17 July 2017
Georges-Edouard Nouel – Mazurka [Rebirth On Wax]
Billy Parker’s Fourth World – Home [Strata East]
Byron Morris & Unity – Reunion [Universal Sound]
Antonio Adolfo – Paraiba Do Sul [Far Out Recordings]
Soopasoul – Pushin Weight [Jalapeno Records]
The James L Estraunge – Closer [BBE Records]
Moonchild – Show The Way [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Typesun – How We Think About Us (Live Session)
Contonete – Earth Overshoot Day [Heavenly Sweetness]
Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti – Squash [Mr Bongo]
Gal Costa – Da Maior Importância [Mr Bongo]
Trio Da Kali & Kronos Quartet – Eh Ya Ye [World Circuit]
Baba Sissoko – Black Rock [Blind Truth Records]
Sibusile Xaba – Angisenalutho [Mushroom Hour Half Hour]
Wildflower – Flute Song [Brownwood Recordings]
DMX Krew – Snowy Blue [Hypercolour]
Cop Envy – Head Mark [Templar Sound]
Nu Era – Octahedron [Omniverse]
Osage feat. Dezeray Dawn – I Found You [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Ada Kaleh – Palatul de Cleştar [R&S Records]
Teddy Douglas – Land of Love (Ron Trent Overdub Remix) [Tribe Records]
Bamboo – Hustlers Of Life (Haners Edit) [Kat Records]
Marcel – On The Beach [Nuphonic]
10 July 2017
Nomade Orquestra – Madame Butterfly [Far Out Recordings]
Cookin’ On 3 Burners – Enter Sandman [Soul Messin’ Records]
Willis Jackson – Nuther’n Like Thuther’n [INCredible]
Woodland Conclave Project – Celebration Of Life (Song For Si)
Pacific Express – Black Fire [Matsuli Music]
Jordan Rakei – Sorceress (Photay Remix) [Ninja Tune]
K15 & Kuniyuki – Moving Minds (K15 Remix) [Sound Of Speed Records]
Kurt Baggaley – Interfaced [Lucky Sun Recordings]
Doc Daneeka – Save Me [Ten Thousand Yen]
Veronique Page – Metropolis [Motech Records]
Stratowerx & Matt Walsh – Almost [Clouded Vision Recordings]
Subjective – Inkolelo [Beating Heart]
Richard Spaven feat. Jordan Rakei – Stills [Fine Line Records]
RODN3Y – Growing [Banoffee Pies Records]
L One – Kaffee [Beat Department]
Slum Village – Ooo Wee [Ne Astra Music Group]
Boogie Down Productions – Jack Of Spades [Jive/Get On Down]
Public Enemy – Raise The Roof [Def Jam Recordings]
Public Enemy – Don’t Believe The Hype [Def Jam Recordings]
Pfunk – Farewell Four [Apollo Records]
The Broken Orchestra – Shallow Humour [A Bridge Too Far Recordings]
Profusion – Time’s Up [First Word Records]
Artefacts – Man Digga (Instrumental) [White]
3 July 2017
Moonchild – Every Part (For Linda) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Camilla Luna – Get Out [Cymasonic]
Eamon – Before I Die [Huey Ave Music]
Cookin On 3 Burners feat. Kylie Auldist – More Than A Mouthful [Soul Messin’ Records]
Candeias – Sambaiana [Dare-Dare/Sonar Kollektiv]
Samboa – Ze Bede [Playa Sound]
Potter and Tillman – …Space…Rapture [High Jazz Records]
The James L’Estraunge Orchestra – Groovin’ You [BBE Records]
Zara McFarlane – All Africa (Alternate Version) [Brownswood Recordings]
Nu Era – Heartstrings [Omniverse]
Reso – Tiberium [RX0]
Goldie – The River Mirrored [Metalheadz]
Space Craft’s Men – Crossing [Fly By Night Music]
Tom Glide & Chidi – Old Skool Dayz (Ashley Beedle’s North Street Remix) [Ramrock Blue]
Romare – Come Close To Me (Live Session 1) [Ninja Tune]
Wayne Snow – Nothing Wrong (Byron The Aquarius Live Mix) [Tartelet Records]
LK – Angel [Shall Not Fade]
Joe S – David’s Vocal [Forgot Records]
Cyclonix – Two Face [Phuture Shock Musik]
Boddhi Satva feat. Maalem Hammam – Zid Lmel (FNX Remix) [Offering Recordings]
Mae-i – Sweet Melody [Mo’ Hop Records]
Leiik – Realise (Junk Son Remix) [Squareglass]
DJ Bwin – Herodot [Hundert]
Wayne Snow: Freedom TV [Tartelet Records]
Nigerian born and now based in Berlin, Wayne Snow serves up an array of future tripped out soul sounds with “Freedom TV”. Fellow Berliner Max Graef lends his much sought after production skills to six tracks here as well. Two of those standouts are “Drunk” where Snow’s smooth falsetto rides over a spacey uptempo synth groove. The other is “Rosie”, a slow grinding funk gem that would easily fit into a D’Angelo tracklist. “Nothing Wrong”, produced by Nu Guinea is an uptempo dance floor gem that starts off with simmering percussion followed by an infectious bass groove. After two impressive EPs, Snow has delivered one of the more engaging albums to emerge this year.
