Basic Soul

“Travesseiro Feliz” is the début of Far Out recordings latest signing Ricardo Richaid. Richaid displays his chops on electric and acoustic guitar as well as an adept use of electronics and synths. He receives sparkling percussive contributions from Marcos Suzano, multi-instrumentalist Jose Ibarra and others. The opener “Maracas Enterprise-Frio da Manha” starts out as a searing psychedelic tune filled with explosive horns before the tempo shifts into a sublime guitar driven folk. Richaid’s vocals are out front on “Largado Nu”, which erupts with electric guitar rhythms before shifting into a softer acoustic bliss. “O Velho Cai” is a warm stripped down tune that features Liza Machado on vocals. Richaid absorbs all of influences from the deep well of Brazil and applies his crafty arrangements into an impressive début. The talent here is obvious and we’re looking forward to hearing more from him.

It’s no stretch to say that the label from Berlin as known as Sonar Kollektiv has been one of the most admired labels over the last twenty years. So it seems proper to salute them for all the quality recordings they’ve blessed us with. “21 years” features thirty plus tracks that have stood the test of time and hearing them again is simply a breath of fresh air. It’s a superb collection of their own compositions as well as re-releasing recordings from artists they’ve been drawn to over the years. What’s more is this is the first of two compilations so expect another batch of thirty more recordings soon but let’s focus on these for now. The disc begins with “Oh Africa”, the infectious 2013 dance track from Alex Barck, one of the founding members of Jazzanova. “Make It Good” is another floor burner that evokes happy memories from The White Lamp which featured Pete Josef. There’s a load of unreleased gems as well. “Charizo Pancho” is a splendid simmering samba treat from Marlow & Truby. For those drawn to slower tempos there’s the sublime “Paradiso” from Lars Barkuhn. “Feel Like a Feel” is melancholy folk from Paul Bryan aka Sergio Sa. We’ve just scratched the surface for there’s so much to savor here you could spends weeks combing through it all. Believe me you’ll be glad you did. As far as compilations go this will be hard to beat.

DJ Andy Smith returns to BBE with another instalment of Disco heaters. “Disco Wonderland Vol.2” picks up where Vol.1 left off and features unreleased gems and remixes from Smith himself. “Lost Without You” is infectious boogie funk from Will Sessions & Amp Fiddler. “Star Cruiser” from Gregg Diamond under his Bionic Boogie moniker is classic 70s string laden Disco. “You Don’t Know” was a staple in every club in the mid eighties as a première dance track. The Crissy Kybosh remix gives it new life. Smith’s compilation is filled with eighties flavour and Disco lovers will spring to their feet upon hearing these tracks again. For those unfamiliar with them, you’re in for a treat.

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.