20 March 2017
Thundercat – Them Changes [Brainfeeder]
Thundercat feat. Kendrick Lamar – Walk On By [Brainfeeder]
Llorca feat. Georg Levin – Allright [MustHave/Membran]
Hector Plimmer – Sunshine [Albert’s Favourites]
William Florelle – Next Time I’ll Learn [WotNot Music]
Revbjelde – Out Of The Unknown [Buried Treasure Records]
Marvin Parks – Charade [Schema Records]
Orchestra Baobab – Fayinkounko [World Circuit]
Taylor Bense – Let Me Know [Soul Clap]
Penya – Charm Bomb [On The Corner Records]
Gerardo Frisina – Incanto [Schema Records]
Voilaa feat. Pat Kalla – Des Promesses [Favorite Recordings]
Sandro Brugnolini and Giorgio Carnini – Grinta [Schema Records]
Jordan Rakei feat. Richard Spaven – Toko [Soul Has No Tempo]
Chrome Sparks – Wake [Counter Records]
Moon – MFB Nights (You Needed Someone) [Frank Music]
Offshore & Coen – Jasmin Lane [Phat Elephant Recordings]
Howling – Phases [Counter Records]
Zo! feat. Jo – Just Whatcha Like (David Harness Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Mike Steva – Oasis Resolution (Atjazz Remix) [Yoruba Records]
Boddhi Satva feat. Bilal – Love Will [Offering Recordings]
Chez Damier feat. Antonie – Close (Translated By JT) [Balance]
Tom Demac – Sink Or Swim [Hypercolour]
Tlinder – Livernoise (DJ 3000 Remix) [Detroit Techno Militia]
13 March 2017
Philippe Baden Powell – The Lonely Dreamer [Far Out Recordings]
Creative Arts Ensemble – Uhuru [Jazzman]
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet – Ela [Capitol Records]
Victor Assis Brasil – Bonita [Far Out Recordings]
Rob Thomsett Group – Hara [Stones Throw Records]
Tomorrow’s People – It Ain’t Fair [Melodies]
Leon Ware – Slippin’ Away [Elektra]
Rotary Connection – The Weight [Cadet Concept]
Tuxedo – Shine [Stones Throw]
Bastien Keb – Night Hustle [First Word Records]
Tagi & Steven Beatberg feat. Pumpkin & Sly Johnson – Leiho [Heavenly Sweetness]
Miramode Orchestra – The Sphere [Agogo Records]
Liz Aku – Seasons Change [Sonar Kollektiv]
Meeka Kates – Weight [Boogie Angst]
Piezo – Novemilauno [Idle Hands]
Boxwork – Honest Loose (Cloaka Remix) [Shades Recordings]
Phrixus – Locate & Destory [Jelly Bean Farm]
Nicole Willis, Jimi Tenor & Jonathan Maron – Tear It Down [Persephone Records]
Talaboman – Six Million Ways [R&S Records]
Trudge – Deep Eyes Blue Skies [Lost Palms]
Soulphiction – Acid Test [Lumberjacks In Hell]
Tortured Soul – U Live 2 Far Away (Ron Trent Remix) [TSTC]
Reaganz – Melrose Ave [Away]
Atjazz – Track 1 (Mix 1) [Atjazz Record Company]
6 March 2017
Leon Ware – Rockin’ You Eternally [Elektra]
Leon Ware – Club Sashay [Fabulous]
Marvin Gaye – Feel All My Love Inside [Tamla]
Wayne Snow – Fall [Tartelet Records]
Da Poet – Fly Over Palestine [Tektosag Records]
Opus – Pistol Signal [Jelly Bean Farm]
TRP – Gunz [Unknown To The Unknown]
Scarper – Hot Potatoes [Plexus]
Greymatter – Only A Fraction [Unique Uncut Records]
Quantic & Nidia Góngora – Que Me Duele? [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Black Classical – Mawu Batucada [On The Corner]
SJOB Movement – Odiaria [Cultures Of Soul]
Super Djata Band De Bamako – Mali Ni Woula [Mr Bongo]
Shamek Farrah – Umoja Suite [Superfly Records]
Weldon Irvine – Here’s Where I Came In [Nodlew Music Records]
Jimmy McGriff & Groove Holmes – Licks A’ Plenty [Groove Merchant]
Teakwood – Moving On [Tramp Records]
