Sabrina Malheiros has been one of the new Ambassadors of Brazilian music for a minute now. Her third full length release “Dreaming” seamlessly blends the classical Brazilian rhythms with the soulful electronica grooves that were featured on her debut lp “Eqilibria”. “Dreaming” is filled with sunny chilled out rhythms will have you dreaming of warm beaches instantly. Once again she surrounded by an all-star list of Brazil’s finest musicians including her father, Alex Melheiros of Asymuth fame. In addition, Daniel “Venom” Maurick, son of Bluey (Incognito) who collaborated on her debut shares writing and production duties here as well. Among the highlights are “Bobeira”, a samba flavored tune augmented by the rhythmic guitar and flute arrangements. “Fragil“ is another favorite where Sabrina’s vocals float over this breezy tune bursting with warm melodies and percussion. “Paranoia” is one of more soul oriented tracks here but is no less enjoyable. In fact, there is hardly a weak track among this gorgeous selection.  This is a wonderful record that should jettison Sabrina as a premiere vocalist whose star shines brighter with every release.

Reg Dancy

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The debut by the duo known as the Coleman Brothers is a melting pot of bossa, bebop and Latin jazz that harkens back to days when dancing shoes were required and folks would shake their hips and work up a sweat in a jazz club. Brothers Mat (trombone) and Andrew (trumpet) capture the big band sound with superb production, mixing tasty beats combined with their own strong performances with impressive results. This album is a result of the ascension of the single “El Nino”, originally released in 2007. The single received rave reviews and was given proper spins by DJ’s worldwide. This isn’t just a one hit album however; there are other gems like the bossa flavored “Mr DG”, which is dedicated to Dizzy Gillespie is filled with vibrant horns and tasty percussion. In addition the spirited samba tracks “Sem Amor” featuring their sister Sara and “Another Brother”, are floor burners that would add spice to any party. The brothers slow things down with help once again from Sara on the slow burning elegant bossa “Some Other Wonder”. Overall this is a superb disc where each of the ten tracks is worthy and a satisfying listening experience. Mat and Andrew can expect their services to increase mightily based on this quality recording.

Reg Dancy

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Freestyle records, home of the funk bands delivers another winner with Randa & The Soul Kingdom. Their second lp is filled with gritty funk grooves highlighted by the vocal prowess of Australian resident Randa Khamis.  “What You Need” begins with the aptly titled “Power In Me”. Guitarist/Producer Lance Ferguson lays down a scorching groove to complement Randa’s soaring vocals. The horns are funky and the lyrics keep you interested. “The Things” is a bubbly disco tune filled with infectious percussion. “Cold” is a dim the lights slow funk grinder that is solid but it’s the high energy burners sprinkled throughout that will keep you pressing repeat. This is one tight record that delivers on all levels. If you like your funk raw and uncut then this is the record for you.

Reg Dancy

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After releasing an EP of the same name in 2009, Montreal resident Sarah Linhares finally releases her full length lp. “Messages from the Future” is filled with soulful electronic bottom heavy beats mixed and produced by some of the most cutting edge producers on the Canadian underground music scene. The most prominent of this group is label mate/Public Transit Record exec Moonstarr. He produced four tracks on the album including “Step Up”, laced with edgy synths and progressive beats. “No Question”, produced by Akilmitize is another bouncy track with a wicked groove, catchy synths and neck snappin’ beats. Fellow Montreal resident Kenlo Craqnuques also contributed four tracks including the mellow “Move Along” and the hip-hop drum heavy “I Get Scared”. Sarah’s warm vocals are the perfect complement to these tracks. Her voice isn’t overpowering but her warm tones and lyrics will resonate with you.  From top to bottom this is a futuristic soul gem that is definitely enjoyable and certainly worth checking out.

Reg Dancy

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One listen of “Until Tomorrow”, the full length debut of London songstress Zara MacFarlane and you would think this is the voice of a seasoned veteran. The fact is Zara’s lovely soprano exudes power and tenderness that belies her twenty eight years. Equally impressive is her resume that list working with heavyweights like Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch and Hugh Masekela among others. Zara’s debut lp includes originals such as “Blossom Tree” and Chiaroscuro”, the former is a warm and gentle tune that demonstrates her superb songwriting ability combined with the rhythmic playing of pianist Peter Edwards. “Feed the Spirit” is another standout, originally penned by Harry Whitaker (Roy Ayers) Zara sets this track off with a simmering intro augmented by the double bass work of Nick Walsh and then explodes with her voice floating over spirited tenor sax phrasings. Other favorites include the title track and “Waking Sleep”. If you weren’t aware of Zara before then you definitely need to get familiar. This is a gorgeous record and Zara certainly belongs in the discussion with Jose James and Gretchen Parlato for new Jazz vocalists marking their mark on the scene today.

