Bonobo – Fragments [Ninja Tune]
For many of us 2020 sapped the optimism out of us and finding inspiration was dim. As a result Si Green aka Bonobo went through a period of writers block and felt the need to step away for a bit. Not only did he eventually find the spark, he may in fact created his best album to date. “Fragments” features an array of talented vocalists to an album filled with superb electronic as well as acoustic recordings. “Tides” features blissful vocals from Jamilla Woods was one of the tunes that helped Bonobo get his groove back. “Sapien” is a signature Bonobo electronic tune with infectious beats and synths. The finale “Day by Day” is an uplifting soulful tune featuring Kadhja Bonet. Other notable contributions feature Jordan Rakei and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson among others. This is a testament of transcending through the darkness and finding the light through music. Simply a marvelous record and a welcome return.
31st January 2022
Sarah Williams White – Monsters [First Word Records]
ECHLN feat. Amarafleur – Come Around [Phuture Shock Musik]
El O – Bats Toi! [My Bags]
The John Betsch Society – Open Pastures [Heavenly Sweetness]
Seeds Of Fulfillment – The Provider [Mo-Jazz Records]
Peter Herbolzheimer Rhythm Combination & Brass – The Catfish [Polydor]
Os Tatuís – Samba do Avião [Far Out Recordings]
José Roberto Trio – Kebar [Far Out Recordings]
The Black Albumen – Heptadecagon [Buried Treasure Records]
Kutiman feat. Mejja – Timam [Siyal Music]
Lance Ferguson – Sueno Con Mexico [Freestyle Records]
Rumtum – Coastal Ruins [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Prins Thomas feat. Bugge Wesseltoft – Sunroof Down [Full Pupp]
Womack & Womack – Life’s Just A Ball Game (Ballroom Remix) [4th & Broadway]
Arno E. Mathieu – Aurora Baléaris [Compost Records]
Diogo Strausz – Emancipação [Razor-N-Tape Reserve]
Rosie From The Block – You Are Lovedd [Vice City]
Eye Of The High – Eye Of The Sun (NSM Remix) [Higher Grade]
Greymatter feat. Domu – We Are One [Unique Uncut Records]
Tommy The Cat – How The River Flows [E-Beamz]
Deep Space Orchestra – Dodge City
Meowhat – Fourth [Apparel Music]
Zito Mowa – Moon & Jellyfish [Stay True Sounds]
Soul Dhamma – Flower (King Britt’s Scuba Mix) [Velocity]
VA – Eddy Ramich Presents Croatian Blue [BBE Music]
Eddy Ramich has crafted remixes for the likes of Arthur Verocai, Tania Maria and Sun Ra among others. In addition his house project Eddy meets Yannah and his DJ sets at Kontrapunkt in Zagreb solidifies him as one of the premier DJ/producers of the last twenty years. “Croatian Blue” is a tasty thumping compilation that showcases some of the musicians of his Croatian homeland. The disc starts out with a laid back vibe with the bouncy groove of “Koolade” from Mary & Steff. After that things heat up in a hurry. “South Side” kicks off with percolating percussion and breezy chords that puts you in a Belearic state of mind. “Dissolve” is a punchy tune with an atmospheric vibe that can certainly fill up a dance floor. The ten track disc doesn’t let up and that’s just fine with me. Ramich shines a light on home grown talent while delivering infectious club music in the process.
https://bbemusic.bandcamp.com/album/eddy-ramich-croatian-blue
Sons Of The Sun – Sons Of The Sun [BBE Music]
“Sons Of The Son is the duo of Jtronius and Maverick Quest. Texas based vocalist Jtronius (Joshua Taylor) has built an underground following while London based Maverick Quest has worked with an impressive array of musicians in his own right. Their self titled debut is filled with hot buttered funk and soul compositions. Evidence of that can be heard on “Oceanside”, way too short at a minute and thirty seconds. Long enough however to display their pulse on psychedelic funk. The track is ignited by a seductive guitar groove and a swaying chorus. “Underwater Dreaming” finds Jtronius crooning to a bouncy mid-tempo beat serenaded by sweet syrupy horns. The finale “Shine Like The Sun” is slow minimalist moody funk. Jtronious’s soulful falsetto has plenty of swagger. Add a funky cohesive rhythm section and now you’re onto something. These two have a good thing going here. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of more to come.
