Freddie Cruger and Anthony Cruger are Wildcookie: Cookie Dough [Tru Thoughts]
What do you get when you put together a veteran producer and an underrated vocalist? You have “Cookie Dough”, the debut from Wildcookie aka producer Freddie Cruger and vocalist Anthony Mills. Together they have crafted an album filled with wicked bass grooves laced with warm mid to down-tempo soul rhythms. Cruger’s compositions range from chilled out jazz to mellow slow burning funk and hip-hop. Top that off with Mills varying vocal styling’s and you have an ambitious yet seductive recording that you’ll find hard to resist. Among the highlights are “Heroine”, previously released on “The Drugs EP” deals with the influence the drug had over some of our legendary artist’s in order to reach their musical heights. Cruger lays down a jazzy mid-tempo groove with a simple drum snare beat while Mills falsetto elevates to the upper register. “Touchy Touchy” has a bossa nova inspired groove with a subtle piano melody that features Mills making his move on a honey and breaking down protocol on what to do on ladies night. On the mellow funk flavored “Come Closer” Mills comes across as a mixture of Curtis Mayfield meets D’Angelo as he croons about the woman who has got him hooked and between the two of them are feigning for each other at a moment’s notice. Much like the title, “Cookie Dough” is kind of like that triple chocolate Devil’s food cake you have no business indulging in. You try to fight it but it’s no use. Just give in and enjoy it over and over. Although the disc at various moments has a dark mood to it, you won’t be able to resist the funky rhythms, the vocals and the production. Superb work by Wildcookie in delivering a disc that merely scratches the surface of their musical chemistry.
Hawa: My Little Green Box [Favorite Recordings]
Macon, France native Jennifer Zonou, aka Hawa has steadily built an impressive resume since starting her career in 2000. After working with local acts around France she eventually connected with Pascal Rioux of Favorite Recordings where she released her first single “D.A.N.C.E.”. A chance meeting with Bruno Howart of Patchworks would ultimately evolved into her debut lp. That is good news since “My Little Green Box” is earthy striped down soul that fits neatly within the Patchworks funk soul roster that includes The Dynamics and Mr. President. Among the highlights are “Never Give Up”, a mellow groover that brims with yearning intensity. “Lost Girl” is a good vibes up-tempo gem ignited by infectious rhythm guitar playing. “Spin Me Around” is another keeper about someone who lifts your spirits when you have those days when everything goes wrong. Hawa’s sun drenched vocals are surrounded beautifully by an irresistible groove, highlighted by the Hammond B3 organ and funky horns. Hawa scores with an impressive debut that certifies her as someone to keep an eye on. This is an enjoyable lp that will harken memories to old soul analog classics that you wish you held onto. This spirited recording will make you think they never left.
27 June 2011
Si Tew feat. Pete Simpson – Need To Grow [Atjazz]
LuLu Fall – Its Official [Broadcite]
Dego – No Bother Talk It [2000 Black]
Randolph Matthews – Beautiful Friend (ChamadeBeat Re-Mix)
Omar feat. Stevie Wonder – Feeling You [Ether/Tru Thoughts]
Sandra Nkaké & Friends – A Place For You (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix)
Alton Miller – Find A Way [Vibe Boutique]
Push – Fight It [Push]
Dojo Cuts – You Make Lovin’ Real Easy (Tighten Up Version) [Record Kicks]
The Fantastics! – Up Yours [Freestyle]
Chip Wickham – Apache [Love Monk]
The Shaolin Afronauts – Journey Through Time [Freestyle]
Colman Brothers – Some Other Wonder [Wah Wah 45s]
Orakel – The Beginning Of The End [4Lux]
Gary Reader – Delta [Superficially Deep]
