4 May 2015
Lo Tide feat. Jenn K – Moving On [Organik]Alpha – Rain [Virgin]Lee Bannon – Artificial Stasis [Ninja Tune]Roots Manuva – Like A Drum [Big Dada]Tempelhof & Gigi Masin – The Dwarf [NuNorthern Soul]Long Arm – Dreams [Project Mooncircle]Quiet Dawn feat. Barrio – Zoe [First Word]The Brian Auger feat. Alex Ligertwood – Happiness Is Just Around The Bend (Live in Los Angeles) [Freestyle]Lucas Arruda – Vento Sul [Favorite]Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Paint Me In A Corner [Timmion]The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble – Humpty DumptyLucky Brown – Lookout There’s A Freight Train Comin’ [Tramp]Ajoyo – Jekoro [Ropeadope]Dele Sosimi – I Don’t Care [Wah Wah 45s]Jo Tongo – Amuna [Africa Seven]Electric Jalaba – MoulanaJesse Fischer & Sly5thAve – Chameleon [Tru Thoughts]Hiatus Kaiyote – Breathing Underwater [Sony]Moodarama – For A Little While (Fattish Rework)Jeb Loy Nichols – Don’t Drop MeTom Browne – Brighter Tomorrow [Arista]Sunrise HWY – Pick Up The Pieces [True Romance]Young David – Fuerte (Richard E Mix) [Swedish Brandy]Dagfest – I Got The Feeling (Titeknots Remix) [Melodica]Dany F – Monitos de la Selva [Cómeme]Veronique Page – I Want To Believe (Acid Mix) [Motech]
Rongetz Foundation: Kiss Kiss Double Jab [Heavenly Sweetness]
"Kiss Kiss Double Jab", the Rongetz Foundation’s third lp is swinging jazz meets sizzling soul. Trumpeter Stephane Ronget aka Rongetz’s compositions captures the spirit of the New York City scene and features an impressive all star lineup .Newcomer Lilli Cooper, whose luscious vocals and witty charm can be heard throughout this disc. She seamlessly waxes poetic. on "Hip Hop Muze", which features Gary Bartz on alto and Trombonist Steve Turre. Cooper’s vocal dexterity shines again on the Brazilian flavored "cab Samba". "Such A Morning Person" kicks off with a funky drum snare followed by an infectious bass and warm keys. All the ingredients swirling together for Cooper to operate. All in all an engaging disc that is hip, funky and full of swing.
Fabiano Do Nascimento: Danca Dos Tempos [Now Again]
"Danca Dos Tempos" is the sparkling debut from guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento. The son of the late Lucio Nascimento, Fabiano’s debut is filled mainly with sublime folkloric instrumental duets with the legendary percussionist Airto Moreira in his first session appearance in ten years. Other selecetions include his long time drummer Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas. There are several harmonic and melodic treats to savor here. "Canto De Iemanja" and "Nana" are spirited tunes with the latter featuring Pasillas on drums. "Ewe" and "Minha Ciranda" are gentle and breeezy tunes that feature vocalist Kana Shimanuki. Armed with superb technique as well as emotive songwriting, Nascimento bridges the gap from Brazil’s storied past and proves that it’s future is in good hands.
Dalindeo: Kallio [BBE]
The sextet known as Dalindeo have created a huge following in their native Finland. With "Kallio", their third lp receiving major distribution from BBE, the rest of the world is treated to the band’s thematic style of jazz. "Kallio", a section in Helsinki features 14 compositions based on the work of film maker Aki Kaurismäki. The disc kicks off with the blistering "Ola Linga 8", highlighted by funky guitar rhythms and fiery trumpet soloing. The tempo simmers down on "Karhupuiston Kuningstar" but the driving force of rhythmic guitar licks make for a pleasant listen. The band shows their ability to swing on "Pengerkadulla" highlighted the combination of guitar and vibraphone rhythms complimenting the spirited horn section. Band leader Valtteri Poyhonen composes a pulsating array of swinging jazz tracks you can either dance to or simply nod your head to. The secret is out, these cats can play..
