15 February 2016
Earth, Wind & Fire – Africano:Power [CBS]
Earth, Wind & Fire – Let Your Feeling Show [CBS]
Earth, Wind & Fire – Runnin’ [CBS]
Ramsey Lewis – Sun Goddess [Columbia]
Sinclair 808 – No Exit [Here & Now]
Bill Converse – In Love/With Light [Dark Entries]
Mïus feat. Laura Hahn – Broken Words (Mooryc Remix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Kettel – Quickpig [Clone]
The Mixtapers – We So Good [Sonar Kollektiv]
United Vibrations – Scion [Ubiquity]
DJ Khalab & Baba Sissoko – Bognya (Clap! Clap! Remix) [Wonderwheel]
Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band – Scorpio [Big Crown]
Jimi Tenor – Tropical Eel [Philophon]
The Soul Snatchers – Where Y’At? [Social Beats]
Kay Dennis – Feeling Good [Tramp]
Kathryn Moses – More Than Ever [P.M.]
Nicolette Larson – Lotta Love (Joey Negro Yacht Disco Mix [Z Records]
Rasputin Stash – You’ve Opened My Mind [Gemigo/BBE]
The Relatives – No Man Is An Island [Luv N Haight]
George Adams – Nature’s Children [Dopeness Galore]
Woody Shaw – Moontrane [Muse]
Modified Man – Stratus (Part Two) [Albert’s Favourites]
Rive Gauche – Walking [BBE]
Denise Williams – Free [CBS]
8 February 2016
Eilish Gilligan – The Dogs [Wyall Style]
Manuel Volpe & Rhabdomantic Orchestra – Basrah [Agogo]
Alex Puddu with Edda Dell’Orso – Magic Mountain [Schema]
The Heliocentrics – Looking Back [Now-Again]
Plas Johnson – Lift Off [Tramp]
Antonio Adolfo – Phrygia Brasileira [Sony]
Florian Pellissier – Les Masques Africains [Heavenly Sweetness]
BADBADNOTGOOD – Here & Now [Innovative Leisure]
AbJo – Forever Ago [Soulection]
I’m From Finland – LDR [Cascade]
Aisha Zoe – Flowers (WarrenXclnce’s Honeysamba Mix)
J.Mcfysian – For You (K15 Remix) [Futuristica Music]
Loâzo – Ketjak (Lurka Remix) [Mawimbi]
DJ Compufunk – Another World [Motech]
Lokane – Visions [Nervous Horizon]
Novalima – Planetario (Aero Manyelo Remix) [Wonderwheel]
NY*AK feat. Ian Blevins – Xager [Technicolour]
Clara Hill Meets Atjazz – Nowhere (I Can Go) [Sonar Kollektiv]
Symbol 8 – Call Me [BBE]
Sun Palace – Rude Movements [Nuphonic]
Jacob Mafuleni & Gary Gritness – Chikoni 808 [Nyami Nyami]
The People’s Workshop – Funkathone [BBE]
Gold Of My Own – Breathless [Fish Legs]
Terry Callier – Dancing Girl [Cadet]
Carly Simon – You Belong To Me [Elektra]
1 February 2016
Jonny Drop – Vinyl Destination [Albert’s Favourites]
TAGi – The Day The Beat Stood Still [Heavenly Sweetness]
Beatspoke – Joy [BBE]
Maribou State – Colours In Sea [Counter]
Lost Arm – Undeeer! [Project Mooncircle]
Sun Ra – When There Is No Sun [Strut]
Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers – Philadelphia [Enja Yellowbird]
Ed Motta – Good Intentions [MustHaveJazz]
Edmony Krater – Tijan [Heavenly Sweetness]
Chris McGregor & The Castle Larger Big Band – Eclipse At Dawn [Jazzman]
The Magnificent Tape Band – Patterns In My Mind [Ata]
Piero Umiliani – Stoccolma My Dear [Schema]
Piero Umiliani – Hippies [Schema]
J.Richford & G. Stevan – Feeling Tense [Schema]
Rekid – Tuesday Bluesday [Pyramids of Mars]
Ash Koosha – Mudafossil [Ninja Tune]
Joe Bataan – Magic Rose (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix) [Fania]
Kid Fonque & D-Malice feat. Clara Hill – All This Time (Boddhi Satva Ancestral Soul Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Amana Melome – Lock & Key (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix)
Carlos Mena – Elegba [Yoruba]
Washerman – Still Life [Drumpoet Community]
Risco Connection – Ain’t No Stopping Us Now [Nuphonic]
Seyyal Taner – Naciye (Fattish Rework)
Luther Vandross – It’s Over Now [Epic]
Sean Khan feat. Omar – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down (4 Hero Remix) [Far Out]
Gerardo Frisina: Olympia [Schema Records]
“Olympia” is where Jazz and Brazilian rhythms meet and proceed to heat up the dance floor DJ/Producer Gerardo Frisina fuses his production skills, particularly his clever use of samples along with his love of Brazilian music. The five track EP is bookend by two uptempo bass driven tunes. The title track is driven by a soaring piano melody and vocal samples. The latter “Obsession” layered with tasty vibes and congas. “Talking Sticks” is filled with funky wah wah guitar and organ rhythms, capped off a seductive baritone sax solo. One year after the LP release “Movement”, Frisina continues to experiment with a variety of sounds that will seduce you not only to dance but to listen over and over.
