2 March 2015
Michał Lewicki – Detune [Project: Mooncircle]
Paul White – Running On A Rainy Day (Paul White’s Seagull Mansion Live Version) [R&S]
Ded Tebiase – 5am [Keep Up!]
J’Von & Ackryte – Lawst Sheep Intro [Cascade]
J’Von & Ackryte feat. Writegroove – Keep It Movin’ [Cascade]
Bahamadia – Spontaneity [Replay]
Nubiyan Twist – Work House
Jarrod Lawson – Soul Symphony [Dome]
Ajoyo – Idanwo [Ropeadope]
K15 – Crush [No Room For Air]
Manu Delago feat. Isa Kurz – Disgustingly Beautiful [Tru Thoughts]
Andreya Triana – Gold (Fakear Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Howling – Signs [Monkeytown x Counter]
Tucci & Mannutza – Lunar [RearwaRD]
Stephan Abel Quartett feat. Ken Norris – Everything Happens To Me [Agogo]
Monk Montgomery – Little O’s [Philadelphia International]
Aretha Franklin – Alimighty Fire (Woman Of The Future) [Atlantic]
Ashford & Simpson – Stay Free (Mike Maurro Tribute To Nick Ashford Groove Remix) [Harmless]
The Spinners – I’ll Be Around (Mike Maurro 10” Acetate Remix) [Harmless]
Dele Sosimi – Na My Turn [Wah Wah 45s]
Flavia Coelho feat. Tony Allen – People Dansa [Mr Bongo]
Autre & TIYG – Al Kalb Al Rai [Five Fold]
Mr Beatnick – Ice Cream Strut [Tief]
Soul Clap – So Sedated [Bastard Jazz]
Shaun Escoffery – Days Like This (DJ Spinna Remix) [BBE]
D Angelo: Black Messiah [RCA]
The authenticity of D’ Angelo’s music has remained relevant despite a new release in fourteen years. So when word begins to leak about "Black Messiah" is preparing to drop months ahead of schedule, people are going to take notice. In an era where electronica is the rule and live instrumentation is the exception, "Black Messiah" and it’s low-fi analog production has provided a much needed injection of raw hot buttered soul. Indeed this is the kind of soul food that lingers in your body like your Grandma’s sweet potato pie. There’s plenty of evidence with prime cuts like the psychedelic soulful grooves of "1000 Deaths". "Sugah Daddy", and "Betray My Heart" are both mid-tempo funky numbers with tight grooves sprinkled with some playful piano. Each track is treated to some trumpet phrasing courtesy of Roy Hargrove. "Another Life" closes out the disc in fine fashion. A tasty piano riff augmented by D’Angelo’s emotive vocals and funky Wah Wah rhythms. Once again D’Angelo displays a flair for clever arrangements and tasty melodies carried out by a strong musical cast. Whether or not this will be considered a classic will be determined over time but there is no doubt that is one of the early favorites for album of the year.
Various Artists: 25 Years of Mr Bongo [Mr Bongo]
What started out as a small record store in London quickly emerged as one of the most influential record labels on the scene today. Mr Bongo, founded by David Buttle served as the lone supplier of early hip-hop that emerged from the states. In addition they became known as the source for hard to find Latin and Brazilian music. They steadily grew from there and found residency in Tokyo before finally settling in Brighton. "25 Years of Mr Bongo" celebrates the old and the new. From the storied legacy of hard to find Brazilian music to fresh sounds and new talents. Some of those timeless treasures include the sublime rhythms of "Carolina Carol Bela" from Jorge Ben & Toquinho and "Heaven" from Ebo Taylor. Future classics include the funky grooves and African rhythms of Blo’s "Chant To Mother Earth" and "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" from Quarteto Em Cy. The hypnotic beat patterns of "Boa Noite" by Karol Conka represent the future of Brazilian hip-hop. For a trip into hip-hop’s storied past look no further than The Incredible Bongo Band’s classic "Apache. The wicked electric guitar riffs and the spirited percussion still resonates today. With one eye on the past and the other on the future, Mt Bongo continues to be a trailblazer for all manners of universal music.
