Nathan Thomas: Still Water [Futuristica]
Singer songwriter Nathan Thomas first captured our attention when he layed his honey vocals down on Rapson’s 2018 house banger “Heat”. Soon afterwards we got a taste of his forthcoming lp when the warm and mellow “SunBlind”, the first single also premiered in 2018. At that point our appetite yearned for more and our patience eventually rewarded with “Still Water”. The superb ten track lp delivers with an array of delicious down tempo soulful compositions. Evidence can be found with the title track, a sublime recording with sketches of jazz and hip hop with production from Simon S. “Peacemakers” blossoms with Marc Raspson’s signature sound of wicked beats and hypnotic keys. “Namaste” is filled with tasty guitar rhythms, sweet vocals and lovely songwriting. Quite simply it’s another winner from the Futuristica family. Thomas’s warm vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics has the makings of a promising career. A brilliant debut from an emerging talent.
26th October 2020
Nana Tuffour – Sikyi Medley [Kalita Records]
Uncle Victor Chuks & The Black Irokos – Anya Ukwu [BBE Music]
Multiquarium Big Band feat. Biréli Lagrène – Used To Be A Cha Cha [Naive/Believe]
Steve Kuhn – Something Everywhere [ECM Records]
Scotty Young – Walkin’ The Bar [Riza Records]
Donald Byrd – You And Music [Blue Note Records]
Str4ta – Aspects [Browswood Recordings]
Mike James Kirkland and Cold Diamond & Mink – Stay, Don’t Go [Ubiquity Records]
S-Tone Inc. – Flying Away [Schema Records]
Jersey Street – No One Can Take Your Place [Ubuntu Music]
Souleance – Maneuvers [First Word Records]
The Armed Gang – All I Want [Espacial Discos]
Thorne Miller feat. Jamie Fallon Smith – House Of Dreams [Stay True Sounds]
Wipe The Needle feat. Lifford – In The Wrong (Manoo 4/4 Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Brandon Markell Holmes – Museum of R&B (Toucan Sounds Edit) [Toucan Sounds]
Pavel Kostiuk – West Side Story [2000 Black]
Ruckspin feat. OM Unit – Mono No Aware [Elswick Records]
Machinedrum feat. Jesse Boykins III – Wait 4 U [Ninja Tune]
Everything But The Girl – Single (Photek Remix) [Virgin]
Nikitch & Kuna Maze – The Leak (Sonar’s Ghost Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
GhostChant feat. Georgia Mason – Kiyu [Tangential Music]
19th October 2020
Nana Tuffour – Sikyi Medley [Kalita Records]
Uncle Victor Chuks & The Black Irokos – Anya Ukwu [BBE Music]
Multiquarium Big Band feat. Biréli Lagrène – Used To Be A Cha Cha [Naive/Believe]
Steve Kuhn – Something Everywhere [ECM Records]
Scotty Young – Walkin’ The Bar [Riza Records]
Donald Byrd – You And Music [Blue Note Records]
Str4ta – Aspects [Browswood Recordings]
Mike James Kirkland and Cold Diamond & Mink – Stay, Don’t Go [Ubiquity Records]
S-Tone Inc. – Flying Away [Schema Records]
Jersey Street – No One Can Take Your Place [Ubuntu Music]
Souleance – Maneuvers [First Word Records]
The Armed Gang – All I Want [Espacial Discos]
Thorne Miller feat. Jamie Fallon Smith – House Of Dreams [Stay True Sounds]
Wipe The Needle feat. Lifford – In The Wrong (Manoo 4/4 Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Brandon Markell Holmes – Museum of R&B (Toucan Sounds Edit) [Toucan Sounds]
Pavel Kostiuk – West Side Story [2000 Black]
Ruckspin feat. OM Unit – Mono No Aware [Elswick Records]
Machinedrum feat. Jesse Boykins III – Wait 4 U [Ninja Tune]
Everything But The Girl – Single (Photek Remix) [Virgin]
Nikitch & Kuna Maze – The Leak (Sonar’s Ghost Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
GhostChant feat. Georgia Mason – Kiyu [Tangential Music]
12th October 2020
Chicago – Goodbye [CBS]
Silky Vincent Group – Dream [Tramp Records]
Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul – The Trouble With Trouble [Mr Bongo Records]
Jimi Tenor – Afroeuropean [Philophon Records]
Mekbuda – KSpacey [Ubiquity Records]
Ambiance – 500 Miles High [BBE Music]
Mr President feat. Hawa – The Time Is Now [Favorite Recordings]
Domu – Sweet Times
Mpyatona – Be With You (Jazzuelle Rotay Mix) [Stay True Sounds]
St Germain – Rose Rouge (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix) [Parlophone]
The Robinson – Burnout (Ron Trent Remix) [Futureboogie]
Dwson – Hezekiah [Atjazz Record Company]
Echln feat. Amara Fleur – Come Around [Phuture Shock Musik]
Girls Of The Internet – Time [Drab Queen]
Mistura Pura – Summer Breeze [Ubiquity Records]
Hitomi “Penny” Tohyama – Rainy Driver [Wewantsounds]