Robot Koch – Water And Solutions
Kan Sano – So Long [Casecade]
S.Maharba feat. Jed and Lucia – So Much Skin [Ubiquity]
Flying Lotus – Zodiac Shift (Sonnymoon Remix)
Mecca:83 – Around Midnight
Oddisee – Don’t Sleep (Remix) [Mello Music]
Richy Pitch feat. Yasmeen – Dey Suffer [BBE]
James Johnston – A New Day Begins [Fine Art]
Aybee – A Glance [Atmospheric Existence]
Kenlou – The Bounce [MAW]
BitterSuite – Life Cycle [Swedish Brandy]
20 June 2011
Kenny Hawkes – Jet Sex (Retro Synthetic Underpant Mix) [Luxury Service]
Kenny Hawkes – Sleeze Walking [Paper]
Darryl Pandy – Free Man [DJ International]
Gil Scott Heron – New York Is Killing Me (Modern Artifacts Space Blues Rework)
Dego – Not In My Disco [2000 Black]
Kidboy – Verbeneo [Jazz&Milk]
The McCrarys – Love On A Summer Night (Onur Engin Edit) [Disco Deviance]
Mathias Stub – 1979 [BBE]
Twin Cities feat. Ne’a Posey – Don’t Slow Down
Starkey – Craters [Civil Music]
Custom Blue – Riverbend [Ho Hum]
Submotion Orchestra – Finest Hour [Exceptional]
Zara McFarlane – The Children & Warlock [Brownswood]
Kindred Spirits Ensemble feat. Pete Philly – Shining Liberation [Kindred Spirits]
Ikebe Shakedown – Kumasi Walk [Ubiquity]
Hackney Colliery Band – Right Foot Up [Wah Wah 45s]
Da Lata – Cores [Palm Pictures]
Down To The Bone – Watch Me Fly [Dome]
Jazz Chronicles feat. Replife – A Jazz Chronicle [Futuristica Music]
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Trouble (Lapalux Remix) [Polydor]
Tigermoth – 4Word
Kavsrave – Areola [Tighten Up]
Birdy – Shelter (Photek Remix) [Atlantic]
SoulParlor feat. Colonel Red – Real (Opolopo Remix) [Tokyo Dawn]
13 June 2011
Donna Odain – Comfortable
Rime – Thirsty [Infracom]
Submotion Orchestra – Angel Eyes [Exceptional]
Jazz Neversleeps feat. JtotheC – Take Care Of You [On-Point]
DJ Shadow – I’ve Been Trying [Island]
Jehst – Poison [YNR]
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime feat. Kool G Rap, LMNO, Black Milk – Heaven or Hell [Mello Music]
The ParanormL feat. DJ Lems – AstroLogically
Favorite Flava – VII [Exceptional]
Finn Peters – Yellow [Mantella]
Midnight Flyer – I Just Want To Love You [BBE]
Mike Lundy – Love One Another [BBE]
K’Bonus – Turning Point [Love Monk]
Dennis Parker – Like An Eagle (FOC Edits Flying Cut)
Bah Samba feat. Quentin Harris – Tired Little One [Favouritizm]
Mihai Popoviciu – View From The Outside [Highgrade]
N’Dinga Gaba feat. Sahffi – Summer Breeze (Atjazz Remix) [Foliage]
Illskillz – Desert Bells [Ill.Skillz]
Mr Scruff – Wobble Control [Ninja Tune]
?? – Friends In Lo Places (Rossoulano Edit) [Kat45]
Grupo X – Waiting All Day [Loft]
Gary Reader – Zub Zub 38 [Superficially Deep]
Monty Alexander – Montevideo [MPS]
6 June 2011
Gil Scott-Heron – Brother [Flying Dutchman]
Gil Scott-Heron – Home Is Where The Hatred Is (Live)
Gil Scott-Heron – The Bottle [Arista]
Zara McFarlane – Until Tomorrow [Brownswood]
Aquarium – Grasshopper [Babel]
Super Sounds Namba – Yes Indeed [Strut]
Colman Brothers – On A Better Day [Wah Wah 45s]
America – Are You There? (Ole Smokey Edit) [Kat45]
Sqaramouche – Traitarious Queue [Nonine]
RLP – Wormform [Cascade]
u.. – Blue Plum Tokyo [Cascade]
Raashan Ahmad feat. Aloe Blacc & Gift Of Gab – Falling [Trad Vibe]
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime – Mages Sages II [Mello Music]
Benny Tones feat. Mara TK – On My Way (fLako Remix)
Benji Boko – Supernova [Tru Thoughts]
Makala – Vamos A Comer (Dusty Remix) [Love Monk]
Aybee – Isis [Atmospheric Existence]
Mr Beatnick – Synthetes (Architeq Remix) [Don’t Be Afraid]
Benjamin Brunn – Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish [Third Ear]
Chris Turner & Phantom Lover – Flylove (Simbad Re-Edit)
Prommer & Barck – Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde (Peter Kruder remix) [Derwin]
Jesus Pablo – C Major [Headtunes]
T.R.A.C.: The Network (produced by Marc Mac) [BBE]
