a very strong release that would fit nicely in the playlist of any Jazz aficionado who appreciates the spirited compositions of Trane and Pharoah. There are great performances throughout and provides insight into the history of some of the esteemed composers/musicians of UK Jazz.
Repeat Pattern: 08-09 [Cascade]
Repeat Pattern has been a fixture in the circles of hip-hop from back in the day from his work with Ultramagnetic MC’s “Critical Breakdown” back in 1988. He has on the grind working with numerous artists ever since carving out his niche as a beat maker. Repeat Pattern’s sixteen track release is filled with jazzy laidback melodic beats that is more tease than treat as majority of the tracks barely exceed two minutes but clearly showcase his skills. Each track is enjoyable so you’re bound to stick around for the ride. There are many tunes here that will pique your interest like “RLFS3”, “STAB” and “QEQA”. All have that warm jazzy hip-hop vibe just ripe for a MC to spit over. A few appearances would have been nice but overall there are enough quality beats to hold your interest.
Boddhi Satva: Invocation [BBE]
Ancestral Soul as told by Boddhi Satva is the amalgamation of deep house music, Congolese rumba, West African voices, urban RnB and Afro Cuban rhythms. However he wants to describe it there’s no denying that “Invocation” is enriched with deep and soulful rhythms that will sink into your body and empower you to move; failure to dance isn’t an option. There are so many tracks here to savor you simply can’t wrong with any but let’s start with the title track. It’s complete with blossoming Afro Cuban rhythms while Congolese native Fredy Massamba’s spirited improvisations raises it to another level. “You’re My Woman” is blissful soulful house highlighted by the seductive falsetto of C Robert Walker. Walker also appears in a supporting role on the soulful house banger “Who I Am”, filled with poignant lyrics that condemn hatred within the human race. That point is driven home by the slam poetry of Athenai. There are several more talented vocalists that contribute like the songbird of Wassoulou, Oumou Sangare and her inspiring lyrics on “Ngnari Konon”. There’s also some wicked dance hall meets house in the form of “Jah Sanctuary” and “Enemies” ripe with thick beats and a thumping bass. Like Osunlade before him with the sound of Yoruba, Boddhi is channeling the African rhythms from different horizons combined with uplifting lyrics and the results are simply superb.
DJ Spinna: DJ Spinna vs P and P records [Fivedayweekend]
During the mid to late seventies, Peter Brown and Patrick Adams wrote and produced a number of future disco classics for their own label P&P records that would stand the test of time for DJ’s and record aficionados alike. With the help of DJ Spinna, we get re-introduced to these quality recordings all over again. When I think of P&P I think of Cloud One, probably their most successful group on the P&P roster and fittingly there are three tasty tracks from them. The atmospheric “Dust to Dust” kicks off the disc and “Don’t Let My Rainbow Pass Me By” is another floor burner. Other notable cuts are “Ain’t It Time” from Queen Yahna, a string laden disco tune that could fit into the Salsoul catalogue. Eddie Owens gritty funk n soul track is bursting with a fierce brass section and serves as a nice diversion from the collection of disco and boogie tunes. This is just a sampling of the P&P catalogue but one that is definitely worth checking out.
Scrimshire: The Hollow [Wah Wah 45s]
Adam Scrimshire’s follow up to his 2008 release is filled with a wide variety of melodic compositions covering all matter of styles. There’s a load of stellar vocal contributions as well as tasty instrumentals that makes the album flow at a swift pace. For instance there’s the latin flavored “Everything You Say” that receives support from Cinematic Orchestra vocalist Heidi Vogel. “Home” is a wonderful dance track infused with a spirited groove and heavenly vocals from the Resonator’s Faye Houston. “Ascension” features funky brass courtesy of the Hackney Colliery Band. Sometimes less is more and with nine high quality tracks that is certainly the case here. If you liked Scrimshire’s first record there’s no doubt you’ll love this one. Don’t miss out on this superb record.
The Impellers: This Is Not A Drill [Legere]
The ten piece soul juggernaut known as The Impellers return with their second full length lp. Their twelve track sophomore release features plenty of soulful bangers like “Hear What I Say”, filled with funky horns and the wicked rhythm section that will certainly move your feet and twist your hips. “Pon Lo Afuera” is another winner filled with funky drumming and tasty Rhodes. “Signs Of Hope and Happiness” is slow burning grind it out soul that is certain to turn up the heat. Their first recording for Legere records is evidence that The Impellors can lay down a groove and bring the funk with the best of them. As the title implies this is not a drill, just real live soul that will meet the approval of raw soul aficionados worldwide.