27 April 2015
Sunrise HWY – Never Enough (Tuff City Kids Remix) [True Romance]
Jaga Jazzist – Oban (Todd Terje Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Harold Matthews Jr & Justin Stride feat. Kym Franklin – BBN Uplifted (Black Sonix Kinda Broken Mix) [Makin’ Moves]
Acid Mondays – Chi Ka Pasa [Rockets & Ponies]
Citizenn – Be (20/20 Vision Remix) [20/20 Vision]
Si Tew – Dinosaur Hunt [Less Than Ten]
Disco Doubles feat. TK Wonder – Poseidon (Fernando Remix) [Nang]
Ourra – Love 2 Reel [Lucky Sun]
Umod – What Melody [Sonar Kollektiv]
Long Arm – Frozen Sea [Project Mooncircle]
Paxton Fettel – Dots On the Skyline [Greta Cottage Workshop]
Sola Rosa feat. Olivier Daysoul – Too Long In The Sun [Agogo]
Roots Manuva – Like A Drum [Big Dada]
Kirkis – Helium [Eglo]
LmbrJck T feat. Vicky Flint – Gossiptea
Manu Delago feat. Anil Sebastian – Drumheart [Tru Thoughts]
Collective Peace – Let the Music Play [The Sound Of Everything]
Kanaku Y El Tigre – Si Te Mueres Mañana [Strut]
Dokkerman & The Turkeying Fellaz – Illegal Move [Tramp]
Stanley Cowell – Come Sunday [Galaxy]
Tania Maria Boto & Helio – No Ano Que Vem [Barclay]
Marcos Valle – Escape [Far Out]
The Ipanemas – A Cara Dele [Far Out]
Lloyd McNeill & Marshall Hawkins – Black Expatriate [Universal Sound]
20 April 2015
Bea Benjamin – Africa [Matsuli Music]
Wlodek Gulgowski – Truth-Seeker [Poljazz]
Mark Egan – The Path Home [Wavetone]
Joyce Elaine Yuille – Follow The Sun [Schema]
Lucas Arruda – Água [Favorite]
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Where Are You Now? [Timmion]
King Bee – Return Of The Dave [Beeswax]
Baast – Suspension [Ubiquity]
Quiet Dawn – The Trap [First Word]
Quiet Dawn feat. Theory Hazit – Grow Old, Pt. 2 [First Word]
L’Orange & Jeremiah Jae feat. Homeboy Sandman – Ignore The Man To Your Right [Mello Music]
Illa J – Strippers [Bastard Jazz]
K15 – GetDisMoney
Billy Hoyle – Canto De Ossanha
Cotton Claw – Leaps & Bounds [Cascade]
Tortured Soul – All You Have To Do [Dome]
Flash Atkins feat. Aggie Frost – A New Kind of Superhero [Paper]
Sare Havlicek feat. Mitja – Nobody’s Diary [Nang]
Jad & The Ladyboy feat. Mark Borgazzi – Never Come Back Down [Sonar Kollektiv]
Premiesku – Voice Game [20/20 Vision]
Causa – Lo-Sar [Birdie]
Emanative feat. Collocutor & Finn Peters – Fire [Brownswood]
Nightmares On Wax – Survival [Warp]
13 April 2015
Bill Laurance – One Time [GroundUP Music]
Kirill Nicolai – Alms [Ho Hum]
Nia – Natural Law [Atlanta]
Sare Havlicek – Movies For Lovers [Nang]
Past Messengers – Mink (Gus La Tempete Remix) [Futuristica Music]
Quiet Dawn – Golden Moments [First Word]
Portico feat. Jono McCleery – Bright Luck [Ninja Tune]
Blundetto – Last Broken Bones [Heavenly Sweetness]
Pursuit Grooves – Cautious Paths [What Rules]
Werkha – Falling Through The Wall [Tru Thoughts]
Dizz1 – Get ‘Em Up (Danny Breaks Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
Redpine & Solo – Smoke City [Studio Rockers]
Ephemerals – Life Is Good (Technimatic Remix) [Jalapeno]
Parker Madicine – Mazimuth [Bastard Jazz]
Soul Clap – So Sedated [Bastard Jazz]
BMB Spacekid – Summer Madness
BNJMN – Berth (Eduardo De La Calle Absolut Remix) [InFiné]
Jerome Derradji – Acid Nothing [Still Music]
Frankey & Sandrino feat. Jinadu – Lost [Drumpoet Community]
Rance Allen Group – Reason To Survive [Capitol]
Chaka Khan – We Got The Love [Warner Bros.]
