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Dojo Cuts: Take From Me [Freestyle]
The Sydney based band known as Dojo Cuts build on the promise shown on their self-titled debut from 2009. Their latest, “Take From Me” features a strong collection of tasty grooves and the soulful voice of Roxie Ray that is reminiscent of blue light basement parties, plaid bell bottom pants and quality soul music in abundance. Roxie’s seductive voice soars on a number of tracks here, most notably “Easy To Come Home” and “Lift Me Up”, two simmering mid-tempo tunes featuring silky smooth horns and finger popping guitar licks. “Sonny’s Strut” is a funky instrumental that finds the band stretching out and laying down grooves certain to fill any dance floor. “In This Moment” is a slow burner that is indicative of the entire disc, soulful and seductive grooves that ease up and rock you, over and over again. In a world filled with over-produced recordings and the sound of auto-tune makes you want to scream, Dojo Cuts take you back to the essence of soul and chances are you won’t make any plans to go anywhere else.
Robert Glasper Experiment: Black Radio [Blue Note]
Back in 2007, The Robert Glasper trio dropped subtle hints that this album was coming. It was the track “J Dillalude” from “In My Element” where he succeeded where many have failed; seamlessly merging Jazz and Hip-Hop. He came one step closer on “Double Booked” where the Experiment Band went half jazz and experimental grooves rooted in soul and Hip-Hop. Now on “Black Radio” the band takes the kid gloves off and delivers an album that pushes the boundaries across genres and will appear on many playlist throughout the year. It doesn’t hurt when you have an all-star lineup that features Erykah Badu, Yasin Bey (aka Mos Def), Bilal and many more. Among the highlights are Lalah Hathaway’s sultry vocals on Sade’s “Cherish The Day”. The trio King adds their heavenly vocals to the uplifting “More Love”. As for the instrumentals, well there aren’t any but one of the great ingredients of this record is the musicianship of the Experiment band radiates through all the compositions. Take for instance Ledisi’s version of “FTB” (Gonna Be Alright) is supported by the wondrous melodies painted by Glasper and the grooves thrown down by bassist Derrick Hodge will keep you in constant head nod mode. So if you were looking for a jazz record you might be disappointed. Instead what you have here is the template for 21st century soul music. This is a superb record in which soul and hip-hop collide with jazz as the glue that holds everything together. The result is an early candidate for album of the year.
Part Time Heroes: Lightfalls [Wah Wah 45s]
It must be a daunting task to follow up a critically acclaimed album such as “Meanwhile” but Ross Wakefield and Toby Vane, aka Part Time Heroes have pulled it off with “Lightfalls”. Their sophomore disc is filled with lovely string laden songs with warm emotive vocals from featured songstress Sarah Scott. Their first disc featured several tracks that were suitable for the dance floor and were logical choices for DJ’s. This release however is mellower in an orchestral vein that will stir your soul with compositions heavy on lyrical depth and arrangements filled with cinematic soundscapes. Sarah shines on a number of tunes here, most notably “Flight” an epic tune that begins in a down-tempo mood then evolves into a passage augmented by the crescendo of the strings. On “Leaving” the strings serve as the appetizer along with a hollowing acoustic bass that slides in comfortably alongside Sarah’s lovely voice. Colonel Red leaves you wondering doesn’t he sing more ballads as he effortlessly strokes the heartstrings on the powerful “Day”. Four years can feel like an eternity when you’re waiting for an encore this wonderful record by PTH is well worth the wait.
Doctor L: The Great Depression [Comet]
Ten years in the making, Liam Farrell aka Doctor L presents “The Great Depression”, an amalgamation of African rhythms, North American funk grooves and jazzy vibes shaken and stirred to perfection. Doctor L has arranged these ingredients with a little help from his esteemed musical friends like the legendary drummer Tony Allen, Antibalas and others and the results are superb. This is apparent immediately with the spirited opener “Mystery Travels”, which features contributions from The Nairobi Descendants. With an infectious groove, hypnotic percussion and Laurent Fickleson on keys, you quickly realize that you’re in for a musical treat and a sudden urge to turn the volume up. The Descendants appear again with Tony Allen on the equally infectious afro-Cuban “By Surprise”. “Vocal Kidnapping” is another enjoyable track that features poignant spoken word from Unknown Poets. Overall “The Great Depression” pulls off the difficult feat of enlightening the listener of the socio-political climate while enriching their soul and shaking their hips with ease. Farrell’s compositions will find a definite place in your musical playlist and is worthy of repeated listens.
