5th July 2021
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Brazil [CTI Records]
Toquinho – Carolina Carol Bela [Soma]
Web Web x Max Herre feat. Yusef Lateef – Akinuba / The Heart [Compost Records]
Kinkajous – Convolution [Running Circle Records]
Don Rendell Ian Carr Quintet – Hot Rod [Jazzman Records]
Archie The Goldfish – First Light [Funkiwala Records]
Linkwood – Refresher [Athens Of The North]
Damu the Fudgemunk feat. Nitty Scott – Four Better Or Worse Pt. 1 [KPM]
Lewis Parker – Sunny Dedications [Melankolic]
Andrew Pearce Vs. Urban Soul Gallery – Day By Day [6 x 6 Records]
Moroka – Glassala [Apron Records]
Oyobi feat. Maite Inea & QVLN – Crossroads (Vincent Sebastian & Atjazz Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Nicola Kramer – Need To Learn [Village Again]
Taylor McFerrin – Broken Vibes [Rude.]
Edwin Starr – Eavesdropper [GTO]
Glass Beams – Mirage [Research Records]
Cheryl Lynn – If You’ll Be True To Me [CBS]
The S.O.S. Band – High Hopes [Tabu Records]
Àbáse – Agangatolú [Oshu Records]
Balimaya Project – Balimaya [Jazz Re:freshed]
Hector Plimmer – Circle (Alexa Harley Vocal Version) [Albert’s Favourites]
Flytronix – The Rhode Tune [Moving Shadow]
Steve Survival – Rouge [Creative Source]
Aquasky – Tranquility (Big Bud Remix) [Moving Shadow]
Mista Monk: Multi [Inner Tribe]
Austrailian based rapper Liam Monkhouse aka Mista Monk brings a truck load of funk on his new release “Multi”. Monk has partnered up with an array of like minded eclectic artists who relate to his vision of forward thinking soul music and hip-hop. “Crossroads” packs a load of boom bap as Monk spits hard hitting rhymnes along with vocal assistance from fellow Austrailian native Laneous. “Mind Zone” is a laid back soulful number with an impressive cast. Fellow rapper Illa J jumps on board alongside Pugz Alomz, Lord Lobe and vocalist Charli Umami of Plantself. “This Is For…” is another favorite with thumping beats certain to get your head nod on. “Rains” is a wicked dub track that provides a nice change of pace. Produced by notable producer Inkswell, “Multi” is quality hip-hop. There’s plenty of funk, supreme vocals and beats by the pound that will warrant several spins.
Gizelle Smith: Revealing [Jalapeno Records]
Manchester based vocalist Gizelle Smith returns with her latest lp entitled “Revealing”. The soul and funk chanteuse’s third full length release takes a shift from the high octane raw soul compositions she’s become known for. Like all of us, the past year took a toll on Smith. Aside from the pandemic she also lost her Dad Joe, former musical director for legendary Motown group The Four Tops. She decided to scratch her original compositions and came up with the material we’re treated to here. The opener “Agony Road” has a catchy guitar hook and provides the perfect canvas for Smith’s restrained but potent vocals. “Better Remember” is a mellow tune fueled by a wicked wah wah guitar pedal and a soulful rhythm section. Smith shows a softer side as she confronts social distancing and the anxieties that come along with it. “Riot Cars” and “The Girl Who Cried Snow” have a rock tinged edge to them yet Smith sounds right at home. Although she’s been in the game for more than a decade, Smith has just scratch the surface. This marvelous lp showcases a new side to her and you’re gonna to love the results.
Jimpster: Anthology Vol 1 and 2 [Freerange]
Dj/Producer Jamie Odell aka Jimpster has been on the short list of premier DJs for the past twenty five years. He has released numerous timeless house tracks on his label Freerange records as well as other labels. With the release of the Anthology Vol 1 & 2 lp, we take a moment or several hours to celebrate some of his acclaimed recordings. As one might expect, this two disc set is loaded with bangers. “Sleeper” is heart pounding house with equal parts warmth, groove and heavy beats. “One” is infectious house with vocal assistance from Casamena. Jimpster’s production is on point as the momentum builds throughout the track until it reaches a fever pitch. The digital version of this lp features a couple of down-tempo tunes perfect to shift your mood and give your feet a rest. “The Sun Comes Up” is one of those tunes to help you unwind after a night of clubbing. Or it’s simply just a high quality chillout track. This disc is a great place to add some classics from a DJ still on top of his game.
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]