Basic Soul

The gravely voiced modern soul man Anthony Hamilton impressed with tracks such as "Since I Seen’t You" (whatever that means) and "My First Love" from his "official" debut album "Comin’ From Where I’m From" (So So Def 2003). "Ain’t Nobody Worryin" continues in a similar vein and whilst there’s nothing to quite compare to the aforementioned cuts I bring it to your attention for "The Truth", a wonderful low slung sexy groove. Also worthy of note is the socially conscious title track, co-written and produced by Raphael Saadiq. Hamilton’s southern roots really shine through on this one.

Timeless Records was established in Holland in 1975 initially as a means to expose US jazz artists to a European audience. Compiled by the folks behind the Kindred Spirits label this twelve track disc unearths some absolute gems. The album opens in fine style with Rodney Jones’ dreamy fusion piece ‘Articulation’ from 1978, before slipping into ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Africa’ by Pharoah Sanders. Batida are represented with their versions of ‘Ponteio’ and ‘Vera Cruz’ and there’s also a great version of Horace Silver’s ‘Sayonara Blues’ by The Bronx Horns. Other highlights are Carter Jefferson’s majestic ‘The Rise Of Atlantis’, Benny Golson’s tribute to John Coltrane, ‘Times Past (This Is For You, John)’ and ‘Aquelas Coisas Todas’ by Samba Trio. For the vinyl junkies there’s also a four track sampler available.

Here we have the debut album from Tokyo’s saxophonist Kaz Katuta aka Jafrosax which is produced by Yukihiro Fukutomi and Jazztronik. First thing you should know was that Vikter Duplaix features on “In The Morning” which was released as a single in 2005, with excellent remixes from Orto aka Faze Action and Jazztronik. Also featured are quality Japanese rapper Gaggle and the wonderful Yukimi Nagano who sounds as good as ever on “Drawn 2 You” and “Wait and See”. Katuta has got the right balance between old and new here, and has even dared to re-work Underground Resistance’s classic 2Hi Tech Jazz”. Another fine selection from Pantone.

In June 2005 I:Cube played the Star Ball festival at the Planetarium de la Villette in Paris and here is your chance to hear a 55 minute snippet of the I:Cube Playmobil spaceship to enjoy in your own living room. This performance is a mix up of Electronica, Ambient, Dub, Deep House and beautifully structured in such a way that you need to listen to the whole album from start to finish for it to make perfect sense. If you dip and skip you will miss the point and ambiance of this album, so take time out and listen properly.

Fedreghini & Bianchi released ‘Several People’ to great acclaim in 2005 and they’ve now revisited the album to create ‘Several Additional Waves’ with new reworks rather than remixes. From the original recording only the vocals have been maintained and everything else has been re-programmed and played again, giving the tracks a more electronic feel. Some of the purists may prefer the original but for me it highlights their talent and proves they are in tune with modern clubs and classic compositions. Go on, buy both versions.

I’m certain all the house heads out there have been playing this since it was released in 2004, but it’s one I completely missed and thankfully R2 have given us a second chance to check out this excellent album. With predominantly house based tunes, these tracks are the best you can buy. Lead singer is of course Christian Urich from Cooly’s Hot Box, who sounds as good as ever. Even though most tracks are for clubland, they mix Disco, Jazz and Soul elements which will even appeal to the true Soul boys. This is without doubt the best way to be introduced to Tortured Soul.

Originating from Australia, The Bamboo’s have been rocking dancefloors ever since their self-funded 7". They were then signed to Kay-Dee Records, and Tru Thoughts recognised the talent and signed their debut. The sound is not a million miles away from Quantic Soul Orchestra, and on guest vocals is the wonderful Alice Russell on the single ‘Step It Up’ and also on the fantastic funk-fuelled version of Afronaught’s Broken Beat anthem ‘Transcend Me’. Also featured are updated versions of the Kay-Dee releases, so don’t think you’re being fiddled if you already have the singles. Even though Tru Thoughts are currently firing out albums, every single release is of the highest quality.

This is George’s fifth studio album and 4 years since the release of the last N.O.W. long player ‘Mind Elevation’. Respect goes out to the fact that George Evelyn is the longest serving artist on the legendary Warp Records label and is about to drop some tunes on his very own label ‘Wax On Records’.
‘In A Space Outta Sound’ is exactly what you’d expect from a Nightmares On Wax album. Massively chilled, full of soulful beats and teasing with the odd vocal here and there. Those expecting something different from the usual N.O.W. stuff will not find it on this album. But don’t get me wrong, the sound George creates, he creates very well and the beats on this album do sound fresh and are definitely aimed at the more laid back situation if you know what I mean.
Nightmares On Wax fans will dig the album for sure and it’ll be good to hear these new tunes performed live where I feel you’ll be given a new dimension to the sound. It’s no ‘Smokers Delight’ but that was an album of it’s time. ‘In A Space’ Is less sparse with more a groove, great production and a overall quality vibe. A solid soulful number 5 for N.O.W.