28 December 2015
Manu Delago feat. Isa Kurz – Disgustingly Beautiful [Tru Thoughts]
Electric Wire Hustle – Aeons [Bastard Jazz]
Lo Tide feat. Jenn K – Moving On [Organik]
Portico feat. Jono McCleery – Bright Luck [Ninja Tune]
Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra feat. Josephine Oniyama – Into Forever [Gondwana]
Bill Laurance – December In New York [GroundUP Music]
Stuart McCallum – City [Naim Jazz]
Nat Birchall – Njozi (Vision) [Jazzman]
Shaun Martin – Lotus [Ropeadope]
Kamasi Washington – The Rhythm Changes [Brainfeeder]
Sean Khan – What Has Jazz Become? [Far Out]
Twilight & Twilite Tone – Higher [Ubiquity]
Wu15 – The Anthem [Eglo]
77 Karat Gold – Tossin’ & Turnin’ [Jazzy Sport]
Wbeeza – Expression Of Love [Third Ear]
ComixXx – Hearing You [Sonar Kollektiv]
Rukaiya Russell feat. Christine Asamoah – Moving [RuRu]
Ambassadeurs – Looking At You [Aucan Remix) [Lost Tribe]
Golden Rules feat. Yasiin Bey – Never Die [Lex]
Quiet Dawn feat. Oddisee – New Dawn [First Word]
Stig Of The Dump feat. Jehst – Kubrick
Wiley – Step 2001 [Big Dada]
Potatohead People feat. Illa J & Moka Only – Explosives [Bastard Jazz]
Yung Bae – Something New
Pete Josef – Colour [Sonar Kollektiv]
Lucas Arruda – Vento Sul [Favorite]
Max Graef & Glenn Astro – Magic Johnson [Ninja Tune]
21 December 2015
Bea Benjamin – Africa [Matsuli Music]
Sadaka – African Violet [Jazzman]
Noel McGhie & Space Spies – Trapeze [Superfly]
Brian Auger feat. Julie Driscoll – Save Me [Freestyle]
E.W. Wainwright Jr. – Imani [Jazzman]
Gloria Ann Taylor – How Can You Say It [Luv N Haight]
Warmth – A Song The Children Dance To [Tramp]
Vince Andrews – The One Who Needs You [Gerard]
The Judy Roberts Band – Never Was Love [Madonna]
Quintonal – Time Compulsion [Jazzaggression]
Painel De Controle – Relax [Athens Of The North]
Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers – I Jool Omo [Freestyle]
Manu Dibango – Sun Explosion [Fiesta/African Seven]
Tala A.M. – Black Gold [African Seven]
Yumi Arai – Anata Dake No Mono (Florent F Rework) [Kat45]
James Mason – I’ve Got Your Love [Shout]
Third Stream – In A Galaxy Far Away [Tramp]
Martin L. Dumas Jr. – Attitude, Belief & Determination [BBE]
Oliver Boogie – Funky Tropical [Hot Digits]
Lamar Thomas – Feel So Good Inside [Favorite]
Erkin Koray – Yok Yok (Fattish’s Nein Re-Edit)
Stephan Abel Quartett feat. Ken Norris – Estate [Agogo]
14 December 2015
Matthias Vogt Trio – Driver (Josh Remix) [Infracom]
Tidelines – How To Love Me [XVI]
Esta feat. Jbird – Feathers [Soulection]
Yumi and The Weather – Well Aware [XVI]
Olof Melander – Overstand [Project Mooncircle]
Stillhead – Uncertain Dub [Here & Now]
Margaman – Forward [Flex]
Peshay – Jazz Lick [Nexus]
One Bomb – Antenna (Si Tew Remix)
Lost Artz – That’s Life [Dirty Ink]
Ziga Murko – Casablanca [RX:TX]
Ken Rhodes – The Journey [Amayana]
Triton – Greasy Sunday [BBE]
Hironobu Jyounai – Jazz Carnival [Primo]
Sean Khan – Dance For Little Emily [Far Out]
Ali New Biye – Hanna Mekonnen [East Connection]
Oneness Of Juju – Later For You [Move]
Little Dragon – Pretty Girls (TBG Disco Love Remix)
Martin Iveson – Too Many [Less Than Ten]
Illa J – Sunflower (DJ Spinna Remix) [Bastard Jazz]
Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra – Too Much Information (Laolu Remix – Edit) [Innervisions]
Frankey & Sandrino feat. Ia Öberg – Ways Of The Sun [Drumpoet Community]
Marcus Marr & Chet Faker – Birthday Card [Detail Co.]