Donald Byrd – Jorgie’s [Blue Note]
Woody Shaw – Orange Crescent [Elektra]
6 April 2015
The Brian Auger – Freddie’s Flight [Freestyle]
The Detroit Jazz Composers Ltd. – Song For ‘M’ [Midnite]
Quintonal – Marie-Jo [Jazzaggression]
Andrew Hill – Subterfuge [Blue Note]
Marc Cary – Beehive
The Soul Surfers feat. Myron & E – You Can Run ( But You Can’t Hide) From My Love (Part 1) [Ubiquity]
Verckys et l´Orchestre Vévé – Cheka Sana [Analog Africa]
Manu Dibango – Marabout [Africa Seven]
The Judy Roberts Band – You Light Up My Life [Madonna]
Jaga Jazzist – Starfire [Ninja Tune]
Native Dancer – Love
Tidelines – Say My Name [XVI]
Farnell Newton feat. Donyea Goodman – You Gotta Move [Atlanta]
Sleepy Time Ghost feat. Bahia – Feel [Tru Thoughts]
Causa – Lacanau [Blind Jacks Journey]
Sandy Barber – I Think I’ll Do Some Stepping (On My Own) (Opolopo Rework) [BBE]
Gabriele Poso – Invocation 005 (Atjazz Astro Remix) [Agogo]
Affani – Arabica [Motech]
Sean Ray – The End Of The Beginning [Motech]
Yung Bae – Something New
J-Live – Pay It Forward [Mortier Music]
J-Live – I Am A Man (Remix) [Mortier Music]
Cannibal Ox feat. Artifacts & U-God – Blade: The Art of Ox [IGC]
My Panda Shall Fly – Light Under The Door [Project Mooncircle]
Various Artists: Spiritual Jazz 6 – Vocals [Jazzman Records]
Jazzman records latest offering of their Spiritual Jazz series shines a light on the obscure yet treasured vocal compositions that span the seventies Soul Jazz evolution. "Spiritual Jazz 6 – Vocals" features compositions that reflect the socio political climate during when they were recorded, yet the overall vibe speaks to universal love and spiritual healing.There’s a variety of musicians here. From the legendary Charles Mingus serenading us with a gentle modal jazz tune in the form of "Moves". Honey Gordon and Doug Hammond share the vocal duties with the latter having penned the tune. Leon Thomas provides his signature brand of yodeling on the Pharoah Sanders recording of "Prince Of Peace". Gary Bartz’s alto sax complements Andy Bey’s baritone vocals beautifully on "Celestial Blues". "Spirits Up Above" is classic soul jazz from Vibration Society, a band formed by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The vocals are courtesy of the Roland Kirk Spirit Choir. There are a wealth of timeless classics here, some of which were unreleased until now. Jazzman Gerald has proven time and again that he has a keen ear for hidden gems and will go great lengths to find these recordings. Clearly this is a labor of love for him and a boon for everyone else. Simply put you need this in your collection.