BB Boogie: Standing On The Wall [R2]
One of the pioneers of the West London broken beat scene, Daz-I-Kue shifts gears, relocates to Atlanta and gets into the spirit of the boogie with “Standing On The Wall”. Daz invites a superb collection of vocal talent to capture the essence of seventies boogie grooves. Among the highlights are “We Can Do it” a high energy floor burner featuring Vanessa Freeman. “In The Middle”, a cover of the seventies funk group Unlimited Touch is an engaging boogie tune featuring Joy Jones. “Tonight We’re Gonna” is soaring Disco funk that features legendary Soul and Dance vocalist Leroy Burgess. A splendid collection of soulful dance tunes filled with infectious rhythms certain to get your party on.
Dwight Trible: Inspirations [Gondwana]
The list of musicians Dwight Trible has performed with ranges from hard bop musicians such as Bobby Hutcherson to the late J Dilla. For his latest project entitled “Inspirations” Trible teams up with trumpeter Matthew Halsall on the Gondwana records imprint. The two share a love for transcendental and spiritual jazz and they mesh seamlessly here. On “Tryin Times” Trible’s baritone complements Halsall’s rich tone on the Donny Hathaway composition. Pianist Taz Modi’s tender melodies strike deep emotions on the Coltrane classic “Dear Lord”. Bassist Gavin Barras’s shivering grooves establishes the overall sound for the group. There are other glorious covers such as “Feeling Good” and “What the World Needs Now is Love”. What you need to do now is simply hurry up and purchase this wonderful record. Trible’s totally identifiable voice combined with Halsall’s phrasing and production will no doubt result in repeated listens.
Profusion: Where Do I Begin? [First Word]
Kieron Ifill, aka K15 and Emerson make up the duo known as Profusion. K15 has rapidly established himself as a premiere producer with an ear for future soul beats and cosmic synths. Emerson velvet vocals has landed him on a number of tasty projects from labels like BBE to Toyko Dawn and others. Although they’ve collaborated for years they’ve finally stepped forward with their debut lp. On the title track “Where Do I Begin” Emerson’s golden vocals glide over warm n spacey chords and a mid-tempo beat. “Golden” has elements of drum n bass complimenting warm synths. “Flying” is filled with heartfelt lyrics and soothing synths. This lp is brimming with warm vibes and representive of the quality of British soul emerging in 2017.
