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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.
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.