DJ Spinna: The Sound Beyond Stars [BBE]
DJ Spinna’s roots in house music date back to the time spent around the likes of New York house icons Shep Pettibone and Larry Levan. Although he would cultivate a reputation as a hip-hop dj/producer, he displayed a natural ability to transition into the crowded dj house arena. That was evident when he dropped the Shaun Escoffery remixes for "Space Rider" and Days Like These". Both remain dance floor fillers to this day. Several timeless treats would follow and most are compiled here on the wonderful release, "The Sound Beyond Stars". With over forty tracks here this two disc compilation successfully shines a light on his first rate arrangements. "Live In The Light", featuring Navasha Daya and "What Am I Gonna Do" with Rashaan Patterson are infectious soulful dance tracks that will elevate your spirit as only a great house track can. By the time you get to the end of disc 1 with "Little W. 12st" your spirit has been whipped into a frenzy. Disc 2 is a bit more mellow but no less engaging. "Dear Friend" is an atmospheric house gem and the thumping bass of "The Power" will keep your head on a swivel. This isn’t just a collection of tracks, instead it’s a great performance of true DJ who knows how to set a mood while taking you higher in the process. As far as compilations go, this is as good as it gets. Highly recommended.
Frameworks: Tides [First Word]
Matt Brewer aka Frameworks’ 2012 four track EP "Varnish" was a hypnotic string laden gem that displayed a deft touch as a songwriter and producer. With his full length release "Tides" he picks up where he left off with a superb collection of orchestral electronica layered with jazz and folk melodies. "Old Friend" is a beautiful contrast of electronica and acoustic rhythms augmented by the emotive vocals of J.P. Cooper. "Tides", the title track is a dreamy instrumental. Vocalist Rioghnach Connolly blends her raspy vocals to the haunting strings of "Dawn". There are many electronic releases out there but few will stroke the emotive strings quite like "Tides". If you dig The Cinematic Orchestra you’ll surely love this. For Brewer, the future looks very bright.
30 March 2015
Emanative feat. Jessica Lauren – Om Supreme [Brownswood]
Michał Lewicki – Onno [Project: Mooncircle]
Portico feat. Joe Newman – Atacama [Ninja Tune]
Bass Sekolah – Lighthouse (Beatspoke Remix) [Mouthwatering]
Ego Ella May – How Far
Frameworks – Patience [First Word]
Lapalux feat. Andreya Triana – Puzzle [Ninja Tune]
Pursuit Grooves – Cauldron [What Rules]
Quantic feat. Shinehead – Spark It (Ed West Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
Dizz1 – Get ‘Em Up (Danny Breaks Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
Dr. Haki R. Madhubuti – Rain Forest [Jazzman]
Clarke Boland Sextett – Please Don’t Leave [Columbia/Rearward]
Fabiano Do Nascimento – Minha Ciranda [Now-Again]
Dalindeo – Farewell To Helsinki-Street [BBE]
Baast – Terra [Ubiquity]
The Bluebeaters – The Model [Record Kicks]
Billy Palmier – Bring Back The Funk [Citywurl]
Tala A.M. – Black Gold [African Seven]
Toulouse – C’est Toujours Comme Ça L’amour [Favorite]
Tom Browne – Brighter Tomorrow [Arista]
Proper Heat – Believe In Love (Ilya Santana Italo Romance Remix) [Nang]
Rainer Trueby & Corrado Bucci presents Truccy – Step Forward [Compost Black Label]
Admin & Andy Compton – Good Times [Peng]
Boddhi Satva feat. Kaysha – Mama Kosa [Offering]
A Coral Room – The South Border [Infracom]
23 March 2015
Moonstarr – Highs And Lows [New Kanada]
Loop Thriller – FYI Chris (Instead Re-Fix – Rich Thair’s Snapper Master Vs) [On The Corner]
