Ikebe Shakedown: Kings Left Behind [Colemine Records]
Another bundle of instrumental funk from the Brooklyn based band Ikebe Shakedown. “Kings Left Behind” is a collaborative effort with each band member taking part in the production. The opener “Not Another Drop” sets the tone with raw psychedelic soul layered with infectious wah wah guitar rhythms. The slow burning “Mary’s Corner” is reminiscent of cinematic Western soundtracks. “No Going Back” is another winner. While the bongo and wicked guitar licks get you in the mood to groove, the brass adds the final touch of an instrumental treat. There are several parts to this band but they all come together as one. That’s what makes their releases such an essential listen.
29 July 2019
Emanative & Phil Ranelin – Vibes From The Tribe
Nate Morgan – He Left Us A Song [Outernational]
Stafford James Ensemble – Impressions [BBE Music]
Justine – Mama Didn’t Tell Ya [Left Ear Records]
Dave Hubbard – T.B.’s Delight [Wewantsounds]
Sio – I Love It [STY TRU BTS]
Moonchild – Too Much To Ask [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Children of Zeus – The Heart Beat Pt.2 [First Word Records]
Scrimshire feat. Ego Ella May – Don’t Stop Here [Albert’s Favourites]
Lady Alma – Far Away [Mashibeats]
Planetself x Daniel Crawford feat. blurum13 – The Chosen [Low Key Source]
Blackfish – Northern Native [Blackfish Productions]
Tenderlonious – Casey Jr. [22A]
Ojo Balingo – Igbe Eiye Oloburo [BBE Music]
Joe – Get Centred [Cómeme]
Kutiman – Line 2
Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes [Warner Bros.]
Marcos Valle – Aviso Aos Navegantes [Far Out Recordings]
Skyy – You Got Me Up [Salsoul Records]
Stevie Wonder – That Girl [Tamla]
Kurt Baggaley – Interfaced (Ashley Casselle & Tom Gillieron ReWork) [Lucky Sun Recordings]
Art Of Tones – Sly & Spiegel [Atjazz Record Company]
Sloppy J – Lange Nacht [Phuture Shock Musik]
22 July 2019
Mecca:83 – The Journey
K15 – Our Time Is Borrowed [Esencia]
Submerse – Staff Roll [Project Mooncircle]
Ana Mazzotti – Eu Sou Mais Eu [Far Out Recordings]
Donald Byrd – The Emperor [Blue Note Records]
Koma Saxo – Port Koma [We Jazz Records]
Teotima – What We Were Waiting For [First Word Records]
Y-Bayani – Asembi Ara Amba [Philophon Records]
Zeal Onyia – Zeal Anata [BBE Music]
Shirley Finney – Go On, There’s Something Telling Me To Go On [Savoy Records]
K15 x SMBD – Oceans [Apron]
Ilija Rudman – S.O.S. Flight Theme [Bear Funk Entertainment]
J-Shadow – The Awakening [Bun The Grid]
Mahakala – The Realms [Mahakala]
JESUSLOVESACID – Fundamentals [Vitalik Recordings]
Five Alarm Funk – Widowmaker (Max Paparella Remix) [Selekta Recordings]
James Shinra – Signs [Feel My Bicep]
Abel feat. Shelley Chapman – Just Another Day [Atjazz Record Company]
Petit Beurre – Chandra [Motech Records]
Cocktail Party Effect – Shattered Retina [Tectonic Recordings]
Khalab – Bafia (Bodycode presents RANGr Remix) [On The Corner Records]
Sumo – Hokori [Sonar Kollektiv]
Sivey – Nobody Else [CoOp Presents]
15 July 2019
Gang Starr – Mass Appeal [Chrysalis]
Mos Def – Ms Fat Booty [Rawkus]
Jaylib – The Red [Stones Throw Records]
Public Enemy – Fight The Power [Def Jam Recordings]
LFO – LFO (The Leeds Warehouse Mix) [Warp Records]
Photek – Aleph 1 [Science]
Peshay – Switch [Island Blue]
Bob Azzam — Batucada Por Favor [Mr Bongo Records]
Nuyorican Soul feat. Jocelyn Brown – I Am Black Gold Of The Sun (4 Hero Remix) [Talkin’ Loud]
Soul Dhamma – Flower (King Britt’s Scuba Mix) [Velocity]
3 Dee Present Urban Blues Project feat. Michael Procter – Deliver Me [Hott Records]
Ron Trent / Joshua / Abacus / Chez Damier – Untitled [Prescription Records]
Domu Presents Pete Simpson – Look A Little Further [Papa Records]
Robert Owens – Hearts and Soul [Compost Records]
Jimmy Mcgriff – Mean Machine [Groove Merchant]