26 June 2017
SW. – C2 [Apollo/SUED]
Yak – Showdown [Brotherhood Sound System Records]
Cengiz – On On On (Long Version)
NameBrandSound & Sonar’s Ghost – Can’t Hold It [First Word Records]
Ada Kaleh – Palatul de Cleştar [R&S Records]
Atjazz – Track 5 (Mix 1) [Atjazz Record Company]
Marc Tilley – Coltrane [Atjazz Record Company]
TYV – Miau! [Gop Tun]
Typesun – Flowers For Ogun
Sebastian Mullaert – Earth Blossom [Apollo Records]
Daniele Baldelli & DJ Rocca – Java Tiger [Real Balearic]
Arian – Your Love Makes Me A Winner [Favourite Recordings]
Richard Spaven – Letters Of The Past [Fine Line Records]
Dub Phizix – Kora [Manchester With Love]
Weldon Irvine – Jungle Juice [RCA]
Melvin Sparks – Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I Got) [One Note Records]
Abstract Orchestra – Dilla Mix 2 [ATA Records]
James Zoo feat. Niels Broos – Rolrolrol [Brainfeeder]
Bawns – Trampoline Ride [La Boocle]
Paper Tiger – Rush (Hunrosa Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Slum Village feat. Q-Tip – Hold Tight [Ne’Astra Music Group]
Asta Hiroki feat. Suzi Analogue – Vulnerable [Jalapeno Records]
Birdy Nam Nam – Body, Mind, Spirit.. [Kif Music]
19 June 2017
Typesun – How We Think (Live Session)
Hampshire And Foat – End Song [Athens Of The North]
Lani Hall – Love Song [A&M Records]
Hunrosa – All [Wah Wah 45s]
Gaby Hernandez – Entranced [Mr Bongo]
Michael Garrick Septet – Ursula [Vocalion]
Ruby Rushton – Moonlight Woman [22a Records]
Nautilus – Serengeti [Agogo Records]
Sleep Walker feat. Bembe Segue – River Of Love [Especial Records]
Dreamcast – Liquid Deep [People’s Potential Unlimited]
Willie Beaver Hale – Groove On [T.K. Records]
Split Decision Band – Split Decision Band Wants You To Groove [Now-Again Records]
Shock – Got To Have Your Love [Fantasy]
Dedication – It’s A Dedication [Jazzy Sport]
Um River – Night Ceremony [Arken Records]
Thee Gobbs feat. Tebz – Can’t Go Wrong [Atjazz Record Company]
Chip Wickham – Red Planet (Andrés Remix) [Love Monk]
3 Dee Present Urban Blues Project feat. Michael Procter – Deliver Me [Hott Records]
Rick Popp Howard – Keep Holding On [Lumber Jacks In Hell]
Cain – Sirin [Highlife]
Mallard – Marco’s Mango [Rhythm Section]
Karin Krog – Meaning Of Love [Polydor Records]
12 June 2017
Gunn High School Jazz Reunion – Red Clay [Tramp Records]
Vels Trio – Yellow Ochre Pt.1 [Total Refreshment Records]
Richard Spaven – Law [Fine Line Records]
Profusion – Messages [First Word Records]
Werkha feat. Bryony Jarman-Pinto – Shakedown Radio [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Pacific Express – Sky Ride II [Matsuli Music]
Frank Cunimondo Trio – Slalom [Mondo/Music On Vinyl]
Lo Tide feat. Mascha – Paper Trail [A Person Disguised As People]
Profusion – Amazing [First Word Records]
Gal Costa – Índia [Mr Bongo]
Jordan Rakei – Sorceress [Ninja Tune]
Al Sunny – Time To Decide [Favorite Recordings]
BB Boogie feat. Kevin Bryant – Standing On the Wall [R2 Records]
Marc Tilley – Coltrane [Atjazz Record Company]
Krewcial – Hit Me [Lumberjacks In Hell]
LK – Mori Summer [Shall Not Fade]
Pulsinger & Irl – Woodpecker [Big Beak Recordings]
Agrippa – Ziplash [Brotherhood Sound System Records]
Bonobo – Bambro Koyo Ganda EP [Ninja Tune]
Shalamar – Right In The Socket [Solar]
RAC feat. Rostam – This Song (Lindstrom & Prins Thomas Remix) [Counter Records]
5 June 2017
Marcus Intalex – Tb Or Not Tb [Soul:r]
Marcus Intalex & St. Files – Universe [Metalheadz]
4Hero feat. Imani Uzuri – 9×9 (Marcus Intalex & St. Files Remix) [Talkin’ Loud]
Marcus Intalex & St. Files – Taking Over Me [Hospital Records]
Nathan Thomas – Resilience (Simon S Extended Edit) [Futuristica Music]
Slum Village – Once Upon A Time (Pete Rock Remix) [Ne’Astra Music Group]
Night Marks feat. Archeo – Strzał z Body [U Know Me Records]
Gaby Hernandez – Stay A While [Mr Bongo]
Alemayehu Eshete – Alteleyeshegnem [Philophon]
Bert Myrick – Scorpio’s Child [BBE Records]
Binker & Moses – Echoes From The Other Side Of The Mountain [Gearbox Records]
Cookin’ On 3 Burners – Enter Sandman [Soul Messin’ Records]
Osage – GuanGuan Riddim [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Tuxedo – Thank You [Stones Throw]
Life on Planets, David Marston – Take Your Time [Crew Love]
Focus – Rock Batlanga [Crown Ruler]
Joey Negro – Must Be The Music (The Original Disco Edit) [Z Records]
Thee Gobbs feat. Tsholo – Sacrifice [Atjazz Record Company]
Dauwd – Macadam Therapy [Technicolour Records]
Sei A – Bring It To Ours [Aus Music]
Gerome Sportelli – Intercity [Motech Records]
Trevino – Casino [Aus Music]
Various Artists: Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura Anthology [Brownswood]
Havana Cultura Anthology”, presented by Gilles Peterson celebrates eight years of the Havana Cultura series. The Havana Cultura initiative was founded in 2007 under the auspices of Cuban rum maker Havana Club. He extended an invitation to Gilles to visit Cuba and listen first hand to the emerging diverse talent channeling all genres. It was an easy decision based on the superb compositions presented here. The Havana Cultura Band figures prominently throughout but there are other sterling performances as well. “Espera Mi Gente” is simmering down-tempo fusion from the band which includes performances from Edrey Riveri aka Ogguere and Danay Suarez on vocals. The energy level kicks up a few levels on “Roforofo Fight” featuring vocalist Mayra Caridad Valdes. Jazz and Hip-Hop mesh seamlessly on “Check La Rima”, the band’s cover of A Tribe Called Qwest’s “Check The Rhyme”. If this is your first exposure to this splendid series then you’re in for a treat. If you’re already familiar then you can expect a continuation of the finest that Cuba has to offer.