Soulparlor: Smile [Tokyo Dawn]
The trio from South Germany known as Soulparlor have steadily built a deep catalog of soulful broken beats, funky grooves and underground house that have won admirers from all around the globe. Their latest release "Smile" could very well be their strongest yet. Once again their disc represents a global collaboration of artists who pledge their allegiance to the funk. Erik Rico delivers two tracks here, "Out On The Floor" and "Wall"., both laced with funky synths. Amalia is an undisputed funk goddess and "Freakay Lady" oozes sweet nad sticky mid-tempo funk. Vocalist Leona Berlin is an artist to keep an eye on. Berlin contributes with three gorgeous dance tracks but "Cruel" is the highlight.. Capital A laments the watered down state of hip-hop while paying tribute to b-boys with "Nostalgia". "Smile" is one of those gems that you simply press play and walk away, it’s that good. The trio’s production skills combined with the vocal contributors ensure that you’ll have a funky good time.
23 February 2015
Stephan Abel Quartett feat. Ken Norris – Estate [Agogo]
The Modern Jazz Quartet – But Not For Me [Prestige]
McCoy Tyner – Blues On The Corner [Milestone]
DopeGems – Travelling Man [Heavenly Sweetness]
Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express – Spice Island [Warner]
Hippie Sabotage – Waiting Too Long
Auntie Flo & Esa presents. Highlife World Series – Mother Theresa [Highlife]
Alma Negra – Maloya [Highlife]
Airto – Circo [Arista]
Terry Callier – Look At Me Now [Harmless]
Lindsey Webster – Fool Me Once
Fae Simon – A Blues [BBE]
Fulgeance & DJ Scientist feat. Blu & Open Mike Eagle – From Lithuania With Love [First Word]
Lapalux feat. Szjerdene – Closure [Brainfeeder]
KenJaNaï feat. Amalia – Steamclock Heart [Favorite]
Groeni – Pardons [Project: Mooncircle]
Henry Wu – Don’t Want The Regular [Hotep]
Daniel Grau – To Night (Soul Clap & Bosq Remix) [Sonar Kollektiv]
sauce81 – Busted [Eglo]
Azymuth – Estrada Dos Deuses (Recloose Remix) [Far Out]
Lee Van Kleef feat. Lifford – In The Wrong [Makin’ Moves]
Guerilla Science feat. Lyric L – Open Minded (Guerilla Science Remix) [Broadcite]
Lady Alma – It’s House Music (Oveous Remix) [Yoruba]
Moiré – Theme [Werkdiscs]
Gumz – Emitter Follower [Broadcite]
16 February 2015
Chloe Martini feat. Alyss – Get Enough
Soulparlor feat. Amalia – Freakay Laday [Tokyo Dawn]
Fulgeance & DJ Scientist feat. DistantStarr – You Know [First Word]
Cannibal Ox feat. MF Doom – Iron Rose [ihiphop]
SlowPitch – Anterior Movement [What Rules]
J. Vibes – Do Whut You Luv [Expansions Collective]
Nokuit – No More [Cascade]
Husbands – Let Me Down (Don’t) (Ghost Of Christmas Remix) [Sounds Like Yeah!]
Portico feat. Joe Newman – 101 [Ninja Tune]
Telemachus – Dead Weight Bliss (Opal Block Remix)
Hamacide & ChaCha – Annie Gun [Campus Music]
Tom Zé – O Riso E A Faca [Mr Bongo]
Rhonda Thomas – Castles Made of Sand [Atlanta]
Renee Geyer Band – Be There In The Morning [Athens In The North]
The Mighty Sceptres – Land Of Green Ginger [Ubiquity]
Dalindeo – Queen Of Bear Park [BBE]
Os Brazoes – Modulo Lunar [Mr Bongo]
Fresh Cut Orchestra – Sanguine [Ropeadope]
Woody Shaw With Tone Jansa Quartet – Boland [Timesless]
Pop Workshop – Point Of Junction [Grammpfonverket]
Dos Angeles – I Just Came To Save Your Life [BBE]
Daniel Drumz – It’s Been A Long Way [U Know Me]
Bottin – Parody [Bearfunk]
Autre & TIYG – Gieniah Cygni [Five Fold]
Tom McConnell – Charms [Sector 12/12]
Yasushi Ide – Plein Soleil (Nuyorican Soul Mix) [Yellow]
