Makez: City Of All [Heist Recordings]
The Amsterdam based duo known as Makez’s full length debut “City Of All” is the follow up to their impressive 2019 debut EP “Different Planets”. Like their EP, this release is filled with big bold infectious house and down-tempo grooves. “Not So Different” is loaded with masculine energy, pulsating beats and guest vocals courtesy of Lyma. “Feel The Same” is another banger with a big majestic sound, heightened by bombastic cymbals and soaring vocals that punctuate the groove. The duo demonstrate their range as producers isn’t beholden to house. “Looking Up” is a slow burning down-tempo tune augmented by the seductive vocals of Allysha Joy. “Orbit” is an orgasmic blend of jazz, latin and funk that has a meditative quality to it. There’s a deep well of warmth to these compositions. The house tracks aren’t just for dance floor consumption, they’re perfectly suited for any setting. The other tunes are equally impressive. These guys are showcasing a lot of talent here. They’ve crafted a superb album that should make them a household names before long.
As Valet: Virgo Stellar [Futuristica]
Parisian Producer/beat maker As Valet, former member of the group Electric Conversation delivers a deep dish of soulful electronic grooves with “Virgo Stellar”. Valet’s abstract compositions underline his skill at cultivating an ecosystem of sublime electronica. Whether it’s downtempo or infectious deep house, the result is a deep dish of musical goodness. “Come True” is a warm and mellow house gem that glides underneath the blissful vocals of former Electric Conversation member LaNote, who is featured throughout the disc. “Verite’ Sur L’amour” has a deep and percolating beat that is augmented by the vocals of J.Mcfysian and LaNote. “Lab E Aint” is the lone instrumental and is a slice of heaven due in part to the sublime blending of electronica, wordless harmonies and atmospheric grooves. This is a terrific release from a producer who shamefully remains under the radar. This release should provide the shine he rightfully deserves.
28th June 2021
Jerome Thomas – Secret [Rhythm Section]
Jordan Rakei – Family [Ninja Tune]
Jazz Liberatorz – Ease My Mind [Kif Recordings]
Kashmere – The Ark [Receptor Records]
Homeboy Sandman – Go Hard
The Fantastics! – Take A Shot [BBE Music]
Emanative & Liz Elensky feat. Vince Vella – Tea Leaf Dancers [Home Planet Recordings]
Ebi Soda – Ecchi [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Guy One – To Kale Na’nabala [Philophon Records]
David Walters – Vansé (Voilaaa Remix) [Heavenly Sweetness]
Grupo X – El Sazón [Loft Records]
Hiromasa Suzuki – Smash [Columbia]
Scrimshire feat. Nat Birchall & Faye Houston – I Hear You, I See You [Albert’s Favourites]
Archie the Goldfish – On a Summer’s Day [Funkiwala Records]
Edson & Tita Lôbo – Meus Amigos [Parejhara]
Trio Mocotó – A Rosa [Mr Bongo Records]
Raul De Souza – Fortune [Capitol Records]
Profusion – Messages [First Word Records]
Wax Doctor – Atmospheric Funk [Talkin’ Loud]
Groove Boys Project – From Saturne To Planete Keraw [Amsem Records]
Inkswel feat. Ruru.432 – Say You Love Me [Atjazz Record Company]
Henry Keen feat. Ben Hadwen – Dexter’s Breakfast
24hr Experience – Jazz From The Heart (Old Skool Re-Edit) [Nice ‘N’ Ripe]
Sweatson Klank – Slow Dancing To A Fast Break [Friends of Friends]
Arnheim – Circulate Home [ANMA Records]
Moodymann feat. CD – Keep On Coming [CircoLoco Records]
Kevin Hedge feat. Rick Galactik – Reach For The Stars (Atjazz Love Soul Remixes) [Quantize Recordings]
21st June 2021
Lustre – Find My Way
Portico Quartet – Line (SBTRKT Remix) [Real World]
Mala – Tribal [Brownswood Recordings]
Loxy & Ink – Embrace The Meaning [R&S Records]
Calibre – Deranged [Soul:r]
Special Forces – The Bleeps Tune [Photek Productions]
KRTS – Hold On (Glenn Astro Remix) [Project Mooncircle]
Jay.Soul – Have U Everr (No Perc Mix)
Barton Think feat. Colonel Red & Dynamite MC – Beautiful Place [Time Is The Enemy]
Blue Dream – Sandwich Dub [Tangential Music]
Ashantis – Safari [BBE Music]
El Turronero – Si Yo Volviera A Nacer (Aires De Huelva) [NuNorthern Soul]
Jay Dee – Strange Funky Games & Things [Warner Bros. Records]
The Ensemble Al Salaam – Circles [Ubiquity Records]
