One of the pioneers of the West London broken beat scene, IG Culture returns with a spiritually conscious project that embarks on a journey through the history of black music and its culture. All of IG’s influences from soul and jazz to funk and hip hop are molded together here and the results are incredible. The jazz influences are especially notable in that you hear the sounds of Sun Ra and the African rhythms that is instrumental in his music. “Zen Badizm” plays out like a suite as the disc is broken down into three segments. The first segment is twenty minutes long and starts off with “Black”, a broken soul track that deals with some of the struggles within the black community. “Any Questions” finds the underrated rapper John Robinson (aka Lil Sci) dropping science about self empowerment and not succumbing to the traps that hold back youth. Bilal Salaam is a soul singer to keep an eye on. He sounds an awful lot like Eddie Kendricks on “Girl U Need A change Of Mind”. The only drawback for me is that this disc is only about 43 minutes so it left me wanting more. That being said, Zen Badizm is a great piece of work by IG Culture. The man has assembled a fine catalogue of quality music under many monikers and this project is no exception. This is essential listening.

Reg Dancy

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The Part Time Heroes are two guys who have been consistently delivering high quality singles and remixes for an assortment of artists on the Wah Wah 45’s label over the years. So there has been much anticipation for their full length debut. With “Meanwhile”, they have created a near flawless nu-soul classic filled with great vocalists, crisp production and lush arrangements. The wonderful display of music and lyrics here will linger in your ears the way your favorite meal lingers in your mouth. Where do I begin? For starters there’s the opening track “Ready For Change”, the inspiring soulful dance number that features the gospel tinged voice of Pete Simpson. We also have the smash hit “Realize”, the jazzy number featuring soul-folk singer Jono McCleery. “Sun Will Shine” is a wonderful record that includes fine piano play by Ross Wakefield. Bridgette Amofah’s serene voice is so soothing and simply soars over this downtempo melodic track. Every track here is supported by warm string arrangements and a core of musicians who add multiple colors to a impressive canvas. I literally drove myself crazy trying to pick a standout track here. Don’t bother, just purchase it, let it play and treat yourself to what is easily one of the best records released this year.

Reg Dancy

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I can’t say I saw this coming but the wealth of talent between these three men is undisputed so nothing short of quality should be expected. Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare need no introduction. They have been laying down beats and rhythms for just about everybody for over thirty years. Amp Fiddler fine tuned his funk skills while working with George Clinton’s P-funk group. He then went on to make two critically acclaimed records, “Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly” and “Afro Strut”. On “Inspiration Information”, Amp, Sly and Robbie sound as if they’ve been working together for years. On “Crazy Day” Amp vocals glide over the mid-tempo beats and while also laying down some nice organ riffs. “Blackhouse” finds Amp dropping insightful lyrics over a soothing bouncy beat. “Lonely” is a traditional reggae track that is tailor made for Amp’s passionate vocals. Overall “Inspiration Information” is an enjoyable laidback record by two legends and a rising soul funk star that will provide good vibes and immediate satisfaction.

Reg Dancy

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It’s safe to say that house music isn’t going anywhere. It may never achieve the status of other genres but the underground support is strong and has been for years. Besides, there’s nothing like the sound of a soulful dance track with deep grooves getting inside your body.  That’s the feeling you certain to have when you listen to “House Ain’t Dead” by Faith. A collection of classic house tracks and future classics by some of the premier dj’s on the scene today. One of those classics is “The Craze” by Prosumer, a Chicago inspired soulful track with a light but effective percussions and a funky bass line that is sure to lure you onto dance floor. Henrik Schwarz, with the help of Dixon does a fierce remix on Ane Brun’s Headphone Silence. Ane’s melancholy voice works well in contrast to the electronic deep house grooves at work here. I especially loved Pepe Bradock’s “Intriguing Feathered Creative”. The exotic synths and syncopated rhythms just add to the ambient feel of this wonderful track. “House Ain’t Dead” offers some traditional house moments and some twisted moments but overall the results are deeply satisfying.

Reg Dancy

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When you think of DJ Marky, you immediately think of drum n bass. “Influences” provides a view of the music that helped shape the career of the mix master from Sao Paulo. DJ Marky has dug into his crates and has pulled out some gems like the old school hip hop classic “It’s All In Mr Magic’s Wand” by Whodini, just to name a few. As you might expect, there are many Brazilian influences here like drummer Ronald Mesquita’s “Balanca Pema”. “Adeus Maria Fulo” by Os Mutantes is another highlight. A pleasant surprise for me was to hear “Thousand Fingered Man” by Candido. This percussion laden Cuban jazz hit has been a staple on dance floors for three decades and still sounds fresh today. We couldn’t possibly listen to this disc without hearing a couple of drum n bass tracks. There are two here that really standout. “Casino Royale” by DJ Zinc is pure fire with its pulsating beats and melodic synths. “You Held My Hand” by Manix just explodes through the speakers with stunning energy. “Influences” is a very entertaining disc that allows us to see where DJ Marky has been and offers a glimpse of where he’s going. Come along and enjoy the journey.