Brooklyn based rapper T.R.A.C. demonstrates on “The Network” that he has lyrics in abundance and the beats to match, courtesy of Marc Mac. Like The Foreign Exchange did several years ago, TRAC and Marc Mac collaborated over the internet and “The Network” is an impressive result of two likeminded talents providing immediate satisfaction. Over fifteen tracks, T.R.A.C. effortlessly waxes poetic on the daily grind and the economic hardships that surround his environment. On “Step Rite On In” Marc Mac samples the 70’s Blue Magic classic over thick beats while T.R.A.C. leads us on a journey into his life and the code he lives by. ”Radio Heroes” is another banger that features the vocals of Baron aka Drue Davis. “Over My Shoulder” has a laidback groove with a jazzy bassline. On this tune, T.R.A.C. laments about struggling to stay on the right path without being drawn into temptation. “Somn’ For Your Ears” provides more bounce to the ounce and finds T.R.A.C. professing to commitment to the hip hop game. With a release as strong as this one, that’s good news for hip hop enthusiasts.
Raashan Ahmad: For What You’ve Lost [crowncityrockers]
I don’t know exactly what inspired the title of rapper Raashan Ahmad’s new release but I would like to think that what we’ve lost is some old fashioned feel good hip-hop, which he provides here in abundance. Indeed, the Crown City Rockers front man delivers another refreshing dose of that laidback soulful hip-hop we never seem to get enough of. There are many enjoyable tracks here to savor like “Imagination”, a mid-tempo rhodes flavored tune that evokes images of sunny afternoons in Cali, which is where Raashan calls home. “Sunshine” has all the ingredients of a summertime jam, the warmth of the grooves, tight rhymes’ and the soulful voice of Noelle Scaggs for bonus points. Another standout track is “I Am” which features the underrated Chi-town native Rita J. Raashan and Rita J’s effortlessly flowing styles make for good chemistry. “These Foolish Things” is easily one of the best trackss here, and there are quite a few to pick from. Raashan and guest Count Bass D ride this soul jazz organ grinding groove while Silya Nyomen adds a little bit of spice with her soulful vocals. “Falling” also receives honorable mention thanks in part to supreme lyricist Gift Of Gab and singer Aloc Blacc. Despite the notable guest appearances Raashan impressively carries this disc on his own shoulders. Like his previous release “The Push”, Raashan delivers another strong record filled with lyrics that are fun and some that are thought provoking. This is a well spent investment from the underrated MC.
Al Kent: Disco Love 2 [BBE]
If there is a little known Disco record out there languishing in somebody’s vault, chances are Al Kent will find it. With “Disco Love 2” he has delivered another batch of rare gems that have never seen the light of day. While some of the selections here will not cause a uproar over as to why they have been in exile, there are a few gems that certainly merit your attention. The standout tracks include “I Feel Like Dancing” by Aged In Harmony sounds like one of those frequent Prelude releases from back in the day with an anonymous vocal blessing a funky groove driven Disco treat. “Love Exchange” is the type of up-tempo disco jam that was played in roller rinks throughout the late seventies. “I Think I’ll Do Some Steppin On My Own” is one of the stronger selections featured here. Vocalist Sandy Barber belts out an up-tempo tune with strings that would have easily fit into the Philly International catalogue. “Loosen Up” is another highlight that begins with a blistering conga solo that shifts into a wicked bass groove peppered with funky horn riffs as well. For those who occasionally suffer from the Disco fever, “Disco Love 2” is the remedy for you.