Charles Earland – Earland’s Jam [Columbia]
Tuxedo – Special [Stones Throw Records]
Marbert Rocel – Hold On (Deetron Remix) [Compost Records]
Moon – MFB Nights (You Needed Someone) [Frank Music]
William Florelle – Next Time I’ll Learn (K15 Remix) [WotNot Music]
Khalil Anthony and Damon Bell – The Lesson [Shadeleaf]
Auntie Flo – Remembrance [Mule Musiq]
Myele Manzanza: One Point One [First Word]
Drummer and New Zealand native Myele Manzanza and First Word Records are a perfect match in that they consistently deliver stellar music. Manzanza’s latest release “One Point One” is a entertaining live recording at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles. The date is a string laden affair featuring the Quartetto Fantastico String Quartet, as well as Mark De Clive Lowe on keys and many more. “Bar Thing” is a gorgeous tune that begins with a whirlwind of strings and percussion followed by De Clive Lowe’s simmering keys. The tune continues to heighten the anticipation before bassist Ben Shepard unleashes an infectious groove that is augmented by the vocals of Nia Andrews. “Montara” is a beautiful cover of the Bobby Hutcherson classic where the vibes are replaced by the violinist of the String Quartet and De Clive Lowe on rhodes yet still captures the warm and beauty of the original. Miquel Atwood Ferguson imprint figures prominently on this disc, specifically his arrangements on the sublime “Atlantis” which features Andrews again as well as MC Charlie K This is the live recording where you envision yourself sitting front and center admiring great performances and absorbing one superb recording after another. This is essential listening to say the least.
Carleen Anderson: Cage Street Memorial – The Pilgrimage [Freestyle]
Carleen Anderson’s seventh LP, “Cage Street Memorial – The Pilgrimage” is the third piece of a trilogy that involves a book and a one woman show. Anderson’s latest release is an amalgamation of soul, gospel, and classical rhythms emanating from lifelong experiences and influences. There’s an element of her heritage can be heard in songs like “Wade In The Water”. While “At The Cross” is steeped in the Southern baptist church. “Upwards From The Ground” has elements of folk and showcases Carleen’s vocal range. “There are notable contributors from Orphy Robinson on vibes and bassist/co-producer Renell Shaw piercing groove on “All That Glitters” will warm your soul. Anderson wrote, arranged and played piano on all tracks here. This is a deeply personal and poetic project that utilizes all of her talents and is certainly her most ambitious project yet.
Azymuth: Fenix [Far Out]
One of the crown jewels of Brazil for over forty years, Azymuth returns with their first album in five years. “Fenix” captures their wide range of rhythms, from jazzy fuk to sun drench fusion. Keyboardist Kiko Continentino fills the huge shoes created by the passing of long time member Roberto Bertrami and his energy shines throughout here. Take for instance his spacey chords on “Fenix” which complements Alex Malheiros funky bass grooves. “Orange Clouds” is warm and sublime Brazilian Jazz. “Carumb” is their signature brand of “Samba Doido” aka crazy Samba laced with spirited percussion from Ivan Conti. Longtime fans will be pleased to find the group once again on top of their game.
