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Alex Barck: Reunion [Sonar Kollektiv]
"Reunion" the new release from Alex Barck is a triumphant return after a break from the music scene. Indeed "Reunion" is filled with an assortment of uplifting dance tracks filled with Soul, Pop and African rhythms. It’s obvious that the hiatus was good to Barck for the superb writing and arrangements is only surpassed by the spirited collaborations from an array of talented vocalists filtered throughout this disc. Among the many highlights is "Oh Africa", a soulful house track features the deep husky vocals of Christine Salem, a native of La Reunion, located in the Indian Ocean where Barck sought repose. "Don’t Hold Back" is another pulsating track that features the powerful vocals of Sweden’s own Jonathan Backelie. Backelie also shines on "We Get High" and the moving "Doubter". Vocalist Pete Josef, one half of The White Lamp blesses two other tunes, "Reset" and "Spinning Around". With other notable contributions from Stee Downes and Fetsum "Reunion" is highly recommended dance music at it’s best.
Sons Of Kemet: Burn [Naim Jazz]
"Burn", the aptly titled debut from the quartet known as Sons Of Kemit doesn’t just burn, it scorches. The ten track debut is a fusion of African, folk and spiritual Jazz rhythms that is engaging, intense and defies categories. Clarinetist/Saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings apprenticeship with Courtney Pine and Tomorrow’s Warriors has served him well here. His explosive playing and ambitious compositions is complimented by the dual drumming of Tom Skinner and Seb Rochford. On "Inner Babylon" Hutchings and Tuba player Oren Marshall rhythmic explorations and lyrical content extend into Afro-Caribbean ancestry. "Adonia’s Lullaby" evokes deep passion and emotions highlighted by Hutching’s melodic clarinet rhythms. Each member is a leader in their own right yet they come together focused on their take on the movement of the African Diaspora and the result is one of the best records of the year.
Bahama Soul Club: The Cuban Tapes [Buyu]
"The Cuban Tapes" is a moody collection of dark seductive Afro-Cuban rhythms that captures the essence of mid-sixties soul and jazz. In addition the lineup of legendary vocalists take these compositions to greater heights. For starters there’s Bessie Smith laying down her powerful vocals to "Moaners". Spanky Wilson contributes to the organ grinding soul-jazz number "I Warned You Baby". Other notables include Blues stalwart Ruthie Foster on the simmering "Grinning In Your Face" and the melodic piano driven "Tiki Suite pt1". This seventeen track release is an exciting adventure into the overlooked Cuban night club scene. I suggest you pull up a chair and enjoy.
Hartley and Wolfe: Bespoke Future [BBE]
Hartley & Wolfe is the alias for Dj Vadim and singer Greg Blackman. "Bespoke Future" is filled with tasty electro soul and edgy funk grooves. You may be familiar with Blackmon from Vadim’s previous lp "Don’t Be Scared". While he only appeared on just a couple of tracks on that disc his rugged vocals are on display throughout here. Among the highlights are "You’ve Got Nothing", a mid-tempo soul groover. "Room To Breathe" is a gritty funk tasty treat. "Turn Up The Volume" and "Lady Sunshine" are soulful grooves with funky synths. "Bespoke Future" is reminiscent of the eighties funk and synth era and Vadim skillfully taps into that sound. Greg and Vadim combine tight production and cutting edge vocals for an entertaining disc.
Wordy Soulspeak: Let The Rhythm Hit [BBE]
It’s safe to say that China hasn’t been a hotbed for hip-hop but Wordy Soulspeak are out to change that. DJ Wordy provides catchy electronic beats, clever scratching and synths while Jeff Soulspeak provides tight production on their debut "Let The Rhythm Hit". The title track symbolizes their sound with clever synth arrangements and wicked break-beats. "Smokeout" is a nice laid back tune filled with warm keys and synths. WordySoulspeak cite many hip-hop influences and that’s quite evident. I would bet that they heard a few Dam Funk recordings since several tracks have a 80’s electro funk flavor as well. Wherever the inspiration came from the result is a promising debut from the duo from the Far East.
