Various Artists – 20 Years of Bastard Jazz [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Since its inception in 2001 Bastard Jazz Recordings has been one of the premiere labels for hip-hop and boogie funk recordings. The Brooklyn based label has steadily bolstered its reputation as a home for emerging independent global talent. “20 Years of Bastard Jazz” highlights 20 tracks from a deep vault by an eclectic array of artists. The hip-hop duo Potatohead People are two of the frequent contributors to the label. “Bonzai View” is warm mellow synth funk while “Sunflower” is an infectious dance track courtesy of a DJ Spinna remix. “Keep It Working” from The Pendletons is a body shaking dance track with a tasty groove. LA based DJ/Producer B. Bravo’s brand of laid back synth funk is on display with “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You”. “Majestic Diver” by Manatee Commune has a swaying up-tempo groove tailor made for late night cruising. There’s much to savor from this non-stop boogie wonderland. As far as compilations go, you definitely need this one.
6th December 2021
Arno E. Mathieu – Aurora Baléaris [Compost Records]
Kerrier District – Ce Porte [Rephlex]
Dimitri From Paris & DJ Rocca – The Compass Point [Compost Disco]
Bonobo feat. Jordan Rakei – Shadows [Ninja Tune]
Atjazz & Mark de Clive-Lowe – Awake We Stay [Atjazz Record Company]
Kuna Maze – Raw Beef [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Marcos Valle – Gotta Love Again (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Jazz Is Dead]
Anthony Joseph – Swing Praxis (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Heavenly Sweetness]
Aurora Dee Raynes – Crazy That You Love [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Sons Of The Sun – Sun Gods [BBE Music]
Werther – Litoral [Altercat Records]
Brunno – Bossa [Notes On A Journey]
Atakora Manu – Dada [BBE Music]
Tata Vasquez And His Orchestra – Suite Guaracho Part 2 [Jazz Room Records]
Esperanto – Theme From Vegas [Favorite Recordings]
Dave Hubbard – Family Affair [Wewantsounds]
Lon Moshe & Southern Freedom Arkestra – Doin’ the Carvin’ for Thabo [Strut Records]
Jan Tober & Ron Satterfield – What Game Shall We Play Today? [Mind Fluid Music]
Hector Costita – Avessos [Dynamite Cuts]
Paul Johnson & Daz-I-Kue – Celebrate [BBE Music]
Lone Catalysts feat. Talib Kweli & Rubix – Due Process [B.U.K.A. Entertainment]
ParanormL feat. Dannu of Visionaries – Park Place
House of EL – Something Special
Alphabets Heaven – Dopé 1 [Dopé]
Martine Girault – Revival [RCA]
Teddy Bryant – Are You Lonely [NBN Records]
Jamire Williams feat. Kenneth Whalum – When It Gets Dark [International Anthem]
Moonchild feat. Alex Isley – You Got One [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
29th November 2021
Alex Malheiros – Telegramas Para Arp [Far Out Recordings]
Opa – Montevideo [Milestone]
Aldorande – La Promesse Au Soleil [Favorite Recordings]
Southern Energy Ensemble – The Best Part of Me Southern Energy [Strut Records]
Ilmiliekki Quartet – Follow The Damn Breadcrumbs [We Jazz Records]
Alex Fisher – The Cabin
Siegfried Kessler & Serge Bringolf – Sigi Dance [BBE Music]
Hampshire & Foat – The Upturned Glass Part 1 [Blue Crystal Records]
Scrimshire feat. Miryam Solomon – Heron [Albert’s Favourites]
The Degrees – All Said And Done [Fallen Tree 1Hundred]
Blu Mar Ten – Slipstream [Good Looking Records]
Jembaa Groove – Amale [Agogo Records]
Awkward Corners feat. Tamar Osborn – No Words (Hector Plimmer Remix) [Shapes of Rhythm]
Rosie Frater-Taylor – Better Days (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Bridge The Gap]
Mitch von Arx – Wedges
Wajatta – Do You Even Care Anymore [Brainfeeder Records]
