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Shez Raja: Gurutopia [Dot Time]
With “Gurutopia”, Guitarist Shez Raja picks up from where he left off from his previous live release. He continues to expand on his own brand of fusion by incorporating Middle Eastern rhythms with funk and jazz with impressive results. Raja once again surrounds himself with an array of all star musicians like veteran Guitarist Mike Stern and Trumpeter Randy Brecker. Not to leave out his core band who are more than capable of holding their own. Violinist Pascal Roggen dynamic phrasings on “Maharaja” drives this tune to greater heights. Brecker’s feathery phrasings and superb soloing shines through on “Sketches Of Space”. Stern’s improvised playing stands out on the spirited opener “Rabbits”. Raja’s dynamic playing is the driving force throughout and flashes of brilliance can be heard, specifically on the aptly titled “Rocknrolla”. The diversity of rhythms and superb performances make for a compelling recording..
Gerardo Frisina: Olympia [Schema Records]
“Olympia” is where Jazz and Brazilian rhythms meet and proceed to heat up the dance floor DJ/Producer Gerardo Frisina fuses his production skills, particularly his clever use of samples along with his love of Brazilian music. The five track EP is bookend by two uptempo bass driven tunes. The title track is driven by a soaring piano melody and vocal samples. The latter “Obsession” layered with tasty vibes and congas. “Talking Sticks” is filled with funky wah wah guitar and organ rhythms, capped off a seductive baritone sax solo. One year after the LP release “Movement”, Frisina continues to experiment with a variety of sounds that will seduce you not only to dance but to listen over and over.
St Germain: St Germain [Nonesuch]
Fifteen years is a long gap between album releases, especially when your previous LP is the critically acclaimed “Tourist”. For DJ/Producer Ludovic Navarre better known as St Germain it was necessary to go in another direction As a result he embarked on an inspirational path that led him to the rhythms of West Africa and the blues. This creative journey has culminated into an extraordinary collaboration with Malian guitarist Guimba Kouyate. The new self-titled LP showcases Navarre’s superb use of loops and sampling in conjunction with strong musicianship from Kouyate and others. “Real Blues” is a myriad of rhythms ranging from the wooden vibe like Balafon to Kouyate’s electric guitar riffs. Not to mention the sampling of Lightnin’ Hopkins. “Sittin Here” is bursting with infectious percussion and Kouyate’s soloing and vocals. “How Dare You”once again features Kouyate’s vocals alongside the sampled vocals of Lightnin’ Hopkins. This union of the Blues and the music of Mali feels like a perfect marriage. In addition Navarre’s superb use of electronics complements the compositions as opposed to overpowering it. Make no mistake, this is a tremendous achievement.
Marta Ren and The Groovelvets: Stop, Look, Listen [Record Kicks]
Hailing from Oporto, Portugal. Marta Ren burst onto the scene with the 2012 hit single “2 Kinds Of Men”. That funky soul burner drew a lot of attention as a classic soul chanteuse with a powerful voice. She follows up that appetizer with the full length LP “Stop, Look & Listen”. Accompanied by the funk band The Groovelvets, they deliver plenty of revved up soul as evidenced by the opening track “I’m not your regular woman”. Ren shows her softer side on the slow burning funk tune “Smiling Faces” but don’t be fooled, she takes no prisoners on the slow and simmering “So Long”. The Groovelvets show they’re more than capable of laying down the groove and stretch out on instrumental “Be Ma Fela”. A voice that belies her age, Marta will command your attention and you’ll give in willingly.
Ed Motta: Perpetual Gateways [Musthavejazz]
For pianist Ed Motta, “Perpetual Gateways” is the gateway between his love of soul and jazz and just so happens to be his first US recording. Motta has assembled an impressive group of musicians, notably pianist Patrice Rushen, drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Greg Phillanganes and many more. Among the highlights are “Hypochondriac’s Fun”, a jazz infused pop tune reminiscent of Motta’s previous release “AOR”. Those recordings undoubtedly inspired by Motta’s admiration for Steely Dan. “Heritage Deja Vu” is another highlight filled with warm melodic Rhodes and Motta’s powerful albeit soothing vocals. The midpoint of the disc segues into the jazz phase and the band stretches out as evidenced on “I Remember Julie”. Motta displays his improvisational vocal dexterity while Trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s colorful phrasings add another layer of pleasure. “Overblown Overweight” is another delight augmented by Motta’s scat singing. Originally known as a pop soul singer, Motta’s ascension into the jazz arena is seamless and this recording is nothing short of tremendous.
