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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.
Kirk Degiorgio: Sambatek [Far Out]
On "Sambatek" Kirk DeGiorgio blends his signature techno sounds with Brazilian rhythms and a touch of Detroit techno soul certain to whip dance floors into a frenzy Among the highlights are "’Morro da Formiga", and Complexo de Alemao" each filled with dark percussive rhythms and pulsating beats. "Prazeres", filled with seductive cosmic rhythms and "Vidigal" are more house flavored tracks but provide definite satisfaction. If that wasn’t enough there are some tasty remixes from Detroit’s own Rick Wilhite on "Babilinia" and Jonas Kopp on "Borel" just to name a few. By infusing 4/4 beats to these treasured Brazilian compositions, Kirk Degiorgio’s first recording for Far Out is a winner.
Kon: On My Way [BBE]
With his debut, beat maker Kon has produced a collection of soulful dance tracks filled with clever synth arrangements and tasty vocal contributions. It’s clear that Kon has an ear for rhythm and infectious grooves as his compositions effortlessly seep into your body and you’ll find yourself moving instantly. The proof lies in quality tracks like “All Night”, a funky dance tune that features the heavenly vocals of Amy Douglas. In addition she’s also featured on the house inspired “Blow Me….A Kiss”. There are other notable contributors such as Georg Levin hearty vocals on “Don’t cha Wanna” enhanced by Yuki Kanesaki’s keyboard wizardry. “Awe Baby” is a heart pumping string laden funky instrumental. Overall “On My Way” is the perfect antidote to jumpstart your next party. This superb record serves notice that Kon is an artist to keep an eye on.
Al Kent: Disco Love Vol 3 [BBE]
When you hear the name Al Kent, one can only think of rare Disco gems that we’ve completely forgotten or never knew existed. At first I was afraid that Disco Love Vol.3 would be filled with abundance of glossy dance tracks but I was very pleased by the quality of recordings here that are soulfully deep and funky. There are several highlights to nod your head to like the Al Kent edit funky bass grooves of “Mighty Gents”. “Hustle On Down Pt.3” features funky horns and wah wah guitar licks. “Human” by the Neo Experience is reminiscent of a Philly Soul recording. Overall Disco Love Vol. 3 covers all the bases to allow you to step back in time and get your groove on.
Myele Manzanza: One [BBE]
As the drummer for Electric Wire Hustle, fans have been hypnotized by the Futuristic beats and rhythms generated by Myele Manzanza. Now with his solo debut "One", Myele reaches into his roots and various other influences to deliver an authentic blend of soulful beats ranging from African to Future rhythms with amazing results. Among the highlights are "Absent", a hip-hop flavored track with wicked rhythms augmented by Bella Kalolo on vocals. "City Of Atlantis" is another worthy pick that starts out with Philly rapper Charlie K rhyming over a thick beat. At this point the groove shifts with the help of a jazzy flute riff followed by the organic soulful vocals of New Zealand native Ladi 6. "Me I Know Him" is a stomping soulful house track with Sam Manzanza, Myele’s father on Congas and Canadian vocalist Amenta. Myele has paid his dues to hone his craft and "One" displays the fruits of his labor with outstanding results. This is a superb record worthy of repeated listens. You won’t be disappointed.
Simba & Milton Gulli: The Heroes (A Tribute to a Tribe) [BBE]
On "The Heroes" (A Tribute to a Tribe) Simba & Milton Gulli visit the songbook of A Tribe Called Quest. While no doubt a daunting task, they take the wise route by maintaining the core ingredients of the classics while infusing the flavors of their Mozambican heritage. The producer MiltonGulli is well aware of jazz undertones that permeates ATCQ’s music and that is evident throughout, especially on their cover of "Bonita Applebum", where they transform the original into a sublime melodic gem. The same can be said for "Electric Conversation" aided by the jazzy guitar rhythms and harmonic approach displayed throughout. Simba displays a laidback delivery to his rhyming skills that are similar to Q-Tip’s but the comparison ends there. He definitely has his own voice and he holds his own with impressive results. The highlight here arguably is "God Lives Through" (I Love my God) which at first hints as a cover but morphs into a harmonic gospel lullaby that is simply irresistible. Overall Simba & Gulli demonstrate that their talent is primed for the long haul and in the process do justice to the songbook of one of hip-hop’s most treasured groups. Take a trip down memory lane and in the process get introduced to Mozambican soulful hip-hop.