7 December 2015
Leon Lowman – Morning Song [Vinyl On Demand]
Leon Lowman – Friends [Vinyl On Demand]
Ilan Kabiljo – Cool Nights [Imogen]
Jonny Drop – Mind Field [Albert’s Favourites]
DJ Mitsu The Beats – Pilot [Jazzy Sport]
Matt Karmil – Tour [Idle Hands]
Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman – Enviromental Studies [Stones Throw]
Dizz1 – Shots Fired (Remix) [Strange Neighbor]
Railster & HLMNSRA – Tetraidroc [Beat.It]
Beat Spacek – I Wanna Know (dBridge Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Nikitch – Arps [Cascade]
The Souljazz Orchestra – Kossa Kossa (TK Kossa Remix) [Memeplex]
Rubens Bassini – Guaganco (Spiritual South Club Mix) [Far Out]
Tala AM – Black Gold [Africa Seven]
Jack Costanzo & His Afro Cuban Band – Abainaquito [Jazzman]
Hironobu Jyounai – Can I Change [Primo]
Alive! – Skindo Le Le [Alive!]
Willie West – I’m Still a Man (Lord Have Mercy) [Timmion]
The James Hunter Six – (Baby) Hold On [Daptone]
The Bionic I – Disco Claus [Tramp]
Loâzo – Ketjak (Lurka Remix) [Mawimbi]
Matthias Vogt feat. Pete Josef – Can We All Be Still [Anjunadeep]
Wipe The Needle feat. Lifford – Rise Up [Makin’ Moves]
FaltyDL – The Ah Track [Ninja Tune]
7th Movement – Odyssey (Love Star Discomix) [Jus’ Trax]
The Jeff Leopard Band – Bedroom Eyes [Noid]
Nat Birchall: Invocation [Jazzman Records]
Tenor Saxophonist Nat Birchall’s latest release and first for Jazzman Records follows the lineage of Coltrane, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders. Birchall’s authoritative voice soars over a superb collection of spiritual jazz compositions penned by himself. “Song to The divine Mother”, the opening track builds with a heighten intensity ignited by Birchall before drummer Johnny Hunter sets the table and keeps a tight rhythm throughout. Pianist Adam Fairhall melodic excursions shines brightly on “A Luta continua” and “Njozi”. The rest of Birchall’s supporting cast provide an understated yet firm presence throughout. Bassist Tim Fairhall lays down solid bass lines and percussionist Christian Weaver makes periodic splashes. “Invocation” is a call to the spirits past and present. It is through the enchanting Tenor voice of Birchall that you’ll find pure joy with the response.
Lucas Arruda: Solar [Favorite]
“Solar”, the sophomore release from Brazilian keyboardist Lucas Arruda demonstrates significant growth from his debut, “Sambadi. Arruda skillfully blends fusion and Brazilian rhythms over his warm and sublime arrangements. “Uma Onda” is laid back hazy fusion that features Alex Malheiros of Asymuth on bass. On “Melt The Night” Leon Ware’s vocals blend perfectly with Arruda’s compositions. It would’ve been nice to feature him on another track or two here. “Aqua” is a pretty ballad influenced by Arruda’s love for RnB and soul music. With another solid album under his belt it’s clear that Arruda is one of the shinning stars on the Brazilian music scene today.
