VA – J Jazz Volume 2: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1969-83 [BBE]
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.
Thatmanmonkz: Non Zero Sum Game [Shadeleaf]
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.
Ojo Balingo: Afrotunes – Best Of Juju Vol 2 [BBE]
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.
Moonchild: Little Ghost [Tru Thoughts]
“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.
30/70: Fluid Motion [Rhythm Section]
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.
The Bamboos: By Special Arrangement [BMG]
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.
30 September 2019
Bowman Trio – Badwater [We Jazz Records]
Forty Seven Times Its Own Weight – Cumulo Nimbus [Jazzman Records]
Franck Valmont – Maléré [Sommor]
Raices – Parata gua gua [Nemperor Records]
George Kawaguchi Big Four – Vietnam [BBE Music]
30/70 – Fluid Motion [Rhythm Section International]
EVM128 feat. Renato Paris – Changes (Renato’s Live Version) [Studio Rockers]
Detroit Swindle – The Life Behind Things (Isoul8 Remix) [Heist Recordings]
East Of Eden feat. Javonntte – Days Go By [Distant Hawaii]
Daniel Maunick – Dirty Trix [Far Out Recordings]
Thatmanmonkz – Easy Still (w/ a brother is… ) [Shadeleaf Music]
Herbert With Dani Siciliano – So Now… [Phonography/Accidental Jnr]
Dego feat. Nia Andrews – Until Its Done [2000 Black]
Kool Customer – Fastlane [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Submerse feat. Devin Morrison & Pink Siifu – Flashback [Project Mooncircle]
Michele Manzo – Long Deep Breath [Darker Than Wax]
A Tribe Called Quest feat. D-Life – Pad & Pen [Jive]
A Tribe Called Quest – Luck Of Lucien [Jive]
A Tribe Called Quest – Jazz (We’ve Got) [Jive]
A Tribe Called Quest – Bonita Applebum [Jive]
De La Soul feat. Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah & Monie Love – Buddy [Tommy Boy]
A Tribe Called Quest – Electric Relaxation [Jive]
A Tribe Called Quest – God Lives Through [Jive]
A Tribe Called Quest – Jam [Jive]
A Tribe Called Quest – Find A Way [Jive]
Jungle Brothers feat. De La Soul, Monie Love, A Tribe Called Quest & Queen Latifah – Doin’ Our Own Dang [Warner]
23 September 2019
Dego feat. Lady Alma – Just Leave It [2000 Black]
Simbad feat. Entek – Royal [BBE Music]
WheelUP – Self Healing Machine [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Resolution 88 – Matrix [Légère Recordings]
Dego – You Are Virgo [2000 Black]
Saul – Slow Man [Rhythm Section International]
Neue Grafik Ensemble feat. Nubya Garcia – Voodoo Rain [Total Refreshment Centre]
The Lewis Express – Danca De Daus Maos [ATA Records]
The Cinematic Orchestra – Wait For Now (Mary Lattimore Rework) [Ninja Tune]
Ben Tankard – All Keyed Up [Time Capsule]
Paskal & Urban Absolutes feat. Neve – Lover [Sonar Kollektiv]
Moonchild – Sweet Love [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Sampa The Great – Grass Is Greener [Ninja Tune]
Jungle Brown feat. Sampa The Great – We On [Mr Bongo]
Rodney P – The Next Chapter [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Cofaxx – Mauve Tracksuit [Exotic Robotics]
Nookie – The Blues [Reinforced Records]
GRDN – Baukau [Finest Ego]
Dancer – Wendy [Tramp Records]
Coke Escovedo feat. Linda Tillery – Make It Sweet [Mercury]
The Four M Company – Live To Be Someone [Family Groove Records]
Chateau – Strike A Spark [Past Due Records]
Azwon – Paradise Island [Pressure Makes Diamonds]
Leon Revol – Green Plus [Apparel Music]
Son Milton – Memory Haze [No Shallow Pool]
Mista Nugget feat. Louise Golbey – My Sweetness [Makin’ Moves]
Destiny71z – Destiny71z [Eglo Records]
Troubleman – Strike Hard [Far Out Recordings]
16 September 2019
Salami Rose Joe Louis – Love The Sun [Brainfeeder]
Moonchild – Strength [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Deborah Jordan – Stay With You [Futuristica Music]
Afriqua feat. Salomon Faye – Go Tell It [R&S Records]
Homeboy Sandman – Far Out [Mello Music]
BHLB – Då Kan Du Lega Me Deg Sjøl
Rude Operator – Broken Sky [Cosmic Bridge Records]
Sirma Altug – Surfaced Alone [Finest Ego]
Daniel Maunick – Macumba Quebrada [Far Out Recordings]
Ratomagoson feat. Sebastian Lopez Bustos – Poolside [Nudibranch Records]
Saul feat. Poppy Ajudha – Earth & Rain [Rhythm Section International]
Laurent Bardainne & Tigre d’eau douce – Août [Heavenly Sweetness]
Rhythmagic Orchestra – African Mailman [BBE Music]
Makoto Terashita meets Harold Land – Dragon Dance [BBE Music]
Lumingu Puati (Zorro) – Mosese [BBE Music]
The New Mastersounds feat. Lamar Williams Jr – Life Life Free [Color Red]
Leon Ware – For The Rainbow [Be With]
Middle Name Dance Band – Weekend Love Chant [Middle Name Records]
Ashley Beedle x Waterson – Ego (Kryptogram Remix) [Ramrock Records]
Os Panteras – Melo Do Anjo (Outra Edit) [Soundway Records]
John Morales & Thommy Davis feat. Richard Burton – Was That All It Was (John Morales M+M Mix) [Quantize Recordings]
Guy Maayan – Tekehe [Whirling Wolf Recordings]
Luis Radio – The Call Up [Soulfuric Deep]
9 September 2019
Da Lata feat. Syren Rivers – Memory [Da Lata Music/Kartel]
Raices – Karmanalia [Nemperor Records]
S-Tone Inc feat. Toco – Odoya [Schema Records]
Dom Um Romao – Sinistro [Mr Bongo]
Gin Tonic Orchestra – Hands On The Drums (Kaidi Tatham Remix) [Mother Tongue Records]
Eliphino – NSPG [Meda Fury]
Plaid – Maru (John Tejada Remix) [Warp Records]
Esnard Boisdur – Mizik Bel [Favorite Recordings]
EVM128 feat. Renato Paris – Changes (Renato’s Live Version) [Studio Rockers]
Gerardo Frisina Meets Toco – Craque [Schema Records]
fleet.dreams – Love PT. II [All City Records]
Resolution 88 – Out Of Sync [Legere Recordings]
Hugo Heredia – El Beto [Jazz Room Records]
Electro Keyboard Orchestra – Mother Of The Future [BBE Music]
Wlodek Gulgowski – Soundcheck [Poljazz]
Lalalar – Mecnun’dan Beter Haldeyim
Lumingu Puati (Zorro) – Tshina Dekula [BBE Music]
The Polyversal Souls feat. Sir Frank Karikari – A Siakwaa/Nana Agyei (Medley) [Philophon]
Louie Vega presents Leroy Burgess & The Universal Robot Band feat. Patrick Adams – Barely Breaking Even (Louie Vega Boogie Mix) [BBE Music]
Matt Masters – Once Again [Freerange Records]
Kapote – Jaas Func Haus (Rahaan Remix) [Toy Tonics]
Inkswel feat. Luka – Feeling Higher [Princely Records]
Alexander Robotnick – Summer [Hot Elephant Music]
Luis Radio & Souldynamic presents: Margaret Grace – Should’ve Let You Go [BBE Music]