Omar: Love In Beats [Freestyle]
“Love In Beats”, album number eight is another brilliant release from Omar. As the title suggests there’s plenty of head nodding beats spread across a broad range of rhythms. Part of the formula for the enduring sound is the production between Omar and his brother aka Scratch Professor. If that wasn’t enough the array of guests on board lift these tracks to another level. Evidence of that lies in the opening track “Vicky’s Tune” where Robert Glasper pushes the rhythm with a burst of piano stylings and Ty adds his customary clever wordplay. “Give My Heart” has an air of seventies classic soul with heart warming strings that features the late Leon Ware. “Deja Vu” has an international vibe due in part to French vocalist Mayre Andrada. While many chase the latest trends Omar has cultivated his own sound and it continues to evolve with each release. When it comes to soul music he is the gift that keeps on giving.
27 February 2017
Hector Plimmer feat. And Is Phi – Sunshine [Albert’s Favourites]
Yotaro – Devil Dance [Cascade Records]
Jordan Rakei – The Light [Soul Has No Tempo]
Kush McAnuff – Black To I Roots [Chapter Two Records/Wagram]
Revbjelde – Buccaboo [Buried Treasure]
Collocutor – Arrival [On The Corner Records]
Manu Dibango – Ceddo [Africa Seven]
Billy Bang Sextet – Sad Song [Soul Note]
Paz – AC/DC [BBE Records]
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ritual Trio with Malachi Favors & Ari Brown feat. Pharoah Sanders – Africanos/Latinos [Jazzman Records]
Mansion Of Snakes – Kevlar
Jungle Fire – Jambu [Nacional Records]
Dele Sosimi – I Don’t Care (Bopperson Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Pacific Eardrum – Sun, Sea And Samba [Charisma]
Kaidi Tatham – Chui Nui [First Word Records]
Heritage Orchestra – Skybreaks (Jazzanova Remix) [Brownswood/Sonar Kollektiv]
Chico Mann & Captain Planet feat. Kendra Morris – Can’t Let Go [Bastard Jazz Recordings]
Charles Earland – Drifting [Phonogram]
NoizyKnobs – Lato B [Motech Records]
Auntie Flo – The Soniferous Garden (Drum Dub feat. Mame) [Sofrito Jan]
Annéke Laurent – J8U2 [Sound & Object]
Alton Miller – Shine On [KDJ]
20 February 2017
Boerd – Void [Cascade Records]
Fabiano Do Nascimento – Louva-a-Deus ‘Mantis’ [Now-Again]
Normal Bias – Delay Kill [U Know Me Records]
Oddisee feat. Toine – NNGE (Never Not Getting Enough) [Mello Music]
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan – Sweet Thing [ABC Records]
Quincy Jones feat. Leon Ware, Al Jarreau & Minnie Riperton – If I Ever Lose This Heaven [A&M]
Freddie Hubbard – Little Sunflower [Columbia]
Al Jarreau – My Favorite Things [Happy Bird]
Alphonze Mouzon – Crying Angels [Blue Note Records]
Thundercat – Friend Zone [Brainfeeder]
Mori Ra – Musically Time [Tracy Island]
Leroy Hutson – Butterfat [Curtom Records]
Greymatter – Burning 4 U [Unique Uncut Records]
Simba – Love Letter [Lumberjacks in Hell]
Deniz Reno – Blue Eyes [Lucky Sun Recordings]
Bosq – Tumbalá feat. Tempo Alomar (Auntie Flo Remix) [Soul Clap Records]
Urban Sound Lab – Matter Of Time (Sean Ali & Venei Grette Remix) [Makin’ Moves]
Cyclonix – Cyclic Multiverse [Talahachi Records]
Tenderlonious – Song For My Father [22a]
Bambooman – Kyrian [Accidental Jnr]
Deft – No More [Project Mooncircle]
