“Solar”, the sophomore release from Brazilian keyboardist Lucas Arruda demonstrates significant growth from his debut, “Sambadi. Arruda skillfully blends fusion and Brazilian rhythms over his warm and sublime arrangements. “Uma Onda” is laid back hazy fusion that features Alex Malheiros of Asymuth on bass. On “Melt The Night” Leon Ware’s vocals blend perfectly with Arruda’s compositions. It would’ve been nice to feature him on another track or two here. “Aqua” is a pretty ballad influenced by Arruda’s love for RnB and soul music. With another solid album under his belt it’s clear that Arruda is one of the shinning stars on the Brazilian music scene today.

Reg Dancy

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Brian Auger, initially earned acclaim as an emerging jazz pianist on the London scene in 1963. However once he heard organist Jimmy Smith his focus would turn towards the hammond B3. He has since solidified himself as one of the premiere organ players of the past four decades. “Back To The Beginning” showcases his early recordings where he seamlessly blended jazz with rock and soul. Auger’s genre bending arrangements would influence dozens of musicians and DJs and along the way set the stage for what we know today as jazz fusion. The two disc set kicks off with “Blues Three Four” a modal jazz tune in a trio setting, one of Auger’s early recordings in the piano chair. “Save Me”, is an energetic funk and soul tune that features the powerful vocals of Julie Driscoll. “Whenever You’re Ready and “Somebody Help Me” are psychedelic jazz funk floor burners. “Butterfly” is a solid cover of the Herbie Hancock hit, one of Auger’s many admirers. This is a must have re-issue, and a great introduction to a remarkable career.

Reg Dancy

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On their third lp, Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators take the edge off their signature sound of unfiltered modern soul grooves. Don’t be alarmed, “Happiness in Every Style” still packs plenty of grit for you to shake your groove thing to. Willis raw emotive vocals shine on a number of tracks here while The Soul Investigators lay down tasty grooves and strut their stuff throughout. Among the highlights are “Let’s Communicate”, where Willis vocals dance over funky horns and rhythmic guitar. “Angel” is an engaging yet tender ballad. “Together We Climb” is a mellow funk track laced with melodic wah-wah flavored rhythms. “Hot Sauce”, one of three instrumentals is slow burning psychedelic funk. Engaging vocals, solid songwriting plus and strong melodies add up to another winner from the Finland based band.

Reg Dancy

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With their fourth studio album, the seven member band from New Zealand known as Fat Freddy’s Drop have solidified themselves as one of the most consistent bands working today. Few bands pose a dual threat for turning out impressive recordings layered with solid songwriting as well as first rate stage performances.  With “Bays” they continue to remain true to their signature reggae roots while experimenting with psychedelic rhythms and electronica. “Slings and Arrows” finds them in familiar territory with a tight bass lines and hypnotic reggae groove. “Wheels” is experimental funk laced with moody synths. “Razor” follows in the same direction, an energetic up-tempo tune filled with hard driving guitar rhythms and wicked synths. “Makkan” is a mellow ballad filled with swaying horns and wah-wah rhythms. “Cortina Motors” is a ten minute jam session, certain to boost any party. At the center of it all is vocalist Joe Dukie whose falsetto vocals seems to fit in any style. It all adds up to another superb album that you shouldn’t be without.

Reg Dancy

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Guitarist Rich Brown is well known as a superb bass player yet on his latest release “Abeng” he’s proving to be an exceptional composer as well. With a first rate band surrounding him, he proceeds to create clever compositions filled with superb soloing as well as incredible ensemble playing. For instance Luis Deniz’s colorful phrasings shine on “Window Seat” and especially on “The Lotus Ascension”. In addition pianist Chris Donnelly Brown’s playing is inventive, melodic and exploratory, specifically on the triumphant finale “Achilles and The Tortoise”. “Chant Of The Exiled (Abeng)” is another standout. The significance of the Abeng is that it is an instrument used by The Maroons (escaped African slvaes) to communicate specific messages throughout their community. In a climate filled with divisiveness Brown expresses his hope for change by pursuing unfamiliar paths. The result is an exciting passage of rhythms and some of Brown’s most exciting work to date.

