Category Archives: Reviews

Producer and drummer Nick Woodmansey, aka Emanative has kept us waiting for months for the release of his debut. Let’s be clear that it was more than worth the wait. “Space” is a wonderful collection of multi-rhythmic spacey jazz funk delights with an array of talented vocalists who add another layer to the album’s beauty. In addition, the collection of musicians, particularly Jessica Lauren on keys and Ben Hadwen’s playing on Bass Clarinet add an element of futuristic dimensions that will leave you breathless. This is quite evident on the opening track “Petite Planete”, an instrumental mid-tempo space odyssey filled with deep grooves. Jessica Lauren creates beautiful vibes with her lovely work on piano and clever synth arrangements. There is a vocal version of this track entitled “Stars Collide” sung by Deborah Jordan that is equally enjoyable. “We Travel The Spacebeats” is a dreamy spacey slice of soul heighten by the warm Rhodes playing by Jessica Lauren and the flute playing of Ben Hadwen.  “Wind, Sands and Stars” is another deep otherworldly soul gem that features Heidi Vogel on vocals. “When On Earth” is simply a beautiful record that was made available as a single long before the album’s release. The sublime vocals of Liz Elensky, along with backing vocals by Deborah Jordan and the lush string arrangements make this record a classic for years to come. So rare is the record that arrives with nary a weak track in sight. Well, this is one that qualifies as essential listening and is one of the true highlights of 2009. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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This is the fifth full-length album from the Viennese duo of Richard Dorfmeister and Rupert Huber and it marks a return to the classic Tosca sound after 2005’s more exuberant and club-friendly “J.A.C.”. As the title suggests, “No Hassle” represents an effort to create an hour of pure relaxation and musical escapism, free of the mounting pressures and hassles of everyday life. “Boring”, “yawn”, I hear you cry, “I’ve heard it all before”. Well, in a sense, you probably have, for there is nothing particularly new or earth shattering here, and these days we have ambient, chill-out music up the wazoo. But, let’s not forget that these guys really are the pioneers of modern down tempo electronic music and that they have been honing and mastering this sound together for at least 15 years. And my word have they mastered it. So skilled are they at crafting lush, slow burning, spacious grooves that you just sit back, relax and never once reach for that ‘Skip’ button. Sometimes more of the same can be a good thing, if the “same” is something wonderful.

Tom Breslin

Okay, so this has been around for a few months now and I should have reviewed it much earlier. On the positive side, this has given me the chance to live with the album for a while and really listen to it for pleasure and not because I have to. So, I can honestly say that this latest offering from the UK’s Mark Pritchard – now based in Sydney – is really quite brilliant. Imagine Dilla composing the score to the classic ‘80s movie Tron and you’ve got a fairly good idea of the sound and style of “When Machines…”. Purely synthetic – not unlike Dorian Concept’s material – with huge, growling, Dub-influenced bass-lines and Donkey Kong-esque early video game effects, the tracks are haunting, Sci-Fi sound-scapes with the swagger and swing of Detroit Hip-Hop. This is captured most perfectly in ‘Battlestar’ featuring Dilla’s former collaborators Phat Kat and Elzhi (the ever impressive Steve Spacek contributes elsewhere on the album). If you haven’t checked this out yet then you absolutely must, particularly if you’re a fan of next generation, Beat Dimensions type Hip-Hop.