O.Boogie feat. Tableek – Paperchaser [Rush Hour]
Milton Jackson – Lockdown Love [Freerange Records]
Ilija Rudman – Sparks [BBE Music]
Fred Everything & Trevor Walker – E.S.M. (Earth, Sun, Moon) (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix) [Compost Records]
Etienne Jaumet – Repeat Again After Me [Versatile Records]
22nd November 2021
Searchlight – Breathe [Fallen Tree 1Hundred]
Niklas Worgt feat. Flavor Fay – Panther [Sonderling]
Jordan Rakei – Send My Love (Live at Metropolis Studios) [Ninja Tune]
The Midnight Hour – Jazz Is Dead (Georgia Anne Muldrow Geemix) [Jazz Is Dead]
DJ Simon S feat. Georgie Sweet – Sunshine Through The Trees (Simon S Futuristica Re-Fix) [Futuristica Music]
Dream Crews- 21 Type 3 [Inner Tribe Records]
Shamek Farrah & Folks – Along Came Ron Rahsaan [Jazz Room Records]
Ill Considered – First Light [New Soil]
Sean Khan – Cousin Mary [BBE Music]
Malik Alston Presents Painted Pictures – Rise Up (Savannah) [The Jazz Diaries]
Kai Alcé feat. Rico – Take a Chance (Fingers Ambient Acid Mix) [Tribe Records]
Round One – I’m Your Brother [Main Street Records]
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Sorceress [Mother Tongue]
Pigeon – Yagana [Soundway Records]
Tranquil Elephantizer – Sugarlump [Futureboogie Recordings]
Sentinel 793 – Sung Ups [Universal Magnetic Radio]
China Charmeleon feat. Radiane – Starlight [Stay True Sounds]
United Disco Organisation – Funky Thing [ATA Records]
Linda Clifford – From Now On [Curtom Records]
House Of EL – Something Special
Sugarhill Gang – Rapper’s Delight [Sugar Hill Records]
15th November 2021
The Lloyd McNeill Quartet – Just 71% Moor [Soul Jazz Records]
The Lloyd McNeill Quartet– As A Matter Of Fact [Universal Sound]
Lloyd McNeill – O Mercado (Brazilian Market) [Soul Jazz Records]
Turn On The Spotlight – Kelp Forest [Tokonoma Records]
Viejas Raices – El viaje de Dumpty [Altercat Records]
Agustin Pereyra Lucena Quartet – Pra Que Chorar [Far Out Recordings]
Àbáse feat. Danilo Fonseca, Letieres Leite – Salasiano [Oshu Records]
The KBCS – Deep Color Jam [Sonar Kollektiv]
The Filthy Six feat. Snowboy – Mr. Shmingle Bangle [Color Red]
Lance Ferguson’s Rare Groove Spectrum – Far Beyond [Freestyle Records]
Sons Of Sun – The Journey [BBE Music]
Freeez – Stay [Far Out Recordings]
East West Connection feat. Pete Trotman – Once I’ve Been There [Chillifunk Records]
Inkswell feat. Andrew Ashong – Eachother (Fallin’) (Si Tew Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Chronical Deep – With A Smile [Stay True Sounds]
Atjazz & Mark de Clive-Lowe – Awake We Stay [Atjazz Record Company]
Teddy Douglas – Land of Love (John Lundun Remix) [Tribe Records]
Rhythm Is Rhythm – Emanon [Network Records]
Nu Era – Blackhole In The Sun [Reinforced Records]
Breaka – Solaria [Breaka]
Damian’s Ghost – On The Mist [Astrophonica]
Drumagick – Night In Tunisia [Vinyl Vibes Records]
8th November 2021
Peter Matson – Roma Norte (Jimpster Remix) [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Radic The Myth – Chocolates & Charlotte [Stay True Sounds]
Milton Jackson – Birdsong [Freerange Records]
Domu – Heartbeat [Neroli]
Sampology feat. Allysha Joy – Suffer and Swim [Middle Name Records]
Om Unit – Angles
Artizhan – Tandoori Boutique [Apparel Tronic]
Boddhi Satva – Xangô [BBE Music]
Jembaa Groove – Bassa Bassa [Agogo Records]
Atakora Manu – Cape Coast Cousin [BBE Music]
Wether – Terça Feira [Altercat Records]
Al Jarreau – Agua De Beber [Reprise Records]
Cláudio Bocca – Marsupial [Notes On A Journey]
Alex Malheiros feat. Sean Khan – Retrato [Far Out Recordings]
Justine – Wordless Songs [Left Ear Records]
John Carroll Kirby – Rainmaker [Stones Throw Records]