Various Artists: Sounds from the Soul Underground [Freestylerecords.co.uk]
Freestyle Records has become the place where classic soul gems become brand new once again. With “Sounds from the Soul Underground”, we’re treated to a collection of rare grooves from around the globe that you may not be familiar with but you’re not likely to forget anytime soon. There are a number of quality soul tracks to dig into like “Poker Nights Theme” by The Delicious AllStars. Nick Van Gelder delivers with the funky boogie tune “Something’s Gotta Give”. There are also tasty jazz numbers like Frootful’s funky organ grinding “Colours”. “Mr G” by Jessica Lauren is easily one of the strongest cuts here. This latin flavored tune is filled with bubbly percussion and gorgeous soloing from Jessica on keys. With seventeen tracks here, there are a couple that could have been omitted like “Movin On” (It only makes me yearn for the Brass Construction original). Aside from that, this is another solid release and a must have for those who crave the rare groove sound
Third Coast Kings: [Record Kicks]
Since coming onto the scene in 2010 with the single “Give Me Your Love”, the Third Coast Kings have been keeping it hot with their brand of deep funk and raw grooves. On their full length debut, the Michigan based band deliver twelve selections of high octane grooves that will jumpstart any party. Among the prime cuts are “Cop It Proper”, an instrumental burner ripe with funky horns. “Tonic Stride” displays funky guitar licks and the soaring voice of Michelle Camilleri. “Roughneck” will grab you right from the start with wicked wah wah guitar playing courtesy of band member Andy Filisko. It all adds up to another heavyweight band from the Record Kicks roster that hits you hard with the funk and never lets up and that’s just the way we like it.
Cecilia Stalin: Step Like a Giant [ceciliastalin.com]
On her latest release, Cecilia takes us on her spiritual journey and rest assured this is a ride worthy of repeated trips. “Step like A Giant” is a fabulous record that meshes elements of jazz, soul and dance while capturing the essence of several Coltrane classics and much more. There are many highlights worthy of repeated listens such as the title track, a funky spinoff of the timeless “Giants Steps”. On “Favorite Things” Cecilia flips the bebop classic into a Samba flavored tune filled with enticing rhythms and infectious grooves while turning up the heat with a sensuous rendition on “Favorite Seduction”. On “My Naima”, rapper Replife skillfully waxes poetic and serves as the perfect complement to Cecilia’s angelic vocals while molding this gem in her own image. The tempo picks up in the latter part of the disc with infectious dance tracks like “One” filled with percolating percussion and “CPW”. Quite simply a first rate release that nails it in all areas and will be one of the best records you’ll hear this year.
Andy Compton: Compton’s Soul [Peng]
Andy Compton of The Rurals has been blessing us with quality house music for many years but on “Compton’s Soul” he has flipped the script and delivers a collection of warm and sublime soul music in the vein of vintage Roy Ayers and early EWF. Andy features an array of talented vocalists who fill his compositions with lovely harmonies layered over soulful grooves. Compton sets the mood right from the start with the laidback “And it Rains”. With vocals courtesy of Divinti, this track captures the spirit of the entire disc with melodic rhythm guitar licks. Vocalist Jaidene Veda collaborates on the majority of tunes here and her sultry voice sparkles on the mellow funk number “Record By Record” as well as the smoky jazz infused “Too Good to Be True”. This is a very strong record by Andy Compton and company that provides definite satisfaction. When you need an escape from hours of electronic music this will be the perfect antidote.
Lack Of Afro: Time This [Freestyle]
Adam “Lack of Afro” Gibbons has been quite busy since his last album in 2009. He has lent his talents to projects like label mate Frootful and Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds. “This Time”, his latest release features an array of talented vocalists to shine upon a myriad of musical styles. Prime cuts include the ethereal “Holding My Breath” featuring Jake Morley. “A Time For” is a gritty mid-tempo soul tune balanced out by Wayne Giddens warm falsetto. “Contusions” sparkles with a mélange of horns and African rhythms. Wayne Giddens appears again evoking comparisons to Eddie Kendricks on the soulful burner “What The Hell”. This is a progressive step forward from “My Groove Your Move” and a move that showcases the growth in Gibbon’s talents. Overall this is a superb record that captures many moods. Whether you want to groove or simply need to chill, this record has what it takes to help you do it.
Gary Reader: Moja [Superfically Deep Recordings]
“Moja”, the release from Saxophonist Gary Reader is an elegant seven track collection of contemporary jazz numbers that harken memories of classic mid-sixties Blue Note releases. Reader has surrounded himself with top shelf musicians who perform together seamlessly as if they’ve working as a unit for years. This is apparent on the opening track “Who’s Playing?”, a warm and richly melodic tune pairs Reader with the acclaimed Corey Mwamba on vibes. Pianist Mark D’Inverno gorgeous playing serves as the perfect compliment. “Delta” is a lovely ballad that is smooth and vibrant. Reader displays his acumen for compositions that are moving and heartfelt. “My No.1 Fan” has a Latin flavor that also features bassist Andy Hamill and tasty drumming from Joshua Blackmore. Overall “Moja” is an impressive debut that swings and showcases Reader as a formidable reed player whom we hope is just getting started arranging impressive recordings like this.
