Upon listening to “A Love Surreal” the new release from Bilal, it’s evident that this record finds him in brighter spirits. Whereas “Air tights Revenge” had some dark moments, the mood is considerably lighter on his new release. Although there are moments when he deals with setbacks and losing love, there are many blissful moments and he appears to be having fun in the process. Musically the album has a jazz rock blend filled with tasty melodies that’s reminiscent of early Steely Dan. That’s evident on the tracks “Back to Love” and “Winning Hand”. “Right At The Core” follows suit as well plus the presence of pianist Robert Glasper here with an assist from the vocal trio King pays big dividends. Glasper creates beautiful melodies on “Butterfly”, a beautiful ballad that highlights the chemistry between these two musicians. “Never Be The Same” is a soulful slow burner that was recently sung by Joy Denalane that certainly qualifies as dim the lights music. Finally free of contractual constraints, Bilal is able to create music with no limitations. This isn’t watered down RnB, instead it’s a refreshing collection of quality that merely scratches the surface of his immense talent.

Reg Dancy

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Jose James wants this to be clear; he’s no longer a Jazz singer. Despite this being his debut for the historical Jazz label known as Blue Note, he’s broken free of the restrictions that come with the title so that he can make music without boundaries.  Rest assured that after one listen to “No Beginnings No End”, you’ll applaud the direction he is heading in. James new release fuses elements of soul, hip-hop and folk brought to life by the likes of Robert Glasper, Chris Dave, bassist Pino Palladino and others. The disc kicks off with “It’s All Over Your Body”, a sultry down-tempo tune with a thick groove that oozes warmth and sensuality. “Do You Feel” is a bluesy soul burner that features a wonderful solo from Pianist Kris Bowers. James also performs duets with two talented vocalists here as well. Moroccan singer Hindi Zahra’s voice blends seamlessly with James on “Sword & Gun” and Emily King on the lovely “Heaven On The Ground”. King, who wrote the latter, also wrote the folk flavored “Come To My Door” as well. Jose James sets the mood for love and the high level of quality compositions that make up this superb disc will put you in the mood, rest assured.

Reg Dancy

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Let me take this opportunity to crown Amalia as the Queen of Intergalactic Funk. In recent years all she has done is deliver outer worldly funk deluxe treats for the consistently productive Tokyo Dawn label. Three years after her impressive debut “Art Slave”, she’s back with “Makings Of” which features collaborations with some of today’s emerging funk all-stars. Amalia kicks things off the slinky synth driven “Just Like Magic”, a tune she performed with the duo from San Francisco known as B. Bravo and Teeko. Another certified funkateer in Reggie B teams up with Amalia to serve up some 80’s flavored mid-west funk in “Hysteria”. “Body Snatchers” featuring Blaktronics is totally on some outer limits funk filled with twisted synths and erotic vocals. “Still In Love” featuring Sagemonk doesn’t pack the edge of most tracks here but that doesn’t mean you won’t move to this funky dance track. If you’re not familiar with Amalia then time to crawl from under that rock and put “Makings Of”  on repeat. It’s the perfect disc to get introduced to the funkiest lady on the scene today.

Reg Dancy

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Weedy, one half of the duo known as 40 Winks compiles a collection of Spiritual Jazz edits. Weedy does a superb job of weaving beats and rhythms together as though he was playing one continuous tune. Despite the fact that only four selections are over three minutes the disc hits the mark by setting the tone for deep soulful jazz vibes that fuels your body and lifts your spirit. Weedy sets the mood with a sampling of Nina Simone on “For Us”. “Nocturnal” is rhythmic Afro-soul with blustering horns. “The Blue” is filled with heavenly rhythms by way of the Harp layered over some funky drumming. As far as edits go, “Retrospect Suite” is a work of art, a very satisfying listen and is worthy of your attention.

Reg Dancy

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Not only can Richard Spaven keep the time, he can also compose infectious Jazz rhythms with grooves steeped in hip-hop and move people from both genres in the process. Spaven has been a sought after drummer for years now and came up with the idea for this trio project while on tour. “The Sure Co.”, the latest release from the Jazz Refreshed imprint will leave you wishing this was an album. Instead it’s just a five track ep, albeit a superb one. The synergy created by the trio is evident right from the beginning from pianist Grant Windsor’s dazzling melodies on “The Sure Chimes”. Guest vocalist Nailah Porter earthy tones adds another layer on the shivering “Loose Shots”. Bassist Neville Malcolm lays down scorching grooves throughout the session and shines especially on “Persephone”. This is gorgeous work from Spaven and after serving us a few appetizers it’s time to deliver us a full length lp to showcase his artistry.