The Descendants Of Mike & Phoebe – Coltrane [Superfly Records]
Victor Feldman – Minor Catastrophe [Choice]
Duke Pearson – Sandalia Dela [Blue Note Records]
Jose Mauro – Moenda [Far Out Recordings]
Arthur – So Close To You [BBE Music]
Karmasound & FootNote feat. Mabreeze & Callum Connell – Peace of Mind [ANMA & Cognitiva Records]
Sampology feat. Allysha Joy – Suffer and Swim [Middle Name Records]
Sci-Clone – Close [People]
Jimpster – Dangly Panther [Freerange Records]
Pat Bedeau – Dance Of The Inca’s (Atjazz Love Soul Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Rebecca Vasmant – Internal Dispute (MB Edit)
JAB – Directions [Joon Dada Records]
14th June 2021
Sam Sanders – Face At My Window [BBE Music]
Doug Hammond & David Durrah – Wake Up Brothers [Tribe Records]
Kathryn Moses – Music In My Heart [PM]
Shamek Farrah & Folks – Waiting For Marvin [Jazz Room Records]
Timo Lassy – Orlo [We Jazz Records]
Niteflyte – If You Want It [Ariola Records]
Bridge – Reach Out [High Jazz]
Talc – Modern Sleepover [Wah Wah 45s]
Plutonic Lab feat. Sunny Reyne – Falling [Low Key Source]
Teis Ortved – Leave [Bathurst]
Paranorml feat. Tiombe Lockhart
Ullr – Dawn
Yelfris Valdés – Full Moon (LCSM Remix) [Múscia Macondo Records]
Sentinel 793 – Hat Rocks [Seagrave]
Kemeticjust presents Just One – Ignited (Bruk Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Amazin Five – Only With You [Tramp Records]
Roy Ayers / Wayne Henderson – Step Into Our Life [Polydor]
Javonntte – SOS [The Jazz Diaries]
Makèz feat. Allysha Joy – Looking up [Heist Recordings]
Soulphiction – White Ropes [Freude am Tanzen Records]
Moroka – Glassala [Apron Records]
Abel feat. Marcel & Elliot – Tornado (Fred Everything Raw Dub For H) [Atjazz Record Company]
Kid Fonque & D-Malice feat. Ruby White – Life Is Real (China Charmeleon Remix) [Stay True Sounds]
Pat Kalla & Le Super Mojo – Président [Heavenly Sweetness]
Sidiku Buari – Koko Si [BBE Music]
7th June 2021
Kraak & Smaak feat. iogi – All I Need [Boogie Angst]
Stump Valley – Melodj Mecca [Soul Clap Records]
The Ferry Brothers – ‘Til Mornin’ Comes [Favorite Recordings]
Carl Smith And The Natural Gas Company – Get It Right [BBE Music]
Zoe’s Shanghai – Mother [The Orchard]
Rebecca Vasmant – Jewels Of Thought [Rebecca’s Records]
Nicola Guida – Sycophant [Inner Circle Music]
Jose Mauro – A Viagem das Horas [Far Out Recordings]
Orlandivo – Tamanco No Samba [Mr Bongo]
Chris Kennedy – Good Times [Ecke Records]
SPD – Pfhin [Keysound Recordings]
The Funky Technicians – Airtight (Remix) [Legend Records]
J-Shadow – Atlantis [Sneaker Social Club]
The Diabolical Liberties – Bigger Than You [On The Corner Records]
N’draman Blintch – Essika-Ti [Hot Mule]
Feiertag feat. Msafiri Zawose – Trepidation (Kyodai Afro Mix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Oyobi feat. Maite Inea & QVLN – Crossroads (Vincent Sebastian & Atjazz Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Dego – Stained With The Tears On Their Faces [2000 Black]
Velour – Into The Blue (Footshooter Remix) [Wolf Music Recordings]
Men From The Nile – Watch Them Come (Jazzanova Remix) [Undaground Therapy Muzik]
Blaze Presents James Toney Jr. Project – Elevation [Life Line Records]
New York Disco Orchestra – Get It Up And Dance [Espacial Discos]
Flamingo Pier: Flamingo Pier [Soundway]
New Zealand collective Flamingo Pier’s self titled full length debut is filled with punchy Disco, funky boogie and infectious house tunes. This album builds on the highly regarded EPs released in 2019 and 2020. The nine track release packs quite a punch right out of the gate. “Eternal” has elements of classic Disco with soaring strings, sweet horns and infectious drums courtesy of label mate Julien Dyne. Another label mate, saxophonist Nathan Haines shares production duties on the tasty house banger “Last Call”. The eight minute banger will be an instant floor filler for many DJs. “Make You Wonder” has a percolating guitar infused boogie groove. The entire disc has an uplifting vibe that stems from a year of being in lockdown. The band was finally able to gather together in the studio and the energy manifested into a joyful recording that’s certain to make you dance, toe tap or however you choose to move.