Reg Dancy

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As I was listening to “Trunk Fulla Funk” I was left wondering what size trunk Athony Smith is actually referring to. Certainly there are moments when Anthony Smith and his band are grooving but its never enough to hold your interest. “That What It Do” is a nice midtempo cut and “Marching Orders” is easily the best track on the disc. The band really tears into this one and Anthony Smith provides impassioned Rhodes work. However tracks like “Funk Out With Your Junk Out” and “You got Mopped” were uninspiring at best. Most of the selections here feel more like pop tunes and are simply lacking that groove to make you move. This is certainly worth listening to but I can’t promise that you’ll want to keep listening after that.

Reg Dancy

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Hailing from Germany, DJ/Producer Sepalot showcases a global presence on his third release “Red Handed”. Sepalot creates a hip hop album that provides plenty of funk, a slew of talented vocalists, a dose of electronica and much more. “She Likes Me” is a definite party banger that features Detroit’s Frank Nitti of Frank n Dank. Rapper Blu is enlisted for the irresistibly funky “Surrender”. Fellow German native Esther Adams, who has worked with Sepalot on her own solo project blesses the track “Liquid Embrace” with her soft buttery voice. On “Jump” Olivier Day Soul sounds like a young Bootsy Collins as he croons over this funky track. He also returns on the soulful “Lights” which is one of the best tracks on the disc. With seventeen tracks, the disc began to loose some momentum. The omission of two or three tracks would’ve made this a much stronger record. Having said that, “Red Handed” is an enjoyable disc that displays the beat making prowess of Sepalot and will undoubtedly expand him to a wider audience.

Reg Dancy

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Finally! We’ve been waiting over a year since the original release date but the sophomore project by Stephanie McKay is here. “Tell It Like It Is” is gritty no holds barred soul with a 70’s vibe. Not to mention the passion and intensity that we heard on her debut “McKay” in 2003. The disc starts with the title track in which she laments on the problems that surrounds her community in particular and in the world in general. She advises a young girl to avoid some of the mistakes she made at her age. The wah wah guitar is a perfect compliment to this funky track. “Jackson Avenue” is the perfect summertime jam.. It evokes images of kids playing in the street and relying on the fire hydrants sprouting cool water for relief from the heat. The compostion has a classic Holland-Dozier-Holland sound and would’ve fit in perfectly in the Motown catalogue sans the Eric B & Rakim samples that add spice to the track. “Where Did Our Love Go” is a sweet ballad that features soul crooner Anthony Hamilton. With just twelve tracks, this disc sticks to the strong material and lays off the filler. One year after the EP of the same name, Stephanie McKay delivers with a disc full of soulful tasty treats that touches on social issues and everyday life experiences. This certainly emerges as one of best records of 2008 and an much needed voice to breathe life into soul music.

Reg Dancy

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I hope you were one of the fortunate ones that didn’t sleep on "New Tones", the 2006 release by Nomo that dropped on Ubiquity records. The Michigan based band’s combination of free jazz and Afro beat rhythms was too good to resist. From the opening track, you were drawn in to the pulsating rhythms, the blaring horns and the energy these guys bring to the table. On their new release "Ghost Rock", the energy is bursting more than ever. The tighter, more electronic grooves are evident on the opening track "Brainwave", a spacey, looping, hypnotic intro. The percussive rhythm of "All the Stairs" is heightened by the brilliant work of Hamid Drake and Adam Rudolph, both renowned for their drumming and percussion work. "My Dear" provides more of the same, only the beats are raised to another level and the horn section is off the charts. Although there is only nine songs here, Nomo certainly proves that less is more. If you liked the previous disc, you will love "Ghost Rock". These guys have developed into a band to be reckoned with. If you ever get the chance to see these guys live, don’t hesitate. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and pick up this exceptional disc. I dare you not to move.

Reg Dancy

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This is a collection of spaced out post disco rarities hand picked by Tom Wieland, best known for his work as one half of 7 Samurai and Panoptikum, Tom has uncovered some cool electronic European gems. Some of the highlights are "Rebel On The Run" by Selection, a funk injected disco track, fueled by lively guitar work and a tight bass line. A nice boogie tune, "Take Time" by Jagg, that would easily fit into the Prelude catalogue. This was one of my favorites because of the soulful vocals, funky rhythm guitar and clever synths. "Feeling Love" by LEB Harmony has that electronic disco sound reminiscent of Cerrone from the late seventies. Not all the tracks measure up however, "Blow You Out Tonight" was just average and the vocals don’t do the track any justice. Out of place here is "Nepa Dance Dub." but it’s still a nice dub tune that provides a change of pace. All in all this is a nice foray into a collection of forgotten dance tracks that get a second life with new fans.

Reg Dancy

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