Hector Costita – Divagacao 6/8 [Dynamite Cuts]
Daniel Casimir – Boxed In [Jazz Re:freshed]
MF Robot – Gold (Atjazz Remix) [BBE Music]
Searchlight – Breathe [Fallen Tree 1Hundred]
Basement Membrane feat. Stan Smith – Greatness Challenge [Inner Tribe Records]
Up Hygh feat. Eska – Be Known (Owusu Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Mecca:83 – Love Is The Bond
Deca – Sleepwalker [Def Pressé Editions]
Moonchild – Too Good [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
1st November 2021
Public Enemy – Shut Em Down [Def Jam Recordings]
Gang Starr – Take A Rest [Cooltempo]
Silent Titan feat. Skyzoo – Worth it All [Low Key Source]
Dream Crews- 21 Type 3 [Inner Tribe Records]
Vels Trio – The Wad [Rhythm Section International]
The KBCS feat. Olivier St. Louis – Pockets [Sonar Kollektiv]
Blundetto meets Booker Gee – Take Me With You (Unreleased Discomix Version) [Favorite Recordings]
2000 Black feat. Nadine Charles – Simple Sacrifice [2000 Black]
Ana Mazzotti – O Filho Do Homem [Far Out Recordings]
Dos Santos – Glorieta [International Anthem]
Quantic & Nidia Gongora – Almas Conectadas [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Penya feat. Ruben Bulnes – False Prophets [Liminal Recordings]
corto.alto feat. Franz Von – Brotherhood [Worm Discs]
Awkward Corners – Not Now Karen [Shapes Of Rhythm]
Rosie Frater-Taylor – Better Days (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Bridge The Gap]
Aldorande – La Pierre Des Mondes [Favorite Recordings]
Pigeon – Yagana [Soundway Records]
Wheeler Del Torro feat. Kenny Bobien – Thinking Of You (Doug Gomez Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Eduard0 – Anfibio [Apparel Music]
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Joyful Resistance Part II [Mother Tongue]
Artizhan – Warm In Winter [Apparel Tronic]
Ian Carr’s Nucleus – Whapatiti [Be With Records]
Sean Khan – Azawala [BBE Music]
Southern Energy Ensemble – Third House [Strut Records]
Steve Kuhn – A Change Of Face [ECM Records]
Jordan Rakei – What We Call Life [Ninja Tune]
Jordan Rakei’s fourth studio album “What We Call Life” is his most personal release to date. On the ten track release, he opens up about dealing with his anxieties through therapy. In addition he comes to terms with his parents divorce from years ago to finding love. The result of Rakei bearing his soul is arguably his best album to date. “Unguarded” is a beautiful ballad intertwined with alluring strings and synths. “Send My Love” is an up-tempo groover that glistens with warm synth arrangements. On “Wings”, Rakei merges rugged guitar grooves with spacey electronics. Through it all Rakei’s honey toned falsetto shines ever so brightly and provides pure joy. Whether it’s his Dan Kye alias, numerous guest appearances or his solo projects, Rakei’s star status continues to rise. There’s no doubt you’ll get swept away by these glorious compositions.
Boomerang Records Presents: Global Sounds [Boomerang Records]
Global Sounds is a collaboration of artists from around the world creating infectious groove infused electronic compositions. The lineup is stellar with appearances by Steve Spacek, Scrimshire, Afronaut Zu and many more. The disc kicks off in a mellow mood with “Say No More” featuring the blissed out vocals of Bryony Jarman-Pinto. London based vocalist Andre Espeut appears on three tracks and each are high energy bangers. He teams up with DJ/Producer Footshooter on “Looking Back” and pairs with producer Duke High on “Pilolo With Me”. On the broken beat flavored “Sunrays” he’s joined by multi-instrumentalist Mark De Clive Lowe. Each track offers an eclectic pairing that pushes the boundaries that are both cohesive and impressive.