Rolf Zielke: Beaches In Your Soul [Agogo]
Pianist Rolf Zielke’s engaging release “Beaches In Your Soul” is a tasty stew of contemporary Jazz with a tinge of Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences as well. Zielke and his band come out the gate swinging on the elegant “Awakening”. Saxophonist Stephan Abel’s warm yet robust melodies are the perfect compliment to Zielke’s shimmering flourishes. Cellist Stephen Braun adds another layer of melodic brilliance on strings. Braun shines even brighter on “Night Sea Journey”, a blissful atmospheric composition. Mohannad Nasser’s strumming on the oud adds a touch of a Middle Eastern vibe woven together perfectly. Zielke’s elegant playing and arrangements will evoke images of Bill Evans but he’s clearly carving out an identity for himself here. “Okavango Serenade” is a lovely ballad enhanced by Trumpeter Beeny Brown’s sublime melodies. Zielke’s playing and songwriting are top notch. The musicians on board here rise to the occasion. He has demonstrated a great deal of creativity by weaving a multitude of cultures into a deeply satisfying set. No doubt more attention will be coming his way.
Dego: The Negative Positive [2000 Black]
“The Negative Positive”, the latest from DJ/Producer Dego is filled with instrumental grooves and tasty vocal treats. Dego seamlessly blurs the lines between soul, boogie and broken beat and has built an impressive catalog since his partnership with Marc Mac as 4Hero. Under his 2000 black label, he has released countless grooves and bangers for himself as well as collaborations with mainstays like Kaidi Tathum, Lord & Ranks among others. With this release Dego has pulled back the tempo but the tracks still pack quite a punch. “This Is A Message To You” is one of the strongest tunes here. A catchy mid-tempo tune enhanced by Nadine Charles lovely vocals. The title is filled with effusive beats and funky synths. Vocalist Samii warms up the laid back boogie tune “Recovered Memories”. For moments when you need to chill this record will serve as the perfect antidote.
Wheel Up: Good Love [Tru Thoughts]
Danny Wheeler aka DJ Wheel Up releases his much anticipated full length debut “Good Love”. Wheeler teams up with broken beat pioneer Afonaut from Bugz In The Attic fame as well as his own solo projects. The essence of broken beat personifies this disc and the lead track “Good Love” is evidence of that. The infectious banger features Alabama based rapper Blint Story and vocalist Destiny Will and ignites instant body movement. It’s certain to find it’s way onto several DJs playlist. “Rise Above” is another Bruk flavored classic that features drum n bass duo Pola & Bryson, aka “Abacus”. Blint Story shows up again on the politically tinged Bruk banger “Stay For Long” which is woefully too short at under three minutes. Bembe Segue, a long time contributor to a number of Broken beat compositions with a number of artists displays her unique vocals to the boogie groover “Fusion”. “Good Love” is a triumph that celebrates broken beat and club culture. It’s an album filled with joyful vibes that deserves heavy rotation.