Tom Breslin

If you were one of the enlightened ones to become captivated by the outstanding Heavy ep of 2004 then “First Sessions” is exactly what you’ve been missing. That five track ep merely scratched the surface of this talented duo and left us hungry for more. “First Sessions” expands on that music and also includes a few gems from the vaults of the Kindred Spirits label. The multiple musical skills of Casey Benjamin and the beautiful vocals of Nicky Guilland are in full bloom on familiar tracks like “Do for you” and “Just can’t get”. There is also the ode to Minnie Ripperton on the melodic “Wonderlove”, the original version as well as the Jazzanova remix. They equally shine on previously unreleased tracks like “Sez who sez me”, the Sesame street jingle never sounded so good. The aptly named “Summer Song” is so refreshing, the kind of feel good song that would brighten anyone’s somber mood. “I know my way” is a funky down-tempo gem with a wicked organ groove. If that’s not enough, there’s the Yam Who? Remix of “Do for you” and the DJ Spinna remix of “Just can’t get”. It would have been a crime to keep all this good music on the shelf. Kudos to Heavy and Kindred Spirits for sharing it with everyone.

Reg Dancy

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You have to give credit to the good folks at Far out recordings for uncovering this classic recording. Thirty years ago, legendary Brazilian singer Joyce, Nana Vasconcelas and Mauricio Mae recorded the sublime masterpiece called “Visions of Dawn”. The soothing vocals of Joyce combined with the percussion artistry of Nana Vasconcelas create dreamy compositions of bossa and samba that will warm your heart. Mauricio Mae produced, provides vocals and plays guitar on all tracks as well. The disc opens with “Banana” a melancholy Brazilian folk gem that features Joyce’s luscious vocals over a simmering acoustic guitar. Other highlights include “Nacional Kid”, a warm sun-drenched samba number and “Memorias Do Porvir”. This is a short but sweet performance as the entire disc is only around 35 minutes. Recorded in Paris, “Visions of Dawn” is a wonderful collection of timeless recordings from one of Brazil’s treasured vocalists. This is essential listening.

Reg Dancy

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Carlos Nino’s latest project is an ambient peaceful journey through spiritual music that will undoubtedly ease your mind and heal your soul. Carlos has always been about spreading love and happiness and this project is no exception. Carlos friends assist on all tracks here. The disc begins with the terrific “Thursday August 9 2007”, a warm rhythmic tune that starts out with a hypnotic flute solo. Another highlight is “Friends featuring the Oasis of Pe”. This is the only track with vocals and they only appear at the beginning but the distinctive voice of Dwight Tribble is always a treat to hear. “9 Moons full” experiments with layers of percussion and afterwards you’re serenaded by the soothing sounds of the sea. Once again Carlos Nino enriches us with a brilliant record that explores different musical moods. Clearly he is carrying the torch from legends like Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane by creating music to heal and inspire everyone. Treat yourself to a rewarding spiritual experience.

Reg Dancy

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This album quite simply defies categorisation. So much so that it’s going to be easier for me to start by telling you what it isn’t, than to steam straight into flailing around in vain trying to describe what it actually is.  It’s not easy listening, that’s for sure. Well, not at first anyway. Although, after a short while, you do find yourself drifting off into a kind of head-nodding, groove-induced coma. It certainly isn’t organic, in the sense that the sounds and effects used have never been within 100 miles of, say, a guitar or a trumpet, or any other kind of acoustic instrument for that matter. And, most importantly, it sure as hell isn’t to be ignored. For, the music of Viennese beat-meister Dorian Concept is unashamedly synthetic, electronic and beat-driven, and yet (because of the man’s evident talent with a keyboard and his supreme production skills) it is so very, very musical. It isn’t just a neck-snapping beat here and a random squelch there; it is all intricately woven harmonies and textured grooves, crafted with a deft touch and full of a delightfully wonky jazziness. And, the balance is just right. You could just as easily find this music reverberating from within a blacked-out Hummer as you could in a contemporary Jazz nerd’s cans. Everyone should give this polished gem a try, but, for simplicity’s sake, fans of Harmonic 313, Dabrye and Kindred Spirits’ ‘Beat Dimensions’ collection should not sleep on this.

