Category Archives: Reviews

Dublin born Stee Downes debut “All In A Day” is an amalgamation of harmonious 60’s pop, soul and funk. After ten years as a dj and performing live shows with the likes of Amp Fiddler and Bugz In The Attic, Stee hooked up with friend and musical confidant Ishfaq to work on his record. The result is a laidback feel good record that is warm and melodic. Highlights include “Asunder”, a mid tempo tune with simple lyrics to sing along to (“You could fill my dreams with Asunder”). “What’s Wrong with Groovin’” employs the same format with the exception of the samba like breaks filled with cool percussion work and strings. “What I’m Feeling” might be my favorite, a gorgeous bossa nova beat with slick guitar licks and funky horns. Stee Downes may not be known to most but “All In A Day” will make everyone get familiar with him. His voice isn’t overpowering but he doesn’t try to do what he can’t do. What he can do is create quality music with warm harmonic arrangements. This is an impressive debut by Stee Downes and is certainly worth checking out.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Lars Bartkuhn is a musician, a producer and a dj from Frankfurt who has built a strong reputation creating soulful deep house music on his own and with the group Needs. Before that group he was a jazz musician at heart, taking up the guitar as a teenager. He returns to his roots on “The New Continent”, a project based on electronic and acoustic orchestrated compositions. The opening track “Goodbye Dancing Hello God” is an ambient tune with wonderful chord changes that conjures images of long drives on lazy afternoons along the countryside. A favorite of mine is “In Harmony With The Elements”, a cinematic gem that’s filled with dreamy soundscapes. ”Prayer Dance Into The Sun” is filled with floating guitar solos and synths. I love how this track starts off in a melancholy mood then builds intensity towards the end. In summary this is a wonderful record from Lars Bartkuhn. The entire disc is a delightful listen. You can hear the influences from the likes of established artists like guitarists Marc Johnson, Pat Metheny and pianist Lyle Mays. Kudos to Sonar Kollektiv. They continue to fill their roster with exceptional artists making beautiful music.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

The idea behind “Single Minded” belongs Adrian Gibson, head of London’s popular Jazz Café and founder of Freestyle records. Adrian is celebrating the labels fifth year anniversary with a bunch of 12” singles that were only available on vinyl. Adrian has compiled an eclectic collection of hip hop, disco, Afrobeat, latin and soul music spread across a two disc set. Among the many highlights include Sleeve’s “Get It On”, a funky uptempo number aided by the sampling of Funkadelic’s “Knee Deep”. Afrodizz delivers an electrifying afrobeat jam entitled “Kalakuta Show”. You can never go wrong when you include a track by the underrated soul crooner Lewis Taylor. His falsetto voice sounds wonderful on “When will I ever Learn”. There are other prime cuts on the second disc like Lanu’s “Mosquito Coast, a delightful samba tune. Los Cabrones provides some enjoyable Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz with the sensational “Hola Que Tal”. Adrian Gibson once again demonstrates his love for all flavors of music. His knack for uncovering underground hits and forgotten gems proves to be essential listening. This is one of many quality recordings to emerge from the Freestyle roster this year that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

This is Black Grass’s third album on Brighton’s Catskills record label and, as usual, his productions skills are crisp, clean and tight, like a tiger. The man’s versatility knows no bounds and he takes his core Hip-Hop approach and applies it, on ‘Three’, to Reggae, Funk, Boogie, Latin vibes and all things in between. Whatever the variation though, the Black Grass sound essentially always has the feel-good factor at its heart and, although this is no bad thing, I have to confess to finding the boppy, twanging, Jurassic 5-esque Hip-Hop style (that is so eagerly embraced in the UK) a little tired. The real standouts on ‘Three’ all seem to appear whenever Dionne Charles turns up on vocal duties. ‘Without Your Love’ cuts a fine figure of a freestyle boogie number that would slot seamlessly into a classic Unabombers DJ set, whilst ‘How Much Can You Take’ and ‘Hold Fire’ are two prime cuts of soulful Funk that respect the authentic ingredients and shy away from any semblance of ‘fusion’.