Bobbi Humphrey – Chicago Damn 1973 [Blue Note]
Stevie Wonder – Too High [Motown]
Marcos Valle – Tira A Mão [Odeon]
Joyce – Feminina [EMI]
Byron Morris & Unity – Panamanian Aire [Céleste]
Woody Shaw – Rosewood [Columbia Records]
Jon Lucien – Lady Love [RCA Victor]
Letta Mbulu – What’s Wrong With Groovin’ [Jazzman Records]
Dee Dee Warwick – Suspicious Minds [Atlantic]
8 July 2019
Mabumi Yamaguchi Quartet – Distant Thunder [Union Records]
Ahmad Jamal – Misdemeanor [20th Century]
Tarika Blue – Truth Is The Key [Chiaroscuro Records]
Marcos Valle – Nordeste (North East) [Far Out Recordings]
He3 Project – Rapture Of The Deep [Family Groove Records]
David Walters – Mama [Heavenly Sweetness]
Dom Um Romao – Escravos de Jo [Pablo Records]
Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas & Uhuru Yenzu – Hitsville Re-Visited [Mr Bongo]
Ojo Balingo – Igbe Eiye Oloburo [BBE Music]
Lance Ferguson’s Rare Groove Spectrum – 8 Counts For Rita [Freestyle Records]
Chocolate Buttermilk Band – Can’t Let Go [Past Due Records]
Dead Horse Beats – Easy Nothing [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Rhi – Swagger [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Isaac Birituro & The Rail Abandon – Bo Le De Ma [Wah Wah 45s]
Real Life – Break Of Dawn [Seimshit Industries]
Planetself feat. SoulParlor – Free Fallin’ [Tokyo Dawn Records]
Hans Nieswandt feat. Eric D. Clark – Work Work Work (Marcel Vogel Remix) [Footjob]
Crump – Charcoal [Idle Hands]
Lowheads feat. Tomomi Ukumori – Gentle Rain [Wolf + Lamb]
Loftsoul x Kengo – Believe (Atjazz Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
SGVO – Dub Warehouse (Deeper Dub) [Atjazz Record Company]
Sol Power All Stars feat. Denise Henderson – Take Heed [Soul Clap Records]
Matthaus – Scat Box [Stickman Records]
1 July 2019
Submerse feat. Devin Morrison & Pink Siifu – Flashback [Project Mooncircle]
AstroLogical – Bottom Of My Heart [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
TY – Brixton Baby [Jazz Re:Freshed]
Tensei x Georgia Anne Muldrow – Walk It Out feat. John Robinson (Inkswel Remix)
Lightning Head – Me & Me Princess [Best Seven/Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Emanative & Phil Ranelin – Vibes From The Tribe
Myele Manzanza – Itaru’s Phone Booth [First Word Records]
Starcrost – Grandfather Clock [Jazzman Records]
Prince Ozay – Ultima Caccia [Chiaia Lovers]
Flowriders – Hang Flute [Mr Bongo]
Romaal Kultan – High & Mighty [YAM Records]
Graziela Medori feat. Fernando TRZ & Thiago Duar – Salve Rainha
Don Carlos – Alina [Imogen Recordings]
Marcos Valle – Odisséia [Far Out Recordings]
Forty Seven Times Its Own Weight – March Of The Goober Woobers [Jazzman Records]
Javonntte – Jazzpianodance [Waella’s Choice]
Tender Games – Movin’ (Black Loops Remix) [Midnight Snacks]
Dircsen – No Sign Of Life [Beef Records]
Stephane Attias – Live Life [Visions Recordings]
Scsi-9 – No Rush [Apparel Tronic]
Ewan Jansen – Logarithm [Freerange Records]
Lady Alma – Hold Your Head Up [Mashibeats]
Paper Tiger: Rogue Planet [Wah Wah 45s]
Paper Tiger returns with their third lp. “Rogue Planet” picks up where “Blast Off” left off. That means more left of center sci-fi beats coinciding with their engaging brand of hip-hop. There’s much to savor from this project whether it’s rapper Raphael Attar displaying his lyrical dexterity on bangers such as “Lullaby” and the jovial “Old”. There’s notable guest appearances from Steve Spacek on “The Cycle”.”Bioluminescent” features blissful vocals from Noya Rao bandmate Olivia Bhattacharjee. “Slinky” and “Posture Poseurs” are two of several notable instrumentals to keep your head on a constant nod. The Leeds based band find the right balance between electronica and soulful instrumentation and are growing with each release. It all adds up to a superb record that provides immediate satisfaction.