Auntie Flo – For Mihaly (Live Version feat. Laurie Pitt) [Highlife]
13 February 2017
David Axelrod – Holy Thursday [Capitol Records]
Lou Rawls – It Was A Very Good Year [Capitol Records]
The Peter Franks Group – Days Past [Futuristica Music]
Thundercat feat. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins – Show You The Way [Brainfeeder]
Denz – Falling
Wayne Snow – Rosie [Tartelet Records]
Pocket Dragon – 35 Degrees
Stone Foundation feat. Paul Weller – Your Balloon Is Rising [100% Records]
Bobby Humphrey – You Make Me Feel So Good [Blue Note]
Charles Sullivan – Evening Song [Inner City]
Candeias – Sambaiana [Dare-Dare]
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet – Happy People [Capitol Records]
Roger Raspail – Bossa de la Plage [Heavenly Sweetness]
Michael Boothman – Greasy [Tabu]
Voilaaa feat. Sir Jean – Problems [Favorite Recordings]
London Modular Alliance – Saunton [Hypercolour]
BiggaBush – Dash Way Com [Jahmoni]
G Louie – Enclave [Jelly Bean Farm]
SofaTalk – Hypnotize (K15 Remix) [ANMA Records]
Modified Man – Thorns [Albert’s Favourites]
Jade Wells – Staring At The Sun [Staring At The Sun]
Carsten Jost – Atlantis [Dial Records]
Gerome Sportelli – Hybrids [Motech Records]
Duke Hugh – #5 [La Freund Recordings]
6 February 2017
77 Karat Gold – Come Back 2 Me [Jazzy Sport]
Ahu – Jeito
Letherette – Si Fly [Ninja Tune]
Paul White – Lion’s Den (Instrumental) [R&S Records]
Da Poet feat. Ahu – Heart
Eric Lau – It’s Rainy [First Word Records]
Linda Williams – Oh Honey [Arista Records]
Tomorrow’s People – Lovers To Friends [Melodies]
Teakwood – Distant Star [Tramp Records]
Little Mary Staten – Steppin’ Stone [Tramp Records]
Roy Roberts Experience – I Know What To Do To Satisfy You [Perfect Toy Records]
Sandro Brugnolini and Giorgio Carnini – Grinta [Schema Records]
Salif Keita – ManDJou [Mr Bongo]
Frank Foster – The Loud Minority [Mainstream Records]
Billy Bang Sextet – Abuella [BBE]
Freeway feat. Mark J – Changes [Peoples Potential Unlimited]
Mop Mop feat. Wayne Snow – Supreme (iZem Remix) [Agogo Records]
Kaidi Tatham – Treacle Manifestations [First Word Records]
Ny*Ak & Ian Blevins – K Dance [Banoffee Pies Records]
Moullinex feat. Tee Flowers – Open House [Discotexas]
Nubian Mindz – Somebody Else (Cavern Of Anti Matter Remix) [Phuture Shock Musik Excursions]
Recloose & Son of Sound feat. Mara TK – Spirit Knows [Aus Music]
Universo – Kora Buta [STEP Recordings]
Various Artists: Boogie Breakdown South African Synth Disco 1980-1984 [Cultures Of Soul]
“Boogie Breakdown” is a collection of the eighties Disco period in South Africa. Compiled by Deano Sounds of the Boston US based label Cultures Of Soul and Dj Okapi, the disc highlights the largely forgotten period and the US influence on the artists highlighted here. The disc features two tracks each from six of South Africa’s most prominent acts during this period. “Good Vibes” from Harari features sublime keys and funky guitar riffs. “I Wanna Be Myself” by Don Laka is filled with wicked synths and thumping bass grooves. These tracks could’ve easily fit right in the eighties boogie era and certainly deserved a larger audience. Cultures Of Soul compilations have successfully explored various rhythms from around the globe and this is no exception.