31st May 2021
Soulphiction – Midnight Funk Infinity [Sonar Kollektiv]
Soulphiction feat. Marcin Oz – Prison Song [Sonar Kollektiv]
Soulphiction – What’s Your Name [Freude am Tanzen Records]
Soulphiction – Used [Sonar Kollektiv]
Basic Rhythm – 3am On The Corner [Hypercolour]
Rafael Moraes feat. Jesse Gannon – Fingers [Yoruba Records]
Kid Fonque feat. Sio – In Love (China Charmeleon Remix) [Stay True Sounds]
Yelfris Valdés – Ancestry (K15 Remix) [Múscia Macondo Records]
DJ Q & Hans Glader – Thief in the Night (Al Wootton Remix) [Local Action]
Future Jazz Ensemble & XL Regular – Astral Sorcery [ANMA & Cognitiva Records]
Tek 9 & Sonar Circle – Filigree [AKO Beatz]
Apparel Wax – 009B3 [Apparel Wax]
Calibre – Good Times [Signature Recordings]
Peace Orchestra – Double Drums [G-Stone Recordings]
Ullr – Nut Cracker
Jerome Thomas – No B.S [Rhythm Section]
Potatohead People x De La Soul – Baby Got Work (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Bastard Jazz]
Larry Nozero – Tune For L.N. [BBE Music]
Freddie Hubbard – D Minor Mint [Blue Note Records]
Family of Eve – I Wanna Be Loved By You [BBE Music]
The Weavers Of Dreams – Weavers of Dreams [Super Disco Edits]
Dr Robert Blackman – Master Of Wood [Re:Warm]
Secret Night Gang – Journey [Brownswood Recordings]
Ten City – Under You [Columbia]
24th May 2021
Hector Plimmer – Still Here (Alexandra Hamilton Ayers Remix) [Albert’s Favourites]
K-65 – In My Mind [Seagrave]
Use Of Weapons – Switchblade [Droppin’ Science]
Lewis Parker – Incognito [Melankolic]
Hearin’ Aid – Meet My Approval (Up Hygh Remix)
Mara TK – Moon Song [Extra Soul Perception]
Edseven feat. Tan Brown – MGIC [Inner Tribe Records]
Plutonic Lab feat. Natalie Slade – Good Thing [Low Key Source]
Mato – Summer Madness [Stix Records]
The Haggis Horns – Give It Up (Don’t Take Part In The Madness) (Abstract Orchestra Remix) [Haggis Records]
Ricardo Bomba – Flutando [Far Out Recordings]
Westside – Don’t Take It Away [Favorite Recordings]
EESKRA – Belong [Ramrock Records]
Sweatson Klank – Slow Dancing To A Fast Break [Friends of Friends]
K.Mo feat. Byron The Aquarius – Space Funk [Wayout Records]
Elliott Hollins – Could You, Would You [Atjazz Record Company]
Blaze – Directions (Direct Mix One) [Spiritual Life Music]
Inkswel feat. Dwight Trible, Planetself & Michele Manzo – Astral Love (SMBD Ass-Tron-O-Mix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Pat Kalla & Le Super Mojo – Calin Bresil [Pura Vida Sounds/Heavenly Sweetness]
Damu the Fudgemunk- Archie Shepp & Raw Poetic – Tulips [Redefinition Records]
Gordon Beck – The Hustler [Jazzman Records]
The Parker Brothers – I Don’t Want To Make Believe [Favorite Recordings]
The Judy Roberts Band – Fantasy [Madonna Records]
George Duke – Brazilian Sugar [Epic]
Chico Hamilton – Mysterious Maiden [Elektra]
17th May 2021
Mark Graham feat. Sheila Ellis – We Dont Need Any Guns We Have Ideas [Smooth Agent Records]
Sun Circle – Life Stories (Reprise) [Futuristica Music]
Mathias Modica – Nippon Jonetsu [Kryptox]
Machinedrum feat. Mono/Poly & Tanerelle – Star (Shelley FKA DRAM Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Lootpack feat. Quasimoto – Answers [Stones Throw Records]
BudaMunk – Swivel [Kingtone]
LaNote – Alright (Mecca:83 Remix) [Futuristica Music]
Jose Mauro – Moenda [Far Out Recordings]
Sivuca – Ain’t No Sunshine [Real Gone Music]