Quantic: Atlantic Oscillations [Tru Thoughts]
“Atlantic Oscillations” is Will Holland’s first release under his Quantic moniker since 2014’s “Magnetica”. Holland has blazed various cultures in his music, most notably immersing himself in Columbia for seven years. From there he relocated to the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn NY where he has resided for the last five years. Williamsburg has a growing club culture which inspired a number of tracks here. “You Used To Love Me” is a blissful tune with a heavy bottom that features the lush vocals of Denitia. The title track is an infectious soulful disco tune laced with swaying strings and rumbling piano. “Tierra Mama” featuring Nidia Gongora and The Marimba rhythms of “La Reflexion” capture the spirit of Columbia. Holland recorded the entire album with live musicians in his new studio. A wise choice considering the warm sound that permeates throughout the disc. The result is an thrilling merger of Pacific and Atlantic rhtyhms that you shouldn’t miss.
Flofilz: Transit [Melting Pot Records]
“Transit”, the third lp from German beatmaker FloFilz is a moody soundscape of Jazz samples merged with mellow hip-hop beats. “Hoxton Hoops feat. K Le Maestro” showcases a blusey guitar sample that evokes sketches of Grant Green while gliding over a tasty drum snare beat. “You & Me” is one of only two vocal tracks. The piano driven soul jazz heater features rapper Barney Artist. “Camberwell” is another highlight that features Alfa Mist on keys. FloFilz creates a laid back vibe of meditative grooves spread across eighteen tracks that pulls you in from the start and never lets go. With two quality lps preceding this gem, he’s definitely one to keep on your radar.
Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen: Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen [We Jazz Records]
Tenor saxophonist Timo Lassy and drummer Teppo “Teddy Rok” Makynen have collaborated for years on the Finnish Jazz scene but this is their first lp as a duo. Makynen demostrates not only is he a wonderful drummer but a top notch composer as well. Makynen’s adventurous compositions provide a challenge for Lassy to stretch out and he delivers. “Liberty pt1 & 2” opens with Lassy delivering fiery free flowing solos. Makynen is equally up to the task with explosive cymbal work as well. On “Telemagenta” Makynen lays out a spirited groove with changing patterns while Lassy’s restrained yet powerful phrasings paint vibrant colors. “Dark Cyan” is a highlight among many that displays Makynen’s affection for electronic music and the boundless directions he can take his music. Makynen’s explosive polyrhythms combined with Lassy’s spiritual playing make for an extraordinary record. Thirteen tracks with each centering around three minutes and all of them packing a punch. Yet another sterling release from the brilliant We Jazz record label. As far as duos go they don’t get much better than this. Let’s hope an encore arrives soon.
24 June 2019
Domu – Mandaloria [Archive]
Sivey – Somebody Samebody (IG Culture Remix) [CoOp Presents]
Richard Spaven feat. Jordan Rakei – Spin [Fine Line Records]
PFM – All Of Us [Good Looking Records]
Wax Doctor – Heat [R&S Records]
Ben James Leo – NGV [Finest Ego]
Jordan Rakei – Mind’s Eye [Ninja Tune]
Floating Points – LesAlpx [Ninja Tune]
Daniel Maunick – Dirty Trix [Far Out Recordings]
Greymatter – Never Never [Unique Uncut]
The Goods feat. Touch Sensitive – Let’s Roll [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
George and Glen Miller – Easing [Soundway Records]
Nkono Teles – Highlife Makossa [BBE Music]
Skymax – Freedom Ride [International Major Label]
Quantic – Is It Your Intention [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Scrimshire feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow – Thru You [Albert’s Favourites]
Ojo Balingo – Oba Mimo Olorun Ayo [BBE Music]
Dila – Saberás [Far Out Recordings]
Barcelona Traction – Has Vist Passar Els Ocells [Òliba]
Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen – Kobi [We Jazz Records]
Ahu – Go (Jazz Version) [Epic]
Bomb The Bass feat. Justin Warfield – Bug Powder Dust (La Funk Mob Remix) [4th & Broadway]
La Funk Mob – Ravers Suck Our Sound [Mo Wax]
Tommaso Cappellato feat. Alberto Lincetto – Catch Me If You Can [Mother Tongue Records]
The Peter Franks Group – Two Arrive [Futuristica Music]
The Broken Orchestra – Mutual [A Bridge To Far Recordings]
17 June 2019
Brandee Younger feat. Ravi Coltrane – Soulris
Minoru Muraoka & New Dimension Group – Call Me [Mr Bongo]