Paul White – Smile (See The Light) [R&S Records]
Say3 – Akoben Pt. 1 [Club Djembe]
Robin Jones Seven – Batucada Da Vida [Jazz Room Records]
Felbm – Colorists [Soundway Records]
Valéria – Moreno [Notes On a Journey]
José Mauro – Talismã [Far Out Recordings]
Kid Sublime – De Joint [Inner Tribe Records]
Common feat. Erykah Badu, Pharrell Williams, Q-Tip – Come Clean (Remix) [MCA Records]
El O & Radmo – Futur [Mybags]
LaNote – One Way (Marc Rapson Remix) [Futuristica Music]
Beat Conductor – Elements For Mr. Crabfeather [Stones Throw Records]
Georgie Sweet – Sorry [Futuristica Music]
5th October 2020
Public Enemy feat. Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, Jahi, YG & Questlove – Fight The Power [Universal]
Potatohead People feat. De La Soul – Baby Got Work [Bastard Jazz]
Pan Amsterdam – Debtors Skyline [Def Pressé]
Patchworks feat. Nelson Dialect – Jazzy Blue Benz [Favorite Recordings]
Planetself – Leylines [Inner Tribe Records]
Marcos Valle – The Answer [Verve Records]
Milton Nascimento – Catavento [Vogue]
Milton Wright – Black Man [Alston Records]
Tamil Rogeon – House No Wheels [Soul Bank Music]
Nimbus Sextet feat. Anthony Thomaz – Lily White [Acid Jazz]
The Awakening – Kera’s Dance [Black Jazz Records/Real Gone Music]
Sacbé – Ah-Tok [Favorite Recordings]
Jersey Street – Carnival [Ubuntu Music]
Pete Josef – Happy Is The Day [Sonar Kollektiv]
The Rebirth – Got Your Madness [Kajmere Sound Recordings]
Linda Clifford – You Can Do It [Curtom Records]
Alton Miller – Souls Like Mine [R2 Records]
Dele Sosimi x Medlar – Gúdú Gúdú Kan (Daz-I-Kue Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Reginald Omas Mamode IV – 400 Years (IG Culture Remix) [CoOp Presents]
Daniel Maunick – Chance To See [Far Out Recordings]
R.O.D. (Rainie Of De’Lacy) – The Cure (Coflo Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
LevyM feat. Idd Aziz – Mwana [Connected]
Nuri – Asfer [Shouka]
Uriel – The Cougar [Beau Monde]
Otis Sandsjo: Y-Otis 2 [We Jazz]
Berlin based Swedish saxophonist Otis Sandsjo made quite a splash with his 2019 release “Y-OTIS”. With “Y-OTIS 2” he continues to push the boundaries and defies genres. Bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Tilo Weber return while Dan Nicholls takes over for Elias Stemeseder on keys and synths. Along with a few guests they collaborate on a stunning colection of adventurous compositions that drift beyond jazz. “Tremendoce” starts off with Per “Texas” Johansson and Jonas Kullhammar trading engaging flute melodies before accompanied by Eldh’s inticing bass groove. The theme is set with boundless melodies from each musician taking on a life of their own before coming back together as one. Sandsjo sprinkles his creative horn rhythms throughout giving everyone freedom to explore yet still making his presence felt. Nicholls majestic piano rhythms set the mood on “Abysmal”. Sandjso injects an inspired solo midway through as the tempo shifts into high gear. “Atombahn” brims with boundless energy from Sandjso while Nicholls spacey synths elevates the track to another dimension. An ambitious recording filled with innovative compositions. This band is quickly making a name for themselves in a huge way.
Asher Gamedze: Dialectic Soul [On The Corner]
“Dialectic Soul” is the debut from drummer Asher Gamedze. The Cape Town, South African resident garnered much attention when he appeared on Angel Bat Dawid’s album “The Oracle” last year. From the first note on the fiery “State Of Emergence” you’re immediately pulled into Gamedze’s consciouseness. Gamedze’s intense drumming dynamics set the tone for Buddy Wells wailing Tenor that echoes the people’s voices rising up to oppression. “Slyabulela” strikes a softer tone with Nono Nkoane’s soothing vocals filled with poignant lyrics gliding on top of Wells and Robin Fassie-Kock’s melodic trumpet. “Eternally” is pure fire with bassist Thembinkosi Mavimbela’s thunderous bass rhythms keeping everyone on top of their game. Gamedze’s pulsating cymbals heighten the intensity and create a canvas for Wells and Fassie-Kock to swing. This triumphant debut is about reclaiming the soul of all fellow human beings during these trying times. Gamedze taps into the spirit of Coltrane as well as the activism of Miriam Mabeka and the result is a collection of exceptional compositions that inspires hope for all of us. What a recording. You need this as much as any recording you’ll purchase this year.