Katalyst: Deep Impressions [BBE]
Ashley Anderson, aka Katalyst takes a break from his Space Invadas gig to create a collection of hip-hop beat treats with some futuristic grooves but doesn’t stop there. Indeed, “Deep Impressions” goes in several directions, laying down reggae inspired grooves like “Day into Night” featuring Stephanie McKay to the synth heavy nu wave feel of “The Popcorns” seamlessly. There is also a definite old school hip-hop influence with gems like “Number 1” and “It’s a Blast” that would make a veteran hip-hop enthusiast smile with admiration. He doesn’t stop there for one of the strongest cuts is “Ready to Drop” and not just because it conjures great memories of the Pharcyde classic “Drop”. Katalyst creates a high energy groove with rapper KweenG’s rapid fire lyrics that will have you yearning for the days of shelltop Addidas and Kangols. “Dreaming of You” is a mellow chopped up soul groove that makes for a fitting ending to an entertaining lp. Katalyst proves once again that he is in the upper echelon of producers and beat makers. He’s so adept at utilizing the right samples in the right places, resulting in irresistible head nodding beat treats.
Sabrina Malheiros: Dreaming [Far Out Recordings]
Sabrina Malheiros has been one of the new Ambassadors of Brazilian music for a minute now. Her third full length release “Dreaming” seamlessly blends the classical Brazilian rhythms with the soulful electronica grooves that were featured on her debut lp “Eqilibria”. “Dreaming” is filled with sunny chilled out rhythms will have you dreaming of warm beaches instantly. Once again she surrounded by an all-star list of Brazil’s finest musicians including her father, Alex Melheiros of Asymuth fame. In addition, Daniel “Venom” Maurick, son of Bluey (Incognito) who collaborated on her debut shares writing and production duties here as well. Among the highlights are “Bobeira”, a samba flavored tune augmented by the rhythmic guitar and flute arrangements. “Fragil“ is another favorite where Sabrina’s vocals float over this breezy tune bursting with warm melodies and percussion. “Paranoia” is one of more soul oriented tracks here but is no less enjoyable. In fact, there is hardly a weak track among this gorgeous selection. This is a wonderful record that should jettison Sabrina as a premiere vocalist whose star shines brighter with every release.
Colman Brothers: Colman Brothers [Wah Wah 45s]
The debut by the duo known as the Coleman Brothers is a melting pot of bossa, bebop and Latin jazz that harkens back to days when dancing shoes were required and folks would shake their hips and work up a sweat in a jazz club. Brothers Mat (trombone) and Andrew (trumpet) capture the big band sound with superb production, mixing tasty beats combined with their own strong performances with impressive results. This album is a result of the ascension of the single “El Nino”, originally released in 2007. The single received rave reviews and was given proper spins by DJ’s worldwide. This isn’t just a one hit album however; there are other gems like the bossa flavored “Mr DG”, which is dedicated to Dizzy Gillespie is filled with vibrant horns and tasty percussion. In addition the spirited samba tracks “Sem Amor” featuring their sister Sara and “Another Brother”, are floor burners that would add spice to any party. The brothers slow things down with help once again from Sara on the slow burning elegant bossa “Some Other Wonder”. Overall this is a superb disc where each of the ten tracks is worthy and a satisfying listening experience. Mat and Andrew can expect their services to increase mightily based on this quality recording.
Randa and The Soul Knigdom: What You Need [Freestyle]
Freestyle records, home of the funk bands delivers another winner with Randa & The Soul Kingdom. Their second lp is filled with gritty funk grooves highlighted by the vocal prowess of Australian resident Randa Khamis. “What You Need” begins with the aptly titled “Power In Me”. Guitarist/Producer Lance Ferguson lays down a scorching groove to complement Randa’s soaring vocals. The horns are funky and the lyrics keep you interested. “The Things” is a bubbly disco tune filled with infectious percussion. “Cold” is a dim the lights slow funk grinder that is solid but it’s the high energy burners sprinkled throughout that will keep you pressing repeat. This is one tight record that delivers on all levels. If you like your funk raw and uncut then this is the record for you.
Sarah Linhares: Messages From The Future [Public Transit Recordings]
After releasing an EP of the same name in 2009, Montreal resident Sarah Linhares finally releases her full length lp. “Messages from the Future” is filled with soulful electronic bottom heavy beats mixed and produced by some of the most cutting edge producers on the Canadian underground music scene. The most prominent of this group is label mate/Public Transit Record exec Moonstarr. He produced four tracks on the album including “Step Up”, laced with edgy synths and progressive beats. “No Question”, produced by Akilmitize is another bouncy track with a wicked groove, catchy synths and neck snappin’ beats. Fellow Montreal resident Kenlo Craqnuques also contributed four tracks including the mellow “Move Along” and the hip-hop drum heavy “I Get Scared”. Sarah’s warm vocals are the perfect complement to these tracks. Her voice isn’t overpowering but her warm tones and lyrics will resonate with you. From top to bottom this is a futuristic soul gem that is definitely enjoyable and certainly worth checking out.