South London beat maker Hector Plimmer’s brand new lp “Next to Nothing” is a hauntingly beautiful album filled with ethereal moods and ambient soundscapes. Plimmer’s flair for abstract beats and rhythms was apparent on his debut “Sunshine”. With this release his arrangements flow like a suite with each track complementing the next. The title track opens the album with Emma Jean Thackery’s soloing over the hums of Ego Ella May and other harmonies. Andrew Ashong adds hypnotic vocal patterns over Plimmer’s infectious Rhodes on “Somebody Else”. The spacey overtones of “Joyfulness” are complemented by the blissful vocals of Alexa Harley. “Stack” featuring Pie Eye Collective is a polyrhythmnic gem and one of many engaging instrumentals. This is an adventurous recording that you’ll find irresistible. Bring it along with you on long drives or simply to vibe out. It will be worth it.

“Rainbow Deux” is the final opus from one of our most treasured songwriters, the late singer Leon Ware. The album was completed around August of 2016, six months before his transition. Co-produced by Taylor Graves, a notable songwriter in his own right. The two were close friends as well as Los Angeles residents which placed them at the center of the talented L.A. musical eco system. Hence the cameo appearances from Kamasi Washington and Thundercat among others. When it came to sensual romantic songwriting no one did it better than Ware. Just go back and listen to Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” in addition to countless other contributions throughout his career. There’s plenty to savor here with quality recordings throughout this lp. “For The Rainbow” is a sultry tune that opens with sparkling keys and percussion, setting the table for Ware’s buttery falsetto vocals. “The Darkest Night” is a mid-tempo stomper with an infectious head nodding groove. The sun soaked sounds of “Samba Dreams” and “Wishful Thinking” are a reflection of Ware’s affinity for Brazilian rhythms. The latter is a gorgeous number filled with wind swept strings and melodic guitar rhythms. The irony here is that “Rainbow Deux” is easily one of his best albums he has ever released. Graves production is top notch and his keyboard arrangements superb. Just thinking of him gone is sad but this record will serve as a reminder of his greatness.

“Revolutions”, the third lp from the London based band Resolution 88 is drenched in 70s inspired jazz funk. Tom O’Grady’s melodic arrangements elevate the band’s sound from the traditional raw funk and soul band. Things get off to a rousing start with “Pitching Up”. The track opens up with Tiago Coimbra’s funky electric guitar while O’Grady’s swirling Rhodes plays well off Alex Hitchcock’s tenor. “Runout Groove” has a simmering drum and bass groove. Ric Elsworth’s spirited drumming sets the tone for O’Grady’s wizardry on rhodes and Coimbra’s hypnotic bass. “Tracking Force” jams at a frentic pace as each member flexes their musical chops. Clearly the band found inspiration in Herbie Hancock’s ground breaking “Head Hunters”. While they didn’t craft the blueprint for jazz funk they’re doing a superb job at carrying the torch.

J Jazz Volume2 picks up the marvellous Volume 1 left off. “Deep Modern Jazz from Japan 1969-1984” is the second instalment of rare Japanese recordings compiled by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden. The duo once again compiled a list from their personal collection. They figured we would enjoy them as much as they do and they were right. There’s much to savour with nearly 120 minutes of quality recordings. The disc kicks off with the brilliant “Dragon Dance”. The late Tenor sax legend Harold Land was performing in Japan when he received an invitation to record with pianist Makoto Terashita. The result is a spirited up-tempo hard bop delight. “Mother Of The Future” is seventies inspired jazz funk from the Electro Keyboard Orchestra. “Fallout” features the New Herd, a popular big band. Higgins and Peden have tapped into a gold mine of obscure recordings largely forgotten. Thanks to their contacts in Japan and BBE for shinning a light on these hidden gems.

Sheffield resident Scott Moncrieff aka Thatmanmonkz has become a sought after DJ and producer on the strength of numerous house bangers for a number of labels. In 2016 he dropped his LP debut “Columbusing”, a mash up of RnB, hip hop and House. Now he’s back on his own Shadeleaf label with his follow up LP “Non Zero Sum Game”. Monkz demonstrates a deft hand at multiple styles of House with sterling results. Among the highlights are the raw stripped down heater “Easy Still” featuring A Brother Is (better known as Pete Simpson). This is the track you’ll find true house heads working up a sweat at the club at 2am showing no signs of slowing down. From there Monkz seamlessly weaves from the infectious Afro House of “Sawa Sawa” to the sensuous disco flavoured “Them Thangs” featuring the vocals of Ms Fae. “LVNLMTD” is another highlight that’s filled with lush string arrangements that make it a sophisticated gem. If you’re not familiar with Monkz then this is the perfect introduction to his work. After you’re done with this essential recording I suggest you check out his earlier work as well.

Originally released by Tabansi records in 1985, “Afrotunes – Best of Juju Vol. 2” sheds light on Juju music from Ojo Balingo. Based on this release, Balingo is a Nigerian Juju artist cut from the same cloth as King Sunny Ade. Balingo’s style of Juju is a form of Yoruba music filled with various percussions and wah wah guitar rhythms. The album flows as a medley with Balingo’s roaring poetic lyrics over a spirited guitar groove combined with infectious drumming. This is a journey into a forgotten genre that’s worth checking out.

“Little Ghost”, the fourth lp from Moonchild picks up where “Voyager” left off. That means plenty of warm melodic mid-tempo compositions and hypnotic vocals. Lead singer Amber Navran along with Max Bryk and Andris Mattson collaborate on heavenly harmonies as well as horn and string arrangements. Like the previous release their lyrics paint colours of love and passion. The opener “Wise Women” is a funky number with swaying horn arrangements. “Sweet Love” follows suit with warped beats and chords that melt into your body. The aptly titled “Whistling” adds another layer of gorgeous melodies to their repertoire. This band has rapidly made a name for themselves by delivering yet another brilliant album. Navran’s vocals are food for the soul. Pure bliss from beginning to end.

If by now you’re not aware of the deep well of talent emerging from Melbourne you better ask somebody. It began with Hiatus Kiayote and others but 30/70 is quickly serving notice as a band to be reckoned with. “Fluid Motion”, their third lp is filled with strong poly-rhythms and funky eclectic melodies topped off by the endearing vocals of Allysha Joy. The quintet is a collective of musicians with their own separate projects yet make notable contributions to these compositions. The title track begins with Horatio Luna’s languid bass groove and Josh Kelly’s hypnotic sax merging while summoning the rest of the group to add their ingredients to the simmering stew of sublime funk. “N.Y.P.” is nocturnal bliss that begins with Jarrod Chase’s soft rhodes melody that serves as the foundation for Joy’s soothing vocals before the tempo builds to a restrained pitch. “Backfoot” is an all for one jam session with the focus on delivering infectious funk. This band is on the rise and this superb record is worthy of repeated listens. Highly recommended.

With “By Special Arrangement”, The Bamboos dive into the vault to deliver an alternate take on their classic soul compositions. Guitarist, songwriter and producer Lance Ferguson knew he wanted to do something different so he enlisted Ross Irwin for string arrangements and the results are reminiscent of early Stax Blues and soul recordings. Of course the lead vocals of Kylie Audist sound great in any style. Her soaring vocals capture you instantly with the opener “Keep Me In Mind”. She plucks the heart strings on ballads “I Don’t Wanna Stop” and “Stop” as well. “I Got Burned” is another slow soul burner that features Tim Rogers on lead vocals. Ferguson’s echoing guitar compliments the swaying strings. Ferguson and company aren’t resting on their laurels. They’re pushing the boundaries while solidifying their status as one of the première funk and soul acts on the scene today.