Basic Soul

“Fly Moon Die Soon” is the latest lp from Trumpeter Takuya Kuroda and his first on First Word Records. The Kobe Japan native and now Brooklyn resident’s sixth full length release is more groove based than previous releases yet still navigates seamlessly between Jazz and funk. Kuroda’s approach for this recording is more raw and organic, culimating in a warm and soulful project “ABC” is feverish jazz funk with a wicked bass groove. “Moody” also brims with heat. Kuroda’s warm soloing glides along side engaging synth melodies. Kuroda also puts his stamp on two covers here. The Ohio Players “Sweet Sticky Things” receives proper justice but I really love what he does with Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me A Bedtime Story”, injecting a dose of exuberant funk. Kuroda continues to grow with each release. In a short time he’s compiled an impressive catalogue. I wouldn’t say it’s his best but you’ll no doubt enjoy it as much as his other albums.

“Pyramid” is latest release from JD73’s Electrio. Formed in 2012, JD73’s Electrio sound is steeped in Jazz fusion with sleek funk serving as the foundation. The trio is comprised of Dan “JD73” Goldman, bassist Hamlet Luton and drummer Gordon Kilroy. Goldman’s rhodes playing is short and sweet and aims straight for the soul. “Stepping Up” is filled with gorgeous rhodes from Goldman layered on top of a languid mid tempo groove. “Subsonic” is an infectious funk toe tapper amplified by Luton’s terrific bass groove. “4 On 4” gets an assist from the dancing electric violin rhythms that bob and weave around Kilroy’s sparkling drumming. Goldman and company serve up a satisfying disc that aims to please jazz fusion enthusiasts.

Hard to believe it’s been five years since “Colours”, the debut from Bristol native Pete Josef debuted. The fact that it was such a strong debut combined with some notable side projects allowed us to enjoy his music long after the release. That wasn’t all to the extended break however. Josef felt it was necessary to step away and focus on family. The break rekindled his love for music and that renewed passion is on display here. “I Rise With The Birds” is a brillant record filled with an array of soul, pop and folk compositions. Josef sits in the production chair and surrounds himself with some of Bristol’s promiment musicians here and they rise to the task at hand. “Night Eyes” blossoms with melodic keys that stroke the heartstrings while Marie Lister’s vocals are a perfect match for Josef. “Giants” has a little bit of everything, an infectious groove, soulful horns and swirling strings. “Mainframe” is equally worthy of dance floor spins. It’s also co-written by Jazzanova’s Alex Barck. The honey toned vocalist has struck gold again with a lp worthy of repeated listens.

We’re thrilled to see the return of Jordan Rakei’s alter ego, Dan Kye. With Kye it’s a return to the funky dance floor persona we couldn’t get enough of with the 2014 debut “Joy, Ease, Lightness”. With “Small Moments” he picks up where he left off and he hasn’t missed a beat. Rakei came up with these compositions during the pandemic. This thumping eight track floor burner could be the perfect boost for any anxiety you may be experiencing. The momentum building beats of “Mogen” sets the table for Rakei’s soft feathered vocals layered over warm chords. “Sober” is another winner heightened by Sheldon Agwu’s percolating guitar rhythms. Rakei’s proficiency with electronics and arrangements shines through on the instrumental banger “Focus”. The combination of deep grooves, good vibes and Rakei’s swaying falsetto will be irresistible to ignore. Quite a gap between releasesbut “Small Moments” is definitely worth the wait.

Legendary labels Decca Records and Blue Note team up for the brilliant compilation “Blue Note Re:imagined”. A collection of some of the Uk’s young musical phenoms to provide alternate takes on some of the labels most treasured recordings. Let’s start with Ppppy Ajudha’s cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man”. Ajudha’s vocal and arranging skills totally transform the tune. From the ethereal wordless phrasings to combustive jazz fusion rhythms, Ajudha takes the listener to the edge of their imagination. “A Shade Of Jade” finds Nubya Garcia channeling the spirit of Joe Henderson’s “Mode For Joe”. Garcia’s arrangements swing from 60s hard bop to infectious hip-hop beats and head nodding grooves. Trumpeter Emma Jean Thackery is a rising star with multiple projects worth checking out. She transforms Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil” into an uptempo jazz funk banger. Jordan Rakei’s honey toned falsetto vocals are tailor made for Donald Byrd’s timeless jazz funk gem “Wind Parade”. With sixteen tracks there’s a ton of covers to savor here and other artists you need to get to know better. The musicians here maintain the spirit of the original recordings while bringing fresh ideas to the table. Without a doubt you need this in your collection.

When it comes mellow soulful hip-hop, few do it better than the duo from Vancouver known as Potatohead People, Their third lp “Mellow Fantasy” delivers with another collection of neck snapping beats enhanced by an array of up and coming rappers and vocalists on the underground circuit. “What It Feels Like” provides plenty of bounce along with a touch of jazzy rhythms. Rapper/singer Illa J and Kapok’s verses raise the track to another level. It should be no surprise of the connection between Illa J and the duo. Their signature drum style is a result of the influence Illa J’s late brother, J Dilla has had on them. The good grooves continues with “Baby Got Work”, a bumpin track that’s tailor made for Dela La Soul’s Posdnuosto jump on. “Break Even” is simply sublime thanks in part to Kendra’s Dias’s warm and soothing vocals. Everything these guys put out is worth your attention and this release is no exception.