Belleruche: Rollerchain [Tru Thoughts]
The London trio Belleruche returns with their fourth album and they continue to evolve with their eclectic sound that knows no boundaries. While their debut “Turntable Soul Music” was more hip-hop driven and “The Express” contained more of a bluesy vibe, “Rollerchain” is a darker and more pop influenced. Nevertheless they make it all work with strong compositions and heavy bass infused grooves courtesy of guitarist Ricky Fabulous. What really brings it all together is the soothing voice of Kathrin DeBoer and she shines on an array of blissful tunes, most notably the seductive down-tempo “Wasted Time”. Other highlights include the slow stirring “Cloverleaf” and the percolating “Limelight” will certainly delight devout listeners and entice newcomers. Belleruche’s down to earth vibe endears them to us as if they’ve been long time friends prone to random jam sessions in your backyard. You can always count on them delivering good tunes and this disc is a testament to that.
Jazzanova: Funkhaus Studio Sessions [Sonar Kollektiv]
The Berlin collective known as Jazzanova have compiled a catalogue that long time veterans would trade their right arm to have in their possession and the numerous remixes and compilations is a testament to their success. Over the years they’ve evolved from creating timeless electronic grooves from the critically acclaimed “In Between” to composing timeless soul gems featured on “Off All The Things”. Now with “Funkhaus Studio Sessions” they have taken to the stage and improvise on their catalogue and display a musical side previously unheard from the group. Paul Randolph, who provided vocals to the 2009 hit “Let Me Show Ya”, revisits that tune and other recordings from the Jazzanova catalogue with startling results. Randolph’s raw emotive vocal chops resonate on several tracks like “No Use”. Originally sung by Clara Hill, Paul adds a touch of his own tenderness to this down-tempo ambient gem. Part 2 of this tune is a funkier version that demonstrates the cohesion the band has achieved from their constant touring during the past three years. “I Human” is the only original track featured here. Co-written by Randolph, It’s a light hearted tune that pokes fun at the social media world we now live in. There are many more highlights like the atmospheric “Believer”, a Randolph original from his “Lonely Eden album. The disc wraps up in grand fashion with Shaun Escoffery’s “Let Me Go”. Paul and fellow Jazzanova musicians let loose on the 2002 hit that serves as a fitting finale to a disc that deserves daily spins in your musical rotation. Simply stated it’s another superb recording by Jazzanova and one of the best lps you’ll hear this year.
Sy Smith: Fast and Curious [Psykol Records]
Despite three impressive albums and two EPs to her credit Sy Smith has yet to receive the recognition that her body of work would suggest. Sy’s vocal talents have graced the recordings of esteemed artists like the Chaka Khan, Me’Shell N’degeocello and many more as well as a frequent contributor to the Foreign Exchange. All of her releases have been well received by her devoted fan base yet they haven’t taken off to the masses. That could very well change now with the infectious “Fast and Curious”. Mark De Clive Lowe takes hold of the production chores and provides Sy with a soulful dance sound that guarantees hip twisting and neck snapping movement. His wizardry behind the boards and on keys combined with Sy’s angelic vocals feels like the perfect marriage. The disc kicks off with the title track which is built on a mid-tempo groove and funky synths. From there the tempo builds with “Truth” but the formula of funky bass grooves and clever synth arrangements remains the same. Sy’s cover of two classic recordings is also impressive. On “Nights” (Feel like Getting Down) she’s joined by Rahsaan Patterson as they breathe life into the Billy Ocean dance hit. While on “Lovergirl” she woos her lover while flipping the Teena Marie dance track into a tender mid-tempo teaser. From start to finish this disc delivers and could easily ignite your next house party or simply quench your daily soul music thirst. Whatever the case be sure not to miss it.
30 July 2012
Blakai feat. Bembe Seque – Afrospace [Blakai Music]
Bombe – Tell (Riffs Remix) [Fullfridge Music]
Lopez – Balham Tandoori [Keep Up!]