24th January 2022
Electric Conversation – Kro Zig [Futuristica Music]
Georgia Anne Muldrow – Canadian Hillbilly [Brainfeeder]
Morgan Spacek feat. Eska & Ghostface – Sticks & Stones
Jonny Tobin – Awake
He3 Project – Rapture Of The Deep [Family Groove Records]
Isaac Sasson – Manyanet [Olindo Records]
Lenna Bahule – Eu Quero Ser [Da Lata Music]
Brunno – Vivo_só [Notes On A Journey]
Khan Jamal – Nubian Queen [Jazz Room Records]
Afrikan Liberation Arts Ensemble – Rain Forest [Life Goes On Records]
Ju-Par Universal Orchestra – Mocha Velvet [Ju-Par Records Ltd.]
Lorenzo Morresi – Promenade [Rollover Milano Records]
Emile Londonien – Covered Bridges [Dope Tones Records]
Carl Smith And The Natural Gas Company – Livin’ A Dream [BBE Music]
Jose Carretas – Can’t Make It [Tribe Records]
Michael Watford – Love Change Over (Vocal Changeover) [Hard Times The Label]
Laroye & Abi Flynn – Rise [Atjazz Record Company]
Bonobo feat. Jordan Rakei – Shadows [Ninja Tune]
Tea White feat. Xabizo – Lullabies [Stay True Sounds]
Rima feat. Mark De Clive-Lowe & Anna Stubbs – Rivers [Compost Records]
Roska – Ice Cold [Roska Kicks & Snares]
Jacob’s Optical Stairway – Quatrain 72 (Red Horizion) [Reinforced Records]
Everson – Ina Aira [Ratface Records]
Jonny Faith – Slumber (Jonnys Drumfunk Dub) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Jonny Tobin – Together
Vancouver native and keyboardist Jonny Tobin’s fourth release was inspired to lift the spirits and soothe the souls of folks suffering from the devastating year that was 2020. “Together”. a joyous collection of tunes goes a long way to doing just that. “Neon Afterglow” a funky up-tempo tune displays some his synth wizardry. “Always” is a dreamy laidback tune well suited for lazy afternoons. “Super Genesis 64” is fast paced funk that kicks off a flurry of piano riffs. “Vivid Dreams” is an atmospheric gem filled with glorious vocal harmonies. Tobin’s compositions are vibrant, imaginative and separates him from other beat makers. You can feel the good vibes flowing throughout his beats. A superb recording filled with optimism and worthy of repeated listens.