Brian Auger: Back To The Beginning [Freestyle]
Brian Auger, initially earned acclaim as an emerging jazz pianist on the London scene in 1963. However once he heard organist Jimmy Smith his focus would turn towards the hammond B3. He has since solidified himself as one of the premiere organ players of the past four decades. “Back To The Beginning” showcases his early recordings where he seamlessly blended jazz with rock and soul. Auger’s genre bending arrangements would influence dozens of musicians and DJs and along the way set the stage for what we know today as jazz fusion. The two disc set kicks off with “Blues Three Four” a modal jazz tune in a trio setting, one of Auger’s early recordings in the piano chair. “Save Me”, is an energetic funk and soul tune that features the powerful vocals of Julie Driscoll. “Whenever You’re Ready and “Somebody Help Me” are psychedelic jazz funk floor burners. “Butterfly” is a solid cover of the Herbie Hancock hit, one of Auger’s many admirers. This is a must have re-issue, and a great introduction to a remarkable career.
Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators: Happiness In Every Style [Timmion]
On their third lp, Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators take the edge off their signature sound of unfiltered modern soul grooves. Don’t be alarmed, “Happiness in Every Style” still packs plenty of grit for you to shake your groove thing to. Willis raw emotive vocals shine on a number of tracks here while The Soul Investigators lay down tasty grooves and strut their stuff throughout. Among the highlights are “Let’s Communicate”, where Willis vocals dance over funky horns and rhythmic guitar. “Angel” is an engaging yet tender ballad. “Together We Climb” is a mellow funk track laced with melodic wah-wah flavored rhythms. “Hot Sauce”, one of three instrumentals is slow burning psychedelic funk. Engaging vocals, solid songwriting plus and strong melodies add up to another winner from the Finland based band.
Fat Freddys Drop: Bays [The Drop]
With their fourth studio album, the seven member band from New Zealand known as Fat Freddy’s Drop have solidified themselves as one of the most consistent bands working today. Few bands pose a dual threat for turning out impressive recordings layered with solid songwriting as well as first rate stage performances. With “Bays” they continue to remain true to their signature reggae roots while experimenting with psychedelic rhythms and electronica. “Slings and Arrows” finds them in familiar territory with a tight bass lines and hypnotic reggae groove. “Wheels” is experimental funk laced with moody synths. “Razor” follows in the same direction, an energetic up-tempo tune filled with hard driving guitar rhythms and wicked synths. “Makkan” is a mellow ballad filled with swaying horns and wah-wah rhythms. “Cortina Motors” is a ten minute jam session, certain to boost any party. At the center of it all is vocalist Joe Dukie whose falsetto vocals seems to fit in any style. It all adds up to another superb album that you shouldn’t be without.