Various Vs. Alex Clare – The Sea
Sam Irl – Safety Hertz (Cid Rim Remix) [Jazz & Milk]
Deep Space Orchestra – Vanishing Point [Use of Weapons]
Sage Monk feat. Ade Alafia – Aching Heart [Offering]
At One feat. Wyoma – African Healing Dance [ARCo]
Stubborn Heart – Unearthly Powers [Kaya Kaya]
Johnick – Play The World [Henry Street/BBE]
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Fire (Mr Scruff Remix)
Atjazz feat. Amalia – One (Boddhi Satva Ancestral Poetry Mix)
Submerse – Meaningless Moments In Capsules [Project Moon Circle]
Paul White feat. Guilty Simpson – Dirty Slang (The Room Below Version)
Paul White feat. Guilty Simpson – Trust (The Room Below Version)
Visioneers feat. Notes To Self – Oil & Water [BBE]
Sandra Wright – I Come Running Back [Harmless]
Mighty Sons Of Glory – Don’t Forget The Bridge (That Brought You Over) [Harmless]
Royalty – Vector Glide [Five Easy Pieces]
Resonators – B.A.S.I.C. (Debian Blak Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Masta Congo & His New Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra – Dimension 7 [Ubiquity]
François Lougah – Bravo Sotra [Hot Casa]
Ondatropica – Punkero Sonidero [Soundway]
KonKoma – Jojo’s Song [Soundway]
Leon Ware & Quadron – Hold Tight [Quieres Chicle]
23 July 2012
The Controllers – Somebody’s Gotta Win, Somebody’s Gotta Lose [Harmless]
The Herbaliser feat. Hannah Clive – The Lost Boy (The Colman Brothers Remix) [Depth]
Belleruche – Wasted Time (Ross PTH Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
The Cutler – That’s What I Feel [Steel Tiger]
Colman Brothers – On A Better Day I’m Dreamin’ (Tall Black Guy Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Umod – Serene Sister
Kalhex feat. Rob-O – La Fine Ligne [A Krome Galiere]
Jazzpoetix – In Your Head [MVMNT]
The Notorious B.I.G. – Think BIG (Gee-O Remix)
Maspyke – Step [ABB]
Maspyke – No Big Deal [ABB]
Maspyke – Lost In Belief [Jazzy Sport]
Elaquent – Sweet Nothings [Stillmuzik]
Kabanjak & Fat Albert Einstein – Southern Hemi [Switchstance]
The Royal Band de Thies – Dagath [Teranga Beat]
Jon Kennedy – Shake [Vinylize]
Yannah Valdevit – Pick Flowers [Tru Thoughts]
EAN – Flow (Om Unit remix) [Cosmic Bridge]
Intense – Only You [Creative Source]
Jazzpoetix – Summer Daze [MVMNT]
Zane Tate – El Tiempo Es Circular
Richard E – The Call feat. Jennifer Moore (Chamade Beat Mix) [Soulab]
Havana Candy – Crosswinds
Marbert Rocel – Small Hours (Jacob Korn Remix) [Compost Black]
Eman & Doc Link – Harlem (Christo Deep Remix) [Liberate]
Jonny Miller – Tapes [White Label]
16 July 2012
Azymuth – Tarde [WEA]
Azymuth – What’s Going On [Milestone]
Azymuth – Livre Como Um Passaro (Free As A Bird) [Fat Out]
Azymuth – Carnival [Milestone]
Handbook – Alphabet [Cascade]
813 – Pan-O-Matika [92 Points]
Vicelounge – Deep Inside [Recordbreakin]
Orfeo – Quiet Nights [Quieres Chicle]
Sage Monk feat. Mizzy – Truth Hurts [Offering]
Echo Park feat. Moe Dirdee – Stop Before We Start [Disfigured Dubz]
Roni Nachum feat. Kathy Diamond – I Wish [Ubertramp]
The Soul Session – Horse With No Name (Marlow & Trueby Refix) [Agogo]
Jay Shepheard – Otter Bronze [Compost Black]
Bonus Borrowed Identity – Stimulation (Mark E Remix)
JDeep – Wannatwistwitu [Dead As Disco]
Stubborn Heart – Need Someone [Kaya Kaya]
Henry Wu – Midtour [Gorilla Tech]
Rumpistol / Red Baron – Floating (Sekuoia Remix) [Project Moon Circle]
Ashanti – Dance [BBE]
Afrobeat Makers – Bag of Breaks [Comet]
Bongos Ikwue – Ochombolo (Double X Mix)
KonKoma – Kpanlogo [Soundway]
Deftron – Mutwa
Bwana Trio – Cute [Far Out]
9 July 2012
The Shaolin Afronauts – Quest Under Capricorn [Freestyle]
