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D Angelo: Black Messiah [RCA]
The authenticity of D’ Angelo’s music has remained relevant despite a new release in fourteen years. So when word begins to leak about "Black Messiah" is preparing to drop months ahead of schedule, people are going to take notice. In an era where electronica is the rule and live instrumentation is the exception, "Black Messiah" and it’s low-fi analog production has provided a much needed injection of raw hot buttered soul. Indeed this is the kind of soul food that lingers in your body like your Grandma’s sweet potato pie. There’s plenty of evidence with prime cuts like the psychedelic soulful grooves of "1000 Deaths". "Sugah Daddy", and "Betray My Heart" are both mid-tempo funky numbers with tight grooves sprinkled with some playful piano. Each track is treated to some trumpet phrasing courtesy of Roy Hargrove. "Another Life" closes out the disc in fine fashion. A tasty piano riff augmented by D’Angelo’s emotive vocals and funky Wah Wah rhythms. Once again D’Angelo displays a flair for clever arrangements and tasty melodies carried out by a strong musical cast. Whether or not this will be considered a classic will be determined over time but there is no doubt that is one of the early favorites for album of the year.
Various Artists: 25 Years of Mr Bongo [Mr Bongo]
What started out as a small record store in London quickly emerged as one of the most influential record labels on the scene today. Mr Bongo, founded by David Buttle served as the lone supplier of early hip-hop that emerged from the states. In addition they became known as the source for hard to find Latin and Brazilian music. They steadily grew from there and found residency in Tokyo before finally settling in Brighton. "25 Years of Mr Bongo" celebrates the old and the new. From the storied legacy of hard to find Brazilian music to fresh sounds and new talents. Some of those timeless treasures include the sublime rhythms of "Carolina Carol Bela" from Jorge Ben & Toquinho and "Heaven" from Ebo Taylor. Future classics include the funky grooves and African rhythms of Blo’s "Chant To Mother Earth" and "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" from Quarteto Em Cy. The hypnotic beat patterns of "Boa Noite" by Karol Conka represent the future of Brazilian hip-hop. For a trip into hip-hop’s storied past look no further than The Incredible Bongo Band’s classic "Apache. The wicked electric guitar riffs and the spirited percussion still resonates today. With one eye on the past and the other on the future, Mt Bongo continues to be a trailblazer for all manners of universal music.
Soulparlor: Smile [Tokyo Dawn]
The trio from South Germany known as Soulparlor have steadily built a deep catalog of soulful broken beats, funky grooves and underground house that have won admirers from all around the globe. Their latest release "Smile" could very well be their strongest yet. Once again their disc represents a global collaboration of artists who pledge their allegiance to the funk. Erik Rico delivers two tracks here, "Out On The Floor" and "Wall"., both laced with funky synths. Amalia is an undisputed funk goddess and "Freakay Lady" oozes sweet nad sticky mid-tempo funk. Vocalist Leona Berlin is an artist to keep an eye on. Berlin contributes with three gorgeous dance tracks but "Cruel" is the highlight.. Capital A laments the watered down state of hip-hop while paying tribute to b-boys with "Nostalgia". "Smile" is one of those gems that you simply press play and walk away, it’s that good. The trio’s production skills combined with the vocal contributors ensure that you’ll have a funky good time.
Ralf Gum: In My City [Go Go Music]
If you compiled a list of places that truly embrace soulful house music, be sure to list Johannesburg, South Africa near the top of that list. DJs have been known to perform in front of tens of thousands house party evangelists. One of the prominent DJs in South Africa the last several years captivating dance floors with his signature sound has been Ralf Gum. The German born and now South Africa resident professes his love with the appropriately titled "In My City". Ralf’s third album features an array of international heavyweights who sprinkle their vocal spices to his gorgeous arrangements. What better way to kick off the disc than by enlisting native South African legend Hugh Masekela. His blissful trumpet phrasings augment the soulful grooves on "With Her Hands". Veteran House diva Monique Bingham turns up the heat on the bumpin’ house tune "The Pap". Veteran UK soul icon Omar blesses the playful sunny grooves of "Love Core". "Bi Na Ba Njo", featuring Dele Sosimi is filled with funky Afrobeat rhythms. This is a glorious tribute filled with positive vibes and uplifting house rhythms that captures the pulse of the city.
Paul White: Shaker Notes [R & S Records]
You can be certain that Paul White is gonna keep the music moving in various directions. The UK producer has generated a large following with his left of center Hip Hop beats and production prowess, as evidenced by previous releases like "Rapping With Paul White" and "Paul White and The Purple Brain". With "Shaker Notes" he has eschewed the boom bap and taken his beats to uncharted territory by incorporating African rhythms and outer worldly sounds, Indeed "Shaker Notes" is filled with various textures of electronics and vibes. Among the highlights are "Where You Gonna Go",, sparked by chanting from White as well as hypnotic percussion. "Running On A Rainy Day" is filled with ethereal soundscapes. "All We Know" and "Fighting To Dance" are notable gems as well. With "Shaker Notes" you may not know where you’re going but you’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.