Daniel Casimir: Boxed In [Jazz Re:freshed]
UK Bassist Daniel Casimir grabbed our attention with the 2019 release “These Days”. With his full length debut “Boxed In” he flexes his notable chops not only as a bassist but as a composer as well. On this set he blends traditional jazz compositions with heavenly string arrangements. Casimir fills out his quintet with some of London’s premiere musicians. Nubya Garcia’s soothing tenor aligns with trumpeter James Copus”s warm melodic tone throughout the disc. The title track and “Safe Pt 1” are among the highlights. Singer Ria Moran showcases her songwriting skills on “Get Even” as well as two other tunes. Is Casmir boxed in? Just the opposite, he’s serving notice that he can play and compose in all matter of styles. A marvelous album that’s dramatic at times but overall pure elegance.
25th October 2021
Breaka – Solaria [Breaka]
PFM – For Caron (Are You Ready)
The Underwolves – Sunrise (12″ Edit) [Fat Fox]
Sentinel 793 – Bell My Buzzer [Universal Magnetic Radio]
Rima – Forward [Jazzanova Compost Records]
Stevie Wonder – Do I Do [Motown]
Sons of the Sun – The Journey [BBE Music]
Scrimshire feat. Ursula Rucker – Boldly [Albert’s Favourites]
Pale Jay – Donny In Valdez [PLYGRND Music]
Scrimshire feat. Nat Birchall & Faye Houston – I Hear You, I See You [Albert’s Favourites]
Lon Moshe & Southern Freedom Arkestra – Love Is Where The Spirit Lies [Strut Records]
Viejas Raices – Los Berugos Wor [Altercat Records]
Lamento – Oliviadoes
Tamba 4 – Chant of Ossanha [A&M Records]
Alex Malheiros feat. Sabrina Malheiros – Alto Verao [Far Out Recordings]
Jaga Jazzist – The Shrine (Petter Eldh Remix) [Brainfeeder]
Bardainne Jaumet – Vapeur de Mercure [Heavenly Sweetness]
Radic The Myth – Chocolates & Charlotte [Stay True Sounds]
Julien Dyne – Resolution [Soundway Records]
Sonarpilot – City In The Sky (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix) [Sonarpilot Audio]
18th October 2021
Afrikan Liberation Arts Ensemble – First World [Life Goes On Records]
Southern Energy Ensemble – Open Your Mind [Strut Records]
Barcelona Traction – Estudi en Afro [Picap]
Ian Carr’s Nucleus – Images [Be With Records]
Orquestra Afro-Brasileira – Preto Velho e Yayá [Day Dreamer]
Quarteto Novo – Fica Mal Com Deus [EMI Music]
Luiz Morais – Pra Cantar Samba [LM Music]
Teddy Bryant – Are You Lonely [NBN Records]
Peshay – The Real Thing [Mo Wax]
Jacob’s Optical Stairway – Twenty Four Steps [Reinforced Music]
Buckley – 38th Street [Northside Records]
SPD – A49 [Roska Kicks & Snares]
Kuna Maze – Almost Gone [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
SofaTalk – Perseverance [Inner Tribe Records]
Kemeticjust presents Terrance Downs – We R Culture (Wipe The Needle Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Jazzuelle feat. Tee Maestro – Nova [Stay True Sounds]
Sunbear – I Heard the Voice of Music Say [Soul Train]
Con Funk Shun – If You’re In Need Of Love [Mercury]
Freeez – Keep In Touch [Calibre/Far Out Recordings]
Aldorande – Fenêtres Sur Le Temps [Favorite Recordings]
Rob Edwards – Lonely Lover (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Inner Tribe Records]
Jonwayne – After The Calm [Stones Throw Records]
11th October 2021
B.J. Smith & Huw Costin – Shinrin-Yoku [NuNorthern Soul]
Sarah Williams White – Nebula [First Word Records]
Jamire Williams feat. Fat Tony & Zeroh – Safe Travels [International Anthem]