Thom Janusz – Memories of Georgia [Ubiquity]
Ruby Rushton – Fantastic Vampire (Sa-Ra Tribute) [Konektiv Elements]
Royalty – Eroica (Elliott Yorke Atlantean Remix) [Five Easy Peices]
Fatima & Funkineven – 90s [Eglo]
Alexis Davis – 3
Repeat Pattern feat. El Stoof – Paper Animal Fire [Cascade]
Portformat feat. Dudley Perkins & Georgia Anne Muldrow – These Heaters [Tokyo Dawn]
Paper Tiger – 7th Guide [Wah Wah 45s]
RLP – Foncanoids [Cascade]
Owen Marshall – Peanut Butter Ice Cream Man [Jazzman]
The Rongetz Foundation feat. Gregory Porter – Gogo Soul [Heavenly Sweetness]
Andrea Balducci – Big City
Lord Nelson – Shango [Soundway]
Part-Time Heroes – Done (Throwing Snow Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Ko Jo Tango 19 – Science Of Lazer (Spring Equinox Remix) [Lazerkru Music]
Toddla T – Cherry Pickling [Ninja Tune]
Bombe – Tell (Riffs Remix) [Fullfridge Music]
Simplicity Is Beauty – Telemachus [The Public Stand]
Sage Monk feat. Quetzal Guerrero – Ain’t Easy [Offering]
Nacho Marco feat. Sais & Fabiani – Game On (OOFT! Remix) [Love Monk]
Dan Le Sac feat. Emma-Lee Moss – Memorial (PBR Streetgang Remix) [Sunday Best]
Jazzanova feat. Paul Randolph – I Human (G.I. Disco Re-Fix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Julian Neumann – Being F [Third Ear]
Delta Funktionen – Utopia [Delsin]
2 July 2012
Alexis Davis – The Lift
Visioneers feat. John Robinson & Jimetta – Shine [BBE]
Oh No feat. MF Doom – Cat Fight [Five Day Weekend]
Booda French x Von Pea of Tanya Morgan – Full Time (Mecca:83 Remix)
The Pharcyde – Passin’ Me By [Delicious Vinyl]
The Pharcyde – Soul Flower (Brand New Heavies Version) [Delicious Vinyl]
Pursuit Grooves presents 91 Fellows – Lion’s Lawn [Deepblak]
LeaLea Jones feat. Horace Andy – The Road [First Word]
Lotek – Rebel Hifi (Lotek Remix) [First Word]
Sarah Linhares & Camplaix – Right Here [FNAC]
Stanley Clarke – I Wanna Play For You [Epic]
Echo Park feat. Moe Dirdee – Stop Before We Start [Disfigured Dubz]
Benjamin James Smith presents The Movedrill Projects – Envy [NuNorthern Soul]
Bev Lee Harling – Post (Scrimshire & Isobel Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Masta Congo & His New Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra – Harissa [Ubiquity]
KonKoma – Lie Lie [Soundway]
Cesar’s Salad – Bahamas Soulfood Corner [Perfect Toy]
Timo Lassy – Teddy The Sweeper [Schema]
Fulgeance – Stinky [Mondayjazz]
Semtek – Bento [Awkward Movements]
Cyclonix – Soar Above [Disconnected Sounds]
Ossie – Housedabass [2020 Midnight Visions]
Joe Europe – Into The Woods [Falk]
Pig & Dan – Amy [Soma]
Shazz + St Germain – Muse Q The Music [F.Communications]
Black Seeds – Cool Me Down [Sonar Kollectiv]
Visioneers: Hipology [BBE]
Marc Mac demonstrated his love for hip-hop when he dropped “Dirty Old Hip-hop” for BBE in 2007. With his latest release “Hipology”, he takes his appreciation to another level. “Hipology” is filled with jazz infused funk and soulful hip-hop treats that are certain to keep your head on a swivel. The disc is also filled with first rate performances starting with BK MC T.R.A.C. who reminiscences about simpler times during his youth on “Back In Time”. On “Shine”, underrated wordsmith John Robinson waxes uplifting poetics about fulfilling your dreams. On “Swahililand”, Marc reworks the classic Ahmad Jamal track made famous by De La Soul and gives it a fresh coat of beats to groove to all over again. With other notable funky gems like “Jungle Green Outlines” and the classic “Apache”, “Hipology” is poised to deliver immediate satisfaction to hip-hop heads and funk aficionados alike.
