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]
Sun Circle: Love Stories EP [Futuristica]
“Life Stories EP” is the first release from Simon Skolfield and Deborah Jordan since 2009’s “Reborn”. The duo certainly has been busy during that span with Jordan’s solo projects and Skofield’s array of production credits for his Futuristica label. With all the activity it’s a pleasant surprise that they found time for this splendid six track EP. The disc kicks off beautifully with “Cry”. The steady deliberate down-tempo beat and heavenly melody create a perfect canvas for Jordan’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. “My Heart” oozes with emotion. Jordan’s heartfelt lyrics combined with the sublime classical instrumentation will tug at your heart strings. The title track is another down-tempo treat filled with warm keys and strings. Marc Rapson’s rework adds a little more bounce while transforming it into an atmospheric gem. Sun Circle delivers a marvelous EP that is warm, fresh and lush. The Futuristica family continues to gift us with one superb recording after another.
Caravela: Orla [None More Records]
“Orla”, the full length debut from Caravela is filled with sublime Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist Ines Loubet Franco’s warm and melodic vocals enanate from her native Portuguese to her recent experiences in Brazil. There’s a purity to her voice that few can match. When you combine that with the band’s driving percussive rhythms you have an intoxicating mix to quench your musical palette. “Vale Do Capao” blossoms with hypnotic electric guitar rhythms from Telmo Souza that simmer while Jansen Santana’s percussion will immediately lift your spirits. “Um E Melo” is a slow burning delight that features emotive spoken word from Dizraeli. The seven track release is laced with organic grooves that speak to social issues from Brazil to Cape Verde. This superb release demonstrate a deep rhythmic palette that will take you on glorious ride. Don’t miss it.
Anthony Joseph: The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives [Heavenly Sweetness]
“The Rich Will Only Be Defeated When Running For Their Lives” is the latest offering of spoken word brilliance from Anthony Joseph. The poet’s latest release is a jam fest filled with Afro Caribbean rhythms fronted by a powerhouse lineup. Jason Yarde, who also serves as producer serenades us with his buoyant Alto and baritone sax on several tracks. On the opener “Kamau”, Shabaka Hutchings brooding bass clarinet slivers into your body while Colin Webster’s fiery Tenor dances on top of the infectious groove. The tune is a tribute to Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite who passed away in early 2020. “Calling England Home” is a slow burning number about a man trying to find his place in a new country for decades before feeling at home. “Language” is another long playing heater that pays tribute to Jamaican Poet Anthony McNeill. Drummer Rod Youngs sets the stage with heart pounding rhythms while creating space for others. Tenor titan Denys Baptiste muscular Tenor sends shivers while Webster switches from Tenor to Baritone and delivers with spine tingling soloing. The horn players aren’t the only stars here. Parisian pianist Florian Pellisser finds his place within the delicious groove on “Swing Praxis” to add colorful melodies. Bassist Andrew John is superb at laying down a delicious groove and keeping your head on a swivel throughout the disc. As for Joseph, he’s at his absolute best as he dives deep into his Caribbean roots. Quite simply it’s another masterpiece from Joseph. He’s the gift who keeps on giving. He’s an absolute treasure and this record is among the best to emerge this year.
30th April 2021 – International Jazz Day Special
Oneness Of Juju – River Luv Rite [Strut Records]
Marcos Resende & Index – Nergal [Far Out Recordings]
Work Money Death – Dawn [ATA Records]
Marcus Joseph – What If? [Jazz re:freshed]
Paul Horn – Joy [Paramount Records]
New Life Trio – Empty Streets [Early Future Records]
The Hastings Street Jazz Experience – Mark 1 [Midnite Records]
Chico Freeman – Illas [India Navigation]
Joan Bibiloni – Laiala Laiala [NuNorthern Soul]
Babatunde And Phenomena – Levels Of Conciousness [Pure Pleasure Records]
Sivuca – Ain’t No Sunshine [Real Gone Music]
Mayafra Combo – Iffilah Ha-Ha [Carosello]
Betty Lou Landreth – I Can’t Stop [Backatcha Records]
The Mysterious Flying Orchestra – Shadows [RCA Victor]
Duke Pearson – Upa Neguinho [Blue Note/Wallen Bink]
Hiroshi Suzuki – Shrimp Dance [Nippon Columbia]
Gil Scott-Heron – When You Are Who You Are [Flying Dutchman]
The Barbara Moore Sound – Hot Heels [Jazzman Records]
Byron Morris & Unity – Sun Shower [Céleste]