Reggie B: DNA [Tokyo Dawn]
Reggie-B has been sprinkling eps and singles showcasing his brand of electro-funk for several years now. With his full length debut on Tokyo Dawn, he’s poised to strike a chord with funk enthusiasts past and present with the aptly titled "DNA". Reggie’s rich vocals serve as the main ingredient within a deep dish of bass heavy up-tempo gems featuring an impressive collection of contributors like DJ Spinna, Dam Funk and many more. There are many highlights here to ignite your funk groove like "Light Horizon" featuring Onra and Ubiquitous. "Her Own Way" is a smooth mid-tempo soul funk groove. In addition there are a number of gentle ballads that are treated with a delicate touch as well. "Just enough" features a romantic verse from D-Lok. "Love The Way" is another soothing track that features the Moog and synth wizardry of Kan Sano. With seventeen tracks in total I was afraid there might be some filler tracks but not to worry. This is a superb album with an assortment of contributors fully committed to bringing the funk. Along with emerging artists like Dam Funk, B-Bravo and Teeko, Reggie-B is spearheading a renaissance of deep funk with wicked hooks. With an album this good it’s assured that the future of the funk is in good hands
Asymuth: The Aurora Remixes [Far Out]
For over forty five years, Asymuth has been one of Brazil’s most treasured bands. The trio of Jose Roberto Bertrami, percussionist Ivan Conti and guitarist Alex Malheiros have released over twenty albums. When you have a catalog as deep as Asymuth’s, it’s no surprise that the "Aurora Remixes", a collection of previously unreleased material would attract some of the foremost DJs in the game today. Some of those heavyweights include 4Hero and their superb rework of the title track. "Aurora" is a sublime tune filled with soothing Samba rhythms augmented by Jose Roberto Bertrami’s electric piano. Maddslinky picks up the tempo with the percussive infused house flavored mix of "Ta Nessa Ainda Bicho". Another highlight is "In My Treehouse (We Are The Horsemen Remix)" filled with funky bass licks and keyboard rhythms. The "Aurora Remixes" also includes the original recordings as well so this an essential record for any Asymuth fan and without a doubt will influence newcomers.
S-Tone: Lost and Found [Ishtar]
Four years since the release of "Moon In Libra" S-Tone Inc. return with a marvelous collection of Breaks n Bossa beats. "Lost and Found" is a collection of both new and unreleased material as well as two tasty covers, One of those covers is the Nina Simone classic "I Put A Spell On You". Vocalist Laura Fedele transforms the tune into a down-tempo sultry groover. Fedele also performs on the jazz inspired dance track "Lady Word", one of the new compositions featured here. "Serengeti", a house flavored instrumental tune is another winner that’s highlighted by African vocals, lush keyboard arrangements and Marco Brioschi’s trumpet playing. "Bahia Mon Amour" was originally included on S-Tone’s earlier lp "Sobrenatural" has been reworked into an infectious drum n bass heater. Other remix contributors include Grooveman Spot and Combo Moderna, the latter reworking "Entre O Ceus" which also appeared on "Sobrenatural". There are wide gaps between a S-Tone release but when they sound this good they’re certainly worth the wait.
Lucas Arruda: Sambadi [Favorite Records]
"Sambadi", the debut from guitarist/Keyboardist Lucas Arruda is rich in soul infused jazzy Brazilian rhythms. Lucas initially started out as a guitarist but after seeing a performance by Marcus Valle turned his attention to the Fender Rhodes. The vibrant sound of the Rhodes is used prominently to create warm Brazilian rhythmic compositions. Among the highlights are " Batuque", a funky melodic tune with soulful harmonies. "Alma Nova" is a laid back composition filled with warm synths and luscious melodies. "Carnival" and "Tamba" are also warm sublime treats as well. Inspired by Rio De Janeiro, not far from where Arruda was born, "Sambadi" is an impressive release from one of Brazil’s exciting young talents
Nicola Conte: Viagem 5 [Far Out]
When you think of Nicola Conte you think of Jazz infused Samba and Bossa Nova. There’s plenty of that on "Viagem 5" as he has gone deep into the vaults of Brazil’s treasured sounds of the 60’s. As you might expect this seventeen track is filled with an array of warm and melodic compositions that captures the spirit of Brazil during turbulent times yet still resonate today. For instance there’s a tasty cover of "Vou De Contar" performed here by Quarteto 004. "Quintessencia" is soothing modal Jazz with intoxicating vibraphone rhythms courtesy of Zumba 5. "Se Voce Quiser Mas Sem Bronquear" is filled by with lush strings and the lovely voice of Elizabeth Viana. "Viagem 5" is a journey into a creative period of swinging Brazilian Jazz n Bossa and we can always count on Nicola Conte for shining a light on such a rich collection of timeless music.