St Germain: St Germain [Nonesuch]
Fifteen years is a long gap between album releases, especially when your previous LP is the critically acclaimed “Tourist”. For DJ/Producer Ludovic Navarre better known as St Germain it was necessary to go in another direction As a result he embarked on an inspirational path that led him to the rhythms of West Africa and the blues. This creative journey has culminated into an extraordinary collaboration with Malian guitarist Guimba Kouyate. The new self-titled LP showcases Navarre’s superb use of loops and sampling in conjunction with strong musicianship from Kouyate and others. “Real Blues” is a myriad of rhythms ranging from the wooden vibe like Balafon to Kouyate’s electric guitar riffs. Not to mention the sampling of Lightnin’ Hopkins. “Sittin Here” is bursting with infectious percussion and Kouyate’s soloing and vocals. “How Dare You”once again features Kouyate’s vocals alongside the sampled vocals of Lightnin’ Hopkins. This union of the Blues and the music of Mali feels like a perfect marriage. In addition Navarre’s superb use of electronics complements the compositions as opposed to overpowering it. Make no mistake, this is a tremendous achievement.
Marta Ren and The Groovelvets: Stop, Look, Listen [Record Kicks]
Hailing from Oporto, Portugal. Marta Ren burst onto the scene with the 2012 hit single “2 Kinds Of Men”. That funky soul burner drew a lot of attention as a classic soul chanteuse with a powerful voice. She follows up that appetizer with the full length LP “Stop, Look & Listen”. Accompanied by the funk band The Groovelvets, they deliver plenty of revved up soul as evidenced by the opening track “I’m not your regular woman”. Ren shows her softer side on the slow burning funk tune “Smiling Faces” but don’t be fooled, she takes no prisoners on the slow and simmering “So Long”. The Groovelvets show they’re more than capable of laying down the groove and stretch out on instrumental “Be Ma Fela”. A voice that belies her age, Marta will command your attention and you’ll give in willingly.
Ed Motta: Perpetual Gateways [Musthavejazz]
For pianist Ed Motta, “Perpetual Gateways” is the gateway between his love of soul and jazz and just so happens to be his first US recording. Motta has assembled an impressive group of musicians, notably pianist Patrice Rushen, drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Greg Phillanganes and many more. Among the highlights are “Hypochondriac’s Fun”, a jazz infused pop tune reminiscent of Motta’s previous release “AOR”. Those recordings undoubtedly inspired by Motta’s admiration for Steely Dan. “Heritage Deja Vu” is another highlight filled with warm melodic Rhodes and Motta’s powerful albeit soothing vocals. The midpoint of the disc segues into the jazz phase and the band stretches out as evidenced on “I Remember Julie”. Motta displays his improvisational vocal dexterity while Trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s colorful phrasings add another layer of pleasure. “Overblown Overweight” is another delight augmented by Motta’s scat singing. Originally known as a pop soul singer, Motta’s ascension into the jazz arena is seamless and this recording is nothing short of tremendous.
Various Artists: If Music Presents – You Need This [BBE]
“You Need This”,is a hand picked collection of rare gems from If Music label head Jean Claude. This compilation includes an array of spiritual jazz recordings from a host of highly respected musicians slightly off the radar but worth your attention nonetheless Among the highlights are “He’s Gone”, composed by Trombonist Charles Greenlee, which features Jean Carn on vocals. Out of all the musicians here, Saxophonist John Stubblefield may be the best known due to his work with Charles Mingus among others. His composition “Going Home” is an engaging tune layered with inspired soloing from a sorely underrated band that included pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Victor Lewis. “Saudi”, is filled with fluid and atmospheric soloing courtesy of drummer Lenny McBrowne. This superb compilation is just another reminder of the deep well of hard bop recordings waiting to be rediscovered. A real treat that deserves your attention..