30 November 2015
O Quarteto – Corcovado [Philips]
Kellee Paterson – Look At The Child [Black Jazz]
Gloria Ann Taylor – How Can You Say It [Luv N Haight]
Si Tew feat. Deanna Rodger – Until A Breath Speak [Atjazz Record Company]
Blundetto – Little Things [Heavenly Sweetness]
Lapti – LL [Gost Zvuk]
BHLB – Gamelan Rework
Sarah Williams White – Starting Ground [First Word]
KRTS – Light Of The Harvest [Project Mooncircle]
Tidelines – How To Love Me [XVI]
Jim Dunloop feat. Devon Parker & S. Squair Blaq – The Only Thing [BBE]
Ahmet Kaya – Hoşçakal Gözüm (Fattish Rework)
Monte – Radical (Man Power Remix) [Jeudi]
Slow Porn – Third Thrill [My Favorite Robot]
Rhode & Brown – Tunnel Woman [Toy Tonics]
Djeff Afrozila – Cideral [Offering]
Delany Duvall – Mukulie (D-Malice Expression Remix) [Offering]
Wu15 – The Anthem [Eglo]
Keni Burke – Something New (Like A Sweet Melody) [Warner]
GQ – Lies [Arista]
True Feelings – Love Me, Love Me [BBE]
Kule – Berhe Raza [Eastern Connection]
Cleveland Robinson – Xmas Time Is Here Again [Tramp]
Marta Ren & The Groovelvets – I’m Not Your Regular Woman [Record Kicks]
Jermaine Peterson – Saturday’s Child [ATA]
Sandra Wright – Please Don’t Say Goodbye [Soul Brother]
Bajka – The Only Religion I Believe [Jazzman]
23 November 2015
Sly Johnson – Magique [Heavenly Sweetness]
Moonchild – The Truth [Tru Thoughts]
Lo Tide – Changes [Diventa Music]
MED, Blu & Madlib – Finer Things [Bang Ya Head]
Profusion – Time’s Up
The Dining Rooms – Light Time Tales [Schema]
Alpha Bubbah – Art School Canteen [Nonine]
Harvey Mason – Modaji [Arista]
Ken Rhodes – Stay Be Me [Amayana]
John Stubblefield – Going Home [BBE]
Fourth World – Earthquake [B&W Music]
Joyce Elaine Yuille – Chaos (Re arranged by Gerardo Frisina) [Schema]
McCoy Tyner – Hannibal [CBS]
Sean Khan – Fire Within (For Louis Malle) [Far Out]
Ghost Of Christmas – Awake [Sounds Like Yeah!]
Floating Points – For Marmish [Pluto]
Parris – Burr [Idle Hands]
Andy Compton feat. Rogiérs – Now That I See [Peng]
Breakplus – An Atol Alien [Mythstery]
Max Graef & Glenn Astro – Magic Johnson [Ninja Tune]
The Kondi Band – Poweŋde Bingade [Strut]
Billy Palmier – Werner [Citywurl]
Deep Tenor City – Oba (Opolopo Remix) [BBE]
Veronique Page – The Winter Garden [Motech]
16 November 2015
Wu15 – The Anthem [Eglo]
Phil Gerus – Don’t You Know I Need You [Bastard Jazz]
Anna Domino – Caught [Sonar Kollektiv]
Two Tons O’ Fun – Just Us [Fantasy]
Neuropol feat. Marlene Abuah – No More [Cosmic Bridge]
Otik – Ember [Push & Run]
Zerolex – Ethereal [Cascade]
Young Gun Silver Fox – You Can Feel It [Légère]
Gloria Ann Taylor – Had It All The Time [Luv N Haight]
Jimmy Smith – The Cat [Verve]
Brian Auger – Blues Three Four [Freestyle]
Waltel Branco – 200 MPH [Mr Bongo]
JR. Bailey – Just Me ’N You [MAM]
Aurora Dee Raynes – Be [Wot Not]
The Incognito Traveller – Genevieve [BBE]
Sean Khan – What Has Jazz Become? [Far Out]
Noel McGhie & Space Spies – Trapeze [Superfly]
Tom Scott – Freak In [Impulse!]
FaltyDL – Visceral [Ninja Tune]
Tala AM – Hot Koki [African Seven]
Inkswel – Good Times (Tom Noble Remix) [BBE]
Narcsus Prye feat. Tommy Evans – Need Some More [Here & Now]
Rocco – P3 Jazz (Peacey’s Down Town Dub) [ARCo]
Marie Joly & Black Coffee feat. Rebecca Murray – Gratitude (Doug Gomez NYC Remix) [Offering]
9 November 2015
Fat Freddy’s Drop – Novak [The Drop]
KRTS feat. Mad Flows – Serve and Protect [Project Mooncircle]
Roots Manuva – Crying [Big Dada]
DJ Mitsu The Beats – Forest Hill [Jazzy Sport]
Emerald City – Code Red (Rolaz Remix)
Earthquake Island & Kavemura – Black Eyes [BEAT.IT]
Sarah Williams White – Hum (Paul White Remix) [First Word]
Angela Bofill – Under The Moon and Over The Sky [Arista]
Jeb Loy Nichols – Wintering Of The Year
Jack Costanzo – El diablito [Jazzman]
The Mighty Mocambos with Lee Fields – Where Do We Go From Here [Légère]
Sidestepper – Come See Us Play [Real World]
Robin Lee – Closing Distance [Buried Treasure]
CKTRL – Misc
Ghost Of Christmas – Awake [Sounds Like Yeah!]