30 May 2011
Dego feat. Bembe Segue & Dave Okumu – Sunshine [2000 Black]
Suzi Analog – The Thing [Dopeness Galore]
Pete Rock – Pete’s Jazz [BBE]
The ParanormL – All I Do
yU – Native [Mello Music]
Jehst – England [YNR]
Finn Peters – Purple [Mantella]
DJ Moar – Cumbia’s Beat [Trad Vibe]
Shaolin Temple Defenders – Take It Slow [Soulbeats]
Dego feat. Obenewa – Love & Hate You [2000 Black]
Omar & Zed Bias – Dancing [Tru Thoughts]
Incarnations – Meet Me At Midnight (Ilya Santana Remix) [Love Monk]
Henry Oakley – Mellowmarsh (Joe Europe Remix) [Falk]
Musaria feat. Saturna – Moment (Atjazz Re-Fix) [Atjazz]
Guest mix by Gerd [4Lux]
***Tracklistings for the mix coming soon***
+++++ End Of Mix +++++
Acid Mondays – Fomo [Illusion]
PolyRythm feat. A.Salih – You In Mind [Offering]
23 May 2011
Steve Spacek & Donna Odain – Shall I (Chamade Beat Re-Edit)
Jazz Chronicles – Goodbye Montreal [Futuristica Music]
Donald Byrd – Flute Blues [Polydor]
Eric Legnini & The Afro Jazz Beat feat. Krystle Warren – Rose Coloured Glasses [Discograph]
S.S.T – Soft Soul Transition [Les disques SuperFriends]
Mark de Clive-Lowe with Bembe, Tawiah, Ovasoul7 & Nia Andrews – Koko and Lee Roe [Mashi Beats]
Resonators – Gold Getter [Wah Wah 45s]
Colman Brothers – Some Other Wonder [Wah Wah 45s]
Colman Brothers – The Chief [Wah Wah 45s]
Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers – Me And You Baby (Picao y Tostao) [Freestyle]
Tawiah – Sweet Me (B Traits Remix)
Commix – Satellite Type [Metalheadz]
Marcus Intalex – Make A Raise [Soul:R]
Delgui feat. Xantone Blacq – Keep On Clapping [4Lux]
Mr Scruff – Wobble Control [Ninja Tune]
Gecko Turner – You Can’t Own Me (Mudd 56 Remix) [Love Monk]
Dorian Gig – The James Herbert Theory [Soiree]
Howard Wales – Rendezvous With The Sun (Part II) [Jazzman]
Airto Moreira / Flora Purim – Partido Alto [In And Out]
Savanna – Never Let You Go (Onur Engin Edit) [Z Records]
Robert Owens – Heart & Soul (Christo Remix) [Compost Black]
Tokyo Blackstar feat. Rich Medina – Black Star [Sonar Kollektiv]
Mihai Popoviciu – View From The Outside [Highgrade]
Phil Weeks – In The Mood (Phil Asher Remix Version II) [Robsoul]
16 May 2011
Black Coffee feat. Bucie – Superman [Jellybean Soul/BBE]
Ten City – Nothing’s Changed (Joe Claussell Remix) [Ibadan]
Cavalier – Napoletano [Drumpoet Community]
Mr Beatnick – Synthetes [Don’t Be Afraid]
SoulParlor – Now! (Souled Remix) [Tokyo Dawn]
Soul Dhamma – Flower (King Britt’s Underwater Garden Dub) [Velocity]
Neon Jung – Just Can’t Leave It Alone [Magic Wire]
Landslide – Dig Deeper (Vocdub Mix) [Round The Houses]
The Elementz – Hot Pantz [T.E.P.L.]