The Judy Roberts Band – Never Was Love [Madonna]
Ajello feat. Jyoti – Montgomery Clift [Retrospective]
From P60 feat. Jaidene Veda – Softly [Jaiveda]
Causa – Soa [Birdie]
Roberto Rodriguez – Survive (I Will) [Swedish Brandy]
Shazz feat. Ken Norris – Innerside (Artform Mix) [Yellow]
Magic Drum Orchestra – Crunked Up [Tru Thoughts]
Baden Powell – Batuque No “B” [Barclay]
Sleepy Time Ghost feat. Bahia – Feel [Tru Thoughts]
Yellowtail – Notorious [Campus Music]
Beat Spacek – There Is A Love [Ninja Tune]
Vursatyl – Super [BBE]
J’von & Ackryte – Still A Raidr [Cascade]
Rachel Modest – I (Who Have Nothing) [ATA]
Renee Geyer Band – Be There In The Morning [Athens In The North]
Quiet Dawn – Golden Moments [First Word]
Quintonal – Ballade Pour Lianne I [Jazzaggression]
Alex Puddu feat. Joe Bataan – Hot Pepper [Schema]
Nat Adderley – Hummin’ [Little David]
Joyce Elaine Yuille – Chaos [Schema]
Frank Catalano – Tuna Town [Ropeadope]
Bill Laurance – December In New York [GroundUP Music]
Kirill Nicolai – Alms [Ho Hum]
16 March 2015
Kasar – Glowing [Sonar Kollektiv]
Frameworks feat. J P Cooper – No Place To Hide Away [First Word]
Neve Naive – Ghost [Sonar Kollektiv]
Farnell Newton feat. Jarrod Lawson & Tony Ozier – Peace & Love [Atlanta]
Stephan Abel Quartett feat. Ken Norris – Estate [Agogo]
Woody Shaw – 400 Years Ago Tomorrow [Elektra Musician]
Memphis Horns – Soul Bowl [Atlantic]
The Jazz Renegades – Up In Jim’s Flat [Polydor]
Mo Kolours feat. Henry Wu – South LDN [One Handed Music]
My Panda Shall Fly feat. Deptford Goth – True [Project Mooncircle]
Jonny Faith – Firefly (Clap! Clap! Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
Redpine & Solo – Smoke City [Studio Rockers]
Makoto – Daylight
Yung Bae – Something New
Si Tew – Crocodile [Tru Thoughts]
Fabiano Do Nascimento – Ewê [Now-Again]
Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers – I Jool Omo [Freestyle]
African Soul Band – Nande [African Seven]
Warsaw Afrobeat Orchestra – No Such Thing [Ubiquity]
Rhonda Thomas – Oh Yay [Atlanta]
Wbeeza – Can Of Worms [Third Ear]
Jerome Derradji – Acid Nothing [Still Music]
Jad & The Ladyboy – Namibian Gold (Gold Version) [Toy Tonics]
Bah Samba – Drifting [Estereo]
Herbie Hancock – Palm Grease [Columbia]
9 March 2015
Ded Tebiase – Smoke in My Eyes [Keep Up!]
Potatohead People feat. Illa J – Seeds [Bastard Jazz]
Essa feat. Brotherman & Tall Black Guy – Evade & Seek [First Word]
Blackalicious – Alphabet Aerobics (The Cut Chemist 2.5 Minute Workout) [Mo Wax]
SCHiLLiNG – Bristol Pistol [Apparel Music]
Yellowtail – Notorious [Campus Music]
Airto – Batucada [Arista]
Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers – I Jool Omo [Freestyle]
Nostalgia 77 And The Monster – Scallywag [Tru Thoughts]
Jorge Darden – Alone Again [Tramp]
The Mighty Mocambos – The Spell Of Ra-Orkon [Légère]
Patrice Rushen – Kickin’ Back [Prestige]
Beckie Bell – Music Madness (Extended Maurice Version) [Favorite]
J-Felix – 101 Reasons [Tru Thoughts]
Con Funk Shun – Ffun [Mercury]
D Numbers – Mermaid School (Sven Laux Interpretation) [Mesa]
Helena Hauff – The First Time He Thought, He Died [Werkdiscs]
Bosq feat. Nicole Willis – Bad For Me [Ubiquity]
Affani – Arabica [Motech]
Djinji Brown – Waterfalls In Dub [Yoruba]
Guerilla Science feat. Lyric L – Open Minded (Guerilla Science Remix) [Broadcite]
Henry Wu – Don’t Want The Regular [Hotep]
The Rebirth – Caterpillar [Walk Talkin’]
Eddie Gale – African Sunshine [Jazzman]
Portico feat. Jono McCleery – Bright Luck [Ninja Tune]
Beam Up feat. Katya Tasheva – Dive [BBE]
Beem – The Famous [Flogsta Danshall]