Folks outside of Detroit and New Zealand may not be familiar with Matt Chicone aka Recloose but ever since his debut "This Is The Dining Room" on Carl Craig’s Planet E  records, his talents as a DJ and producer have been in much demand. That was followed up with two outstanding records, "Cardiology" and "Hiatus On The Horizon”"  His fourth lp, "Perfect Timing" is a lot more funkier than some of his previous releases but in many ways it is an extension of Matt Chicone’s burgeoning talents. It’s apparent that the objective of this record is to make you dance and there are several selections worthy of that goal. There is also the usual assortment of talented vocalists here as well. "Catch A Leaf" is a nice piece of broken soul that features newcomer Rachel Frasier. "Can It Be" is a rousing electronic funk stomper that should find it’s way to many dance floors. Joe Dukie has worked with Recloose before and on “Deeper Waters” he is in top form. This is easily one of the best dub tracks I’ve heard in a while and should become a big hit. Recloose may have caught us by surprise when he first came on the scene but we’re well aware of his skills now. This is another fine release and a great signing for Sonar Kollektiv.

Reg Dancy

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For me the bar was raised significantly last year when Gilles Peterson dropped Brownswood Bubblers 2. Now Brownswood Bubblers 1, the first compilation on Gilles new label had some tasty treats but Bubblers 2 was off the charts. I’m not certain that Bubblers 3 is on the same level but it’s not far off. Either way the Brownswood Bubblers series are the compilations that trumps all compilations. There are many excellent selections here as proof such as the soul funk club banger "Turn It Out" by Joey Negro and The Sunburst Band. "How Bout’ Us" by Katalyst is definitely one of the hottest cuts this year thanks to the voice of Steve Spacek. One of the best records I’ve heard that few know about is the ballad "Where would I Be" by Yaw who simply sounds like the second coming of Sam Cooke. Another highlight is the funky spoken word gem "Prayers for Angry Young Men" by Charlie Dark.  Once again Gilles has shined the light on underground hits. Let’s hope that a larger audience will take notice. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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Love this, the man has dub flowing through him and lets all his studio skills fill the CD with a wide range of dub influences from the safe to the adventurous. There’s a conscious sprit flowing through as well, evident especially on my pick of the tracks ‘Baghdad In Dub’. Highly recommended.

Graham Radley

From Kila, this is his second solo release (although you have to go back to 1994 for the first!) and very good it is too.  My favourite track ‘Uaireannta’ has Lisa Hannigan on backing vocals with the Gaelic lyrics bringing a little magic all of their own.

Graham Radley

Good thought provoking lyrics, which are delivered in catchy songs, that stand well alongside others at the top of the female singer songwriter genre  with influences ranging from Kate Bush to Carol King.

Graham Radley

Sometimes you forget how uplifting soukous is but just a few seconds of those twinkling guitar ripples soon brings a smile and the need to dance. Over the years KBM has brought in a few other subtle and related influences like zouk but it’s when he hits the groove of ‘Amani’ that troubles can take a back seat and the musical sun shines. Very good.

Graham Radley

Recorded live at 2008’s Celtic Connections, the title translates to The Journey and is based on emigration from Scotland to America. ‘Heart Of America’ evolved from a 2004 trip to the US where a visit to Ellis Island was very significant and proved to be  the catalyst for the project. Donnie’s band is joined by guests like Fraser Fifield, Sandy Brechin and the Glasgow Islay Choir plus strings from RSAMD Glasgow. Rousing.

Graham Radley

To celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary Putmayo bring us this collection of some of Quebec’s finest. Featured artists include Anne Villeneuve and the magnificent La Bottine Souriante, the funk meets African of DobaCaracol and the excellent Le Vent Du Nord. A rich musical city.

Graham Radley

Makasound find another gem, with this release originally recorded in 1979. plus various singles including Mikey’s first one ‘Got To say Love’ from 1975 and others through to 1984, great collection of musicians too including Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and Robbie Shakespeare. Sweet.

Graham Radley

Elsa Rovayo  aka  La Shica started off as a flamenco dancer but then singing took over as did taking a contemporary view of flamenco. She integrated hip hop into her music, not the most obvious of fusion partners but one that works really well taking both genres into new territory . There’s still a place for the traditional though with ‘Dos Carnes Paralelas’ being a beautiful ballad with guest Miguel Poveda. Very good.

Graham Radley