Mega Jawns – If I [BBE]
BBII – An Evening At Bunsley Hall (Extended Version) [Fresh Up]
Ladies Of The 80s – I Knew That Love [Universal Sound]
Max Graef & Glenn Astro – Magic Johnson [Ninja Tune]
Mamoru K – 2345 [Swedish Brandy]
Marie Joly & Black Coffee feat. Rebecca Murray – Gratitude (Doug Gomez NYC Remix) [Offering]
Seven Davis Jr – Welcome Back (Yoruba Soul Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Viola Sykes – My Luv [Makin’ Moves]
Souleance feat. Vect – Hustle [First Word]
Dele Sosimi – We Siddon We Dey Look (Straight Molin) (Ptaki Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Rim and Kasa – Shine The Ladies [BBE]
2 November 2015
Lou Rawls – Early Morning Love [Philadelphia International]
Greg Perry – I Want To Live And Let Live [Casablanca]
Don Blackman – Since You Been Away So Long [Arista]
4th Coming – Waterloo at Watergate [Now-Again]
Willie West – I’m Still a Man (Lord Have Mercy) [Timmion]
Celia – A Hora e¦ü Essa [Cultures of Soul]
Rodina – Drumside Part 1 [Now-Again]
Feiertag feat. David Dam – Show Your Love [Boogie Angst]
Ed West & RTKal feat. Ghost Writerz – Style Pon Target [Tru Thoughts]
Aim & QNC – Gangstarr (The Tribut) [Atic]
Ziga Murko – Glow [RX:TX]
Floating Points – Silhouettes (I, II & III) [Pluto]
Lou Johnson – Keep That Fire Burning [BBE]
The Kondi Band – Poweŋde Bingade [Strut]
Auntie Flo – Su Lo [Huntleys + Palmers]
Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra feat. Arthur Verocai – Step Into My Life (M&M Main Mix) [Far Out]
sUb_modU – Fela Xpnsv Sht 40 Years Tribute
Friends From Rio feat. Banda Utopia – Casino Bangu (Spiritual South Re-Samba) [Far Out]
Samuel L. Session – Granular [Motech]
At One – La Musica [ARCo]
United Future Organization feat. Mark Murphy – No Problem [Cutting Edge]
4 Hero feat. Mark Murphy – Twelve Tribes [Talkin’ Loud]
Mark Murphy – Someone To Light Up My Life [Muse]
Rich Brown: Abeng [Rich Brown]
Guitarist Rich Brown is well known as a superb bass player yet on his latest release “Abeng” he’s proving to be an exceptional composer as well. With a first rate band surrounding him, he proceeds to create clever compositions filled with superb soloing as well as incredible ensemble playing. For instance Luis Deniz’s colorful phrasings shine on “Window Seat” and especially on “The Lotus Ascension”. In addition pianist Chris Donnelly Brown’s playing is inventive, melodic and exploratory, specifically on the triumphant finale “Achilles and The Tortoise”. “Chant Of The Exiled (Abeng)” is another standout. The significance of the Abeng is that it is an instrument used by The Maroons (escaped African slvaes) to communicate specific messages throughout their community. In a climate filled with divisiveness Brown expresses his hope for change by pursuing unfamiliar paths. The result is an exciting passage of rhythms and some of Brown’s most exciting work to date.