Reg Dancy

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On his third studio album, DJ/producer Miguel Migs not only delivers his customary deep dishes of house music but also blends elements of lounge and reggae with sterling results. Migs superb production is highlighted with contributions from Meshell Ndegeocello, Capleton and Evelyn “Champagne” King just to name a few.   Meshell sets the mood with the chilled out hip shaking “Tonight” with her husky vocals over a thumping bass groove. This is followed up with the soulful disco groove of “Everybody”, aided by dance diva Evelyn “Champagne” King. “They don’t know” is a reggae inspired drum n bass groover that features pioneer Freddie McGregor. “Changin” and “Getaway” are samplings of the infectious soulful house grooves we’ve come to expect, the former is a irresistible foot stomper with vocals courtesy of Sonny J Mason. This is one of the best full length DJ recordings you’ll find this year. Few will top this combination of soulful dance grooves and great vocalists and arrange a record as strong as this one.

Reg Dancy

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This compilation of lost and now found Chicago musicians is the product of vinyl connoisseurs Mark Grusane and Mike Cole. Together they have compiled some hidden gems from the late seventies to the early eighties that captures the Chicago dance music era before house music took off. There are a number of treats that you’ll enjoy such as “It Ain’t Easy”, a polished yet smoothed out disco tune by Crystal Wind. “Play that funky music” is one of the stronger tunes here; an aptly titled instrumental soul jazz tune filled with scorching horns. “Lover” by Lily Fields is another highlight, a disco tune reminiscent of Vince Montana’s Salsoul Orchestra’s compositions. There are a few that needed to stay on the shelf like “She’s Hot” by Sun Sect, an up-tempo boogie tune with a recycled bass guitar groove made worse by the corny dialogue. Aside from a couple of duds, there are plenty of tunes here that will have you commending Mark and Mike for all their heavy lifting and crate digging. This is just another sampling of the rich musical history of Chicago dance music that is certainly worth checking out.

Reg Dancy

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Since 1996, BBE has released a whopping 160 compilations and in the process they have cemented their status as a groundbreaking record label that spans the musical landscape of quality music. Whether its funk, soul, house or hip-hop, you can always count on them to do it proper. This latest release highlights some of the prime cuts that only serious music lovers would be hip to over that period of time. Mixed by Chris Reed, “15 Years Of Real Music For Real People” starts out as a journey through early hip-hop with quality joints from Marly Marl’s “Spazz” to Pete Rock’s “Nothin Lesser”. There’s an assortment of soulful gems to savor in the form of Slakah The Beatchild’s “Enjoy Yo Self” and Katalyst’s “How Bout Us” feat. Steve Spacek. Vintage soul classics like “Funk In The Hole” and “Mystic Voyage”, courtesy of Roy Ayers fit nicely among these treats as well as the sorely underrated house track “Music In Me”, sung by Shaun Escoffery,  mixed by DJ Spinna. Tracks of honorable mention are “I See The Sun” by Vikter Duplaix and “Dancing Girl” by Aaron Jerome. With well over fifty tracks included here it would be easy to dismiss many as simply filler but that’s not the case here. With BBE 15, you’re treated to nothing but simply good music and this is a compilation that can rock a party on its own or simply quench your musical thirst to get you through the day. Either way you won’t be disappointed once you add this impressive disc to your collection.

Reg Dancy

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There are many male soul singers out there whose vocals can make your heart melt but few possess the lyrical ability and the vocal dexterity like Eric Roberson. “Mr Nice Guy’s” songwriting skills have served many artists well such as Jill Scott and Musiq, just to name a few and his latest release is filled with a few tracks to groove to but more so to romance to. For starters, the title track is a mid-tempo gem with a thick bassline that speaks to all the good guys out there who seem to wind up with all the wrong women. “Summertime Anthem” is exactly that, good vibe dance happy tune aided by hip-hop pioneer Chubb Rock. “Picture Perfect” is the highlight however, a warm and mellow tune that expresses the love in his heart for the lady in his life, with a little help from rapper/vocalist Phonte. “At The Same Time” is another winner, a melancholy groove with heartwarming chords. Overall Eric delivers a strong soul record filled with heartfelt lyrics that is cool enough for the fellas to rock and endearing to the ladies as well. This could very well be the record that grants him the recognition he truly deserves.

Reg Dancy

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Over the course of six full length albums, The Baker Brothers have demonstrated that they can pack a solid one two punch with a killer rhythm section and a hip winding funky horn section. On their seventh full length release “Time To Testify”, they continue to keep the pedal to the metal with an assortment of stripped down soulful grooves. The group starts out with a bang with the revved up “Statement Of Intent”, with the band contributing backing vocals as well. “Make Your Move” finds them slowing down the tempo into a sizzling laidback groover that displays impeccable rhythm guitar playing. Collectively the band displays strong vocal harmonies on several cuts but it is the instrumentals that really stand out for me. For instance “Roll It” kicks off with some irresistible rhythm guitar strumming followed up with some serious funky drumming.  And there is the silky soulful “The Young Patter”, which was featured on “The Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” compilation, the band lays down a nice groove and horn section gets down and dirty with the funk. “Snap B” is a definite keeper that has a catchy vocal chorus but also displays some greasy Hammond B3 organ playing. This is another strong effort from one of the tightest bands in the modern soul movement that is certainly worth checking out.

Reg Dancy

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