Mammal Hands: Captured Spirits [Gondwana]
“Captured Spirits” is the fourth album the Norwich trio known as Mammal Hands. Saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Nick Smart and drummer Jesse Barrett merge classical jazz and electronica into a distinctively polished and engaging sound. Highlights include “Spiral Stair” where Nick Smart’s melodic fingers strike a chord with brother Jordan’s soft yet hearty tone. “Riddle” is filled with dazzling improvised interplay between the Smart brothers. Jordan’s euphoric keystrokes set the bar for Nick’s melodic phrases and create some wondrous moments. Let’s not forget Barrett here, his drumming ranges from the orchestral to the understated whisper thereby setting the table for the Smart brothers to soar. Together the trio create a mood of euphoric orchestral soundscapes that provide a joyful spark throughout. A sparkling showcase and another gem from the Gondwana record label.
Georgie Sweet: Misunderstood [Futuristica]
When vocalist Georgie Sweet dropped the lead single “Half Human” in 2018, it provided a sneak peak into a potentially promising lp. It’s safe to say that with “Misunderstood” the promise has been fulfilled in spades. Gergie’s debut is filled with warm soulful hip-hop beats and jazzy vibes topped off with her blissful vocals and heartfelt compositions. There are many gems to sort through but “What I Had Done” is a great place to start. Produced by Marc Rapson, the track features a catchy hook aligned with an infectious hip-hop beat built on top of an irresistible groove. Sweet’s cool harmonies are the icing on the cake. “Sorry” the second single also produced by Rapson blossoms with a slow burning tempo and warm chords. A live recording of the tune from Futuristica HQ is featured here as well. “Flower”, produced by Theo Howarth is a soulful electronic gem with exotic melodies augmented by Sweet’s ethereal vocals. Other notable producers on hand are K15, Mecca 83 and Simon S himself. With nary a weak tune in sight this marks another triumph for the Futuristica label in 2020, not to mention an outstanding debut. For Ms Sweet, the future looks very bright.
Church Andrews & Matt Davies : Neighbors [Health]
Church Andrews & drummer Matt Davies collaborate on the experimental project “Neighbors”. Church Andrews is the moniker for Kirk Barley and this is the follow up to the “CA1” lp he released in 2016. “Roadtrip” is filled with wobbly synths and oft-kilter beats. “Elixir” is a cascade of warped beats and spacey electronic textures. “Temporal” exudes a bit more warmth and provides a hint of Barkley’s other projects under his namesake. Together Barkley and Davies explore the limitless possibilities between electronica and the drums. The result is a wide array of tone altering moods and sound sculpters definitely worth checking out.
Jersey Street: Love Rising Up [Ubuntu Music]
“Love Rising Up” is the latest from Manchester based group Jersey Street and their first release on Ubuntu music. Fronted by vocalist Dawn Zee their music fuses jazz, house and soul. It has been awhile since we heard from them but based on this recording, the wait was well worth it. The disc kicks off with the title track, ripe with lush strings an irresistible house groove topped off by Zee’s vocals soaring over the melodies. “No One Can Take Your Place” is another banger filled with polished jazz orchestration. The pace winds down with “Open Your Mind”, a slice of mellow infectious soul jazz. Zee’s nuanced vocal chops combined with superb musicianship is unmistakable throughout these engaging recordings. The fact that the group made a considerable amount of preparation towards production and arrangements is evident through the first listen. An exceptional album from some of Manchester’s finest that shouldn’t be missed.
Nimbus Sextet: Dreams Fulfilled [Acid Jazz]
Led by pianist Joe Nichols, the Glasgow based jazz band Nimbus Sextet unload an array of engaging soul jazz recordings. The core of the band, Nichols, drummer Alex Palmer and bassist Mischa Stevens came together while attending Edinbough University. By 2018 the band evolved into a sextet, which brings us to their debut”Dreams Fulfilled”. They bust out of the gate with the searing groove of “Trap Door”, riped with blazing horns and melodic keys. Nichols along with Saxophonist Martin Fell sereanades us with warm mellow melodies on “Klara”. Guest guitarist Luca Pisanu adds adventurous rhythms to the contemporary piece “Seance”. An impressive debut for this talented group that will garner plenty of attention.
