4 November 2019
Space Dimension Controller – Love Beyond The Intersect [R&S Records]
Wipe The Needle feat. Alex Lattimore – Wait [Makin’ Moves]
System B – B-Ome (User Experience) [Atjazz Record Company]
Natural Lateral – Safe As Sound [Social Joy]
Butti 49 – Spiritual Rotations [Seimshit Industries/Compost Records]
Da Lata – Sway [Da Lata Music]
Sidiku Buari – Anokwar (Truth) [BBE Music]
Teebs – Shells [Brainfeeder]
Pursuit Grooves – Lady Bird
Hector Plimmer – Sonnet 17 [Albert’s Favourites]
Alogte Oho & His Sounds Of Joy – La Ta’aba [Philophon]
Gabriele Poso – Goldfish [Soundway Records]
Sefi Zisling – Flip Mode [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Crowd Company – Express 76 [Vintage League Music]
Ebo Taylor – Help Africa [BBE Music]
Dwight Druik – Georgy Porgy (Disco Version) [Favorite Recordings]
fleet.dreams – Obedience [All City Records]
Kraak & Smaak feat. Nic Hanson – Say The Word [Boogie Angst]
30/70 – Tempted [Rhythm Section International]
Ratomagoson feat. Sebastian Lopez Bustos – Poolside [Nudibranch Records]
Cyclonix – NJ Roller [Dope Tones Records]
Ronin Arkestra – Elegy Of Entrapment [Albert’s Favourites]
Jimmy Owens – Secret Love [Horizon]
Ego Ella May: So Far [Tru Thoughts]
“So Far” is the debut of South London native Ego Ella May. The ten track lp features three previously released songs from the “Zero” ep back in 2015. May also displays a flair for clever song-writing. Evidence of that lies with the gorgeous “Tea and Sympathy” where her lush emotive vocals float over the hypnotic hip-hop inspired beats courtesy of producer Wu-Lu and Budgie. “Underwater” and “Come On” are dreamy slow burning tunes with the latter featuring Kojey Radical. Of course the title track is the sweetener which kicks off the disc. May’s seductive vocals lure you in and from that point you’re willingly along for the ride. Each song is a blissful journey through the art of story telling. Four years after hitting the scene, “So Far” is certainly worth the wait.
Dego: Too Much [2000black]
Dj/Producer Dego has consistently delivered infectious soul infused dance tracks that defy any genre via his 2000black imprint. With his third full length lp “Too Much” the grooves are a bit subdued compared to previous releases yet pack plenty of punch to shake your hips and move your feet. Once again he’s enlisted an array of esteemed vocalists to take his compositions to the next level. Highlights include “A Strong Move For Truth” featuring West London vocalist Nadine Charles. “Just Leave it” featuring House vocalist Lady Alma is another foot stomper. Instrumental tracks like “Unknown Faults”, “You Are Virgo” and “Ogawa Okasan Said Just Play” capture the essence of the disc with funky extended grooves complemented by tasty synths. This is what we’ve come to expect from Dego. He weaves various cultures of soul, bruk and boogie into his signature sound that’s noticeable from the first note. Prepare to get your groove on.
Hector Plimmer: Next To Nothing [Albert’s Favourites]
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.
Leon Ware: Rainbow Deux [Be With Records]
“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.
Resolution 88: Revolutions [Legere]
“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.
28 October 2019
Teebs feat. Sudan Archives – Black Dove [Brainfeeder]
Lapalux feat. Lilia – Limb To Limb [Brainfeeder]
The Midnight Hour feat. Loren Oden – Harmony
3TM – Laws Of Life [We Jazz Records]
Bertil Strandberg Kvintett – Cambodia [Frederiksberg Records]
Sun Ra Arkestra – I’ll Never Be the Same (Live from Kalisz, Poland) [Lanquidity Records]
Hugo Heredia – Al Bebbe Guia (Live) [Jazz Room Records]
Gyedu-Blay-Ambolley – Black Woman [Agogo Records]
Erick Cosaque – Joué Zizipan [Heavenly Sweetness]
Nese Karaböcek – Yali Yali [Pharaway Sounds]
Saul feat. Brother Portrait – No Fuss No Fight [Rhythm Section International]
The DangerFeel Newbies – What Am I Here For (Original NDATL Vocal – Danny Krivit Edit) [Defected Records]
Cody Currie & Joel Holmes – Blue TV Screen [Toy Tonics]
Al Johnson – Your Love [Tramp Records]
Eric Kol – You’re My Solution [BBE Music]
Lizzy Parks – Prayer [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Nostalgia 77 feat. Beth Rowley – Quiet Dawn [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Manu Delago feat. Isa Kurz – Disgustingly Beautiful [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Up Hygh feat. Eska – Be Known (Owusu Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Alice Russell – Hurry On Now [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
