Basic Soul

The Jazz Defenders are a quintet from Bristol led by pianist George Cooper. Their ten track release is filled with engaging hard bop recordings. On the opener “Top Down Tourism” Cooper displays a melodic and deliberate style as he’s accompanied by Nicholas Dover’s assertive tone on Sax and Nick Malcolm on Trumpet. Matt Brown’s dynamic drumming and cymbals pushes everyone on the Latin flavoured “Late” They slow down the pace on “Rosie Karima” and perform a beautiful ballad. throughout this set the band channels the spirit of 60s Blue Note recordings. These compositions show they can hold their own with anyone.

“Lowdown” is the third full length album from Crowd Company. The UK funk & soul band return with a high energy eleven track release certain to grip your hips and move your feet. Among the highlights are “Stories”, armed with soaring horns, sultry vocals and an irresistible groove that pushes the entire band. “You Ain’t Ready” is another heater, slightly slower in tempo but a floor burner nonetheless. “Change Your Mind” is slowing burning soul that will inspire you to dim the lights and hold someone tight. Produced by Alan Evans (Soulive), a talented drummer who knows a thing or two about rhythm and groove. In a crowded (no pun intended) funk and soul field, Crowd Company is proving they can hang with the best of them. This potent release is evidence of that.

“Leve Leve” is the brain child of French dJ Tom B. He’s been collecting music from Brazil and various countries for twenty years. Upon collecting Angolan music he came across the Island music of Sao Tome and Principe, two small islands off the coast of Gabon in central Africa. The sixteen track compilation is filled with uplifting compositions that will instantly transport you to the island. “Conjunto Equador Mado”is filled with warm vocal harmonies and sparkling guitar that fuses the rhythms of Sao Tomean with rebita, inspired from Angola. “Africa Negra” unites an assortment of rhythms such as Socope, Puita and danca-congo. The album title is a phrase frequently used among the islanders that means “Take it easy”. These high energy compositions will inspire you to do exactly that.

Singer songwriter Tawiah has been a staple in the South London music scene with numerous guest appearances and a couple of EPs under her belt. Her heavenly vocals has taken lead for The Cinematic Orchestra, Eric Lau and many more. “Starts Again” is her full length début and sounds nothing like what she’s done before. That being said the ten track lp is a brilliant stripped down session that weaves together her musical outlook while chronicling her life journey. “Recreate” starts out with a rumbling drum beat and a bass heavy groove. “Borders” is a soul pop tune filled with a joyous chorus that spreads her message that her love has no boundaries. “How Much Left” floats with warm string arrangements courtesy of Miquel Atwood Ferguson. Co-Produced by Sam Beste and notable contributions from Sharlene Hector, Rahel Debebe Dessalegne among others. This is a superb outing from an ultra talented vocalist.

Far Out recordings presents “Maria Maria” a classic recording from Milton Nascimento. Originally recorded in 1976, it features some of Brazil’s most revered musicians such as the late Nana Vasconcelos and Joao Donato. The concept of “Maria Maria” came from a show conceived by himself and songwriter Fernando Brant based on the composite life story of the daughter of a black slave called Maria. Nascimento wrote the music while Brant wrote the lyrics but they both collaborated on the title track. This cinematic production is filled with spoken word interludes bridged between Nascimento’s smoothing vocals and folk flavoured compositions. Highlights include “Trabalhos” and “Os Escravos De Jo”, the latter is a spirited composition that features Toninho Horta on guitar along with vocalists such as Nana Caymmi, Fala de Belem and Beto Guedes. Nascimento’s love of cinema is brought to life here and is falsetto vocals lifts these compositions to another level. For long time fans these previous hard to find recordings are a must have. For newcomers this is a great introduction for one of Brazil’s most treasured vocalists.

While scanning the thirty plus track listing for “The Anthology” from Omar, I couldn’t help but think how many artists would’ve rolled out a “Greatest Hits” while barely having half the catalogue that he has under his belt. With that said this is a great opportunity to rejoice in the stunning collection of music from the Don of UK Soul. From early favourites like “There’s Nothing Like This”, The Anthology is a lovely trip down memory lane with timeless recordings. “Best By Far” is an underrated record if that’s even possible. it’s left-field soul that’s still sounds brand new. Let’s not forget the notable duets he has shared the mic with over the years. “Be Thankful” with Erykah Badu, “Who Chooses The Seasons” with Carleen Anderson and of course “Feeling You” with Stevie Wonder. That’s not all, “Pass It On”, a mid-tempo funky number featuring Terri Walker is one of two new tracks here along with “Long Time Coming”. Seriously, you should have most of these songs already but if you don’t then you need this this in your collection now. This is simply a great selection from the Man who is still at the top of his game. Salute!