Edwin Sanz: Overflow [Alex Wilson Records]
Percussionist Edwin Sanz might be known more for his work with the European based band Mercadonega however he’s done far more than that. After many successful years with them he went on to perform with the Cuban Orchestra known as Rodrigo & Gabriel. With “Overflow” his second release as a solo artist he’s poised to become a household name. Sanz adds zest to his original compositions and a few covers as well. “Ella” kicks off with a soothing piano melody followed up with Elvin Castillo on vocals “Something About You” originally penned by soul singer Anthony David is transformed it into an infectious merengue. “Eres Tu” is a tender Latin ballad that features Wladimir Patz on vocals. “Overflow” represents the global influences that have helped shaped Sanz blossoming career. This is an engaging disc that’s firing on all cylinders you’ll no doubt enjoy.
30 January 2017
Eramus Hall – Just Me And You [Westbound Records]
Sweet Maya – Illusions [Luv N Haight]
Thundercat feat. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins – Show You The Way [Brainfeeder]
The Peter Franks Group – Return [Futuristica Music]
Lost Midas feat. Kalispell – Kayla’s Lullaby (Wrongtom’s Skank) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Swindle X Terri Walker – New Life [Butterz]
Barck & Comixxx feat. Ahu – Homeless Small Town Girl
Gidge – Lit [Atomnation]
Inner City Sound Clash feat. J. Veda and Rise Ashen – Press Play [Stilnovo Music]
Mark de Clive-Lowe – L&H (for Yusef Lateef) [Mashibeats/Ropeadope]
Hiroshi Suzuki – Shrimp Dance [Columbia]
Flora Purim – Moon Dreams [Milestone Records]
Hannah Williams & The Affirmations – Fighting Your Shadow [Record Kicks]
Lucky Brown & The S.G.’s – Mesquite Beat [Tramp Records]
Lakuta – Pique (Contours Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Tuxedo – Special [Stones Throw Records]
Liz Aku – Seasons Change [Sonar Kollektiv]
Sauce81 – Dance Tonight [Eglo Records]
Alkalino – Drums of Kenya [Kat Records]
Innellea – Badai [Musica Autonomica]
Black Motion feat. Miss P – It’s You [Defected]
Krankbrother – Dreamscape [Krankbrother]
Bonobo feat. Innov Gnawa – Bambro Koyo Ganda [Ninja Tune]
MSM (Metropolitan Soul Museum) – Klosur [Trunkfunk Records]
Letherette – Triosys [Ninja Tune]
23 January 2017
Tornado Wallace – Warp Odyssey [Running Back]
Rimbaudian – I Said Goodbye To Dreams Of You At The Shore [Ten Thousand Yen]
K15 – The Guilt Within [Lo Recordings]
Marie Joly & Black Coffee feat. Rebecca Murray – Gratitude (Doug Gomez NYC Remix) [Offering Recordings]
Urban Sound Lab feat. Selina Campbell – Matter Of Time [Makin’ Moves]
Lay-Far – You Know I’m Gonna Getcha [In-Beat-Ween Music]
Moony Me – Glass Jungle Chant [Klamauk]
Max Graef & Glenn Astro – China Nr. 04 (IMYRMiND Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Max Fresh – Unfinished Beat [Loungin’ Recordings]
SofaTalk – Hypnotize (K15 Remix) [ANMA Records]
Logg – Something Else [Salsoul Records]
Ekambi Brillant – Mother Africa [Africa Seven]
Edith Peters – This Is The Moment (Rework by Gerardo Frisina) [Schema Records]
The Soul Searchers – Windsong [Sussex Records]
The Voices Of East Harlem – March Across This Land [Just Sunshine Records]
Paz – Moonchild [BBE Records]
Doug Hammond & David Durrah – Fidalgo Detour [Tribe Records]
Glow In The Dark – Kaleidoscopic Hue [Sonar Kollektiv]
Walter Cornelius – Waco [Cascade Records]
BodyMoves & Tom Central – Himba [Shapes Of Rhythm]
Omar – Hold Me Closer [Freestyle Records]
Tosca – Hausner [!K7 Records]
Sophie Barker – Breathe Me In [Disco Gecko]
Angela Bofill – Baby, I Need Your Love [Arista Records]