Lloyd McNeill – As A Matter Of Fact [Soul Jazz]
Aldorande – Petite Cherie [Favorite Recordings]
Marcos Valle – Alma [Far Out Recordings]
Kabasa – Awundiva [BBE Music]
Goma-Laca feat. Karina Buhr – Do Pila [Heavenly Sweetness]
Galt Macdermot – Coffee Cold [Mr Bongo]
Handsome Boy Modeling School – The Truth [Tommy Boy]
DJ Cam feat. Cameo – Love Junkee (Dilla Vocal Remix) [Inflamable]
Cut Beetlez & The Good People – Point [Fabyl]
Tojin Kit – Mutual [Finest Ego]
FloFilz – Lanai Gardens [Melting Pot Music]
Bryony Jarman-Pinto – Sun Kissed [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Taxie – I Think I’m Falling In Love With You [Melodies International]
Zack & Geebah – For The Love Of Money [BBE Music]
Camarão Orkestra – Nação África (Patchworks Remix) [Favorite Recordings]
Harrison Jones And The Voices Of Harmony – On That Other Shore (Divine Situation Way Over Yonder Club Rework) [Cultures Of Soul]
The Pretenders – Just Be Yourself [Family Groove Records]
Apparel Wax – 006B [Apparel Wax]
Soulista feat. Angel A – Eyes On You (Wipe The Needle Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Dwson – Bermuda [Freerange Records]
Robin Jones – Royal Conga (Jimpster’s Haribo Starmix) [Royal Palm]
Domu – Mandaloria [Archive]
10 June 2019
Isaac Birituro & The Rail Abandon – Nye Fo Chen [Wah Wah 45s]
Zeal Onyia – Nnata Na Aso Uso [BBE Music]
Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers – Witchdoctor [Freestyle Records]
Azymuth – Manha (Demo) [Far Out Recordings]
Phrydderichs Phaelda – Hoppel [Notes On A Journey]
Seeds Of Fulfillment – The Provider (Live From Studio 1) [Mo-Jazz Records]
Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen – Dark Cyan [We Jazz Records]
Richard Spaven – Faded feat. Jordan Rakei (John Metcalfe Remix) [Fine Line Records]
Children of Zeus feat. HMD – 10 Toes [First Word Records]
Sampa The Great – Final Form [Ninja Tune]
Flying Lotus – Remind U [Warp Records]
Cro-Magnon – Rhythm Killer [Jazzy Sport/CM Production]
Jazzuelle – The Singularity Theory [Atjazz Record Company]
Peshay – Vocal Tune [Good Looking Records]
Lamb – Górecki (Global Communications Mix) [Fontana]
Marc Mac – Bruda Fela [CoOp Presents]
Javonntte – Jazzpianodance [Waella’s Choice]
Milton Wright – Silence That You Keep (First Version) [Athens Of The North]
Fairuz – Al Bostah [Wewantsounds]
Stevie Wonder – I Love You Too Much [Motown]
Chocolate Buttermilk Band – Head Games [Past Due Records]
Tee Mango – I Like It Here [Millionhands]
The Revenge – Prizefighter [Dirt Crew Recordings]
Kenny Bergamo – Someone Help Me (Oliver Osborne Remix) [Eyes To The Front]
3 June 2019
Stones Taro – Full Train [Third Place Dance Discs]
LTJ Bukem – Horizons [Looking Good Records]
Seba feat. Robert Manos – Space & Time [Soul:r]
Artizhan – Honky Tonk Clay [Apparel Tronic]
The Mauskovic Dance Band – Dance Place Garage [Soundway Records]
Da Lata – Oba Lata [Da Lata Music]
Scrimshire feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow – Thru You [Albert’s Favourites]
Jordan Rakei – Rolling Into One [Ninja Tune]
Izo FitzRoy – I Want Magic (Dimitri From Paris Vs. Cotonete 12″ Version) [Jalapeno Records]
Fromwood – Unexpected Gift (Abel Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Camarão Orkestra – Nação África (Patchworks Remix) [Favorite Recordings]
Cerrero – Cuando Canto Grito [BBE Music]
Teotima – But I Can’t [First Word Records]
The Band Of Enlightenment, Reason & Love – Starlet Road Filling Station Romance [Philophon]
San Mateo – Haliphon [8D Industries]
Flying Lotus – Capillaries [Warp Records]
Flying Lotus feat. Thundercat – The Climb [Warp Records]
The Peter Franks Group – With Us [Futuristica Music]
Jameszoo & Metropole Orkest – (flake) [Brainfeeder]
Greg Foat – The High Priestess [Athens Of The North]
Myele Manzanza – Itaru’s Phone Booth [First Word Records]
Resavoir – Resavoir [International Anthem]
Lucas Arruda: Onda Nova [Favorite Recordings]
Vocalist Lucas Arruda continues to seamlessly merge Soul and Pop with Brazilian rhythms with his latest “Onda Nova”. The soothing synths of “Dragoes E Tigres” combined with Arruda’s vocals will sink into you like a warm summer breeze. “Soulshine” is a soul jazz number that’s driven by a thumping bass groove and gorgeous harmonies. “What I’d Do For Love” is steeped in the Brazilian Pop/AOR tradition and features a Portuguese version as well. Arruda is carrying the torch set by Lincoln Olivetti & Robson Jorge. Their recordings were a staple of Brazilian funk from the late seventies through the eighties. This release ensures that Brazilian Soul Pop is in good hands.