16 January 2017
Chip Wickham – Pushed Too Far [Love Monk]
Collocutor – Disappearance [On The Corner]
Bernt Rosengren Big Band – Felicidade [EMI]
Carlos Garnett – Samba Serendade [Muse Records]
June Evans – Hardly Need To Say [Spacetalk Records]
Paxton Fettel – A Morning Crystal Clear [Greta Cottage Workshop]
Ishmael Ensemble – Bembe [Banoffee Pies]
Schilling – Here, Now [Apparel Tronic]
Eric Lau – Lau’s Lament [First Word Records]
The Beatnuts feat. Big Punisher & Cuban Link – Off The Books [Relativity/Get On Down]
RUN DMC – Jam-Master Jay [Profile/Get On Down]
Otik – Deep Red [DEXT Recordings]
Ocean Inside – Sunset Shadows (Ruffy In The Jungle Version) [Dr Banana]
Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids – Tinoge Ya Ta’a Ba [Philophon]
Girma Bèyènè & Akalé Wubé – Musiqawi Silt [Heavenly Sweetness/Buda Musique]
Babatunde Olatunji – Long Distance Lover [BBE]
Mr President feat. Sabba – Night Time [Favorite Recordings]
Love Symphony Orchestra – Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Tom Savarese Remix) [BBE]
Wipe The Needle feat. Kenny Bobien – Where I Live [Makin’ Moves]
Milez feat. ZE3 – Notice You [Offering Recordings]
Marcel Vogel – Always Isn’t Only (Soulphiction Remix) [Intimate Friends]
Jonatan Bäckelie – It Could Go Either Way (The Trickski Way) [Sonar Kollektiv]
9 January 2017
Sweet Maya – Crazy Coldness [Luv N Haight]
Sina. – Our Sweet Entropy [Project Mooncircle]
Nathan Thomas – Sunblind [Futuristica Music]
Denz – Flare
Omar feat. Leon Ware – Gave My Heart [Freestyle Records]
Eneeks – Good Feeling [Tokyo Dawn Records]
Gee-O – 12am
Pama International – Heatwave [Record Kicks]
Chico Mann & Captain Planet – Oye Bien [Bastard Jazz]
Tristan Banks – Cidade Alta
Black Classical – Mina Nagì [On The Corner]
Scale – Naiad [Sector 12/12]
Baast – The Anubis Dawn [Ubiquity]
Philou Louzolo, Villy & The Xtreme Volumes – Africa Arising [Lumber Jacks In Hell]
Tenderlonious – Ghana [22a]
Saux feat. Jeffrey James – Loving You More [Boogie Angst]
Max Graef & Wayne Snow – Running (Jan Brauer Edit) [Tartelet Records]
Deniz Reno – Blue Eyes [Lucky Sun Recordings]
Kayahan – Sabahlar Uzak (Fattish’s Rite Edit)
Sam Irl – Meander [Sampling As An Art Records]
Duke Hugh – DTO [La Freund Recordings]
Cyclonix – Cyclic Multiverse [Talahachi Records]
Wolf + Lamb – Never Forget [Wolf Lamb Music]
Kian T – Room 69 [Toy Tonics]
Cotonete – Inside Outside [Heavenly Sweetness]
2 January 2017
DJ Khalab & Baba Sissoko – Bognya (Clap! Clap! Remix) [Wonderwheel]
Rhythmic Theory – Waldrons Lament [Idle Hands]
DJ 3000 – Delray [Motech Records]
Doug Gomez – New York Natives [Offering Recordings]
Fuminori Kagajo – Depths Of The Forest [Roots Underground]
Katy B x Four Tet x Floating Points – Calm Down [Rinse]
Don Pascal – Deep Throw (Beyond Tone Remix) [Broadcite]
The Black 80s – To Hang On To [Sonar Kollektiv]
Submotion Orchestra feat. Andrew Ashong – Needs [Counter Records]
Kaidi Tatham – Willow Of Winton [The Sound Of Everything]
Yussef Kamaal – Strings Of Light [Brownswood]
Ed Motta – Good Intentions [MustHaveJazz]
Ross McHenry – Clean Break (For Ornate) [First Word]
Nat Birchall – Light Of All Worlds [Sound Soul And Spirit]
Hidden Jazz Quartett feat. Bajka – Luvlite [Agogo]
Pavel Dovgal feat. Blu – The Aura [Project Mooncircle]
Paper Tiger – Ooh (J-Felix Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Nikitch feat. Andreya Triana – When It All Falls Down [Cascade Records]
Tall Black Guy feat. Moonchild – Will Never Know [First Word]
TAGi – Dilla Is Not Dead [Heavenly Sweetness]
Lahun feat. JD73 – Mystic Jam Hands [Apollo]
Silentjay X Jace XL – Everybody [Rhythm Section]
The Tibbs – Armada [Record Kicks]
Young Gun Silver Fox – Long Way Back [Legere]
The Cinematic Orchestra feat. Moses Sumney – To Believe [Ninja Tune]
Sophie Barker : Break The Habit [Disco Gecko]
“Break The Habit” the third album from vocalist Sophie Barker. Formerly a collaborator with Zero 7 and Groove Armada, Barker’s latest release is filled with lush compositions and haunting guitar rhythms. Producer Alex Pilkington has orchestrated a intimate sound, limiting the number of musicians to allow the warmth to pour through the recordings. Each of these tunes are a delight within itself. “3 Things” features a searing electric guitar as the perfect compliment to Barker’s melodic vocals.”Breathe Me In”, performed with a full band is a stirring number that will strum the heartstrings. “Let’s Start Again” demonstrates the contrast in sounds with synths and trippy drums. Superb emotive songwriting and musicianship throughout, it will be quite difficult to break the habit of repeated spins from this wonderful record.
