Compiled by Jean Michel Gibert we get 20 glorious Trinidadian tracks that bring us from the orchestras of the 1920’s to the calypso boom time of the 1950’s. Featured artists include King Radio, Lord Kitchener, Calypso Rose, The Mighty Bomber and Houdini. Yes this is Calypso Gold.

Graham Radley

Filmed at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh this has Mike Katz, Alasdair White, Sean O’Donnell and Alan Reid showcasing 14 tracks which include The Merry Macs Set, I’m Going To Set You Free, The Emigrant and the Sisters Reel Set. Terrific stuff from some real legends of Scottish traditional music.

Graham Radley

Guajiras, trovas and boleros from Jose Conde y Ola Fresca, Ignacio ‘Mazacote’ Carrillo, Pedro Luis Ferrer, Rene Ferrer, La Orquestra Magica De La Habana, German Obregon, Armando Garzon, Asere, Felix Baloy and Kelvis Ochoa. It is of course very good.

Graham Radley

From Berlin they remind me of a good time pub band steeped in the traditions of rock and roll, blues and country meeting up with Hayseed Dixie especially on the covers they do which includes Electric Six’s ‘Gay Bar’ and Depeche Mode’s ‘Everything Counts’.

Graham Radley

These three excellent Roma musicians from southern France, Jean Soler, Salomon Espinas and Julio Bermudez and their guests  play Rumba Catalana and Flamenca with great style. This is a collection of religious songs and chants which range from sad to happy but always with passion and wonderful musicianship. Top notch.

Graham Radley

Oh this is very tasty, recorded ‘live’ in the studio, the French gypsy jazzers like to use their two guitars, violin and double bass to take us from chilled to punky with accomplished playing and freedom of spirit. Take a listen to their take on Frank Zappa’s ‘Blessed Relief’ with a guest accordion player adding that extra something. Excellent.

Graham Radley

“Evolutionism” is the new release from Fabrice Lig, aka Soul Designer. The fact that this recording is on Third Ear recordings is fitting because this disc embodies the high quality techno soul that would make the forefathers of Detroit techno proud. Soul Designer is Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Kevin, in particular had an huge influence on Fabrice’s sound which can be heard throughout here. The title track, sans vocals is techno funk with deep soulful grooves. “The Power Of  A City” is another winner. Special guest  Clo providing soulful vocals while Fabrice combines synths and thumping bass licks to complement the scorching beats. With poet/rapper Hbk Finn providing thought provoking spoken word regarding the concerns for humanity in between tracks, “Evolutionism” is truly music for the mind and the soul and Fabrice’s most inspiring work to date.

Reg Dancy

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Spiritual jazz meets conscious hip-hop. Carlos Nino, perhaps best known for his work with avant garde vocalist Dwight Trible teams up with John Robinson, aka Lil Sci. Lil Sci, also known for his work with the group Scienz Of Life is an underground rapper cut from the mode of hip hop legends like KRS-1 and Brand Nubian. That certainly sounds like lofty praise but Lil Sci more than lives up to it. “The Right Song feat Tiffany Page” has that feeling of lazy summer days in the park. Carlos creates an organic mood on the fender Rhodes that reflects a laid-back California vibe while Lil Sci speaks of the chemistry that’s emerging between him and a west coast babe. On “Circulate”, Lil Sci spreads the knowledge of self, hence the verse “Witness the focus of a man, as greater and wise to last era, he moves with a stealth disguise like mascara, spreading his gospel, colossal so clever, no thank you it’s my pleasure, to deliver great measures of quality all in your microbiology”. Poignant lyrics can only take you so far and Carlos’s production is on point to elevate the music. His blend of cosmic jazz works well on the Pharoah Sanders remake “Freedom” and the Dwight Tribble assisted “The Dream”. There are many other hip hop releases that will garner more fanfare. It would be a shame if you were to overlook this one.

Reg Dancy

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From the moment you start listening to “Free”, the opening track from Soul Mentality, you know you’re about to embark on peaceful journey of sublime soulful music. “Soul Mentality” is the debut of Mary and Joshua Mycroft, better known as Flyt. Together they’ve carved out eleven tracks that will transport you into soul heaven. Joshua handles the production and keys while Mary breathes life into every track. Among the delights,  “Beautiful Love” is a lovely ethereal ballad and “The Journey’s Over” a soothing melodic groover. All in all a fine debut by FlyT and another winner for Futuristica.

Reg Dancy

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There must be something in the water in Bristol because they continue to bless us with great music. This time the honors belong to the trio known as Unforscene. The brothers Will and Ben Bower plus Ben Muscat deliver a disc that features downtempo soul as well as hip hop, folk and electronica. Disc one is more mellow while disc two packs a lot more funk. There are many highlights so I’ll just point out a few. “See The Light”, is a laid-back track with a funky groove and features the voice of J Todd. “Sidewinder” is a wonderful modern classical piece with lush strings that has a cinematic feel to it. “So Long" feat Nik Young is warm and melodic with nice chords to match. Unforscene manages to weave together the electronic with the live instrumentation, specifically Will Bower’s drumming and percussion work on tracks like “I’m Just A Prisoner” and “Alright”. Their ability to arrange classical sounds with funk and broken beats on this project is a joy to listen. Add to that the familiar faces like Alice Russell, Deborah Jordan and newcomers like Epcot and you have an exceptional record that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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