Basic Soul

The Blassics are a Finland based band that started out as a small instrumental funk band led by Juha Sarkola and Tuure Tammi in 2010. Since then they’ve grown into a nine piece outfit and added several albums to their catalogue. Their sound has also stretched out to incorporate elements of afrobeat and jazz to their energetic funk brand. The opener “In A Sincere Way” sets the tone with their trademark of afrobeat rhythms meets jazz inspired funk. “Hagerun Geleba” is a long playing instrumental jam session with Tammi leading an impressive horn section. “Nurona Biihatu” resonates with mellow tropical vibes. Ethiopian Vocalist Miki Mac vocals aren’t overpowering but he has a warm tone and fits seemlessly with this  band. This is a strong album with six long playing progressive tunes wrapped in a afrobeat groove that’s certainly worth checking out.

Adam Scrimshire’s fourth full length release is a triumph ripe with brilliant haunting recordings. “Listeners” takes you on journey of blissful soundscapes fusing soul, jazz and electronica. The title suggests that he’s more of a listener as he allowed his collaborators freedom to express themselves by sharing their own stories. Those collaborators are a collection of some of our prominent artists on the scene today. “Life Is Valuable” is an electronic soulful tune that features the husky vocals of James Alexander Bright. The rising multi-instrumentalist Emma Jean Thackray’s warm vocals and trumpet phrasings are a delight on “Won’t Get Better”. The disc wraps up with the glorious composition “Thru You” featuring the incomparable Georgia Anne Muldrow. My minor quibble is there’s only nine songs but rest assured that each song is a delight worthy of repeated listens. All of Schrimshire’s recordings have been superb but this may be his best yet. Highly recommended.

Marcos Valle returns with another collection of samba tinged boogie tunes. “Sempre” is Valle’s fifth release on the Far Out label. This vibrant recording is heightened by prominent Brazilian musicians like Asymuth bassist Alex Malheiros and percussionist Armando Marcal among others. The opener “Olha Quem Ta Chegando” is infectious samba boogie laced with funky guitar and brass arrangements. “Odissela” is a funky synth laden instrumental. “Alma” is a mellow sun drenched head nodder. Valle’s vocals are in peak form and the production is in the capable hands of Daniel Maunick (son of Incognito frontman Bluey). This is another impressive release from the resurgent vocalist that will please long time fans and attract newcomers as well.

“Kalba” is the debut from Issac Birituro and Sonny Johns better known as The Rail Abandon. Biritur, a xylophonist from Ghana and Johns is a singer/songwriter/producer from Leeds. “Kalba”, named after Birituro’s home town in Ghana. The opener “Yesu Yan Yan” is a spirited tune that channels the spirit of Ghana thanks to the vibrant vocal harmonies and birituro’s xylophone melodies. “Fur Svenja” is a warm folksy tune woven by Leafcutter John’s guitar rhythms and Sonny John’s vocals. Birituro’s xylophone aligns beautifully with the string melodies featured on “Nye Fo Chen”. Recorded in St Mary’s Church, these emotive compositions take on a spiritual vibe that builds throughout the lp. This is a collaboration that was meant to happen. A duo from different paths come together to compose a brilliant record that will lift your spirits.

Jean Claude, the founder of the London record shop IF Music continues to resurrect hidden gems from every corner of the universe. With “A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol 3, he blesses us with an eclectic collection of tasty treats from all parts of the globe. Among the highlights are “24 Caret” from Gazor Szabo. The legendary Hungarian guitarist incorporates folk with deep jazz over a scintillating fourteen minutes that’s filled with melodic passages. “Manteca” features a flurry of piano melodies courtesy of the underappreciated Phineas Newborn Jr. “Hasla La Victria Siempre” is infectious Latin Jazz from Copa Salvo. Ten solid tunes that will certainly fill your jazz appetite. As Jean Claude says: “These rare jazz nuggets need to be given their day in the Sun”. We couldn’t agree more.

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.