Tom Breslin

After treating fans with quality remixes over the years, Diesler blesses us with his compilation disc “Tracks on the rocks”. Diesler has assembled an impressive selection of tracks he has either remixed or performed on. In addition, he has enlisted an array of artists with their own unique talents to round out this engaging set. Some of the highlights include “Aiff”, a funk filled smoking track by Akwaaba that features the immensely talented Laura Vane. Laura also appears on “Hey Fella”, a tune performed by The New Mastersounds that receives the Diesler remix treatment with satisfying results. Another without question is “A Million Stories” by The Cuban Brothers, a deep funk groover. “Escape” by Unity is given a rare groove makeover that will generate a lot of buzz on the dance floor. There’s a wealth of gems here that will make “Tracks on the rocks” a mainstay in my cd rotation for quite some time. I have no doubt you’ll feel the same way. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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Mop Mop is the creation of musician/DJ Andrea Benini. “Kiss of Kali” is a combination of big band swing with a Latin flavor that would be right at home in any club. While “The 11th Pill”, Mop Mop’s previous record was more of an acoustic set, this release is serving sophisticated dance floor grooves that you will find irresistible. One common theme for both records is Benini’s production is flawless. The result is spicey, hip, funky jazz music that is certain to move your body. Standout tracks include “Living Beat”, an upbeat modern jazz number that lures you in with a wicked bassline followed by a stellar horn section and topped off by the vocals of Alan Farrington. “Jazzdancer” displays similar horn arrangements as well as a fine performance by Pasquale Mirra on vibes. The title track “Kiss of Kali” provides plenty of tasty samba rhythms plus the sassy voice of Robina Veda. Kiss of Kali is proof that music of the past can be recreated to sound relevant today with outstanding results. If this cd doesn’t make you move then check your pulse. This is essential listening.

Reg Dancy

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Alif tree’s previous release “French Cuisine” was one of the underground highlights of 2006. So it is with great pleasure to listen to his latest release “Clockwork”. While the compositions on “French Cuisine” displayed a jazz vibe throughout, “Clockwork” expands on that sound by adding more electronic, folk and blues flavored tunes that feel more personal. The opening track “Aurevoir” embodies some of the jazz elements of the previous release. The dark tone and haunting piano riffs create an eerily peaceful atmosphere that is very engaging. “Never be the same” is a mid-tempo acoustic treat with vocals. “Que Tu” is a somber yet engaging trip-hop flavored track laced with strings that creates a cinematic twist. The album closes with the exceptional “Dead Flowers”, a melodic ethereal track that is similar to the opening track. Alif Tree succeeds in producing an excellent follow up that will do more than satisfy his fans. This is a record that should be enjoyed as a whole and not the sum of its parts. I trust that you will not be disappointed.

Reg Dancy

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“Where We Belong” is the latest full length disc from Swedish producer Rasmus Faber. Rasmus has treated us to a number of quality remixes for various heavyweights like King Street, Defected and Code Red just to name a few. For this set, Rasmus takes us on an adventurous ride of melodic, blissful house music that will entertain you well beyond the dance floor. In addition, he has enlisted the help of several talented vocalists to add another dimension to these wonderful recordings. The disc starts out with a subtle orchestral intro, which is followed by the lightly sweetened deep house delight “Everything is alright” which features the angelic voice of Linda Sundblad.  It’s also nice to hear from Dyanna Fearon, who last appeared with Reel People stop by and bless us with four tunes with her beautiful voice. “Give it to me” is a pulsating house jam that breaks down into a down-tempo stomper towards the end and “Yes” is a soft mid-tempo groover. “Every time we” is the weakest of the four but it’s still worth listening to.  “I don’t mind” which features Parasto is easily one of the best tracks here, a long playing atmospheric gem laced with beautiful chords. As an accomplished pianist and first rate producer, Rasmus delivers with a record filled with rich orchestral sounds, fine tuned arrangements and thumping beats. The result is a lush, rhythmic, uplifting listening experience.