Liz Aku: Ankhor [Sonar Kollektiv]
Belgian vocalist Liz Aku has made a name for herself with solo projects and collaborations over the past fifteen years. Now she comes into her own with her latest release on Sonar Kollektiv. “Ankhor”, produced primarily by Mara TK from Electric Wire Hustle is a future soul serenade filled with wicked grooves and visual melodies. “Seasons Change”, originally an instrumental from Canadian production duo Potatohead People is filled with airy vibes and heavy drums. Aku’s vocals layered on top is pure bliss. “Secrets Die” is built around warm Rhodes and Natalia Mann’s beautiful harp melodies. “Just What I Need” is the one track performed with a band. Drummer Lander Gyselinck sets the tone and pianist Bram Weijters creates gorgeous melodies. “Breathing Underwater” is one of two sublime duets with Mara TK. Simply one of the best records to emerge this year and one that should propel Aku to a wider audience.
Ruby Rushton: Trudi’s Songbook [22a]
“Trudi’s Songbook” is the latest release from the six piece London based band known as Ruby Rushton. Reedist Edward Cawthorne wrote and arranged all tracks here and his flute playing figures prominently throughout the disc. “Moonlight Woman” features a mellow groove that’s driven by Aidan Shepherd’s spacey keys and wicked bass licks from Fergus Ireland. “Prayer for Yusef” taps into the spirit of the acclaimed reedist with Cawthorne’s bamboo flute phrasings. Percussionist Joseph Deenmamode takes the lead of spirited interplay with the rest of the band. This is a slow burning experimental fusion of funk and jazz filled with influences from Dilla to Herbie Hancock’s “Head Hunters”. Cawthorne and company provide plenty of moments that make this release deeply satisfying.
29 May 2017
Ruby Rushton – Prayer For Yusef [22a Records]
Georges Edouard Nouel – Solingen [Rebirth On Wax]
Melvin Sparks – Cranberry Sunshine [One Note Records]
Dwight Trible (with Matthew Halsall) – Black Is The Colour Of My True Love’s Hair [Gondwana Records]
Abstract Orchestra – A.N.G.E.L. [ATA Records]
The Haggis Horns feat. Doc Brown – Take It Back [Haggis Records]
J.T. Allen & Little Richard’s Band – Working Hard [Perfect Toy]
Al Sunny – Don’t Let Nobody Know [Favorite Recordings]
Sabrina Malheiros – Porto Do Sol [Far Out Recordings]
Pfunk – Patria [Apollo Records]
Glenn Astro & Ajnascent – Me Father Was A Tree [Money $ex Records]
Masaaki Hirao – Funky! “Miyo” Chan [BGP]
Split Decision Band – Night Dancer [Now-Again Records]
DJ Pippi & Willie Graff – Save That Magic Feeling (Vocal Version) [Compost Disco]
Jimpster feat. Jinadu – The Sun Comes Up [Freerange Records]
Nils Wulker feat. Jill Scott – Worth The Wait (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix) [Mashibeats]
Milez feat. Chappell – Questions [Offering Recordings]
Randolph – Shake House (Opolopo Mix) [Mahogani Music]
DSC & Guava – The Sorcerer [Holding Hands]
Profusion – Golden [First Word Records]
Bill Converse – Threshold [Dark Entries]