17th January 2022
Bobby Cole – A Perfect Day [Tramp Records]
Vince Andrews – The One Who Needs You [Gerard Records]
Ziad Rahbani – 5 To 7PM [Wewantsounds]
Embryo – Yu Mala [Madlib Invazion]
Jimpster feat. Cairo – Rain [Freerange Records]
Mamas Gun – Party For One [Candelion]
LNDFK – Ku [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Isabelle Mayereau – Jeu De Regards [BBE Music]
Nolan & Crossley – Salsa Boogie [Motown Records]
Magic Source – Riviera Drive (Extended 12″ Version) [Favorite Recordings]
Seyyal Taner – Sarmaş Dolaş (Fattish Edit)
Typesun – Last Home (DJ Nature Remix) [Compost Records]
Tamil Rogeon – Momus (Rebecca Vasmant Remix) [Freestyle Records]
JAB – Currents [Joon Dada Records]
Wipe The Needle – Cardassian Neck Back [Broadcite]
Jonny Faith – Rare Move [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
7Even – I See No Changes [Northside Records]
Benjamin Long – Cobbles [Apparel Music]
Jazzanova & The Lyman Woodard Organization – Creative Musicians (Henrik Schwarz Remix) [BBE Music]
Fka Mash – Lonely Jester (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Sharp 9 – Sped Up [Compost Disco]
J-Laze – Stratosphere [Looking Good Records]
Tommy The Cat – We Will Stay Together In the Dark [Unknown to the Unknown]
Special Forces – The End [Photek Productions]
MF Robots – Break The Wall [BBE Music]
MF Robots are the duo of Jan Kincaid and Dawn Joseph. If the name Kincaid rings a bell, it’s because he’s one of the founding members of the Iconic UK group The Brand New Heavies. Together the duo has arranged an array of sophisicated funk, soul and disco compositions that are refreshing and downright enjoyable. Notable tracks are “Gold”, an irresistible dance friendly tune filled with lush vocals and funky horns. “Good People” is a mid-tempo stomper with slick keyboards and funky rhythm guitar. The aptly titled “Happy Song” is bursting with sparkling percussion, tasty horns and arm vocal harmonies. In the age of electronics and DIY production, Music For Robots is reminding us how enjoyable the sound of a sparkling rhythm section can be. Add some horns and sweet vocals with heartfelt lyrics and you got a bonafide banger.
10th January 2022
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Kodama Shade
Penya – The World Is Full Of Gentle Souls (Ink Project Remix) [Liminal Recordings]
Meeka Kates – Laredo [Boogie Angst]
Habibi Grooves – Imaginary Friends [Lisztomania]
Isaac Sasson – Manyanet [Olindo Records]
El O – Bats Toi! [My Bags]
Dream Crews feat. Hunger The Mc – 72 Skyline [Inner Tribe Records]
Greg Surmacz – Live In A Cave [XVI Records]
Pharoah Sanders – Moon Child [Music On Vinyl]
Timo Lassy – Sointu [We Jazz Records]
Tranquil Elephantizer – Sugarlump [Futureboogie Recordings]
Nu-Era – Sky Walk [Reinforced Records]
Mark Hawkins – The Wash [Unknown To The Unknown]
Nasiphi & Sthamzen – uNalanto [Vagrant Soundz]
Diogo Strausz – Emancipação [Razor-N-Tape Reserve]
Karyme – Solo Jig [Apparel Tronic]
Laroye & Abi Flynn – Rise [Atjazz Record Company]
Cyclonix – Careless [Broadcite]
Misho Urushadze – Startus Cloud [Bubbling Records]
Turbojazz feat. Jennyfire – Optimistic (Atjazz Love Soul Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Zoe’s Shanghai – Open & Hoping
K.O.G – Shidaa [Heavenly Sweetness]
Leo Pesci – No Secrets [Bridge The Gap]
Laurent Bardainne & Tigre d’Eau Douce – Adieu My Lord [Heavenly Sweetness]
Chris Karen – Upa Naguhino [Earful Records]
Jan Tober & Ron Satterfield – Focus [Mind Fluid Music]
3rd January 2022 – Best of 2021 Part 3
Apparel Wax – 008A2 [Apparel Music]
Sweatson Klank – Slow Dancing To A Fast Break [Friends of Friends]