Om Unit – Subway Track
Jacob’s Optical Stairway – Solar Feelings [Reinforced Music]
D Product – Faithless [V Recordings]
Basement Membrane – CBD Cream [Inner Tribe Records]
Restless Soul – Emotion Control [SSR]
Surprise Chef – Crayfish Caper (Nuyorican Broken Remix) [Mr Bongo]
Solid Gold Playaz – Who’s Playin For Ya [Freerange Records]
Decent Rides – Spirit From The Streets [Apparel Music]
Alton Miller & Boddhi Satva – See the Day [Atal]
Buddynice feat. Pushguy – Unleashed [Atjazz Record Company]
As Valet – Come True (Quet Dawn Remix) [Futuristica Music]
Malik Alston – Painted Pictures [The Jazz Diaries]
MF Robots – Gold [BBE Music]
Carl Carlton – Universal Girl [ABC Records]
Alex Malheiros feat. Sabrina Malheiros – Alto Verao [Far Out Recordings]
John Carroll Kirby – Swallow Tail [Stones Throw Records]
Spirits Rejoice – Standing Here Alone [Matsuli Music]
Marengo – Puente De Esperanza [Soundway Records]
Darondo – Let My People Go [Luv N’ Haight]
Balimaya Project – Soninka Patronba [Jazz Refreshed]
4th October 2021
Dos Santos – A Shot In The Dark [International Anthem]
Patrice Rushen – Remind Me [Elektra]
Scrimshire feat. Idris Rahman – Love In Dreams [Albert’s Favourites]
JK Group – Kempton [La Sape Records]
Menagerie – Hope [Freestyle Records]
Kansas Smitty – Water Dance [7K!]
Pie Eye Collective feat. MettaShiba – Hymn [Albert’s Favourites]
Super Smoky Soul & Guilty Simpson – Knockout Kings [Circulations]
KRTS – Hold On [Project: Mooncircle]
Idrissa Sissoko – Wari [Offering Recordings]
Kondi Band – She Don’t Love You [Strut Records]
Lucid Lucia – Stuck In The Well [SDBAN ULTRA]
Leroy Burgess & LOGG – Dance Till U Can’t (Broken Boogie Mix) [Omniverse Records]
Magic Music – Steppin’ Out [Past Due Records]
The Goods feat. Steve Spacek – Feels 4U [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Jonny Miller – Starz [Jus’listen]
Secret Witness – Secret Witness [Bienvenue Recordings]
Jan Kincl – South Side 128 [BBE Music]
Kmyle – Reptil [Still Techno]
Sonarpilot – The Last Machine (Atjazz Rudinova Dub) [Sonarpilot Audio]
Lexis Meets Universal – Groove Therapy (Photek Remix) [Certificate 18]
Loxy & Ink – Embrace The Meaning [R&S Records]
Commix feat. Steve Spacek – How You Gonna Feel [Metalheadz]
Sampology: Regrowth [Middle Name Records]
On the strength of two impressive EPs, Brisbane native DJ/Producer Sampology embarks on an atmospheric journey with “Regrowth”. The disc is filled with sublime recordings intended to heal the soul during these trying times. “Suffer and Swim” is one of many highlights, a warm and blissful composition heightened by warm guitar rhythms courtesy of Beau Diako and the blissful vocals of 30/70 member Allysha Joy. “Reassemble” is another delight that features James Chatburn’s soft falsetto vocals layered over tender guitar strokes and subtle horn arrangements. “Ten Foot Flowers” starts out with spiritual hymns laced with hypnotic tenor sax melodies that gives way to a brooding mid-tempo groove. Once again Austrailia blesses us with an essential album from their deep pool of emerging artists. While the first EPs featured tasty doses of sampling, “Regrowth” flourishes with live instrumentation throughout. As I was listening to this record, I was instantly transported to somewhere on a beach comforted by a warm Summer breeze. Your imagination may take you somewhere else but not without this marvelous record.