Pitch & Scratch: Together [Legere]
DJ Suro and Mzuzu, the duo from Hamburg known as Pitch & Scratch follow up their 2009 release “Hamburg Hustle” with another collection of rhythmic funk and soul grooves. “Together” is heavily influenced by pioneers like the JB’s and indications are they’re honed their craft well. Highlights include “Maculele” highlighted by Leila Pantel’s soothing vocals. “Breakers Delight” is a mid-tempo funk pleaser and “Get Down” is a laid back melodic tune with a jazzy groove. The funk and soul group roster is growing by the minute but as long as Pitch & Scratch are contributing grooves like these they’ll have a long term membership.
Blundetto: Warm My Soul [Heavenly Sweetness]
Max Guiguet aka Blundetto has shown a flair for beats and rhythms. After turning heads with his 2010 release “Bad Bad Things” he returns with the superb “Warm My Soul”. Blundetto’s sophomore release is filled with jazzy tinged soulful rhythms merged with reggae beats and a talented array of vocalists. On “Hercules” Blundetto teams up with multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee to create a slow burning reggae groover highlighted by the vocals of Hugh Coltman. Rapper Aqueel drops lyrical commentary over the down-tempo “It’s All About”. Courtney Johns falsetto delights on “Treat me like that”. Overall this eleven track disc doesn’t have a weak song in sight and provides fresh arrangements to some familiar reggae grooves. Blundetto is definitely one to keep an eye on as a producer on the rise.
25 June 2012
The Soul Session – Horse With No Name (Marlow & Trueby Refix) [Agogo]
Havana Candy – Last Train [Paper]
Robert Owens – Visions [4th & Broadway]
Zed Bias pres. Yannah Valdevit – Gotta Keep Me Goin’ [Tru Thoughts]
K’bonus – Dance Baby Dance (Joash Remix) [Love Monk]
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Fire (Mr Scruff Remix)
Electric Conversation – Fly Away [Futuristica Music]
Rumpistol / Red Baron – Colors Breaking [Project Moon Circle]
Various Vs. Alex Clare – The Sea
Strange U – Plastique [Eglo]
Yosi Horikawa – Wandering [First Word]
Tall Black Guy – Sparkling Adventure [Bastard Jazz]
Submerse – Cream Soda [Project Moon Circle]
Jesse Futerman feat. Milo of Sibian & Faun – Yusef [Jus’ Like Music]
Royalty – Eroica (Elliott Yorke Atlantean Remix) [Five Easy Peices]
Cesare Picco – Penelope [Ishtar]
Solis Lacus – Open Air [Heavenly Sweetness]
The Shaolin Afronauts – End of a Sun [Freestyle]
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra – The Definition Of Funk [Ubiquity]
Colman Brothers – Mr DG (Herbaliser Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Oscar Brown Jr – Barra Limpa (Suonho Natural Latinjazz Touch) [SIB]
Luli – Ballero [Far Out]
Ondatropica – Punkero Sonidero [Soundway]
Hackney Colliery Band – Owl Sanctuary [Wah Wah 45s]
Deftron – Six Million Dollar Man
18 June 2012
Masta Congo & His New Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra – Onze De France [Ubiquity]
Fabrizio Bosso & Javier Girotto Latin Mood – Vamos [Schema]
Bossa Jazz 3 – Outra Vez [Far Out]
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra – Big Ben [Ubiquity]
Dead Capo – Cicatrizando El Aire [Love Monk]
Alex Puddu – The Dirty Games Of Dr. Love [Schema Easy Series]
Cesare Picco – Penelope (Overcloud Remix) [Sensible]
From P60 feat. Vira – Move On [Irma]