Various Artists: Mr Bongo Record Club Volume One [Mr Bongo]
Just when you think there are no more hidden gems to be found, Mr Bongo continues to impress us. Once again they have blessed us with loads of obscure quality recordings from their massive vault. The new compilation “Mr Bongo Record Club Volume One” features a myriad of musical styles from artists from around the world. With twenty tracks in tow, there’s much to savor here. “Seara De Oxala is Brailian funk by Barbosa. “Fish & Funjee” is African Psychedelic funk from Lantei Lampley. “El Mercado” is a very hard to find fusion recording from Venezuelan guitarist Alex Rodriguez. In order to get into this club you must bring plenty of funk and lay down some good grooves. All the artists here have gone well beyond that. This is a superb collection that will provide instant satisfaction.
Brian Auger: Anthology Vol. 2 [Freestyle]
“Anthology Vol. 2” is the second installment of remastered recordings from pianist/organist Brian Auger. Once again Auger seamlessly weaves between bebop and greasy soul jazz with enormous results. Auger puts his stamp on jazz classics such as “Love For Sale” and “All Blues”, the latter featuring vocals by Julie Driscoll. “Funky Mama” and the Art Blakey classic “Moanin” find him stretching out on the hammond B3. There’s also a number of tunes recorded by Auger’s seventies band the Oblivion Express. “Happiness Is Just Around The Bend” is one and “Straight Ahead” is another. The latter is a touch of fusion highlighted by funky wah wah guitar rhythms and Auger on keyboards. “Black Octopus”, never before released features the Herbie Hancock 70s fusion band The Headhunters is another delight as well. There’s much to enjoy here so pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and enjoy fifty years of brilliance from Mr Auger.
Various Artists: French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol 2 [Favorite Recordings]
This is the second installment by DJ Charles Maurice and Favorite Recordings “French Disco Boogie Sounds”. This rare and obscure collection features an array of French and West Indian artists recorded between 1978 to 1986. “Funky Biguine” recorded by French Caribbean act Crystal is a nice boogie tune filled with percolating percussion and well placed synths. French vocalist Greg Smaha’s falsetto glides over the mid-tempo “Sunshine”. “Talk Me Mam’s” filled with seductive strings and soothing keys would’ve been right at home in any NYC club during the peak of Disco. This is a nice glimpse into a forgotten period in the rich musical history of Nice in particular and France in general. Props to Charles Maurice and Favorite Recordings for their diligence in resurrecting these quality recordings.
Josef Leimberg: Astral Progressions [World Galaxy]
If we’ve learned anything musically within the last two years, it’s that the LA music scene has exploded like no other area. Trumpeter Josef Leimberg has been right in the middle of the scene, having worked with everyone from Kamasi Washington, Miguel Atwood Ferguson and Kendrick Lamar just to name a few. With his debut “Astral Progressions” he’s poised to make himself a household name. Leimberg has brought along some of his friends who help share his vision. “Interstellar Universe” features the aforementioned Washington on Tenor Sax and embodies the big sound in the form of strings and a chorus found on his recent recording “The Epic”. Georgia Anne Muldrow sounds right at home on the cosmic sounds of “As I Think Of You”. Other notable tracks are “Between Us 2” featuring Bilal and the title track featuring Kurupt. You’ll no doubt want to hop on board this pleasant journey of celestial vibes and interstellar sounds. Leimberg’s compositions seamlessly weaves elements of soul, jazz and hip-hop while incorporating his own sound. Thanks to this wonderful record, his audience is poised to grow at a rapid rate.