Francisco Mora Catlett – Amazona [Far Out Recordings]
Arthur – So Close To You [BBE Music]
Carl Smith And The Natural Gas Company – Livin’ A Dream [BBE Music]
Mpeshnyk – Broken [Atjazz Record Company]
Domu – Let Me Be [Archive]
SPD – Pfhin [Keysound Recordings]
Agile Experiments – Inspectawreck
Babs Robert & The Love Planet – Pro Forma 1 [seriE.WOC]
Herbie Hancock – Palm Grease [Columbia]
JAB – Preface [Joon Dada Records]
Pete Josef – Giants (Jazzanova Remix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Maroki – Birchgrove Pleasure Gardens [E-Beamz]
Apparel Wax – 009A3 [Apparel Wax]
Saidêra – Deixa Tudo Fluir (Ray Mang Mix) [Lets Play House]
Urban Sound Gallery – Introduce My Love [Clairaudience]
Arthur Verocai – Bis [Far Out Recordings]
10th May 2021
June Evans – Hardly Need To Say [Izipho Soul]
Kashif – Say Something Love [Arista]
Aura Safari – Niagara [Terrasolare]
Sweet Maya – Good Day [Luv N’ Haight]
Mara TK feat. 2My – Grew up Inna Chaos [Extra Soul Perception]
Amaro Freitas – Baquaqua [Far Out Recordings]
Anthony Joseph – Maka Dimweh [Heavenly Sweetness]
Sonny Fortune – Perihelion [Atlantic]
Idris Muhammad – The Saddest Thing [Kudu]
Rebecca Vasmant – With Love, From Glasgow [Rebecca’s Records]
The Regime – Deuzy Vibe [Izipho Soul]
Kenny Mann – Fun [Mad About Records]
Dego feat. Nadine Charles – This Is Message To You [2000 Black]
Sean Khan – Starchild [BBE Music]
Mark de Clive-Lowe & André Espeut – Sunrays [Boomerang Records]
WheelUp – Vitruvian Man [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Freeez – Flying High [Beggars Banquet]
Sneaky Jesus – Battledance (Awkward Corners Remix) [Shapes of Rhythm]
Sio – Woman feat. Charles Webster [Stay True Sounds]
FRZVL feat. Erik Rico – People Get Up [Big Box Recordings]
Fred Everything – Alone (Together) [Atjazz Record Company]
Cyclonix – Thrax [Amalgama Music]
Yelfris Valdés – Aceleyo Aña (Quantic Remix) [Múscia Macondo]
Inkswel feat. Andrew Ashong – Fallin (Eachother) [Atjazz Record Company]
3rd May 2021
Jose Mauro – Moenda [Far Out Recordings]
Ed Motta – Sus-Tenta [Whatmusic]
Lemos and Debtio – Morro Do Barraco Set Agua [Mr Bongo Records]
Hiatus Kaiyote – Red Room [Brainfeeder]
Mara TK – Highly Medicated [Extra Soul Perception]
Gérard Blanc – Dis Tout Bas Dis (Remix Club) [Favorite Recordings]
EESKRA – Belong
Joseph Malik – I Quit My 9 To 5 (North Street West Vocal Remix) [Ramrock Red Records]
Feiertag feat. James Alexander Bright – It’s Alright [Sonar Kollektiv]
Chris Kennedy – Good Times [Ecke Records]
Photek – Rings Around Saturn [Photek]
United Future Organization – Loud Minority (Alex Reece Remix) [Talkin’ Loud]
Tek 9 & Sonar Circle – Idiom [AKO Beatz]
Om Unit – Naiad [Project Mooncircle]
Crown City Rockers – Weekend Soul (DJ Mitsu The Beats Remix) [P-Vine]
Common – Come Close (Break Reform Remix)
Rob Edwards – Lonely Lover (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Inner Tribe Records]
Frederic Robinson feat. Richard Spaven – MuscleMemory [Bridge the Gap]
Jaimie Branch – Theme 001 (Live at Moods 1/23/2020) [International Anthem]
Otis Sandsjö – Tremendoce Part 2 [We Jazz Records]
Kohsuke Mine – First [BBE Music]
Sven Wunder – Prussian Blue [Mr Bongo Records]
China Charmeleon – Hallelujah (Kid Fonque X Jonny Miller Remix) [Stay True Sounds]
Rafael Moraes feat. Capitol A – One Shot [Yoruba Records]
Tokyo Black Star feat. Rich Medina – Black Star [Innervisions]