Basic Soul

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.

Multi-instrumentalist Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka, aka Sly5thAve first caught our attention with his orchestral tribute to Dr Dre entitled “The Invisible Man”. With “What It Is” he draws inspiration from BKLN1834, a residence in Brooklyn that doubles as an incubator for young talent. He took part in a number of jam sessions there among a roster of emerging artists, some of whom make their presnce felt here. There’s much to like here starting with the title track, an up-tempo tune laced with heavy beats and well placed synths. Rapper Scienze laces the track with sharp verses while Lexus closes the track with her smokey vocals. “The Night” is a slow burning tune that features his orchestral skills as well as the sultry vocals from Melissa McMillan. Singer songwriter Denitia’s feathery vocals are sprinkled on four tracks here. Among those tunes are “C-Side”, an edgy tune with a touch of electronica and pop while “With You” is a blissful finale to an impressive disc. Sly%thAve’s versatility as an arranger is evident as he delivers a genre bending release that’s definitely worth checking out.

Schema records has become the home for infectious groove based Latin Jazz recordings and DJ/Producer Gerado Frisina is a major reason for that. “Moving Ahead”, his latest release is loaded not only with Latin Jazz but Dub, electronica and Afro Cuban rhythms. Like his previous albums, Frisina has surrounded himself with an all star lineup of superb musicians. Ermesto Lopez’s sizzling percussion is the ignition to “Marombo”, a tune originally featured on last years EP. Lopez’s percussion combined with Alfonso Deidda’s baritone sax is simply hypnotic on “Face The Music”. “Nalhl’s Son” features Haruna Kuyateh on the Kora. Frisina discovered Kuyateh, a native of Gambia by chance while walking the streets of Milan where his playing caught his attention. It will certainly catch yours too. “Moving Ahead” is an instant party starter with fourteen tracks will have you moving and groovin. It evokes images of a bygone era of crowded dance floors and live jazz bands filling a room. You’ll no doubt enjoy this album no matter how you consume it.

The Vision is the brainchild of singer songwriter Ben Westbeech and DJ/Producer Kon. This was a project five years in the making. They first worked together in 2012 and a chemistry was established. We won’t hold it against them that a follow up has taken so long only because this lp is so darn good. We’re simply thrilled it actually happened. Westbeech adds his vocals to a couple of tunes here. The remaining vocal dutuies are placed in the very capable of hands of Andreya Triana. She’s simply marvellous on “Missing”, a thumping track with a wicked bass groove. Triana isn’t the only guest vocalist here. The Detroit trio known as Dames Brown demonstrate that they’re a vocal powerhouse to be reckon with as evidenced on the soul stomper “Down”. Westbeech’s vocals shine on “Time” which also includes sparkling vibes from Roy Ayers. The disc winds down with “Home”. Triana sings about the long grind of being on the road that’s coming to an end. Kon and Westbeech knock it out of the park with a wonderful lp loaded with infectious dance grooves. If this doesn’t lift your spirits, check your pulse.

The popularity of House Music in South Africa is unrivaled by any other country. Pretoria native Thorne Miller, one of the premier producers has made a significant contribution with a healthy catalog of quality EPs and remixes over the last five years to boost his status. “House Of Dreams”, his first full length release embodies his signature sound of stripped down deep house grooves with a distinctive emotional vibe. Look no further than the title track, a pulsating tune enhanced by the soft and airy vocals of Jamie Fallon Smith. “The Sound Of Her Voice” is soothing atmospheric house layered with electronic rhythms. “Night Moves” just oozes with melancholic vibes punctuated by a driving house groove. Chances are you’ve grooved to a Thorne Miller track before and didn’t even know it. This disc, highlighted by one superb track after another provides plenty of warmth and soulful goodness one graves in a dance track. It should also provide the accolades that Miller rightfully deserves.

Girls Of The Internet is a dance band collective lead by Tom Kerridge. “Girls FM”, their second album evokes memories of 90s House and vintage Disco grooves. “Infinite Harmony”, the lead single is filled with infectious electronic grooves complimented by soothing strings. “By My Side” is a slice of 80s funk with emotive vocals. “Shelter Me From The Storm” is punctuated by a combination of gorgeous chords, a heart pounding drum snare and soaring vocals from B Mela. “Time” is a mellow synth pop pleaser. Kerridge pays tribute to the Disco divas whose vocals graced many timeless dance tracks yet never received their due. There’s plenty of tasty tunes here certain to grip your hips and move your feet. A well produced and thrilling release that captures the spirit of the past yet sounds right on  time today.