Chip Wickham: La Sombra [Love Monk]
You may be familiar with Flutist and Saxophonist Chip Wickham from from his funk and soul projects. Among his various affiliations are The Fire Eaters, a group he formed with guitarist Eddie Roberts from The New Mastersounds. From there he went on to play in the Craig Charles Fantasy Funk band. Ultimately his journey would lead him towards the world of Jazz and a collaboration with trumpeter Matthew Halsall. He would proceed to perform on Halsall’s debut “Sending My Love”. Wickham and Halsall formed a friendship which led to collaborations with Nat Birchall Go Go Penguin and others. “La Sombra”, his debut is comprised of seven lush compositions inspired by his years of residency in Madrid. The title track opens the disc on a lovely note, a gentle ballad with a haunting piano intro. Wickham caresses the notes tenderly while drummer Antonio Pax subtle jabs on vibes is equally satisfying. “Red Planet” and “The Detour” are rousing pieces. Each are ignited by Pianist Gabri Casanova and fueled by bassist David Salvador providing the perfect canvas for Wickham’s rich phrasings. Wickham’s bandmates are assembled from Madrid’s vibrant Jazz scene share his vision and passion. It’s quite possible you’ll get swept away by this superb recording.
26 December 2016
Ahu – It Ain’t Necessarily So
Moonchild – Nobody [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Kutiman – 6AM [Sisal Music]
Electric Wire Hustle feat. Deva Mahal – March [Bastard Jazz]
Jazz Chronicles feat. Nicola Kramer – Latley [Futuristica Music]
Beatspoke feat. Joseph Derteano – Seed Of Doubt [BBE Records]
Dtchplnes feat. Melanie Rutherford – Etching [Dtchplnes]
Jameszoo feat. Arthur Verocai – Flu [Brainfeeder]
Marcel Vogel – Moonchild [Intimate Friends]
DJ Mitsu the Beats – Fluid [Jazzy Sport Records]
Resonators – Healer [Wah Wah 45s]
Jimi Tenor – Tropical Eel [Philophon Records]
The KutiMangoes – Ouagadougou [Tramp Records]
Anthony Joseph – Drum Song [Heavenly Sweetness]
Azymuth – Villa Mariana (De Tarde) [Far Out Recordings]
Hiatus Kaiyote – The Lung (Paul White Unofficial Remix)
Felix Laband – Righteous Red Berets (Luke Vibert Remix) [Compost Records]
Denilen – Core 66 [Whirling Wolf]
Loâzo – Ketjak (Lurka Remix) [Mawimbi]
Mehmet Aslan & Dario Rohrbach – Gazel [Fleeting Wax]
Ilija Rudman feat. Andre Espeut – In Her Eyes [Imogen]
Jono McCleery – So Long (Jabru Remix) [If Music]
Atjazz & Zano – Truth [Atjazz Record Company]
Loft Players – Outrospective [Superficially Deep]
TMSV – Torpedo Riddim [Cosmic Bridge]
19 December 2016
José Mauro – Talismã [Far Out Recordings]
TJ – You’re The One [BBE]
Freeway feat. Mark J – No More [Peoples Potential Unlimited]
Mike Lundy – Love One Another [Aloha Got Soul]
Air – Baby, I Don’t Know Where Love [Be With Records]
Byrne and Barnes – Never Gonna Stop Lovin’ You [Favorite Recordings]
Morris Dow & Eastern Sound – Black Child [Tramp]
Penny Goodwin – Too Soon You’re Old [Athens Of The North]
J. Richford & G. Stevan – Flying High [Schema]
The Paris Smith Quintet – Thought Seeds [Oracle Records]
Tarika Blue – Truth Is The Key [Chiaroscuro]
Cesar Mariano & Cia – Metropole [Sony]
Pedro Santos – Ritual Negro [Mr Bongo]
Banda de Pifanos de Caruaru – Cavalinho Cavalao (Tahira Re-edit) [Tiffs Joint]
Puzzle Pulsion – Mwoin Ka Songé [Heavenly Sweetness]
Feather – Be Real [Be Free Records]
The Parker Brothers – Lady Day [Favourite Recordings]
Banda Black Rio – Leblon Via Vaz Lobo [Mr Bongo]
Manu Dibango – Sun Explosion [Africa Seven Records]
Al Etto – Hold On To Love [Culture Of Soul]
Al Green – Simply Beautiful (MS Edit)
Robert Palmer – Every Kinda People (Joey Negro Multicultural Multitrack Mix) [Z Records]
Mary Clark – Take Me I’m Yours [La Shawn]
Ekkah – Last Chance To Dance (Nirobi Edit)
NY*AK feat. Franc Syx – How I Fell [Intimate Friends]
12 December 2016
Bonobo feat. Rhye – Break Apart [Ninja Tune]
Valique – Family [Compost Records]
Leroy Hutson – I Do I Do (Want To Make Love To You) [Curtom]
Allan Harris – Doralice [Love Productions]
Joyce – Baracumbara [Far Out Recordings]
Moon child – The Truth (DJ Jazzy Jeff & James Poyser Remix) [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
J-Live – Eleven-Nine [Mortier Music]
Jehst – Wolf At The Door [Project Mooncircle]
9th Wonder & Pete Rock – Whatever You Say (Remix I)
1000 Names – Hollow Hello [Project Mooncircle]
Tipper – Cinder Cone [Tipper Music]
Patrice Rushen – Yolon [Prestige]
Olli Ahvenlahti – Hotel Piccolo [Svart]
Mike Cohen – Red Star Mambo [Pacific Arts]
Lonnie Liston Smith – Magic Journey [Columbia]
Nicolette – Lotta Love [Warner Bros.]
