A good sign of a quality compilation is when it features artists that you’ve supported for some time. Before I knew about Volume 3, I was already hammering tracks by Jonny Miller, Joash, Aroop Roy and Masoul. A great start you might say. Well the quality just keeps coming with nine more tracks that include Oracle, Flowriders, Inverse Cinematics, Nemoy and Lava Musique Ensemble. If you’ve not heard of these artists, well, get your credit cards out and support. You should note that this is only available to download but what a great way to get music out there. Top marks to the guys at Beyond Jazz for putting this together.

This might be one of those times when it’s taken me so long to put pen to paper that due to limited quantities you may now struggle to hunt down copies of this wonderful vinyl-only album. The Plumstead Radical Club is a project from Trombone player Trevor Mires of the Nostalgia 77 Octet and happens to be the first release on Nostalgia 77’s label. This is Jazz and Soul at its best with a true classic feel to the compositions, which is due the expertise of musicians Mires, Graham Fox, Ross Stanley and Riaan Vosloo. Fans of Strata East, Black Jazz and of course Nostalgia 77 should be quick and seek it out.

Ralph Lawson has reached legendary status in my home county (YORKSHIRE). This has been done by working hard throughout his entire career and most certainly because of his out and out loyalty to Back To Basics – A World wide dance music institution that in my mind is in it’s own league. Anyone who’s seen Ralph DJ at Basics over the last 15 years will be able to vouch that his presence is legendary and that he’s one of the nicest peeps you is ever gonna meet in this industry. But that’s enough about Ralph. His band – 2020 Soundsystem conjure up a superb debut album that ooze’s with the freshest of beats side by side with quality vocals and supersonic bass-lines. This whole album slides along without one bad tune. The opening track ‘Hit The Fan’ is probably my favourite with it’s retro synths and bubbling bass, The Glass collaboration on the title track is a ‘must turn up louder track’ and The Tape has been echoing around clubland for a while now to a great reception. These tracks work so well in this format, but if you’re really gonna feel this vibe then be sure to check out the band live. Ralph & Co. I salute you!

Those of you familiar with the Dub-Step scene will agree with me that this kid is the don dada of the land of Dub-Step. ‘Midnight Request Line’ is arguably the biggest tune in Dub-Step history and definitely the most requested. This album simply gets better by the listen, it’s draws you in with it’s dubbed out sub bass and musically it’s up there for being one of the best albums of 2006. From the haunting opening vibe of ‘Tortured Soul’ it moves into dancehall and Grime territory thanks to some sweet additions from vocalists Warrior Queen and JME. These are so many influences to be felt in this album that it would be hard to pidgeonhole the album as Dub-Step. For such a young producer Skream has so much talent, like an old head on young shoulders. This didn’t come off my player for weeks after I’d got it, I reckon it’ll be the same for almost everyone. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Following last months’ 10" release Kindred Spirits deliver the full album in celebration of what would have been John Coltrane’s 80th birthday (23rd September 2006). The tracks from the 10", ‘A Love Supreme’ by Dwight Trible and ‘John Coltrane’ from Our Cry For Peace featuring Dwight are included along with Clifford Jordan’s original of the latter and Rufus Harley’s outstanding take on the former. Pharoah Sanders’ ‘Prince Of Peace’ takes its rightful place as do the two versions of ‘Naima’ from 4Hero and Mark De Clive-Lowe featuring the voice of Bembe Segue. There’s also Karin Krog & Nils Lindberg’s haunting ‘John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme’, Billy Gaunt’s ‘Mode For Trane’, the incredible spoken word outing, ‘Liberation Of The Spirit’ from Kamau Daaood and the epic ‘Duke And Trane’ by Heikki Samarto Ensemble, Gregg Smith Vocal Quartet & Long Island Symphonic Choral Association. This is a truly stunning collection and a fitting tribute to jazz’s number one son. My only criticism would be the lack of information in the sleeve notes about some of the more obscure tracks.

Gilles delves into the Impulse archives and surfaces with a fine and varied selection. On the spiritual tip there’s Pharoah Sanders’ ‘Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah’ with vocalist Leon Thomas, Michael White’s ‘The Blessing Song’ from his 1972 ‘Pnuema’ album, the Abbey Lincoln fronted ‘Lonesome Lover’ by Max Roach and the inspirational ‘Wise One’ from John Coltrane. Art Blakey represents with the firing ‘Alamode’ and the quality continues with the likes of Oliver Nelson’s ‘Patterns’, ‘Three Flowers’, a gorgeous waltz by McCoy Tyner, Milt Jackson & Ray Brown’s dreamy ‘Enchanted Lady’ and the gentle bossa of ‘See You Later’ from Dave Mackay & Vicky Hamilton. And to top it all off, Yusef Lateef’s take of ‘First Gymnopedie’, one of the most beautiful pieces to have ever graced these ears.

Produced by Ed Motta, Jazzinho’s sophomore set is another solid selection of Brazilian rhythms, incorporating elements of soul, funk and jazz along the way. Ed’s influence is apparent throughout and best savoured on the joyful opener, ‘The Lagoon Monster’, ‘Humano, Desumano’, ‘Maria Mulata’ and the awesome bass heavy groove of ‘Da Tempo ao Tempo’, which is also appears with a Nicola Conte rework.

More quality Japanese jazz gear, this time from Indigo Jam Unit, who are essentially a trio with Yoshichika Tarue on piano, BJ (Katsuhiko Sasai) on bass and Isao Wasano and Kenichi Tateiwa alternating on drums. These guys can really swing which is evidenced on the sizzling ‘Palette’, the hypnotic ‘7th Feeling’ and the Latin tinged ‘Teardrop’. They are equally at home though on the slower material, ‘Snow’, a stunningly beautiful piece, being a good example. The standard of musicianship on show here is exceptional but you’ll have to be quick, as this is a seriously limited release.

After impressing with their version of Tubby Hayes’ ‘Down In The Village’ for Raw Fusion, the Japanese jazz quartet now deliver their debut long player. The said cut is here along with the title track which also featured on that 12" plus ‘Ipe Amarelo’ and ‘1000 Days Of Spirit’ from their new single also out on Raw Fusion. Other tracks of note are the percussive ‘Skeleton Coast’, ‘Lucky Luciano’ which has a lovely Latin swing and the monster dancer ‘Giant Black Shadow’. The album is produced by Masato Komatsu aka Slowly, who has just released a version of Lesette Wilson’s ‘Caveman Boogie’ featuring Quasimode, which is also worthy of your attention.

On their debut album Owusu & Hannibal serve up a platter of twisted down-tempo electro-soul. ‘Delirium’ and ‘What It’s About’ from the 12" are present but my advise is to check ‘Lonnie’s Secret’ which really draws you in after a couple of plays, the blissful ‘Elephants’ and the super slinky 80s influenced 2 stepper ‘Le Fox’.

It’s with great anticipation that Vikter Duplaix returns. I’ve been a huge fan since Critical Point’s “Messages” and I had high hopes. One thing for sure, Duplaix has a wonderful voice, but “Bold & Beautiful” took me a little by surprise. I was expecting a mix up of styles, when in reality this is a more soulful, downbeat affair, except for “A Life Worth Living” and “I See The Sun”, with the latter finally seeing its official release. It’s two years since the bootleg surfaced, yet it still sounds good as ever. With expectations so high, I was expecting to be blown away, yet it’s a great album that will grow on you over time.