Defected Presents: House Masters – Joey Negro [Defected]
It’s a bit of a surprise that this is the first go round for Joey Negro to sit in the House Masters chair but he and Defected records feel like a perfect match. Negro has solidified his status as one of the premiere DJs of the last twenty years and his remixes and production credits are too numerous to list here. For Defected records he has assembled a superb collection of some of his favorite Disco classics, deep house gems and some tasty boogie tunes. For starters, if you’ve never heard of his remix of Patrice Rushen’s "Haven’t You Heard" you’ll will not want to miss out on this Disco hit. "Ride The Storm" is a certified Club banger from Akabu (One of Negro’s many aliases) featuring Disco Diva Linda Clifford. The Sunburst Band, Joey’s boogie band is also featured here with several tracks. "The Secret Life of Us" and Garden of Love" stand out as favorites. Can’t leave out the deep house dishes and there are plenty. "Can’t Get High Without U" featuring Taka Boom is simply wicked and Raven Maize’s timeless classic "Forever Together" will stir up memories of late night club parties that lasted until the break of day. If this doesn’t spark you to purchase then check your pulse If all is well then quickly add this to your collection.
DJ Oil: Phantom [BBE]
Lionel Corsini, aka DJ Oil has demonstrated a keen ear for old school beats and rhythms. His previous lp, the well received "Black Notes" is evidence of his production skills. Three years later he returns with "Phantom" and he’s out to take his musical vision a step further. "Paolo" is filled with pulsating percussion and Afrobeat rhythms "Beetlejuice" has a brooding organ grinding groove and a little boom bap rap as well. In addition, the female African vocals highlight this eclectic track. "New Lord" has a dark and haunting groove filled with an assortment of vocal samples that capture the mood of the tune. Throughout "Phantom" DJ Oil seamlessly places vocals and events of everyday life into these live recordings for which no samples were used. Everything is on the table here from Blues to House to moody gritty soul. All in all this is an superb musical collage that should award him the the attention he certainly deserves.
Anushka: Broken Circuit [Brownswood Recordings]
Hailing from Brighton, Max Wheeler and Victoria Port, better known as Anuskha present their brand of electro soul with patches of house and pop with their full length lp. "Broken Circuit" features dreamy chords, twisted beats by Wheeler and Port’s angelic voice makes for a winning formula. They’ve already created a buzz with the lead single "I Have Love 4 You" and if you were worried about a let down, rest assured there isn’t one. "Impatient" kicks off the disc with soulful hip-hop beats and sweeping chords. "Atom Bombs" starts out as an a capella that steadily builds into a drum n bass burner. "Fire To Me", a lo-fi house gem will no doubt become a favorite of DJs and fans alike. Wheeler’s beats and arrangements alone would certainly nod your head and move your feet. However Port’s resonating songwriting and lovely voice makes this release among the best of the year.
Myles Sanko: Forever Dreaming [Legere Recordings]
London based soul singer Myles Sanko has taken a grass roots approach to launching his career. First by enlisting his fans via the internet to pick their favorite songs, eventually launching his EP "Born In Black And White". Myles has followed up that success with his latest "Forever Dreaming". There’s much to savor here as tunes like "Light in My Hand" offer a harmonic convergence of Blues and Soul. The kind of vibe one might hear from a Bill Withers tune, one of Myles influences. "Save My Soul", one of the strongest tunes is a stirring blend of reggae and soul. Sanko’s raw emotive vocals, combined with honest and heartfelt lyrics will resonate with fans of raw unfiltered soul.
Emma Donovan and The PutBacks: Dawn [HopeStreet]
From the opening electric guitar riff from "Black Woman" followed by the wicked Hammond B3 and the powerful voice, you get the sense you’ve struck gold with "Dawn". The debut from the indigenous Emma Donovan and the Melbourne based band The Putbacks provide plenty of gritty rhythms and rock infused soul for vocalist Emma Donovan to shine and that she does. The aforementioned "Black Woman" starts out with a hard groove and Donovan’s lyrics speak of a woman’s struggle and perseverance. The powerful "Daddy",is filled with infectious wah wah rhythms. The band simmers down on tunes like "My Goodness" and "Over Under". The latter is a stripped down country blues number that’s one of the many highlights on the disc. You know you have something special when the disc wraps up and leaves you wanting more. Make no mistake this is the "Dawn" of a great new voice and a phenomenal talent that you shouldn’t miss.