25 January 2016
The Rosewood Trio – West 15th Street Strut [Tramp]
Toshiaki Yokota & The Beat Generation – Clair Deluge [Superfly]
Billy Parker’s Fourth World – Dance Of The Little Children [Strata East]
Project IV feat. Robin – Just a Little More Time [Tramp]
Marta Ren & The Grovelvets – Release Me [Record Kicks]
King Bee – Money Gone
Young Gun Silver Fox – So Bad [Légère]
Mike Lundy – Love One Another [Aloha Got Soul]
The Dells – Stand Up And Show The World [Cadet]
Rasputin Stash – You’re So Special [BBE]
Diana Ross – A Simple Thing Like Cry [Tamla Motown]
Culross Close – Requiem + Reflections [Sound of Speed]
Beatspoke feat. Joseph Derteano – Seed Of Doubt [BBE]
Kelela – The High [Warp]
Killiam Shakespeare feat. Ebony Joi – Stars [Ropeadope]
TAGi with Finale & Sly Johnson – Lost Art [Heavenly Sweetness]
Rumpistol feat. Ane Trolle – Eyes Open Wide [Rump]
Ujin Ray – Flying Horse [Night Noise Music]
Tim Aminov feat. Pete Josef – One Lone Survivor [Sonar Kollektiv]
Typesun – Make It Right [Don’t Be Afraid]
Obas Nenor – Tribal Tribute [Sol Power Sound]
Katy B x Four Tet x Floating Points – Calm Down [Rinse]
Restless Soul Fun Band feat. Shea Soul – Turn Me Out [BBE]
Hidden Jazz Quartett feat. Bajka – Soulosophy [Agogo]
Nicola Conte presents Stefania Dipierro – Open The Door [Far Out]
Ivan Lins – Voar [Sony]
18 January 2016
Bill Converse – Inward Fathoms [Dark Entries]
Pedestrian feat. Maribou State – JNT [Dama Dama]
Matt Karmil – Nu [Idle Hands]
Koett – Giberboreya [Atomnation]
Submotion Orchestra feat. Andrew Ashong – Needs [Counter]
BHLB – Gamelan Rework
Midflite – Een Voor Opa [Cascade]
Olof Melander – Travelers [Project Mooncircle]
The Incognito Traveller – Sargassum [BBE]
Lost Artz – That’s Life [Dirty Ink]
Evan Geesman – Stalks [Ubiquity]
Tony Momrelle – Pick Me Up (Reel People Remix) [Reel People Music]
Lauer – Brisk [Futureboogie]
Tlinder – Livernoise (DJ 3000 remix) [Detroit Techno Militia]
Nicola Conte presents Stefania Dipierro – Softly As In A Morning Sunrise [Far Out]
Groupo X – Get Through To You
Mike Lundy – The Rhythm Of Life [Aloha Got Soul]
George Duke – Funny Funk [MPS]
Barbara Jean English – If It Feels This Good [BBE]
Ed Motta – Overblown Overweight [MustHaveJazz]
Alex Puddu – The City Of Gold [Schema]
Freddie Hubbard – A Night In Tunisia (Live In Europe) [Blue Note]
Quintonal – Push-Up [Jazzaggression]
Eighties Ladies – He Is Mine Forever [Universal Sound]
11 January 2016
Donald Byrd & 125th Street NYC – I Feel Like Loving You Today [Elektra]
Hidden Jazz Quartett feat. Bajka – Luvlite [Agogo]
Alex Pudda – Sequenza Erotica [Schema]
Leon Lowman – Arch (II) [Vinyl On Demand]
Revbjelde – Port Of Arundel [Buried Treasure]
Culross Close – Home [Sound of Speed]
Stillhead – Knife Edge [Here & Now]
Beatspoke – Never Enough (Anchorsong Remix) [BBE]
Midflite feat. Moka Only – Maybloom [Cascade]
Restless Soul Fun Band feat. Zansika, Root Soul & Swing-O – Missing [BBE]
Emanative – Unity
George Adams – Decisions [Dopeness Galore]
Florian Pellissier Quintet – Le Cap de Bonne Espérance [Heavenly Sweetness]
Antonio Adolfo – Melos [AAM]
The James Hunter Six – If That Don’t Tell You [Daptone]
Carly Simon – Tranquillo (Melt My Heart) [Elektra]
Polad Bülbüloğlu – Gel Seher (Fattish’s Nightingale Rework)
Dos Palos – Lady of the the Westway (Ilija Rudman Higher Ground Instrumental Mix) [Imogen]
Marie Joly – Mist [Offering]
Jonna feat. Erik Rico – Through The Night [Shadeleaf]
Fred Everything – Ô (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix) [Atjazz Record Company]
Katy B x Four Tet x Floating Points – Calm Down [Rinse]
Colonel Abrams – I’m Not Gonna Let [MCA]