Tom Breslin

Holy cow! That’s right folks, stop rubbing your eyes, it’s a new album from Goldie. That part-time Bond villain, original metal head and all round Drum ‘n’ Bass don is back. And with some vengeance too! You might expect that he has mellowed in his slightly older age, turning away from kidney-bursting bass and ear-drum-shattering high hats, but not so. Oh no, Sine Tempus revives the iconic, industrial Metalheadz sound without reservation and tracks like ‘Something About You’, ‘Inside Your Soul’ and ‘Say You Love Me’ will render junglists old and new positively bugging in their bass bins. Of course, Goldie’s penchant for meandering orchestral moments is also indulged, but this is not necessarily to be sniffed at. For me, the true joys on this album (originally produced in 2004) come when a more melodic, happy medium is achieved, and ‘Invisible’ and ‘Chances’ are two perfect examples of that uplifting and jazzy, yet still tough and rolling D’n’B sound that is all too rare these days. Note, this album is a digital release, available through the Metalheadz website only.

Tom Breslin

Jazzy Sport is now synonymous with cool as you like, under the radar beats in all forms and the ‘Pound for Pound 2’ compilation is a simple, no messing demonstration of exactly why that is. We’re treated to new Soul, Latin-Jazz Funk, mid-tempo Detroit House, Tech-House, and lashings of Hip-Hop (some in English, some in Japanese and some purely instrumental), from the likes of Ras G, Cro-Magnon, Ta’raach, Gagle, DJ Mitsu, Grooveman Spot and Jazztronik (whose wonky, electro-Samba stormer, ‘Warp’ is just superb). My highlight comes in the shape of ‘The Digital Church’, a groovy, head-nodding soul number from London’s very own Leon King (this man deserves to be a star) that sounds like Jazzy Jeff producing Dwele at his best. All in all then, a great collection that manages to maintain the quality of the first ‘Pound for Pound’ set, released back in 2006.

Tom Breslin

The Perceptions are an ensemble of some of the UK’s finest musicians displaying their affection for the 60’s soul-jazz era. Among the members are Gary Crockett on bass, John Wilma on sax and the dynamic Snowboy on percussion who also serves as the band leader. When you reflect on that era you can’t ignore the presence of the Hammond B-3 Organ and the role it played in the music. Sam Gambarini’s organ playing evokes memories of Richard “Groove” Holmes and Jack McDuff and takes the music to another level. The band comes out swinging hard on “Right Or Wrong”, a funky tune that finds John Wilma out front on Tenor with a sound that is rich and provides plenty of depth. “Nick’s Knack” is another funky number that features the crisp guitar playing of Leigh Gracie. John Wilma and Sam Gambarini also take turns strutting their stuff on this neck snapping, finger popping track. “Running The Risk” is a mid-tempo groover that delivers funk so thick you need a knife to cut through it. For a minute I thought I was listening to the JB’s in the middle of one of their jam sessions. The Perceptions aren’t fooling around here. They swing hard and often and sound right at home making soulful funky music. If you dug the sounds of Jack McDuff, Stanley Turrentine and the countless other artists that were laying down the groove then record is definitely for you.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Rinse The Algorithm is a seven member unit lead by bassist Rich Brown. Rich has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand electric bassists on the scene today, especially in his hometown of Toronto. “Locutions” is an eleven track debut that is equal parts contemporary jazz, funk and fusion wrapped together to provide a harmonic soulful experience. There are some sparkling moments when each member pushes one another and in the process create some stimulating music. Let’s start with the opening track “Urban Nocturnal”, a mellow quiet storm type track that is a solid introduction to the group’s work. Things get interesting on “Constellation 149”, a contemporary jazz tune that starts with a simmer at the onset but starts to burn after that. Pianist Robi Botos displays impressive chops but plays with grace and passion. “Black Nimbus” is a slow funky number with Rich out front laying down bass lines that would make Stanley Clarke proud. Luis Deniz matches Rich with some inspired playing on alto sax. “Soothe The Machinery” is a fusion flavored track that sizzles thanks in part to the beautiful voice of Yvette Tollar. Overall “Locutions” is a delightful listen and serves as a coming out party not only for Rich Brown but the talented musicians he has surrounded himself with. His ability as a bass player and a composer should form the foundation for a bright future and the recognition he truly deserves.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Philadelphia continues to crank out jazz musicians at a frenetic pace. The alumni can boast of luminaries such as McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Smith and Christian McBride just to name a few. It’s time to get familiar with Tenor saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Jaleel’s first record, “Perspective” was a solid debut but his new release “Optimism” blows the doors off the hinges. Jaleel and his band come out swinging on “Flipside”, displaying fierce soloing and tender exchanges. “In 3” is a easy going melodic piece that showcases the wonderful playing of guitarist Lage Lund. “Muna’s Sleeping” is a beautiful ballad that reveals Jaleel’s sense of harmony. When you hear Jaleel’s tone, it’s never forced but a tone that is sings over the melody. Add to the mix a stellar band in Robert Glasper on piano, Joe Martin on bass, Jonathan Blake on drums and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt on two tracks and you have one superb record by an emerging voice on the scene today. “Optimism” is certainly one of the most impressive releases this year. Highly Recommended.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