Reg Dancy

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“Learn To Wait”, the third LP from Australian producer Lo Tide is a sublime electronic recording with ethereal soundscapes. Several vocalists from around the globe occupy one half of the LP while the second half is filled with instrumental dreamy compositions.”Moving On” features seductive guitar riffs that complement the gorgeous vocals of Jenna K. Tomina Vincent’s vocals soar alongside the atmospheric backdrop of “Swallow The Stars”. “Family” is another gem filled with classical Indian rhythms. Overall these down-tempo compositions deliver a depth not found from his previous releases. There is much more space that allows the listener to fill in their own visual imagery.With gorgeous recordings such as these you’ll take delight in embarking on this musical journey.

Reg Dancy

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Lance Ferguson is no stranger to funky compositions. Quality recordings with the Bamboos as well as his solo recordings under his Lanu moniker is a testament to that. With his "Black Feeling" compilations he continues to shine a light on obscure soulful recordings placed in the hands of little known albeit talented bands. This is evident on Antipodelica’s raw organic cover of Dexter Wansel’s "Life On Mars". A noticeable contrast to string laden Disco beat of the original, "Laden Strut" is hard driving up-tempo funk from Esperanto. "Sao Paulo" is a sunny n breezy Samba courtesy of Nova Catalina Octet. "Futebol de Bar" is a high energy Mambo with a heart pounding piano melody from The Manuel Azevedo. Sure, there’s a number of raw funk and soul compilations out there but by far "Black Feeling 3" is one of the more pulsating releases you’ll hear this year.

Reg Dancy

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It is widely accepted that the golden age of Hip Hop took place throughout the 1990s. Among the diverse collection of MCs and groups were the dynamic MC/DJ Producer collaborations. Think Gangstarr, Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Another combo that made a lot of noise on the underground scene was the duo known as Jigmastas. Brooklyn based DJ Spinna and Kriminul made their share of hypnotic street music. With "Grassroots – The Prologue" we’re re-introduced to the impressive catalog of beats and rhymes this dynamic duo put together. "Lyrical Fluctuation" is a gathering of some of hip hop most influential lyricists. Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoah Monch, Mr Complex and Shabaam Sahdeeq all jump on the track while Krimnul drops potent verses as well "Thief’s Theme" is another banger highlighted by Spinna’s sampling of Nas "The World is Yours". You’re certain to nod your head to "Beyond Real" filled with hypnotic spacey synths and thick beats . Throughout the disc Kriminul fluently displays the depths of his lyrical arsenal. Spinna, for his part chops up beats and arranges tracks with the best of them. If you yearn for some good ole boom bap hip hop then this is definitely the one for you.

Reg Dancy

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The availability of a Samuel K Mfojo, better known as Rim Kwaku Obeng recording has been scarce to say the least. It has been a daunting task for record enthusiasts to get their hands on the talented drummer’s late seventies work. Thanks to the emergence of BBE records Africa label, that’s no longer the case. "Rim Arrives", originally recorded in 1977 is filled with Afro infused Disco rhythms that displays his drumming prowess. There’s also an EP scheduled for release but there’s much to savor here. Let’s begin with "Believe In Yourself", a mid tempo burner soaked in funky rhythms, tasty horns and an inspiring chrous. "Funky Drummer" is another sure shot, laced with funky sax, spirited drumming and rhythmic guitar  "International Funk", originally a 12 inch release is infectious Disco funk with it’s spirited percussion and synths. Obeng went through some hard times prior to  these sessions and his recordings never received the shine they deserved. With "Rim Arrives" his time has finally arrived.

Reg Dancy

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"Seven Summers" is the debut of pianist Shaun Martin of Snarky Puppy. The full length release chronicles his journey and growth as an artist and a person. The result is an engaging collection of jazz,fusion laced with funk and gospel rhythms. A fixture in the Dallas Texas community, he’s with everyone from serving as music director for Kirk Franklin to collaborating with Erykah Badu. "Lotus" is spirited fusion with plenty of space for Martin’s superb soloing. "Love Don’t Let Me Down" is a warm ballad with a gospel flavored organ groove. "Madiba" is jazz funk inspired by the passing of Nelson Madela.The disc wraps up with vocalist and fellow Dallas native Geno Young on the funkified "All in A Days Work". There’s a number of tunes that reflects the Snarky Puppy sound but make no mistake, this has Martin’s personal touch all over it. This is an joyous recording that has a little something for everyone.

Reg Dancy

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