Born in Oakland but raised in Seattle Washington, rapper J’Von teams up with Minneapolis producer Ackryte for their third project entitled "Raw Sheep". J’Von’s lyrical dexterity serves him well as he effortlessly breezes through a variety of topics over Ackrute’s hypnotic laid back beats. Evidence of this can be heard on "Where’s Bob Villa". J’Von calls out wannabe hard core rappers on "[Violence] of the lambs". LA based tapper Blu jumps on the track "They dnt beleev"as well as "Autmn". A perfect marriage of wicked beats and tight rhymes results in a very entertaining record by the emerging duo. Definitely worth checking out.

Reg Dancy

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It’s a crime that we’ve had to wait ten years to the Rebirth’s follow up to the amazing "This Journey In". You can find comfort that the new release "Being Through The Eyes of a Child" will not disappoint you in the least. Their is one noticeable difference, Noelle Scaggs, the featured vocalist on their debut has moved on but replacement Baskerville Jones more than holds her own. Carlos "Loslito" Guaico and company provide plenty of the sunny soul jazz arrangements you’ve come to expect from them here. They kick things off with "This Is Coming To?", featuring a funky guitar hook and soulful harmonies led by Jones. "Caterpillar" is a warm synth laden instrumental reminiscent of "Walk Talkin’ Mizell" from their previous release. "Come On Over" is a stripped down gentle acoustic ballad. While their debut is a tough act to follow, The Rebirth succeed by delivering an joyful array of lush arrangements and funky rhythms worthy of repeated listens.

Reg Dancy

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Ambient Jazz Ensemble is composer/producer Colin Baldry. "Suite Shop Reworks" flips the script on his original release "Suite Shop", which was a blissful collection of ambient jazz compositions. "Reworks" however is ambient jazz with a splash of house and electronica filled with atmospheric vibes. The A-list of remixers on board capture the spirit of the original while adding their own signature touch. Cardiac Club contributes on "The Journey" filled with thunderous drums and blazing sax as well as the four to the floor house inspired "Vibrations". The AJE remix of "Jazzface" is an hypnotic cinematic gem. Dylan Colby adds a touch of drum n bass on "Waiting For Space". Veteran mixer George Schilling, whose credits include everyone from Coldcut to Blur and New Radicals handles the majority of the mixing duties here and performs his customary superb work. Baldry and company’s alternate take adds wings to an already impressive record. Climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

Reg Dancy

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"Showdown", the latest full length release of The Mighty Mocambos demonstrate once again that this group can bring the funk and lay down a groove with the best of them. On this date they’ve invited a bunch of guests to ensure you’ll have a funky good time. "In The Dark" is simmering funk featuring vocals from Nichola Richards. "Not Get Caught" is a guitar thumping tune that features vocalist Derobert. "The Spell Of Ra" and "Locked And Loaded" are high energy instrumentals with blistering horns. The legendary Afrika Bambaata appears on three thumping tracks here but he appears to be more of a hype man these days than a lyricist. Overall "Showdown" provides plenty of funk and soul to keep you more than satisfied.

Reg Dancy

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"Kiss Kiss Double Jab", the Rongetz Foundation’s third lp is swinging jazz meets sizzling soul. Trumpeter Stephane Ronget aka Rongetz’s compositions captures the spirit of the New York City scene and features an impressive all star lineup .Newcomer Lilli Cooper, whose luscious vocals and witty charm can be heard throughout this disc. She seamlessly waxes poetic. on "Hip Hop Muze", which features Gary Bartz on alto and Trombonist Steve Turre. Cooper’s vocal dexterity shines again on the Brazilian flavored "cab Samba". "Such A Morning Person" kicks off with a funky drum snare followed by an infectious bass and warm keys. All the ingredients swirling together for Cooper to operate. All in all an engaging disc that is hip, funky and full of swing.

Reg Dancy

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"Danca Dos Tempos" is the sparkling debut from guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento. The son of the late Lucio Nascimento, Fabiano’s debut is filled mainly with sublime folkloric instrumental duets with the legendary percussionist Airto Moreira in his first session appearance in ten years. Other selecetions include his long time drummer Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas. There are several harmonic and melodic treats to savor here. "Canto De Iemanja" and "Nana" are spirited tunes with the latter featuring Pasillas on drums. "Ewe" and "Minha Ciranda" are gentle and breeezy tunes that feature vocalist Kana Shimanuki. Armed with superb technique as well as emotive songwriting, Nascimento bridges the gap from Brazil’s storied past and proves that it’s future is in good hands.

