6 January 2014
Fairmont – The Biggest Eyes In The World [My Favorite Robot]
Alex Barck feat. Jonatan Bäckelie – Don’t Hold Back [Sonar Kollektiv]
AD Bourke – Prelude [Five Fold]
Kon feat. Amy Douglas – All Night (Everybody) [BBE]
Mario Basanov feat. Jeremy Glenn – More For The Less [Apersonal]
Causa – Crosswinds [Glenview Originals]
Atjazz & Jullian Gomes feat. Wunmi – Agbara [Atjazz Record Company]
Personal Life – Bring It Back [Tokyo Dawn]
Da Lata feat. Rich Medina – Monkeys And Anvils [Agogo]
Ikebe Shakedown – Road Song [Ubiquity]
Mop Mop feat. Fred Wesley & Anthony Joseph – Run Around [Agogo]
Frootful feat. Angeline Morrison & Mazen – Baby It’s A Fine Line [Freestyle]
The Sign Of Four – Topsy Turvy [Jazzman]
Otis Trio – Otis Natu [Far Out]
Tommaso Cappellato – Music Power [Jazz Re:freshed]
Tshaka – Apricot Juices (Me Raabenstein Remix) [Nonine]
ScienZe – The Quest(ion)
Zo aka La chauve-souris feat. Phat Kat & Raashan Ahmad – Burnin’ [Cascade]
T.R.A.C. – That Surreal Feeling [Omniverse]
Tall Black Guy – Mon Amie De’Troit [First Word]
The Gene Dudley Group – Minnie [Wah Wah 45s]
Bev Lee Harling – Why Don’t You Do Right (Colman Brothers Cha Cha Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Deft – Faded [Project Mooncircle]
Rumpistol & John LaMonica – It’s Everywhere
Ambient Jazz Ensemble – Jazz Face (Ambient Jazz Ensemble Rework) [Here & Now]
Revbjelde – Lullaby from The Wicker Man [Buried Treasure]
Paskal & Urban Absolutes feat. Pete Josef – Bits Of Me [Sonar Kollektiv]
77 Karat Gold – Love [Jazzy Sport]
JonWayne: Rap Album One [Stones Throw]
Long before "Rap Album One", Jon Wayne showcased his skills as a producer with the instrumental album "Bowser" as well his three "Cassette" mixtape series. So it’s no surprise to find him successfully performing dual roles on his Stones Throw debut. JonWayne’s dark yet introspective lyrics serves as an open book that reveals a man with a plan who has little time for playing the fake thug role. This is evident on the track like"Find Me In The Future". where he states "You won’t find me doing those silly dances with the proverbial gun to my face. This ain’t Kansas!". On "You Can Love Me When I’m Dead" he displays his lyrical skills and art of story telling over a chilling chopped up piano sample. Other highlights include "Black Magic" and "The Come Up". "Rap Album One" succeeds due to JonWayne’s ability to wax poetic on his story as opposed to rehashing tired cliches. For hip-hop heads who can appreciate lyrical skills and tight production, he’s certainly worth checking out.
Teeko and B Bravo present: Tempo Dreams 2 [Bastard Jazz]
Bastard Jazz delivers a second installment of Tempo Dreams, this time enlisting the talents of Bay area funkateers DJ/Producer Teeko and B. Bravo. Together they create an lp filled with electro-funk jams reminiscent of the eighties funk revolution. Highlights include Don’t Stop", a wicked bass heavy tune with spacey synths. "Come Too Far" eases along with a laid back groove and features the deep bass vocals of Black Spade. "Back To The Mitten" is another funky gem with sweet synths augmented by Tony Ozier holding down the vocals. Teeko’s production is solid throughout and the vocal arrangements are on point. There’s a new generation of funk enthusiasts on the scene delivering the funk and Teeko and B. Bravo are two of many newcomers doing their part to push it along. Much to our delight.
Hackney Colliery Band: Common Decency [Wah Wah 45s]
Funk, Brass and Groove are just a few ways to describe the sound of the Hackney Colliery Band but their sound doesn’t end there. They have managed to combine elements of Punk, Afro-beat and Hip-Hop into their sound with a high degree of success. Ever since they emerged in 2008 their brand of Brass has fused the aforementioned sounds into the London underground music aesthetic. Their latest release, "Common Decency" was recorded live and takes another step forward in their evolving sound. Among the highlights is "Creeping Around After Dark", a tune with a nod to Afro-beat rhythms and swinging horns. "Dead Dialogue" features plenty more funky horns as well as Luke Christie’s spirited work on High Hat and Cymbals. Other treats include "Is Your Love Big Enough?", "Superhero Disco" and the crowd favorite "Prodigy Medley". All in all this is an entertaining and energetic record that will provide definite satisfaction. There’s a surge of Brass Bands emerging all over the globe. With HCB’s British blend of Brass with a touch of Balkan flavor they’re certain to stand out amongst the pack.
Ray Harris: The Transitions [Fusion Music Recordings]
Glasgow native Ray Harris has been fusing Latin grooves with Disco rhythms for a minute now. His new release "The Transitions" follows up the huge success of the Latin Dance hit "Scaramunga" and features a new set of tasty tunes to savor. Among the highlights is "Deep Down Inside", an infectious Disco tune with a catchy hook and blissful vocal arrangements. "Time Of Night" is a Latin dance track filled with live percussion and Harris applying tasty keyboard riffs. "Lose And Find Yourself" is an another winner that starts out as a down-tempo instrumental with Harris providing jazzy synths and closes with warm melodic vocal harmonies. Although only eight tracks, "The Transitions" lush arrangements and engaging rhythms solidifies him as one of the premier Latin dance producers on the scene today.
