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Robert Glasper Experiment: Black Radio [Blue Note]
Back in 2007, The Robert Glasper trio dropped subtle hints that this album was coming. It was the track “J Dillalude” from “In My Element” where he succeeded where many have failed; seamlessly merging Jazz and Hip-Hop. He came one step closer on “Double Booked” where the Experiment Band went half jazz and experimental grooves rooted in soul and Hip-Hop. Now on “Black Radio” the band takes the kid gloves off and delivers an album that pushes the boundaries across genres and will appear on many playlist throughout the year. It doesn’t hurt when you have an all-star lineup that features Erykah Badu, Yasin Bey (aka Mos Def), Bilal and many more. Among the highlights are Lalah Hathaway’s sultry vocals on Sade’s “Cherish The Day”. The trio King adds their heavenly vocals to the uplifting “More Love”. As for the instrumentals, well there aren’t any but one of the great ingredients of this record is the musicianship of the Experiment band radiates through all the compositions. Take for instance Ledisi’s version of “FTB” (Gonna Be Alright) is supported by the wondrous melodies painted by Glasper and the grooves thrown down by bassist Derrick Hodge will keep you in constant head nod mode. So if you were looking for a jazz record you might be disappointed. Instead what you have here is the template for 21st century soul music. This is a superb record in which soul and hip-hop collide with jazz as the glue that holds everything together. The result is an early candidate for album of the year.
Part Time Heroes: Lightfalls [Wah Wah 45s]
It must be a daunting task to follow up a critically acclaimed album such as “Meanwhile” but Ross Wakefield and Toby Vane, aka Part Time Heroes have pulled it off with “Lightfalls”. Their sophomore disc is filled with lovely string laden songs with warm emotive vocals from featured songstress Sarah Scott. Their first disc featured several tracks that were suitable for the dance floor and were logical choices for DJ’s. This release however is mellower in an orchestral vein that will stir your soul with compositions heavy on lyrical depth and arrangements filled with cinematic soundscapes. Sarah shines on a number of tunes here, most notably “Flight” an epic tune that begins in a down-tempo mood then evolves into a passage augmented by the crescendo of the strings. On “Leaving” the strings serve as the appetizer along with a hollowing acoustic bass that slides in comfortably alongside Sarah’s lovely voice. Colonel Red leaves you wondering doesn’t he sing more ballads as he effortlessly strokes the heartstrings on the powerful “Day”. Four years can feel like an eternity when you’re waiting for an encore this wonderful record by PTH is well worth the wait.
Doctor L: The Great Depression [Comet]
Ten years in the making, Liam Farrell aka Doctor L presents “The Great Depression”, an amalgamation of African rhythms, North American funk grooves and jazzy vibes shaken and stirred to perfection. Doctor L has arranged these ingredients with a little help from his esteemed musical friends like the legendary drummer Tony Allen, Antibalas and others and the results are superb. This is apparent immediately with the spirited opener “Mystery Travels”, which features contributions from The Nairobi Descendants. With an infectious groove, hypnotic percussion and Laurent Fickleson on keys, you quickly realize that you’re in for a musical treat and a sudden urge to turn the volume up. The Descendants appear again with Tony Allen on the equally infectious afro-Cuban “By Surprise”. “Vocal Kidnapping” is another enjoyable track that features poignant spoken word from Unknown Poets. Overall “The Great Depression” pulls off the difficult feat of enlightening the listener of the socio-political climate while enriching their soul and shaking their hips with ease. Farrell’s compositions will find a definite place in your musical playlist and is worthy of repeated listens.
Various Artists: Sounds from the Soul Underground [Freestylerecords.co.uk]
Freestyle Records has become the place where classic soul gems become brand new once again. With “Sounds from the Soul Underground”, we’re treated to a collection of rare grooves from around the globe that you may not be familiar with but you’re not likely to forget anytime soon. There are a number of quality soul tracks to dig into like “Poker Nights Theme” by The Delicious AllStars. Nick Van Gelder delivers with the funky boogie tune “Something’s Gotta Give”. There are also tasty jazz numbers like Frootful’s funky organ grinding “Colours”. “Mr G” by Jessica Lauren is easily one of the strongest cuts here. This latin flavored tune is filled with bubbly percussion and gorgeous soloing from Jessica on keys. With seventeen tracks here, there are a couple that could have been omitted like “Movin On” (It only makes me yearn for the Brass Construction original). Aside from that, this is another solid release and a must have for those who crave the rare groove sound
Third Coast Kings: [Record Kicks]
Since coming onto the scene in 2010 with the single “Give Me Your Love”, the Third Coast Kings have been keeping it hot with their brand of deep funk and raw grooves. On their full length debut, the Michigan based band deliver twelve selections of high octane grooves that will jumpstart any party. Among the prime cuts are “Cop It Proper”, an instrumental burner ripe with funky horns. “Tonic Stride” displays funky guitar licks and the soaring voice of Michelle Camilleri. “Roughneck” will grab you right from the start with wicked wah wah guitar playing courtesy of band member Andy Filisko. It all adds up to another heavyweight band from the Record Kicks roster that hits you hard with the funk and never lets up and that’s just the way we like it.