Reg Dancy

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The sextet known as Dalindeo have created a huge following in their native Finland. With "Kallio", their third lp receiving major distribution from BBE, the rest of the world is treated to the band’s thematic style of jazz. "Kallio", a section in Helsinki features 14 compositions based on the work of film maker Aki Kaurismäki. The disc kicks off with the blistering "Ola Linga 8", highlighted by funky guitar rhythms and fiery trumpet soloing. The tempo simmers down on "Karhupuiston Kuningstar" but the driving force of rhythmic guitar licks make for a pleasant listen. The band shows their ability to swing on "Pengerkadulla" highlighted the combination of guitar and vibraphone rhythms complimenting the spirited horn section. Band leader Valtteri Poyhonen composes a pulsating array of swinging jazz tracks you can either dance to or simply nod your head to. The secret is out, these cats can play..

Reg Dancy

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Jazzman records latest offering of their Spiritual Jazz series shines a light on the obscure yet treasured vocal compositions that span the seventies Soul Jazz evolution. "Spiritual Jazz 6 – Vocals" features compositions that reflect the socio political climate during when they were recorded, yet the overall vibe speaks to universal love and spiritual healing.There’s a variety of musicians here. From the legendary Charles Mingus serenading us with a gentle modal jazz tune in the form of "Moves". Honey Gordon and Doug Hammond share the vocal duties with the latter having penned the tune. Leon Thomas provides his signature brand of yodeling on the Pharoah Sanders recording of "Prince Of Peace". Gary Bartz’s alto sax complements Andy Bey’s baritone vocals beautifully on "Celestial Blues". "Spirits Up Above" is classic soul jazz from Vibration Society, a band formed by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The vocals are courtesy of the Roland Kirk Spirit Choir. There are a wealth of timeless classics here, some of which were unreleased until now. Jazzman Gerald has proven time and again that he has a keen ear for hidden gems and will go great lengths to find these recordings. Clearly this is a labor of love for him and a boon for everyone else. Simply put you need this in your collection.

Reg Dancy

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DJ Spinna’s roots in house music date back to the time spent around the likes of  New York house icons Shep Pettibone and Larry Levan. Although he would cultivate a reputation as a hip-hop dj/producer, he displayed a natural ability to transition into the crowded dj house arena. That was evident when he dropped the Shaun Escoffery remixes for "Space Rider" and Days Like These". Both remain dance floor fillers to this day. Several timeless treats would follow and most are compiled here on the wonderful release, "The Sound Beyond Stars". With over forty tracks here this two disc compilation successfully shines a light on his first rate arrangements. "Live In The Light", featuring Navasha Daya and "What Am I Gonna Do" with Rashaan Patterson are infectious soulful dance tracks that will elevate your spirit as only a great house track can. By the time you get to the end of disc 1 with "Little W. 12st" your spirit has been whipped into a frenzy. Disc 2 is a bit more mellow but no less engaging. "Dear Friend" is an atmospheric house gem and the thumping bass of "The Power" will keep your head on a swivel. This isn’t just a collection of tracks, instead it’s a great performance of true DJ who knows how to set a mood while taking you higher in the process. As far as compilations go, this is as good as it gets. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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Matt Brewer aka Frameworks’ 2012 four track EP "Varnish" was a hypnotic string laden gem that displayed a deft touch as a songwriter and producer. With his full length release "Tides" he picks up where he left off with a superb collection of orchestral electronica layered with jazz and folk melodies. "Old Friend" is a beautiful contrast of electronica and acoustic rhythms augmented by the emotive vocals of J.P. Cooper. "Tides", the title track is a dreamy instrumental. Vocalist Rioghnach Connolly blends her raspy vocals to the haunting strings of  "Dawn". There are many electronic releases out there but few will stroke the emotive strings quite like "Tides". If you dig The Cinematic Orchestra you’ll surely love this. For Brewer, the future looks very bright.

Reg Dancy

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