Basic Soul

To my surprise Fukutomi has produced eight albums prior to this release, which proves I’ve got some serious catching up to do. ‘˜Equality’ is aimed straight at the dancefloor and includes a fine selection of grooves this will appeal to the house heads, well the ones with taste. If that isn’t enough the vocalists are tiptop quality, which include: Rich Medina, Lady Alma, Ernesto, Victor Davis and Isabelle Antena. Top marks to Gav Smith for bringing Fukutomi to the UK masses.

Here is the next instalment from Japan’s multi-talented Hiroshi Watanabe, also known as Kaito (Kompakt) and of course Tread. 7 tracks of the deepest house music that’s you’ll find on the planet. Lovely warm productions and lush keys that will appeal to fans of the Detroit house heads aka fans of Moodymann and Theo Parrish. Of course you knew this was going to be good because it’s released on Third Ear.

Tobias Meggle returns with his next instalment and he’s gone and released another classic. ‘Echoes’ includes a few new tracks, some remixes of tracks from 2004’s ‘Wanderlust’ album and some from the man himself. Things kick off with two corking new tracks, with Randolph Matthews featuring on ‘Call Out’ and ‘Common Cause’ with Clara Hill. I would have bought ‘Echoes’ on these tracks alone. Also included are wonderful remixes by Break Reform, Smiles Ahead and Gerd. For a bonus ball you have Sandboy’s remix of Gerd’s ‘So Real’ featuring Vanessa Freeman. Surely I don’t need to sell this to you any more.

In 2004 Kindred Spirits released “Amazona” by Catlett which was up there with the best of the year and hammered by every DJ worth mentioning. We are now in 2005 and “River Drum” has been in the shops since May. It seems most people-including myself completely missed this album. Believe me when you hear this, you’ll be kicking yourself. Produced, arranged and written by the man himself this is a pure 2005 masterpiece. Get hunting.

Atmosfear’s rare debut album ‘En Trance’, originally released in 1981 on Elite Records, gets a welcome reissue via Sanctuary. This is British jazz funk at its best and features delights such as ‘Free Tonight’, Interplay’ and ‘Invasion’ along with the Latin flavored ‘Duende’ and ‘Return Of LB’. This package also includes 4 bonus tracks, ‘Extract’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Outer Space’ and the classic ‘Dancing In Outer Space’ which were previously only released on 12”. Essential!

I recall talking to Ed Motta about his musical influences following his appearance at the Jazz Cafe a couple of years back. He cited a diverse spectrum of styles from Black Jazz / Strata East to Barry Manilow. Fortunately ‘Aystelum’ leans towards the former, particularly on tracks such as the opener ‘Awunism’, ‘E Muita Gig Vei!!!’, ‘Balendoah’ and the title track. His Brazilian soul roots are also present and correct on the fabulous ‘Patidid’ and ‘Gueagui’. Of course he delves into the Parisian music hall style as he did on ‘Dwitza’, but on the whole this is an excellent set from an outstanding talent.

Soil & Pimp Sessions waste no time in following up their recent ‘Pimp Master’ set with this 6 track EP. No surprises here just more of their distinctive brand of frantic ‘death jazz’. ‘Fragment’ is the instant highlight but drop ‘Ms B.C.’, ‘Sweat’ or the title track and you won’t be disappointed.

Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva releases his third album for Ninja Tune’s baby brother – Big Dada. Mr Manuva manages to surpass himself once more with that distinctive voice and experimental riddums. Two singles: ‘Colossal Insight’ and ‘Too cold’ have already graced the shelves in rekkid stores across the planet featuring some superb remixes alongside the originals. Now Roots is a real marmite situation, you either like his style of vocal or you hate it. This dude has written some brilliant songs in the past and there are plenty more to be devoured from this album.
I think Roots Manuva has matured even more with this release. Some of the beats are very original and he proves that he’s still not scared about rhyming about the real deal in this messed up land we call home. If you still haven’t bought this gem then at least give it a listen – Roots Manuva fans will love it.