On his debut “Let The Love”, Australian born Bennson delivers a disc filled with 80’s style boogie tunes, modern soulful stompers and a few instrumental groovers mixed in for good measure. Bennson is a multi-talented artist who has performed with heavyweights like Alice Russell, Quantic and is also a member of the Bamboos. “Let The Love” has several standout tracks like “Whatever It Is”, an energetic foot stompin dance track. “Can’t Get Enough” is a downtempo soul track with smooth keys that float over Bennson’s voice. “Incredible” is another soulful gem that has a sound reminiscent of the Brand New Heavies. Fellow Aussies Gary Pinto and Christin Deralas perform a lovely duet on the mellow “One Minute Left”. There are many more selections here to enjoy so you’ll just have to check them out for yourself. Overall “Let The Love” is a well conceived feel good record that is certain to make you move. Bennson has emerged from the background and based on this project there’s no way he’s going back. Listen and enjoy.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Love this, there’s a nice raw feel to the production so the music and songs can shine centre stage and they do superbly. The feel is folk meets singer songwriter meets subtle rock but it’s the songs and their delivery (Roddy Womble takes most lead vocals) that make this enchanting and moreish. Guests include Norman Blake and Francis MacDonald of Teenage Fanclub, Philip Selway of Radiohead, Heidi Talbot, Donald Shaw of Capercaille, Andy Cutting (BBC folk musician of the year) and Michael McGoldrick. Have a listen to ‘Into The Blue’ or ‘Moments Last Forever’ – magic.

Graham Radley

Terrific one man blues band who is a fine singer, guitarist and blues harpist. He’s not against inviting some classy friends to join him either including David Bromberg and Mike Katz with my pick going to to his take on Rory Gallagher’s ‘Going To My Home town’ joined by Brian Miller on mandolin. Great stuff.

Graham Radley

A celebration of 50 years of bossa nova, this 14 track compilation has a well rounded selection with Elis Regina, Carlos Lyra and Joao Donato among the artists helping to flex those limbs. Nostalgia for all the right reasons.

Graham Radley

15 tracks across the board from the opening track of Jesus Pagan y su Orquesta’s salsa dura to the salsa meets rap and reggaeton of Magic Juan feat. Puerto Rican Power, plenty more keeping the party flowing including Los De Abajo, Sidestepper, Ricardo Lemvo and a great take on Bill Withers ‘Use Me’ by Alex Wilson feat. Lauren Dalrymple. Great.

Graham Radley

Great mix of artists on this collection with Jamal Porto and Rasha from the Sudan, Les Orientales, Souad Massi and Maurice El Medioni from Algeria, Zaman from Palestine, Zein Al-Jundi from Syria, Charbel Rouhana and Hani Siblini from Lebanon, Mousto Largo from Morocco and Tiris from Western Sahara. Superb traditional music, highly recommended.

Graham Radley