Basic Soul

The Cinematic Orchestra’s first release in twelve years is inspired by life events that stir our consciousness past and present. Like their previous releases “To Believe” flourishes in their blend of Jazz, soul and ambient soundscapes. Add to that an incredible A-list of vocalists who take these emotive compositions to another level. So where do we begin? Starting off with the title track where the velvet falsetto of Moses Sunmery is enough to make your heart flutter. The pulsating beats of “A Caged Bird/Imitations of Life” are highlighted by poignant lyrics from Roots Manuva. “A Promise” puts the finishing touch on a splendid album. Heidi Vogel stylizes her heavenly vocals with long lush notes over the eleven minute track that builds a crescendo with each passing minute. Twelve years is a wide gap but this superb record was well worth the wait. Each track is emboldened by elegant orchestrations that unfold patiently, allowing the songs to breathe while building to a glorious finale. Simply put you need this record in your rotation to enjoy repeatedly.

Liquid Saloon is a trio of up and coming musicians based in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Gueta” is inspired by afro-beat rhythms and experimantal jazz. Drummer Amir Bresler drives the beat on the title track which also features local instrumentalists such as Nital Hershkovits and Rejoicer on keys. Eyal Talmudi’s melodic clarinet solo towards the end is an added bonus. “Polaroid Banana” is a funky highlight laced with warped out synths and tasty percussion. Fellow Tel Aviv resident Jenny Penkin’s blissful vocals are a delight on the slow fusion burner “Won’t Be Led By Fear”. An impressive debut filled with vibrant rhythms and wicked grooves that shouldn’t be missed.

“Two Tribes” showcases the collaboration between African and European artists who reside in Europe. The compilation features a number of brillant musicians starting with composer/guitarist Andrea Benini’ afro-funk banger “Jawa”. Ghanaian singer Blay Ambolley’s “Walk For Ground” receives an injection of beats courtesy of the Aldubb remix. “Titon To” is a high energy percussive driven tune by Finnish-Beninese group Trio Toffa. “Mozambique” is another up-tempo highlight by the native Mozambican vocalist Selma Uamusse. The disc wraps up with DJ Raoul K’s fifteen minute pulsating “Just a Moment To Find A Way To Sun Day”. Raoul K combines West African rhythms with European production stylings and the result is a long playing Afro-house gem. Agogo records always manage to emerge with a treasure chest of global gems and this compilation is no exception.

 Laid back psychedelic California soul courtesy of Shafiq Husayn, one third of Sa-Ra Creative Partners. “The Loop” is filled with breezy melodic compositions he’s worked on over the past decade. Shafiq has assembled a number of notable collaborators to raise his tracks to another level. Vocalist Jimetta Rose co-wrote and performed on a number of songs here but the breezy jazz infused “May I Assume” featuring fellow vocalist Fatima is a standout. Other highlights include “It’s Better For You” featuring the infectious raspy vocals of Anderson Paak. Hiatus Kiayote’s poly-rhythmic sound fits like a glove on “Cycles”. Despite the A-list of guests it’s the sonic brew of musical styles molded into an eclectic soulful sound that makes Shariq’s music so joyful and addictive. Long overdue but definitely worth the wait.

“In The Cut” is the debut of Jake Najor and the Moment of Truth. Najor has been a presence in the Southern California music scene for over twenty years. The San Diego based band’s ten track release is filled with gritty funk and soulful instrumentals. Najor sets the tone with spirited yet restrained drumming throughout. The opening track “High Costa” finds the band funkin at a fever pitch. Nick Costa’s guitar playing is on point and Matt La Barber plays a thumpin bass. The band down shifts the tempo on the following tracks. “Gettin it” is laid back funk with a tasty organ melody courtesy of Tim Felten. “Funkin For Jamacha” is another funky number this time with the brass taking center stage. For those who can’t get enough of groups like The Meters and Booker T and MGs you’ll certainly enjoy this.

With “Philantropiques” French DJ/Producer Guts has composed a gorgeous blend of French and African tropical recordings. Guts invited a number of premiere African artists such as Vum Vum, Pat Kalla and Pinduca. The sun drenched grooves and horn rhythms of “Voyaging Bird” will instantly evoke images of warm weather and lazy afternoons on the beach. “Groove ma Poule” is a festive Jazzy Pop tune that features the Afro-soul duo Djeudjoah & Lieutenent Nicholson. “Li Dous Konsa” is filled with infectious Caribbean rhythms, notably Florian Pelliissier on keys. After showcasing his affinity with hip-hop on his previous releases this radical shift pays big dividends. Simply a superb record from beginning to end that captures the essence of the Southern Hemisphere.