Caldera – Little Light [Brightest Dark Place]
Oliver Way & Gareth Whitehead – Play The Theme (Mark Flash Remix) [Bulletdodge]
Eric Houbron – Synthetic Water [Motech]
4 January 2016
Premiesku – Voice Game [20/20 Vision]
St. Germain – Real Blues (Atjazz Stay Tuned Remix) [Parlophone/Warner]
Marie Joly & Black Coffee feat. Rebecca Murray – Gratitude (Doug Gomez NYC Remix) [Offering]
Affani – Arabica [Motech]
Weisz2 feat. Aladin Anyebe – Ko Si Eda To Mola (Henrik Schwarz Rework) [Luv Lite]
Maribou State feat. Pedestrian – The Clown [Counter]
Tom Misch & Bearcubs – Colours Of Freedom [Beyond The Groove]
Voilaaa – Spies Are Watching Me [Favorite]
Kutiman – Space Cassava [Siyal Music]
Electric Jalaba – Moulana
The Polyversal Souls feat. Hailu Mergia – Sad Nile [Philphon]
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Paint Me In A Corner [Timmion]
King Bee – Return Of The Dave [Beeswax]
The Haggis Horns feat. Lucind Slim – I Can’t Stop The Feeling [Haggis]
The Milk – Trouble Gonna Bring Me Down [Wah Wah 45s]
Ghost Of Christmas – Awake [Sounds Like Yeah!]
Fulgeance & DJ Scientist feat. DistantStarr – You Know [First Word]
DJ Vadim & Sena – Day By Day [BBE]
Fat Freddy’s Drop – Novak [The Drop]
Guy One – Suro Yuama [Philophon]
Nuage feat. Olga Maximova – Neida [Project Mooncircle]
Farnell Newton feat. Jarrod Lawson & Tony Ozier – Peace & Love [Atlanta]
Submerse – Bokeh [Project Mooncircle]
Emanative feat. Collocuter & Finn Peters – Fire [Brownswood]
Nubiyan Twist: Nubiyan Twist [Wormfood]
Hailing from Leeds London, Nubiyan Twist are a twelve member outfit comprised of musicians, DJs and producers respectively. Their seven track LP fuses Afro-beat, jazz and groove driven music. Vocalist Nubiya Brandon elevates the assortment of arrangements composed here. On “Turu” she waxes poetic over deep grooves and hip-hop flavored beats. “Figure Numatic” is a jazz infused funk gem filled with syncopated funk rhythms. “Shake Me Down” is filled with Afro-beat rhythms aligned with funky horns. A relatively new band with 4 years under their belt, It’s tantalizing to think what they’ll release for an encore.
The New Mastersounds: Made For Pleasure [Legere Recordings]
With their tenth lp “Made For Pleasure”, the Leeds, based group traveled to New Orleans for this recording. It appears they have been inspired by the musical rhythms flowing through the Big Easy. The evidence is steeped in the organ grinding gritty funk of the title track “Made For Pleasure”. On “Fancy” they flip the Iggy Azalea pop hit into a roots reggae rhythmic gem. “Pho Baby” is a warm bluesy soul tune driven by guitarist Eddie Roberts. Cherly Lowry is the guest vocalist steeped in the raw soul lineage of female soul singers before her. She torches three tracks here with “Enough Is Enough” being the standout. The UK quartet remain consistent by delivering straight no chaser funk and soul and hit the mark once again.
The Haggis Horns: What Comes To Mind [Haggis Records]
The Haggis Horns have been serving up their brand of funky horn arrangements to a long list of artists like Mark Ronson, Corrine Bailey Rae and The New Mastersounds, with whom they first premiered. With their third lp, entitled “What Comes To Mind” , they have solidified themselves as a funk and soul band capable of laying down the grooves to make you move. Evidence lies with tunes like “Give Me Something Better” featuring vocalist John McCallum. Lucinda Slim, the other featured vocalist adds some spice to “I Can’t Stop This Feeling”. “Keep On Bumpin” is reminiscent of early seventies boogie funk. Prominent backing vocals and exciting horns make this a worthy listen for funk and soul enthusiasts.