9 February 2015
Sadaka – African Violet [Jazzman]
Tarika Blue – Truth Is The Key [Chiaroscuro/Soul Brother]
Milt Jackson with Horace Silver – Wonder Why [Prestige]
E.W. Wainwright Jr. – Imani [Jazzman]
Dionne Warwick – You’re Gonna Need Me [Warner]
Neve Naive – Thin Air [Sonar Kollektiv]
Manu Delago feat. Isa Kurz – Disgustingly Beautiful [Tru Thoughts]
Mono Sono – Lepton [Sector 12/12]
K15 – Crush [No Room For Air]
BHLB – Big Up The Love [Streetology Studios]
The Meltdown – Better Days [Hope Street]
The Mighty Mocambos – Locked & Loaded [Légère]
Hot Diamond Aces – Brother Duke
The Public Opinion 6 – Jappo [Hope Street]
KRTS – Little Luscious
Omar feat. Scratch Professer & Hidden Jazz Quartett – High Heels (Re Twists 1 & 2) [Freestyle]
Fraems – Beneath [Lost Tribe]
Fort Romeau – Insides [Ghostly International]
Marcus Saudy – Saujazzondo [Meze]
Oluhle – Nhliziyo Yam [Offering]
Sorceress – Dragonfly (Pablo Sanchez Remix) [Wonderwheel]
Mr. Fingers – Empty [MCA]
Tulalah – Selma [Equinox]
Ajoyo – Benskin [Ropeadope]
Lew Kirton – Something Special [Athens Of The North]
Nohelani Cypriano – Lihue [Athens Of The North]
Randy Crawford – I Can’t Get You Off My Mind [Warner Bros.]
2 February 2015
Nokuit – Goodbye [Cascade]
Ded Tebiase – Smoke in My Eyes [Keep Up!]
J. Vibes – Favour Of Nature [Expansions Collective]
Lapalux feat. Szjerdene – Closure [Brainfeeder]
Beam Up feat. Katya Tasheva – Dive [BBE]
Kalbata & Mixmonster feat. Puddy Roots – Inna Skateland [Freestyle]
KenJaNaï feat. Oddisee – What You’ve Been Missing [Favorite]
Aim feat. Kate Rogers – Sail [Grand Central]
Quantic – Painting Silhouettes [Tru Thoughts]
Baden Powell Quartet – Rapaz De Bem [Barclay]
The Rebirth – Caterpillar [Walk Talkin’]
The Rebirth – Religion To Me [Walk Talkin’]
Henry Wu feat. Mo Kolours – Expensive Ghetto [Hotep]
The Raah Project – Kill Me In The Summer [Equinox]
Jazzuelle – The Last Labyrinth [Arco]
Decyfer – Pattern Recognition [XVI]
The Maghreban – MT703 [Zoot]
Alland Byallo – Hand Sun Down [Third Ear]
Suitdancer – Heat Haze [Tone Control Music]
Lamar Thomas – Feel So Good Inside [Favorite]
Leston Paul – What A Surprise [Z]
King Bee – Six Foot Sucker [Beeswax]
The Modern Jazz Quartet – Softly As In A Morning Sunrise [Atlantic]
Peter Herbolzheeimer – The Catfish [Polydor]
Woody Shaw – Stepping Stone [Columbia]
26 January 2015
Michael Boothman – Saying It With Music [Tabu]
Norman Connors feat. Jean Carn – Skin Diver [Buddah]
Joyce Moreno – O Barquinho [Far Out]
Tarika Blue – You’ll Be With Me [Chiaroscuro/Soul Brother]
Laura Reed – Naturally [Five Foot Giant]
Nat Adderley – Amor Sonador [Little David]
The Rongetz Foundation – Murilley [Heavenly Sweetness]
Ulysses Crockett – Resurgence [Tramp]
Rhonda Thomas – Show Me How To Love You [Atlanta]
BHLB – Big Up The Love [Streetology Studios]
Philippe Edison – Persian (Ormazd)
Quiet Dawn feat. Oddisee – New Dawn (Original Eric Lau Remix) [First Word]
Potatohead People feat. Illa J & Moka Only – Explosives [Bastard Jazz]
SoulParlor feat. Replife – Feelin’ [Tokyo Dawn]
Monsoonsiren – Photographs [Project: Mooncircle]
Groeni – Fray [Project: Mooncircle]
Danny Breaks – Zapper [Droppin’ Science]
Dele Sosimi – Sanctuary (Titeknots Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Yellowtail feat. Sarah White – Darksoul [Campus]
The Spinners – I’ll Be Around (Mike Maurro 10” Acetate Remix) [Harmless]
FW&FJ v Saine – Bring Me To Space [Shadeleaf Music]
Venice Beach – Boarding [Nang]
BimBamBoom – Kiss The Disco (OOFT! Remix) [Anticodon]