Various Artists: If Music Presents – You Need This [BBE]
“You Need This”,is a hand picked collection of rare gems from If Music label head Jean Claude. This compilation includes an array of spiritual jazz recordings from a host of highly respected musicians slightly off the radar but worth your attention nonetheless Among the highlights are “He’s Gone”, composed by Trombonist Charles Greenlee, which features Jean Carn on vocals. Out of all the musicians here, Saxophonist John Stubblefield may be the best known due to his work with Charles Mingus among others. His composition “Going Home” is an engaging tune layered with inspired soloing from a sorely underrated band that included pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Victor Lewis. “Saudi”, is filled with fluid and atmospheric soloing courtesy of drummer Lenny McBrowne. This superb compilation is just another reminder of the deep well of hard bop recordings waiting to be rediscovered. A real treat that deserves your attention..
Nubiyan Twist: Nubiyan Twist [Wormfood]
Hailing from Leeds London, Nubiyan Twist are a twelve member outfit comprised of musicians, DJs and producers respectively. Their seven track LP fuses Afro-beat, jazz and groove driven music. Vocalist Nubiya Brandon elevates the assortment of arrangements composed here. On “Turu” she waxes poetic over deep grooves and hip-hop flavored beats. “Figure Numatic” is a jazz infused funk gem filled with syncopated funk rhythms. “Shake Me Down” is filled with Afro-beat rhythms aligned with funky horns. A relatively new band with 4 years under their belt, It’s tantalizing to think what they’ll release for an encore.
The New Mastersounds: Made For Pleasure [Legere Recordings]
With their tenth lp “Made For Pleasure”, the Leeds, based group traveled to New Orleans for this recording. It appears they have been inspired by the musical rhythms flowing through the Big Easy. The evidence is steeped in the organ grinding gritty funk of the title track “Made For Pleasure”. On “Fancy” they flip the Iggy Azalea pop hit into a roots reggae rhythmic gem. “Pho Baby” is a warm bluesy soul tune driven by guitarist Eddie Roberts. Cherly Lowry is the guest vocalist steeped in the raw soul lineage of female soul singers before her. She torches three tracks here with “Enough Is Enough” being the standout. The UK quartet remain consistent by delivering straight no chaser funk and soul and hit the mark once again.
The Haggis Horns: What Comes To Mind [Haggis Records]
The Haggis Horns have been serving up their brand of funky horn arrangements to a long list of artists like Mark Ronson, Corrine Bailey Rae and The New Mastersounds, with whom they first premiered. With their third lp, entitled “What Comes To Mind” , they have solidified themselves as a funk and soul band capable of laying down the grooves to make you move. Evidence lies with tunes like “Give Me Something Better” featuring vocalist John McCallum. Lucinda Slim, the other featured vocalist adds some spice to “I Can’t Stop This Feeling”. “Keep On Bumpin” is reminiscent of early seventies boogie funk. Prominent backing vocals and exciting horns make this a worthy listen for funk and soul enthusiasts.
Nat Birchall: Invocation [Jazzman Records]
Tenor Saxophonist Nat Birchall’s latest release and first for Jazzman Records follows the lineage of Coltrane, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders. Birchall’s authoritative voice soars over a superb collection of spiritual jazz compositions penned by himself. “Song to The divine Mother”, the opening track builds with a heighten intensity ignited by Birchall before drummer Johnny Hunter sets the table and keeps a tight rhythm throughout. Pianist Adam Fairhall melodic excursions shines brightly on “A Luta continua” and “Njozi”. The rest of Birchall’s supporting cast provide an understated yet firm presence throughout. Bassist Tim Fairhall lays down solid bass lines and percussionist Christian Weaver makes periodic splashes. “Invocation” is a call to the spirits past and present. It is through the enchanting Tenor voice of Birchall that you’ll find pure joy with the response.