The Quantic Soul Orchestra – Pushin’ On [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Diesler – Cotton Wool [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Maddslinky feat. Omar – Special (Atjazz Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Quantic – Perception [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
21 October 2019
Submerse – Forest Hills [Project Mooncircle]
Petter Eldh – Pari Koma [We Jazz Records]
Rhi – Droned [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Ego Ella May – Underwater [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Al Sunny – A Million Miles Away [Favorite Recordings]
Dego feat. Sharlene Hector – Too Much [2000 Black]
The Pendletons – Steps Away [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Myele Manzanza + Mark de Clive-Lowe + Matt Dal Din – Montara [World Galaxy/Alpha Pup]
Natural Lateral Bossa Blue [Social Joy]
Miyasaka + 5 – Dog’s Dance [BBE Music]
Sean Khan – Feel The Light [BBE Music]
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 – Black Times (Night Dreamer D2D Version) [Night Dreamer]
Project 23 – Frost [Dorado]
Cengiz – Impeach The President
Vance & Suzzanne – I Can’t Get Along Without You [Kalita Records]
Sidiku Buari – It’s What’s Happening [BBE Music]
Mantra Mantra – Tin Can Transmission [International Major Label]
Romaal Kultan – Isit [YAM Records]
Adam – Moments In Time [Cajual Records]
Goddard – Signals [Apparel Music]
Laseech feat. Javonntte – More Than Friends [Lumberjacks In Hell]
Ilija Rudman feat. Andre Espeut – Tears To Sound (Ron Trent Remix-Ilija Rudman Edit) [Imogen Recordings]
Randy Peterson feat. Andre Espeut – No Better (Sean Ali Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
14 October 2019
Sefi Zisling feat. Kutiman – Happy Solar Return [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Fela Kuti feat. Ginger Baker – Let’s Start [Knitting Factory Records]
Penya Na Familia Ya Zawose – Heyyeh (Guedra Guedra Remix) [On The Corner Records]
Jazzanova feat. Pedro Martins & Azymuth – Gafiera [Sonar Kollektiv]
Yelfris Valdés – Ancestry [Música Macondo Records]
Incognito – For the Love Of You [Bluey Music Limited]
Donna McGhee – Make It Last Forever [Wewantsounds]
Master Force – Hey Girl [Backatcha Records]
LTJ Xperience feat. Anduze – Bad Side [Irma Records]
Mr Raoul K feat. Ahmet Sosso – Touman (Right Time) [Compost Records]
The Cinematic Orchestra feat. Tawiah – Wait For Now (Pepe Bradock Wobbly Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Active Ingredients – Skipping Rocks [Cosmocities Records]
Koichi Sakai feat. Afla Sackey – Wono (Yoruba Soul Mix) [Olindo Records]
Planetself – One [Yoruba Soul]
Atjazz & Jullian Gomes – It’s My Time (Jimpster Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
A Man Called Adam – High Powers (Aleksandir Remix) [Other Records]
Gabriele Poso – Black Sand [Soundway Records]
Bertil Strandberg Kvintett – Cirrus [Frederiksberg Records]
Makoto Terashita meets Harold Land – World Peace [BBE Music]
Nate Morgan – Mother [Outernational]
7 October 2019
Leon Ware – Are You Ready [Be With Records]
Leroy Burgess & Saving Coco – Work It Out [Favorite Recordings]
Eric Kol – Let The Music Play [BBE Music]
David Walters – Mama (David Walters Remix) [Pura Vida Sounds]
Da Lata feat. Bembé Segué & Jason Yarde – Thunder of Silence [Da Lata Music/Kartel]
Synchro Rhytmic Eclectic Language – Rete [Sommor]
Ronin Arkestra – Fallen Angel [Albert’s Favourites]
Sun Ra Arkestra – Children of the Sun (Live from Kalisz, Poland) [Lanquidity Records]
Ashley Henry feat. Makaya McCraven – Dark Honey (4TheStorm) [Sony]
Cecilia Stalin – Sun God [Step Like A Giant Music]
Vicky Flint – My Life [White]
Jazz Chronicles – Peace For Greta [Futuristica Music]
Deborah Jordan – Stay With You [Futuristica Music]
Active Ingredients – Toast 2 Luck [Cosmocities Records]
Ullr – Footstep [Streetology Studios]
Laseech feat. Javonntte – More Than Friends [Lumberjacks In Hell]
Manuel Sahagun – Closest Star [Freerange Records]
Azymuth – Space Jazz Carnival (Global Communication Remix) [Far Out Recordings]
Colm K – Diffraction [Tiff’s Joints]
Floating Points – Anasickmodular [Ninja Tune]
Es.tereo – Ancestral Path [Cosmic Bridge Records]