Cecilia Stalin: Step Like a Giant [ceciliastalin.com]
On her latest release, Cecilia takes us on her spiritual journey and rest assured this is a ride worthy of repeated trips. “Step like A Giant” is a fabulous record that meshes elements of jazz, soul and dance while capturing the essence of several Coltrane classics and much more. There are many highlights worthy of repeated listens such as the title track, a funky spinoff of the timeless “Giants Steps”. On “Favorite Things” Cecilia flips the bebop classic into a Samba flavored tune filled with enticing rhythms and infectious grooves while turning up the heat with a sensuous rendition on “Favorite Seduction”. On “My Naima”, rapper Replife skillfully waxes poetic and serves as the perfect complement to Cecilia’s angelic vocals while molding this gem in her own image. The tempo picks up in the latter part of the disc with infectious dance tracks like “One” filled with percolating percussion and “CPW”. Quite simply a first rate release that nails it in all areas and will be one of the best records you’ll hear this year.
Andy Compton: Compton’s Soul [Peng]
Andy Compton of The Rurals has been blessing us with quality house music for many years but on “Compton’s Soul” he has flipped the script and delivers a collection of warm and sublime soul music in the vein of vintage Roy Ayers and early EWF. Andy features an array of talented vocalists who fill his compositions with lovely harmonies layered over soulful grooves. Compton sets the mood right from the start with the laidback “And it Rains”. With vocals courtesy of Divinti, this track captures the spirit of the entire disc with melodic rhythm guitar licks. Vocalist Jaidene Veda collaborates on the majority of tunes here and her sultry voice sparkles on the mellow funk number “Record By Record” as well as the smoky jazz infused “Too Good to Be True”. This is a very strong record by Andy Compton and company that provides definite satisfaction. When you need an escape from hours of electronic music this will be the perfect antidote.
Lack Of Afro: Time This [Freestyle]
Adam “Lack of Afro” Gibbons has been quite busy since his last album in 2009. He has lent his talents to projects like label mate Frootful and Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds. “This Time”, his latest release features an array of talented vocalists to shine upon a myriad of musical styles. Prime cuts include the ethereal “Holding My Breath” featuring Jake Morley. “A Time For” is a gritty mid-tempo soul tune balanced out by Wayne Giddens warm falsetto. “Contusions” sparkles with a mélange of horns and African rhythms. Wayne Giddens appears again evoking comparisons to Eddie Kendricks on the soulful burner “What The Hell”. This is a progressive step forward from “My Groove Your Move” and a move that showcases the growth in Gibbon’s talents. Overall this is a superb record that captures many moods. Whether you want to groove or simply need to chill, this record has what it takes to help you do it.
Gary Reader: Moja [Superfically Deep Recordings]
“Moja”, the release from Saxophonist Gary Reader is an elegant seven track collection of contemporary jazz numbers that harken memories of classic mid-sixties Blue Note releases. Reader has surrounded himself with top shelf musicians who perform together seamlessly as if they’ve working as a unit for years. This is apparent on the opening track “Who’s Playing?”, a warm and richly melodic tune pairs Reader with the acclaimed Corey Mwamba on vibes. Pianist Mark D’Inverno gorgeous playing serves as the perfect compliment. “Delta” is a lovely ballad that is smooth and vibrant. Reader displays his acumen for compositions that are moving and heartfelt. “My No.1 Fan” has a Latin flavor that also features bassist Andy Hamill and tasty drumming from Joshua Blackmore. Overall “Moja” is an impressive debut that swings and showcases Reader as a formidable reed player whom we hope is just getting started arranging impressive recordings like this.
Katalyst: Deep Impressions [BBE]
Ashley Anderson, aka Katalyst takes a break from his Space Invadas gig to create a collection of hip-hop beat treats with some futuristic grooves but doesn’t stop there. Indeed, “Deep Impressions” goes in several directions, laying down reggae inspired grooves like “Day into Night” featuring Stephanie McKay to the synth heavy nu wave feel of “The Popcorns” seamlessly. There is also a definite old school hip-hop influence with gems like “Number 1” and “It’s a Blast” that would make a veteran hip-hop enthusiast smile with admiration. He doesn’t stop there for one of the strongest cuts is “Ready to Drop” and not just because it conjures great memories of the Pharcyde classic “Drop”. Katalyst creates a high energy groove with rapper KweenG’s rapid fire lyrics that will have you yearning for the days of shelltop Addidas and Kangols. “Dreaming of You” is a mellow chopped up soul groove that makes for a fitting ending to an entertaining lp. Katalyst proves once again that he is in the upper echelon of producers and beat makers. He’s so adept at utilizing the right samples in the right places, resulting in irresistible head nodding beat treats.