R.O.D. (Rainie Of De’Lacy) – The Cure (Conway Kasey Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Radic The Myth – Chocolates & Charlotte [Stay True Sounds]
Milton Jackson – Birdsong [Freerange Records]
Sonarpilot – The Last Machine (Atjazz Rudinova Dub) [Sonarpilot Audio]
Tryangle Man – Night Jazz [Atjazz Record Company]
K15 – Feel More [Esencia]
Pete Josef – Giants (Jazzanova Remix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Crush Velvet (for Phlash) [Mother Tongue]
Kondi Band feat. Sweatson Klank – It’s God’s World (So Don’t Do Bad) [Strut Records]
Jembaa Groove – Bassa Bassa [Agogo Records]
Pigeon – Yagana [Soundway Records]
Kutiman – Guruji [Siyal Music]
EESKRA – Belong [Ramrock Records]
Stump Valley – Melodj Mecca [Soul Clap Records]
Inkswel feat. Andrew Ashong – Fallin’ (Eachother) [Atjazz Record Company]
My Friend Dario – Malvasia (Blair French Remix) [NuNorthern Soul]
Kuna Maze – Almost Gone [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Anthony Joseph – Calling England Home [Heavenly Sweetness]
As Valet feat. J.Mcfysian – Inevitable [Futuristica Music]
Pale Jay – Donny In Valdez
Sean Khan – Supreme Love – A Journey Through Coltrane [BBE Music]
With “Supreme Love”, UK saxophonist Sean Khan breathes new life into the timeless recordings of the saxophone colossus John Coltrane. Khan is joined by legendary UK jazz musicians Saxophonist Peter King and guitarist Jim Mullen as they cover different periods in the Tenor titan’s career. Vocalist Heidi Vogel, a supreme vocalist known for her work with the Cinematic Orchestra among others elevates the spiritual recordings of “A Love Supreme” and “Naima”. She equally shines on “Starchild” as well. Khan lets loose on “Cousin Mary”, one of Coltrane’s premiere bebop compositions. Also on board are Kaidi Tatham and Daz I Kue, two old friends from the broken beat movement. Tatham’s remixes on “Starchild” and “Azawala” are notable highlights. Khan’s journey through music has led him to this moment. Covering Coltrane’s work is no easy task but he has met the moment. A marvelous record that shouldn’t be missed.
https://seankhanfo.bandcamp.com/album/supreme-love-a-journey-through-coltrane
27th December 2021 – Best of 2021 Part 2
Scrimshire feat. Nat Birchall & Faye Houston – I Hear You, I See You [Albert’s Favourites]
Foat, Heinola, Åkerblom – Valley Of The Black Cats [Jazzaggression Records]
Marcus Joseph – What If? [Jazz re:freshed]
John Carroll Kirby – Sensing Not Seeing [Stones Throw Records]
Timo Lassy – Foreign Routes [We Jazz Records]
Archie The Goldfish – On a Summer’s Day [Funkiwala Records]
Mara TK – Highly Medicated [Extra Soul Perception]
Jerome Thomas – No B.S [Rhythm Section]
Plutonic Lab feat. Natalie Slade – Good Thing [Low Key Source]
LaNote – Forever There [Futuristica Music]
ditu – Schwarzweissfilm [Beat Department]
Dego feat. Samii – Recovered Memories [2000 Black]
Sean Khan – Starchild (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [BBE Music]
Menagerie – Hope [Freestyle Records]
Alex Malheiros feat. Sabrina Malheiros – Alto Verao [Far Out Recordings]
Aldorande – La Promesse Au Soleil [Favorite Recordings]
Basement Membrane – Banana [Inner Tribe Records]
LCSM & Shamis – Believe (LCSM Remix) [Dopeness Galore/INI Movement]
Soulparlor feat. Colonel Red – To Be More [Inner Tribe Records]
Sentinel 793 – Wormholes [Seagrave]
Calibre – Time To Breathe [Signature Recordings]
SPD – Pfhin [Keysound Recordings]
Low End Activist – Engineers Origins [Low End Activism]
K-65 – In My Mind [Seagrave]
Searchlight – Breathe [Fallen Tree 1Hundred]
Kmyle – Reptil [Still Techno]
20th December 2021 – Best of 2021 Part 1
Jose Mauro – Moenda [Far Out Recordings]
Viejas Raices – Los Berugos Wor [Altercat Records]