Reg Dancy

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Columbian Soul is a fitting way to describe the new release from Quantic & Alice Russell and the results from this collaboration are nothing short of superb. What’s great about this record is how it shifts from deep rooted soul onto traditional Columbian music while featuring stellar instrumentation throughout. The title track, for instance is pure psychedelic soul with strings that serves as the canvas for Alice’s soaring vocals. “I’ll Keep My Light In My Window”, complete with gospel fused harmonies and strings will awaken your spirits. Meanwhile Combo Barbaro, a multicultural collective of talented musicians provide an authentic Columbian vibe and a spirited rhythm section throughout, particularly on “Road to Islay” and “Magdalena”.  Will Holland’s explorations in music have always paid dividends for the listener and he has struck gold with this release.

Reg Dancy

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Rhys Adams aka Yesking returns with the follow up to his 2008 release. “Re-record Not Fade Away”, his first record for BBE is filled with soul infused dub-step beats, Roots Reggae and Hip-Hop rhythms.  Recorded live and by Adams himself, he comes away with a tighter sound than on his previous lp "Rock this World". In addition he’s also enlisted Patrick Hatchett, guitarist for The Soothsayers to enhance the sound that reverberates throughout the album. Rioghnach Connolly’s heartfelt lyrics and melodious tones make for some engaging moments and elevate several tracks here. One of those tracks is the opener; "Hardground", a funky tune with restrained intensity and a thumping bass that gives you a sense that something special is brewing here. "Overproof", featuring Mel Uye-Parker is an engaging reggae tune with cheerful harmonies. "Chicken Chops" is another spirited reggae tune with funky horns and sweet organ rhythms. Kodjovi Kush adds a touch of afrobeat to the disc with the energetic “One More Time”. With other artists like Toddia T and Lady Chann packing supreme contributions into ten tracks, the result is an superb disc that deserves room in your musical rotation.

Reg Dancy

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2012 proved to be a quiet year for Benny Tones but “The Chrysalis Remixes”, armed with thirty tracks should make up for his absence.  You’d be hard pressed not to find a handful of favorites among this impressive collection however there some prime cuts that you shouldn’t miss. For starters the Negghead remix of “aero:soul”, sung by Mara TK is a banger and a nice precursor of more goodness forthcoming. The Night Panther remix of “On my Way”, also sung by Mara TK is certain to put you in a neck brace due to the fierce bass line. Dizzy I’s rework of “Home”, performed by Fat Freddy’s Drop is a keeper as well as the AD Bourke remix of “Fire Fly”. Rather than trying to decide what to play first, just hit the random button and you’re certain to find a new favorite with every spin.

Reg Dancy

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The diamond in the rough phrase certainly applies to the emergence of Resonators in the Dub Step/Reggae field. Indeed, the Brighton/London based group captures the spirit of Roots Reggae by merging sparkling rhythms, thumping bass grooves and soothing vocals from Kassia Zermon and Faye Houston. The performances on “The Constant” reflect a band that plays with the precision and fluidity that comes from numerous sessions and constant touring. Highlights include “Soldier”, “Vipers” and the Dub plate vocals of “Surrender” . The production is superb as well complete with additional horns and overdubs. “The Constant” is a breath of fresh air that is not only a first rate reggae album but simply one of the more impressive records of 2012.

Reg Dancy

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Martha High has been belting out soul songs for four decades strong. Martha started off working as a member of the Jewels, a group that was part of the James Brown Revue. Martha would continue to work with the Godfather of soul and later on work with former band member Maceo Parker. On “Soul Overdue” her voice sounds as strong as ever as she covers classics and makes them her own. A prime example is her rendition of the Etta James timeless “I’d Rather Go Blind” and Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man”. Other highlights include “Save Me” and “Dragging Me Down”, two burning tracks that demonstrate that Speedometer are more than capable of giving up the funk. A killer rhythm section and a dynamic voice adds up to a wonderful record. “Soul Overdue” is right on time.

Reg Dancy

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