Gabriele Poso – Sunshine [Infracom]
Kutiman – Dover.D [Melting Pot Music]
Gilda Horta – Litoral [Far Out]
Lorn – Ghosst(s) [Ninja Tune]
Dyze – Aerial Glow [Cascade]
Ben Hauke – Hifi [Konektiv Elements]
Joss Ryan – Trust You To [DVA Music]
One Bomb – Take Over
Sam Irl feat. Dusty – Safety Hertz (Cid Rim Remix) [Jazz & Milk]
Kindness – Swinging Party (No Drums Mix) [Female Energy/Polydor]
Dave De Rose feat. Nat Keen & Tom Mason – Såo Paulo [Nature Scene]
Sato – Drive
Robert Owens + Tone Control – Starting With Me [Tone Control Music]
Semtek – Bento [Awkward Movements]
Sasse – Low Slove [Moodmusic]
Nguenang – Wouck (DJ Julien Lebrun Edit) [Hot Casa]
Solis Lacus – Utopic Cities [Heavenly Sweetness]
The Miles Davis Sextet – Oleo [CBS]
11 June 2012
Stanley Murphy – Kossokpa [Hot Casa]
Hoosky feat. Buddy Sativa – IDKWTD [Nowadays]
The Shaolin Afronauts – Brooklyn [Freestyle]
Deep Street Soul – Hold On Me [Freestyle]
Ray Stephen Oche & His Matumbo – At The Jazz Fountain [Favorite]
Alain Mion & The New Cortex – La Rue [Trad Vibe]
Jesse Futerman & Rise – One For Irvine
Midnight Davis – Strumming [Five Easy Pieces]
Twin Cities feat. Kia Bennett – Falling [Constellation Avenue]
LifeNotes Sound System – Babylon [LifeNotes Music]
K15 – Note To Self #2 (Fear Is The Antithesis Of Growth)
JtotheC & the Bad Mothas feat. Incksalonius – Sweet Rendez-Vous (Jazz Neversleeps Remix) [Citywurl]
Paper Tiger – 7th Guide [Wah Wah 45s]
Rumpistol / Red Baron – I’m Not Listening [Project Moon Circle]
Drumagick – Brazilian Parade [Tru Thoughts]
Astro Duo – Teleporter [Astro]
Emperor – Network [Symmetry]
Si Tew – Independent Light (Devise and Shookz Remix) [ARCo]
Fauna Flash – Velvet Strings [Compost]
Colonel Red – Holla (Om Unit Remix) [Tokyo Dawn]
Jazzanova feat. Paul Randolph – I Human (Mike Huckaby Remix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Tony Barbato – Give Me [Favouritizm]
Funky Green Dogs From Outer Space – Reach For Me [Murk]
Nacho Marco feat. Sais & Fabiani – Game On (OOFT! Remix) [Love Monk]
YSE feat. Frank H Carter III – Play On [Lost My Dog]
4 June 2012
Jesse Futerman feat. DJ Alibi – What Have I Got? [Jus’ Like Music]
Jesse Futerman – Strange Fruit [Jus’ Like Music]
Jed & Lucia – Faith Will Stay Forever (S.Maharba Remix) [Ubiquity]
Fetsum – Letters From Damascus [Sonar Kollektiv]
Visioneers – Swahililand [BBE]
Kalhex feat. Grap Luva – Perpective(s) [A Krome Galiere]
Oh No feat. MF Doom – Cat Fight [Five Day Weekend]
Oh No feat. Jose James & Phife Dawg – Dues N’ Don’ts [Five Day Weekend]
Rumpistol / Red Baron – I’m Not Listening [Project Moon Circle]
Falside – Boogers
Ean – Flow [Cosmic Bridge]
Kawakami Kohei – Good Friends Of Death [AUN Mute]
Mathias Stubø – Back Into My Life [BBE]
Inkswel feat. Tom Trago – The S.O.A.P. Song [Dopeness Galore]
Havana Candy – All Night [Paper]
Local Instruments feat. MJ White – Living My Dream [Broadcite]
USG feat. Monica Elam – Life 4 Living [Prescription]
Andrew Pearce Vs. Urban Sound Gallery – Day By Day [Six6]
Illa J – Timeless (Boddhi Satva Afriki Soul Remix)
Richard Spaven – Maz (Live @ Jazz Re:Freshed) [Jazz Re:Freshed]
Belleruche – Wasted Time (Ross PTH Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
Alice Coltrane – Something About John Contrane [Impulse]
Doug Carn – Power & Glory [Black Jazz]
Ruby Rushton – Fantastic Vampire (Sa-Ra Tribute) [Konektiv Elements]