Fort Romeau – Insides [Ghostly International]
Bonobo – Return to Air [Ninja Tune]
19 January 2015
Antwon Faulkner – A Taste Of Pleasure [Motech LTD]
El Prevost – D.A.N. [Third Ear]
Sam Irl – Free Two Grow [Jazz & Milk]
Kekstar Keke – Organ Touch [Smooth Agent]
Sorceress – Dragonfly (Pablo Sanchez Remix) [Wonderwheel]
SoulParlor feat. Leona Berlin – Feel The Power [Tokyo Dawn]
Sulene Fleming – The Rhythm (Daz I Kue’s Future Soul Remix) [Broadcite]
Beat Spacek – Modern Streets [Ninja Tune]
1/6 – Cosmetic Love [Hope Street]
King Bee – Return Of The Dave [Beeswax]
Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers – Cool Runnings [Agogo]
Brownout – Flaximus (Renegades Of Jazz Bboy Edit) [Here & Now]
Arild Andersen – Outhouse [ECM]
Sal Nistico, Benny Bailey, Joe Haider, Isla Eckinger, Billie Brooks – East Of Isar [Ego]
Ahmad Jamal – Nature Boy [Chess]
Guy One – Suro Yuama [Philophon]
Jorge Darden – Alone Again [Tramp]
D’Angelo – Betray My Heart [RCA]
Shoffy – This Land Is Ours
Nick Hook feat. Bernie Worrell & Cmat – Wurly [Ninja Tune]
Tony McPhee – The Hunt (Revbjelde Edit) [Buried Treasure]
Native Dancer – Love
Seyr – RHB
Eddie Horan – Love The Way You Love Me [London]
Rotary Connection – Respect [Cadet Concept]
12 January 2015
Fred Johnson – A Child Runs Free [Offshore]
Deep Sensation – Harlem And 42nd Street [Deep Jazz]
Florian Pellissier Quintet – Valse pour Hélène [Heavenly Sweetness]
Kristian Persson Elements – My Dark Matters [Reach Up Music]
Renegades Of Jazz – Lucifer’s Rising [Agogo]
Sly Johnson – Simply Beautiful
Genesis The Greykid – Grey Edge
Strange U – Leviathan [Zoot]
Danny Breaks – MS20 Beat [Droppin’ Science]
Groeni – The Oak [Project: Mooncircle]
Torus – U R [Rwina]
Julien Mier – We’re Like Clockwork [Cascade]
Lana Del Rey – Brooklyn Baby (Pepe Bradock’s Sixth Mix) [Polydor]
Jazzuelle – The Paris Affair [Arco]
J-Felix – So Nice (It’s Got To Be) [Tru Thoughts]
Lucky Brown – Argon [Tramp]
Proton Plus – Pay Up (Remixed Rhythm Track) [Z]
Frankie Knight – Try Again (Munro Remix) [XVI]
Colonel Red – High Ground [Ink Rebellion]
Omar – Dancing (K15 Remix)
Marcus Saudy – Saujazzondo [Meze]
Fred Everything – Felt [Less Than Ten]
Oluhle – Nhliziyo Yam [Offering]
Louie Vega feat. Raul Midon – A Better Day (DJ Spinna Remix) [BBE]
Bottin – Parody [Bearfunk]
5 January 2015
Dawn Pemberton – For You [Do Right! Music]
iET – Fool [Analogypsy/Northern Shore]
Christian Prommer feat. Kim Sanders – Where You Gonna Go [Compost]
Mo Kolours – Little Brown Dog [One-Handed Music]
Slakah The Beatchild – Where’s Yesterday [BBE]
Mattic – Let Us In [Phonosaurus]
Essa – The Middle Man (Tall Black Guy) [First Word]
Homeboy Sandman – Refugee [Stones Throw]
Joe Kickass – Switch [Project Mooncircle]
Amin Payne X Ben Bada Boom – Moon To Mars (Submerse Remix) [Cascade]
Dreamsploitation – Spengler (KRTS Remix)
Dorian Concept – Draft Culture [Ninja Tune]
Shawn Lee feat. Ohmega Watts – We Got The Jazz [BBE]
Mighty Mighty – See The Light [Schema]
Cecilia Stalín & Khari Cabral Simmons – Sunny Day
Souleance – Segrados Do Samba [First Word]
Prince Fatty Meets Nostalgia 77 – Skeletons Dub [Tru Thoughts]
The Shaolin Afronauts – Ojo Abameta [Freestyle]
The Gene Dudley Group feat. Anne Frankenstein – No Trouble On The Mountain [Wah Wah 45s]
Sorceress – Teacups [Wonderwheel]
Henri-Pierre Noel – Diskette (The Reflex Revision) [Wah Wah 45s]
Causa – 7 [LBL]
Dego & Kaidi – Carrot & Sesame [Eglo]
Boddhi Satva feat. Game Walla – Apaga O Fogo [Offering]