Omar: The Man [Freestyle]
It’s not enough to crown Omar as the King of UK Soul for his unmistakable voice is recognized and cherished worldwide. With his seventh and easily one of his strongest lps entitled “The Man”, his star should shine even brighter. The thirteen track disc hits hard and often with a myriad of musical styles enhanced by edgy grooves and crafty production that we’ve come to expect from him. The first single “The Man” finds Omar singing about his maturation from a young man to family man, highlighted by a tasty bass clarinet and flute melody. “High Heels” is a funky soul jazz tune that features the Hidden Jazz Quartet”. Pino Palladino transforms the 1990 classic “There’s Nothing Like This” into a chilled out mellow gem. The disc wraps up with Latin flavored “Ordinary Day” that is a tribute to the additions of his twin daughters to his family. Overall “The Man” is filled with so many superb tracks that it will be hard to pick a favorite. It will not be hard at all however to recognize this as one of the best records of the year.
Personal Life: Morning Light [Tokyo Dawn]
Personal Life is the London soul collective formed by Robert Strauss. Their debut “Morning Light” is a superb collection of sweetened soul with funky grooves surrounded by jazzy horns and strings. Each track features warm sophisticated arrangements highlighted by the silky smooth voice of Stuart Lisbie. Among the highlights are the mid-tempo dance floor friendly tracks like “Classic Lady” and the socially conscious “One Step Closer”. “I remember” a nice ballad filled with lush romantic arrangements and simple yet enchanting funk. Strauss, who wrote and produced, has captured the essence of quality soul music that was a staple from the late seventies and throughout the eighties. What’s impressive is that “Morning Light” isn’t a throwback record; it’s a refreshing record that fills a gaping hole in the RnB soul genre. Could this be a renaissance? You certainly hope so if they sound as good as this one.
Joe Clausell Black Coffee: The Djoon Experience [BBE]
“The Djoon Experience” is an experience in dance culture of great proportions. The infamous club located in Eastern Paris captures the spirit of good vibes and soulful house music. The latter of which is in large supply thanks to acclaimed DJs Joe Clausell and South Africa’s own Black Coffee. If your feet and hips aren’t moving within minutes of “The Djoon Experience” compilation then I suggest you check your pulse. Joe Clausell and Black Coffee blend infectious house music that lifts your spirits and transports House music enthusiasts to a place filled with peace love and harmony. Like all the great DJs, Clausell and Coffee capture the mood of party people that frequent the club and propel them to greater heights with a tasty assortment of past and future classics. Among those treats are Gregory Porter’s “1960 What!”, Hugh Masekela’s “We are One” and Ian Friday’s remix of “My Love Song” featuring Nickson. Other highlights include “All Alone” featuring Vikter Duplaix and the DJ Kent Club mix of “Sunrise” featuring Zaki Ibrahim. There’s much more to savor but believe me, “The Djoon Experience” is a highly recommended purchase that will remind you why you love House music so much in the first place.
Various : Record Kicks 10th [Record Kicks]
Over the past Ten years, with over a hundred releases under their belt, Record Kicks has firmly established itself as the premier label of vintage funk, gritty soul and so much more. This release has compiled 21 selections that represent some of the premiere soul, funk and reggae acts that call the label home. Among the label mates is Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers with their stirring single “I’m a Good Woman”. Other tasty treats are “Your Love is Mine” by The New Mastersounds with featured vocals from Corrine Bailey Rae. The Baker Brothers are another funk band whose 2011 lp “Time to Testify” received critical acclaim. They follow that up with their new single “Dancing with my mates Til Dawn”. And then there’s Nick Pride and The Pimptones, who provide a crackling summer party jam with “Everything is Better in The Summertime”. Thanks to Record Kicks and other similar labels, funk and soul have a home for years to come. Treat yourself to a superb disc, not to mention a few more gems from their catalogue.