Blaktroniks: Ready, Set, Blow… [Tokyo Dawn]
Is it me or has Tokyo Dawn records just been smashing it over the last several years with futuristic funk and infectious dance tracks from an eclectic group of artists worldwide. Peter Opolopo knows talent when he hears it and with the Oakland USA based duo Edd Dee Pee and X-Ray aka Blaktroniks, the bangers just keep on coming. “Ready, Set, Blow..” is a spacey electronic collage of combustible funk, warm soulful grooves and other alternative offerings that pushes the boundaries and seduces you into repeated listens. Among the prime cuts are “It’s All Right Now” and “Special Kind Of Love”, two laidback organic soulful cuts that feature Alicia Renee on vocals. “Strawberry Cough” is one of many highlights, a moog induced warp bending electronic banger. “Dot 2 Dot” is an atmospheric beat treat filled with spacey synths. “Dying Game” is a soulful tune filled with dreamy soundscapes and is one of several down-tempo tracks that wrap up the disc. With eighteen tracks, Blaktroniks hit you hard yet kill you softly with their wicked electronic arrangements that should propel them to greater heights.
Incognito: Surreal [Shanachie]
We look forward to a new release from Incognito much like we welcome the arrival of spring and with “Surreal” there is plenty of good vibrations to brighten your mood no matter what the season. Bluey is joined by his longtime collaborator Maysa plus special guests Mo Brandis, UK songstress’s Natalie Williams and Vanessa Haynes. Mo’s smooth falsetto voice blazes the dance track “Goodbye To Yesterday” while Vanessa’s soaring vocals blesses the horn friendly “Ain’t It Time”. Williams’s buttery vocals are pure bliss on the mid-tempo taster “Restful As We Are”. “Rivers Of The Sun” is classic Acid Jazz Incognito that we can never get enough of, hypnotic Rhodes, tasty horns and an infectious groove. Just when you think they can’t take you higher, Bluey and company deliver a superb record that is vintage Incognito and one of the strongest full length releases to emerge this year.
Jessica Lauren: Four [Freestyle]
Pianist Jessica Lauren has built a diverse resume, having chaired with everyone from soul icons Jean Carne and Dexter Wansel, to present day visionaries like Emanative and Scrimshire . With “Jessica Lauren Four” she has blended elements of soul, gospel and Latin Jazz melodies into an impressive intimate engagement worthy of repeated listens. The disc kicks off with the hypnotic “White Mountain”, an ambient tune filled with deep grooves and lush rhythms that would fit comfortably either on the dance floor or in your dining room. Jessica glides into an assortment of Latin arrangements that showcase her superb use of time and space, effectively allowing her compositions to breathe and her musicians to shine. That’s apparent on “Mel Benson” where David “Booie” Gallagher and Paul Gunter’s rhythmic percussion wizardry erupt throughout the track. “Swamp Thing” is haunting, moody and simply gorgeous, thanks in part to bassist Andrew Kramer’s dark grooves. Legendary vocalist Jocelyn Brown appears on the disco flavored “Happiness Train” but it’s the gospel inspired “I Believe”, highlighted by Jessica’s shivering organ grinding that will awaken your spirit. “Jessica Lauren Four” is filled with compositions benefiting from her delicate approach that ultimately evolves into one enjoyable record.
Shawn Lee’s Incredible Tabla Band: Tabla Rock [Ubiquity]
In the history of drum breaks there isn’t a record more celebrated and sampled than ”Apache” by The Incredible Bongo Band. Thanks to the creativity of DJ/Producer Shawn Lee we’re treated to an alternate take of the Bongo classic by incorporating Indian rhythms to the entire album. With “Tabla Rock” Shawn has enlisted the Tabla player Prithpal Rajput and keyboardist Mark Talbot and breathes new life into The Bongo Band’s compositions. Shawn’s inclusion of the Sitar brings a fresh new element to prime cuts like “Bongolia” and “Pipeline”. The dramatic “Last Bongo in Belguim” is another highlight with exploding Bongo beats and horns colliding to create infectious Indian funky rhythms. This an impressive spin on a historical record that will garner new fans and allow old fans to enjoy all over again.