Bunny On Acid feat. Amp Fiddler – It’s On [Studio Rockers]
Mike Davis – Baniza [Sector 12/12]
DJ 3000 – Patron [Meze]
Ralf Gum: In My City [Go Go Music]
If you compiled a list of places that truly embrace soulful house music, be sure to list Johannesburg, South Africa near the top of that list. DJs have been known to perform in front of tens of thousands house party evangelists. One of the prominent DJs in South Africa the last several years captivating dance floors with his signature sound has been Ralf Gum. The German born and now South Africa resident professes his love with the appropriately titled "In My City". Ralf’s third album features an array of international heavyweights who sprinkle their vocal spices to his gorgeous arrangements. What better way to kick off the disc than by enlisting native South African legend Hugh Masekela. His blissful trumpet phrasings augment the soulful grooves on "With Her Hands". Veteran House diva Monique Bingham turns up the heat on the bumpin’ house tune "The Pap". Veteran UK soul icon Omar blesses the playful sunny grooves of "Love Core". "Bi Na Ba Njo", featuring Dele Sosimi is filled with funky Afrobeat rhythms. This is a glorious tribute filled with positive vibes and uplifting house rhythms that captures the pulse of the city.
Paul White: Shaker Notes [R & S Records]
You can be certain that Paul White is gonna keep the music moving in various directions. The UK producer has generated a large following with his left of center Hip Hop beats and production prowess, as evidenced by previous releases like "Rapping With Paul White" and "Paul White and The Purple Brain". With "Shaker Notes" he has eschewed the boom bap and taken his beats to uncharted territory by incorporating African rhythms and outer worldly sounds, Indeed "Shaker Notes" is filled with various textures of electronics and vibes. Among the highlights are "Where You Gonna Go",, sparked by chanting from White as well as hypnotic percussion. "Running On A Rainy Day" is filled with ethereal soundscapes. "All We Know" and "Fighting To Dance" are notable gems as well. With "Shaker Notes" you may not know where you’re going but you’ll no doubt enjoy the ride.
Defected Presents: House Masters – Joey Negro [Defected]
It’s a bit of a surprise that this is the first go round for Joey Negro to sit in the House Masters chair but he and Defected records feel like a perfect match. Negro has solidified his status as one of the premiere DJs of the last twenty years and his remixes and production credits are too numerous to list here. For Defected records he has assembled a superb collection of some of his favorite Disco classics, deep house gems and some tasty boogie tunes. For starters, if you’ve never heard of his remix of Patrice Rushen’s "Haven’t You Heard" you’ll will not want to miss out on this Disco hit. "Ride The Storm" is a certified Club banger from Akabu (One of Negro’s many aliases) featuring Disco Diva Linda Clifford. The Sunburst Band, Joey’s boogie band is also featured here with several tracks. "The Secret Life of Us" and Garden of Love" stand out as favorites. Can’t leave out the deep house dishes and there are plenty. "Can’t Get High Without U" featuring Taka Boom is simply wicked and Raven Maize’s timeless classic "Forever Together" will stir up memories of late night club parties that lasted until the break of day. If this doesn’t spark you to purchase then check your pulse If all is well then quickly add this to your collection.