28th September 2020
The Quiet Ones – Let’s Sleep On It
Andrew Wasylyk – The Violet Hour [Athens Of The North]
Georgie Sweet – What I Had Done [Futuristica Music]
Phonte – Find That Love Again [BBE Music]
Kid Sublime – Artis [Inner Tribe Records]
Budamunk & TSuggs feat. Patriq Moody – Kozmic Question [Jazzy Sport Records]
Sauce81 – Zero G [Ultra Vybe Records]
Ira Sullivan – The Girl From Ipanema [Flying Fish Records]
Admas – Tez Alegn Yetintu [Frederiksberg Records]
Babatunde And Phenomena – Levels Of Consciousness [Pure Pleasure Records]
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan – Running Fast [Schema]
Charles Earland – Phire [Mercury]
Straight Jacket – The Greatest Part Of Loving [Athens Of The North]
Huw Marc Bennett – Llew The Lion [Albert’s Favourites]
Byron The Aquarius – Space & Time [Axis Records]
Junior Mendes – Obvio [Athens Of The North]
Alex Puddu feat. Rodney Stith – All I Want Is Your Love [Schema Records]
Kanyon – Straight Ether [Towhead Recordings]
Glenn Astro – Mezzanine with Mirek [Tartelet Records]
Greymatter – Crush Roller [Unique Uncut]
Bill Withers – The Same Love That Made Me Laugh [Music On Vinyl]
Da Lata – Dakar (Emanative Remix) [Da Lata Music]
Conner Reeves – Read My Mind (Groove Chronicles Mix)
Monsta – Give Me Something Good [Past Due Records]
Gerardo Frisina – Naihi [Schema Records]
Tiffany Paige feat. John Robinson – Muse (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix) [Beatvizion Records]
21st September 2020
The Awakening – When Will It Ever End [Black Jazz Records/Real Gone Music]
Nubya Garcia – Inner Game [Concord]
Kibrom Birhane – Tinish Tinish [Flying Carpet]
Ambiance – The Black Narcissus [BBE Music]
Byron The Aquarius – If Only She Knew [Axis Records]
Joan Bibiloni – Laiala Laiala [NuNorthern Soul]
Felbm – Tartufai [Soundway Records]
Luiz Melodia – Congênito [Polysom]
Jneiro Jarel feat. Capitol Peoples – Viberian Waves, Part. 1&2 [Far Out Recordings]
Sons Of The Sun – Underwater Dreaming [BBE Music]
JSoul – Sometimes It’s Raininggg
Syrup – Burnt Out [Melting Pot Music]
Wonky Logic – The rOad AHead
Calibre feat. DRS – People Never Change [Signature Records]
Frankie Knight – Got To Go (Douscience Remix) [Miohmi Records]
Special Touch – Garden Of Life [Heels & Soul]
Stinger J – Pretty Face [Isle of Jura]
G.C. Cameron – You’re What’s Missing In My Life [Motown Records]
TC & The Groove Family – Let’s Start (Tambala Remix)
Takuya Kuroda – Fade (Kearl Remix) [First Word Records]
Scruscru meets Meowsn – Cool Party Tool [Outplay]
Kisk – Moodygirl [Apparel Music]
Col Lawton – Show Me [Atjazz Record Company]
Laroye feat. Carlos Mena – Be the Change [Freerange Records]
14th September 2020
St Germain – Rose Rouge (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix) [Parlophone]
Everson – G Riddi [Aaja Records]
Si Tew – We Endeavour (Abel Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Mr President feat. Hawa – The Time Is Now [Favorite Recordings]
Cyclonix – The Way We Breathe [Broadcite]
Kuna Maze – BrkBx [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Nikitch & Kuna Maze – The Leak (Domu Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
MF Robots – Happy Song (Kaidi Tatham & Daz-I-Kue Remix) [BBE Music]
Girls Of The Internet – Time [Drab Queen]
James Bright – Cosmos [Quattro]
Glenn Astro – Homespun with Ajnascent [Tartelet Records]
Cy Timmons – Nowhere [Bright Size Records]
Mino Cinelu & Nils Petter Molvaer – SulaMadiana [Modern Recordings]
Raffy Bushman – Leapfrog [Bridge The Gap]
Kutiman feat. Melike Şahin – Elimi Tut (Hold My Hand) [Siyal Music]
Pete Josef – Lavender [Sonar Kollektiv]
Lovescene – Finally Overnight
Alphonso Johnson – Love’s The Way I Feel ‘Bout Cha [Epic]
Donald Byrd – Wind Parade [Blue Note Records]
The Quiet Ones – Ninguem
Azymuth – Zé e Paraná [Far Out Recordings]
Inkswel feat. Jitwam & Phat Kat – Say Goodbye [Inner Tribe Records]
JaRon Marshall – Act I-Last June [Cascade Records]
Machinedrum feat. Mono/Poly & Tanerélle – Star [Ninja Tune]
Martyn – Broken [Revolve:r]