Reg Dancy

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One day there will be a hip-hop hall of fame to showcase the achievements of the past thirty years. When that day comes and you walk through those doors, the first sight in your tour should be a mural of Grandmaster Flash. His status as one of hip-hop’s pioneers is undeniable. “The Bridge” is his first studio release in nearly twenty years and contains an assortment of rappers to bless the tracks. There are some moments that are quite enjoyable such as the opening track “Shine all day” feat. Q-tip. “Bounce back” which features Busta Rhymes provides some heat. “What if” is also a solid track that features KRS-One who still remains relevant after all these years. However there are some cuts that sound dated, as though they were recorded years ago like “Here comes my DJ” and “Those Chix”.  Overall, it’s good to have Flash back in the studio and “The Bridge” is a solid comeback. Let’s hope that he doesn’t wait another twenty to deliver another album.

Reg Dancy

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On this eleven track set, the Fantastics demonstrate that they know a thing or two about making funky music. And why not? The band formerly known as Rev. Cleatus and the soul saviours has it all, the simmering horn section, the funky bass and sweet hypnotic sounds of the Hammond b-3 organ. They tear through tracks like “Don’t follow leaders”, a gritty up-tempo jam that has the band swinging and just simply having a good time. On “The Doctor is in”, they bring the energy down just a bit but still keep it funky and greasy. “Blue Sunday” shows a mellow side of the group. The track features Pete Collison stringing together some hypnotic guitar licks over a laid-back groove that features some sweet flute playing by Mark Norton. From start to finish the Fantastics provide plenty of funky grooves to make you move your body or just simply listen and enjoy. If you like the sounds of bands like The Meters or the JB’s then you’ll certainly enjoy “Mighty Righteous”.

Reg Dancy

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Italian DJ/Producer Nicola Conte has delivered a string of quality bossa nova jazz recordings over the years but it would be difficult to name one album better than his latest. “Rituals” embodies an essence of cool that is elegant, engaging and ultimately a wonderful listening experience. Conte’s compositions make great use of chords, which are brought to life by an array of wonderful musicians and the outstanding vocalists on this set. The disc starts out with the dreamy “Karma Flower”, sung by Chiara Civello. Nicola plays guitar on this track and also features many contributions, most notably Timo Lassy on flute. “The Nubian Queens”, featuring Jose James is a rhythmic bossa flavored gem that highlights the dynamic interplay between Pietro Lusso on piano, Teppo Makynen on drums and Pierpaolo Bisogno on congas. “Love In” is a beautiful swinging exotic number sung by Kim Sanders, whose voice is flat out gorgeous. “Caravans”, the classic latin Duke Ellington track and the only song here not written by Conte is given a warm treatment by Philipp Weiss on vocals. Overall “Rituals” is a brilliant record that is full of virtuoso performances. Let’s hope this record gets the attention that it rightfully deserves.

Reg Dancy

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Three years after releasing the 3rd installment of the Jazz Bizniz series, Counterpoint returns again with "Jazz Bizniz 4". This new release does an outstanding job of capturing the essence of the raw soul-jazz and afro/Latin recordings that went largely ignored yet still sound fresh and new today. It’s mind boggling how these recordings could have remained on the shelf if not for the good folks at Counterpoint to give them a second life. Aside from the rare old grooves, there are some new grooves that will whet your appetite. There are several quality tracks worth mentioning but prime cuts like "Glass" by Jeff Resnick, a soulful jazz fusion piece reminiscent of the Mizell recordings of the late seventies. “Schizophrenia” is a funky hip-hop flavored jazz track performed by Cirius B. It’s one of the newer cuts featured here and a group you should keep an eye on. Another musician worth checking out is former Fela Kuti percussionist Najite Olokun Prophecy. His contribution here is the mid-tempo afro-beat gem “Honesty”. Other highlights include “A dream without you”, a funky mid-tempo soul groover sung by Lillian Alexander. “Jazz Bizniz 4” has a little something for everyone. If you’re familiar with the previous releases then you’ll certainly enjoy this one. This is a high quality compilation that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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