Altered Natives – 18 Ghost Hands [Eye4Eye]
Tes La Rok – Invasion [Noppa]
Bang On – Got It (Cesare Vs. Disorder Berlin Warrior Take) [Big Dada]
Letherette – In & Out [Ho_Tep]
Katalyst feat. Stephanie McKay – Day Into Night [BBE]
Rough Fields – Watery Fable [Bomb Shop]
Delilah – Breathe [Atlantic]
Si Tew feat. Pete Simpson – Need To Grow [Atjazz]
SoulParlor feat. Jacob And The Appleblossom – Nothing Ever Changes [Tokyo Dawn]
Ikebe – The Hold Up [Ubiquity]
Ikebe – Asa-Sa [Ubiquity]
Matthew Halsall – The Move [Gondwana]
Monty Alexander – So What [MPS]
Charlie Mariano – Jinku [King]
Herbie Hancock – Promise Of The Sun [Blue Note]
9 May 2011
Sophie Barker – Seagull [Ho Hum]
Hawa – Never Give Up [Favorite]
Grooveman Spot – Promise [Alpha Pup]
DJ Mitsu The Beats – Unknown [Alpha Pup]
Häzel – Fantastic [Catblock]
Onra feat. Sarah Linhares – Moving [Public Transit]
Lotek feat. Roots Manuva – Still Splendid [First Word]
Jehst – Starting Over [YNR]
Young Montana? – Sacre Cool [Alpha Pup]
Fujimoto Tetsuro – Avoyager [Listen Up]
Solar Apple Quarktette – Further On [Further Out]
Bio Ritmo – La Muralla [Electric Cowbell]
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Brass In Africa [BBE]
Ebo Taylor – Peace On Earth [Strut]
Akeeb “Blackman” Kareem – Esin Fun Fun (White Horse) [Hot Casa]
Nick Pride & The Pimptones – Gold Leader [Record Kicks]
Richy Pitch feat. Yasmeen – Dey Suffer (DJ Vadim Remix) [BBE]
Marcus Intalex – Hot Hands [Soul:R]
Marcus Intalex – Tb Or Not Tb [Soul:R]
Achim Maerz – Clear Eyed [Fine Art]
Black Motion – Banane Movoko (Jose Marquez Remix) [Tribe]
Season & Sygaire feat. Randolph Matthews – Inner Navigator (Sygaire´s Dub)
DJ Micks – feat. Robin Latimore – First To Say Goodbye (Charles Webster Remix) [Tribe]
George Benson – Willow Weep For Me [CBS]
Aretha Franklin – When I Think About You [Atlantic]
2 May 2011
Fatima – Innervision [Eglo]
Submotion Orchestra – Secrets [Exceptional]
Cessa – Roadblock [Missing Link Sounds]
Landslide – Dig Deeper (Vocdub Mix) [Round The Houses]
Jon Phonics – The One [Chakra Sounds]
Savanna – Never Let You Go (Onur Engin Edit) [Z Records]
HE3 Project – Strength [Family Groove]
Soundspecies Meets West Africa – Bamana [Round In Motion]
Poussez – Discuits [Champion Standard]
Guest Mix By Negghead [Wax On]
Hodges, James & Smith – Sexy Waves
Space Invadas – Imaginist
Replife – R U Ready
Lewis McCallum – Fly Or Die
Apollo Brown – Lower The Boom feat. Kenn Starr, Oddisee & Sareem Poems
Devonwho – Keep The Funk Alive
Electric Wire Hustle – Waters
Alphabet’s Heaven – Kaxa feat. Jo D
Sepalcure – Love Pressure
Mark Pritchard – Heavy As Stone
Pangaea – Inna Daze
The Oliverwho Factory – Galactic Transit (Recall Mix)
Acid Mondays feat. Shovell, JD73 & Wolfgang Haffner – Burgud
+++++ End Of Mix +++++
Crowdpleaser & St. Plomb – Yes Weekend [Third Ear]
Zepherin Saint & Nathan Adams – Love Of My Life [Tribe]
Negghead feat. Woolfie & JD73 – Pointless Pressure [Wax On]
Frootful: Colours [Freestyle Records]
I hereby declare Freestyle records as the land of the good groove for many bands with a passion for vintage soul and funk eventually finds their way there to contribute to an impressive roster of musicians. The newest label member to carry the torch is Frootful, which is the creation of guitarist Nick Radford. Radford spent several years performing with Adam Gibbons Lack Of Afro band. Gibbons himself a soul connoisseur appears as the producer of this project and the results are quite impressive. Radford and the band effortlessly swing hard and take no prisoners with scorching jazz numbers and hot buttered soul groovers. Right from the outset, the group swings hard with the title track, a bebop influenced tune that features a gorgeous vibraphone solo by Gibbons while Radford evokes images of Wes Montgomery with his guitar playing. “Fish In The Sea” features Radford on bass laying down a fierce groove while the soothing vocals of Angeline Morrison takes the track to another level. “Astonaughty” is a sparkling track with infectious percussion and synth playing by Gibbons and funky horns by Peter Judd. “B-Side Seaside” is a nice alternative to the up-tempo burners. This is one of those warm and sublime grooves to chill out to on a summer afternoon or whenever the mood to chill hits you. Overall “Colours” successfully captures the spirit of the funk and soulful jazz and creates a sound that feels brand new. The top level playing by Radford and his well-crafted compositions make this superb recording worthy of repeated listens.