George Sauma Jr. – Você O Tempo Todo Para Mim [Favorite Recordings]
Lemos and Debtio – Morro Do Barraco Set Agua [Mr Bongo Records]
Jan Tober & Ron Satterfield – What Game Shall We Play Today? [Mind Fluid Music]
Spirits Rejoice – Standing Here Alone [Matsuli Music]
Ian Carr’s Nucleus – Images [Be With Records]
Hector Costita – Divagacao 6/8 [Dynamite Cuts]
Hiromasa Suzuki – Smash [Columbia]
Khan Jamal – The Known Unknown [Jazz Room Records]
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble – Wet Walnuts And Whipped Cream [Jazz Room Records]
Marcos Resende & Index – Nina Neném [Far Out Recordings]
Kamal Abdul Alim – Dance [Soul Brother Records]
Southern Energy Ensemble – Open Your Mind [Strut Records]
Bridge – Stella [High Jazz Records]
Sunbear – Let Love Flow For Peace [Soul Train]
Kenny Mann With Liquid Pleasure – Say What [Mad About Records]
Sivuca – Ain’t No Sunshine [Real Gone Music]
American Gypsy – Inside Out [Music On Vinyl]
The Ferry Brothers – ‘Til Mornin’ Comes [Favorite Recordings]
Asha Puthli – Space Talk [Mr Bongo Records]
Cláudio Bocca – Marsupial [Notes On A Journey]
The Patchouli Brothers – Project Soul [Moton Records Inc.]
New York Disco Orchestra – Get It Up And Dance [Espacial Discos]
Freeez – Stay [Far Out Recordings]
Jacob’s Optical Stairway – Solar Feelings [Reinforced Music]
13th December 2021
Jonny Tobin – Beachside Thoughts
Silent Titan feat. Apollo Fontane – Manifesto [Low Key Source]
Artizhan – Who Be The B [Apparel Tronic]
Greg Surmacz – A Brave Face [XVI Records]
The Blaxploited Orchestra – Until the Day [Compost Disco]
Embryo – Yu Mala [Madlib Invazion]
corto.alto – No, Pt. III [Worm Discs]
Hermeto Pascoal – Samba Do Belaqua [Far Out Recordings]
Alex Malheiros feat. Sabrina Malheiros – Prece [Far Out Recordings]
Sambôa – Ze Bede [Playa Sound]
Logg – Something Else [Salsoul Records]
AD Bourke – Equinox [Five Fold]
Jazzuelle feat. Aquatone – Nomadic Splendour [Stay True Sounds]
Boddhi Satva – Sácalo [BBE Music]
Rebecca Vasmant – Dance Yourself Free [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Veronique Page – From Dusk To Dawn [Motech Records]
Mercy System – Recognise [Voitax]
Martyn – Vancouver [3024]
Skream – Sub Island [Soul Jazz Records]
Data – Optimus Prime (Underdog Remix) [Sirkus]
Biggabush feat. Jackie Walters – This River [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
VA – Zepherin Saint presents Soulful Culture Vol. 2 [Tribe Records]
Producer Dean Zepherin, aka Zepherin Saint has amassed a tremendous collection of soulful afro house compositions over the last decade. The Harrow London native’s second installment of “Soulful Culture” is a delicious blend of soulful and deep house recordings from his Tribe recordings catalog. The superb compilation contains contributions from prominent DJs like Louie Vega, Larry Heard to premiere vocalists like Arnold Jarvis. This compilation has plenty of star power. The disc kicks off with “Directions” a simmering ten minute synergy of percussion and organ grinding grooves from percussionist Jab. Alex Attias pulls off a rare occurrence of Georgia Anne Muldrow on a house track with the soulful banger “I Wanna Know”. “Sweet Ting” by Trinidadian Deep is one of an array of deep spiritual house gems with lush rhythms on display here. “In The Distance” is an atmospheric soulful house heater from DJ Spinna. There’s far too many tasty house treats to mention here. Frankly, two plus hours of infectious house music never sounded better. Simply put “Soulful Culture Vol 2 is a triumph. Purchase, press play and get swept away.
https://www.beatport.com/release/zepherin-saint-presents-soulful-culture-vol-2/3588508