Midnight Magic – Own Me [Soul Clap Records]
Spunk – Tighten It Up [Gold Coast]
Electric Wire Hustle feat. Kimbra – Brother Sun (Ashley Beedle North Street Vocal Mix) [Ramrock Blue Records]
Denilen – Oura [Whirling Wolf]
Rodion – Allemande [My Favorite Robot Records]
Lerosa – Line Base [Idle Hands]
Mr Bird feat. Greg Blackman – Over Again (Tom Moulton Mix) [Ramrock Records]
Tortured Soul – Makin’ Me Better [TSTC]
NoizyKnobs – Expertise [Motech]
The Don – The Horn Song [Strictly Rhythm]
5 December 2016
Mulatu Astatqe – Yèkèrmo Sèw [Heavenly Sweetness]
Bunzu Soundz – Zinabu [Africa Seven]
Tanzania Soundsystem – Ngono Kijiji [Highlife Edits]
Afrodelic Stegosaurchestra – Matches [Tramp]
Flevans – Wise Men Say [Jalapeno Records]
My Trippin Mojo – Unconditional Love [Resistant Mindz]
Penny Goodwin – Too Soon You’re Old [Athens Of The North]
Zerolex – Ebb & Flow [Cascade Records]
Astrea – Piagge [Perpetualis]
Ryota Opp – Origin [Meda Fury]
Lord Echo feat. Mara TK – Just Do You [Soundway]
Pavel Dovgal feat. Mujuice – Quency [Project Mooncircle]
Steve Spacek – Time Is Running Out [Eglo]
Fulgeance – Les Voyageurs [Cascade]
Colonel Abrams – I’m Not Gonna Let You [MCA]
Colonel Abrams – Trapped [MCA]
Colonel Abrams – The Truth [MCA]
Kellis Ethridge – Kota Rendah [Inner City]
Dusko Goykovich – Bosna Calling [The Musical Heritage Society]
Woody Shaw – The Goat An The Archer [Contemporary]
DarQknight – Paz Em Casa [Smooth Agent Records]
Lancelot – As It Were [Trunkfunk]
Madeline Bell – Little Ones (Scrimshire Edit)
Bahama Soul Club: Havana 58 [Buyu]
The fourth release from the Bahama Soul Club builds on the legacy of their previous release “The Cuban Tapes” “Havana 58” fuses the Latin and Bossa rhythms of the past with the vibrant sounds of today. Some of Cuba finest vocalists and musicians are on board to add a bit of spice to an array of engaging compositions. Olvido Ruiz, the lead singer of the Bahama Soul Club showcases her range on three tracks. “Let God” is bluesy soul and “Muevelo Papi” boasts an infectious samba groove. Sexto Sentido, Cuba’s premier vocal quartet shines on several tracks as well. “Meyer Lansky” features the quartet’s warm harmonies over a seductive piano groove and hypnotic drum snare. “Tropicana Flight” shows they’re equally adept at turning up the tempo on this guitar thumping boogie tune. “Havana 58” is poised to transport you to a musical culture that filled with generations of great music. You’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.
My Trippin Mojo: Edda’s Garden [Resistant Mindz]
“Edda’s Garden” is mellow soul from My Trippin Mojo. The Leipzig Germany based band’s debut recording is rooted in funky horns, wah wah rhythms and soothing vocals courtesy of Sabrina Bornmann. Among the highlights are the laid back “Unconditional Love”, filled with Bornmann’s warm vocals and Christopher Mengel’s psychedelic guitar rhythms. “My World” is a slow burning dim the lights soul with soothing horns. “Nice Grits and Cool Cars” and “One For sue” are funky instrumentals. Bassist Johannes Riedel recorded the band in his analog studio and the result is vintage 70s soul with just enough grit that will transport you back in time. A splendid debut from a band whose mojo will certainly get your groove on.