Ten great salsa tracks from Grupo Gale, Poncho Sanchez, Chico Alvarez, Eddie Palmieri, Orquesta Aragon, Son Boricua, Fruko y Sus Tesos, Jose Conde y Ola Fresca, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca and Juanito y la Agresiva. A well rounded collection.

Graham Radley

Dubbed as ‘Chinagrass’ this is music which is steeped in the traditions of Xinjiang, China’s wild, desert province, the heart of Muslim culture in China. Layered, ambient music with traditional throat singing meeting alt country, it might sound strange but it’s a perfectly natural unioun as on ‘Celebration’ with a guest slot for Bella Fleck. The Womad live set was great too.

Graham Radley

Well known Brazilian producer and soundtrack composer this is his debut CD and very good it is too, among the top guest vocalists he uses are CeU, Zeila Duncan (Os Mutantes) and Rappin’ Hood. It’s a chilled mix which has a bedrock of bossa and other Brazilian rhythms joined by gentle flavours of reggae and funk. Perfect for all the lovely summer sunshine we should be having.

Graham Radley

Jazz & Milk founder Dusty has created an amalgamation of various sounds with funk being the underlying foundation throughout this disc. Whether it’s the soul jazz arrangements of the title track, a funky organ grinder number that utilizes elements of Miles Davis “Kind of blue” or the pulsating rhythms of “Salsa Step”, the funk is the engine that drives this record. There’s plenty more that you’ll find enjoyable. The ultra talented Carla Val appears on two cuts here. The standout track, “Just an illusion” is a soul-jazz gem. “An exotic Breed” is a funky dub step treat. “Voodoo” explores afro beat rhythms with great results. Overall “Keep it Raw” is a deeply satisfying and entertaining set. Fans of soul jazz, afro beat and latin all wrapped into one session will find this record a worthy candidate for your collection.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Adam Scrimshire is known to many as a producer, musician and dj, having delivered a number of singles over the years for Wah Wah 45’s. “Along came the devil one night” is his first full length release and it undoubtedly demonstrates that he is an artist deserving of a bigger stage. Scrimshire has taken all his musical influences in jazz, soul, Latin and folk to craft a record filled with great melodic tunes and an array of talented vocalists to propel them to greater heights. Let’s start with “The low road”, a lovely track that fuses elements of jazz and pop and is aided by the husky voice of Rob Hynd. The title track is a wonderful instrumental filled with tango influences and warm string arrangements. “Springtime” is a lush, eloquent jazzy number that features the beautiful voice of Claire Laurent. The disc finishes up with the folk flavored “I have come to you” which features Stac. I was a little disappointed that there were only nine tracks here. One can’t complain when every track embodies superb compositions, gorgeous songwriting and talented musicians to match. Simply put, this record is a flat out winner.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

The roster of Tru-Thoughts is filled with an eclectic group of talented musicians. So say hello to Azaxx. The French producer’s full length debut, “The Exotic Delight Bay” is an appropriate title because his compositions consist of exotic rhythms that bridge influences from Brazil and Latin America combined with the electronic grooves and the fresh beats of today. Azaxx’s skills of a top notch DJ and a producer shine through on “Zorbanissimo”, a funky mid-tempo track enriched by the tasty percussion and vibes. “Beach Mambo” is another tasty treat rich with Cuban heritage. For those more partial to the dance floor beats, there’s “Autumn Dreamy, an energetic ambient groover. “Smoothly Morning” is another funky gem filled with soothing chords. “Wild Strawberry Jelly” features a funky bassline and the beats to keep the dance floor crowded. All in all, “The Exotic Delight Bay” is indeed a tropical delight and a crowning achievement. Let’s hope there’s more where this came from.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

From the moment she premiered on the Silhouette Brown project back in 2005, Deborah Jordan has left an everlasting impression on her fans with her honey drenched angelic voice. She has gone on to record with talented musicians like Robert Mitchell, Jneiro Jarel and countless others. We’ve all wondered when we would receive a full length album from her. Finally our patience is rewarded with “The Light”. Quite simply, “The Light” is a wonderful record that features an all-star line-up of producers such as Atjazz, Don Ray, Spoonface and Simon S. It’s hard to pick a standout track since this is such a satisfying listen from start to finish but we’ll try our best. For starters there’s “Brought to life”, produced by Electric Conversation, an organic slice of electro soul. Then there’s “Home” a beautiful down-tempo duet with Rep Life. “One” is an acoustic flavored treat that features Colonel Red. “Let it go” is a classic Atjazz production, gorgeous melody and chilled out soulful electronic beats. Simply put, “The Light” has it all, compositions that capture the warmth in Deborah’s voice and razor sharp production that never allows a dull moment. This is a must have record and another crown jewel from Futuristica music.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Aybee’s 2008 release “Blacktropolis” was one of the most pleasant surprises to blare out of my speakers. “East Oakland Space Program” builds on the soulful futuristic sound that has made Aybee a visionary to be reckoned with. “EOSP” contains thirteen heart pounding tracks that will dive deep into your body and force you move to the hypnotic rhythms. The disc begins with “Hidden Treasures”, a deep pulsating groove reminiscent of the early Detroit techno sound. “Windows” is a warm, atmospheric deep dish that’s anchored by the earthy arrangements by Aybee and the vocals of Karen Paige. Another winner is “No Mystery” featuring Paul Randolph, whose deep vocals are a perfect match for Aybee’s spacey compositions. “Love Of” and “Ozzie Davis” are the kind of deep house jazz tracks you’ll love whether you’re on the dance floor or just lounging. “EOSP” is full of funky beats, hip vocals and gorgeous rhythms. This is another quality recording from the Deepblak label that will provide definite satisfaction.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

The debut of the Keen brothers, Barnaby & Nathaniel aka Sounspecies is filled with soulful down-tempo grooves and funky hip-hop beats drenched in a soulful vibe that will have you wondering where have these guys been all along. The brothers, with a little help from their friends skillfully combine electronic grooves with live instrumentation and the result is a well crafted and deeply satisfying debut. The disc starts out with “Stars Wars”, an instrumental jam with a thumping bass line. That is followed up with “Something new”, a blissful and melodic gem. The lush arrangements plus the mesmerizing voice of Emilia Martensson takes this track on a musical voyage that his truly devine. “CDR People” is a funky dose of hip hop that features the Foreign Beggars. “Journeyman” is an ambient jazzy number that is enhanced by Ben Hadwen’s playing on flute and sax. The disc wraps up with the soothing “Waiting for the Sun to come up”, which features Barnaby and Deborah Jordan on vocals. Soundspecies spent many years in London cultivating their sound. This debut proves that they have learned their lessons well. This is an exceptional record that you shouldn’t miss.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Follow up to the brilliant debut ‘Bari’ and superb second release ‘Techari’ this new release delivers more of that eclectic and vibrant mix. Expect tango, salsa, tabla, scratching, bolero and more all fired up with the passion and spirit which is Ojos de Brujo. Irresistable.

Graham Radley