30 December 2013
Typesun feat. Ernist Trio & Nick Malcom – Shreds
Bilal – Lost For Now [BBE]
Philip Owusu – Goodnight
Eric Lau feat. Rahel – Here [Kilawatt Music]
Omar feat. Caron Wheeler – Treat You [Freestyle]
Fatima feat. Shafiq Husayn – Circle [Eglo]
Lapalux feat. Kerry Leatham – Without You [Brainfeeder]
Webster Wraight Ensemble – The Ruins of Britain [Heavenly Sweetness]
J’s Bee – Lights [Far Out]
Lucas Arruda – Batuque [Favorite]
Quantic and Nidia Gongora – Muévelo Negro [Tru Thoughts]
Floating Points Ensemble – Wires [Eglo]
Bet.e & Stef – Wish You Well (Marlow & Trueby Extended Refix) [Compost]
The Blaxploited Orchestra – Until The Day [Compost Disco]
Falso – Jiklet
Ill Sugi – Meditate [Cascade]
Jonwayne – After The Calm [Stones Throw]
Dandy Teru feat. Moka Only – Below [Ubiquity]
Benny Tones – Home (Dizz 1’s Can I Kick It Remix) [BBE]
Siriusmo – Plastic Hips [Monkeytown]
Patchworks Galactic Project – Cruising Through Space [Favorite]
Peshay – Kickin’ It With The Piano [Tru Thoughts]
Deejay Kul – Dream Deep [Atjazz Record Company]
Neneh Cherry + Afrika Baby Bam – Nina
Punk feat. Magic Soul – I Can’t Wait [Offering]
Tomas More – The Day I Spoke (My Favorite Robot Remix) [My Favorite Robot]
Acid Mondays – El Recorrido [Deep Vibes]
23 December 2013
Herb Geller feat. Mark Murphy – Space A La Mode [Tramp]
Pierre Cavalli feat. Sahib Shihab – Studie Nr. 1 fr 12-saitige Gitarre [Jazzman]
Noah Howard – Creole Lady [Heavenly Sweetness]
Walter Bishop Jr. – Track Down [Black Jazz/Snow Dog]
Francis Bebey – Wuma Te [Bad Born]
Dieuf-Dieul de Thies – Aling Na Djimbe [Teranga Beat]
Fela Kuti – Egbe Mi O (Frank Booker Edit) [Kat]
Target – Give Me One More Chance [Jazzman]
Aurra – Something Tells Me [Family Groove]
Black Renaissance – Magic Ritual (GB Remix) [Ubiquity]
Charlie Parker – Repetition (Mark de Clive-Lowe Remix)
Chico Mann – Same Old Clown (KON Remix) [Soundway]
Michael Boothman – Waiting For Your Love [Invisible City Editions]
Master Plan Inc. – Something To Be Done [Jazzman]
Tommy Stewart – Universal Love [Cultures of Soul]
Azymuth – ê Mulher (Ashley Beedle ‘Afrikanz On Marz’ Remix) [Far Out]
Larry Gold feat. Gerald Levert – Dance (Opolopo Bounce Tweak)
Ümit Besen – Hoş Gör Diyorlar (Fattish in 70’lik Editi)
Macky Feary Band – A Million Stars [BBE]
Aretha Franklin – Get It Right [Arista]
Timo Lassy – Where’s The Man (Live) [Schema]
16 December 2013
Sheila Jordan – Falling In Love With Love [Blue Note/Heavenly Sweetness]
Grachan Moncur III – Thandiwa [Blue Note/Heavenly Sweetness]
Donald Byrd – Perpetual Love [Blue Note/Heavenly Sweetness]
Primo Trio – Chuva [Whatmusic]
Howeefeel – People Of The World [Family Groove]
Tall Black Guy – Where To Look (I.Hayes and His Band Edit)
Kidsuke – Ultrayuki
Amin Payne x Ben Bada Boom – Lucid Dreams [Cascade]
Jamall Bufford feat. Neco Redd – Higher [Mello Music]
J-Hoon feat. Phatkhat – Favorite Line (Opolopo Remix)
Peshay – Sundown [Tru Thoughts]
Rev. T.L. Barrett feat. The Youth For Christ Choir – Jingle Bells (Part 2) [Tramp]
Ray Harris – Time Of Night [Fusion Music]
Conkers – Sunshrine [Sonar’s Ghost]
Danton Eeprom – Biscotto and Chimpanzee (Fairmont Remix) [InFiné Music]
The Blaxploited Orchestra – The Pursuit [Compost Disco]
AD Bourke – Kid Jupiter [Five Fold]
Chris Feinmann – Cozumel [Development Music]
Liquideep – Feel It (Andre Lodemann Remix Lars Behrenroth Dub Edit) [Deeper Shades]
Murphy Jax feat. DSB – Funksquelch [Chiwax]
Debukas – I Am Machinery [2020 Vision]
GB – Rain Dance (Afta-1’s Modification) [Eglo]
DJ 3000 – Close Your Eyes [Meze]
Freudian Funk Band – I’m Ambivalent About You Baby (Yes, Yes, Yes… No, No, No) [BBE]
Ashley Thomas – Ever Since [Issytrut]
9 December 2013
Robot Koch – Poder del Perro [Project Mooncircle]
KAE – Shadow [Cascade]
Slugabed – Do U C Me Tho [Ninja Tune]
Beat Spacek – Alone In Da Sun [Ninja Tune]
Andrew Ashong – Special [Which Way]
Sarah Linhares – Here (Pacific Shore Remix)
Si Tew – Left Alone
Fatima – La Neta [Eglo]
Termanology feat. Action Bronson & Jared Evan – Take My Turn [Brick]
A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight [Jive]
Pomrad – Dans [Bastard Jazz]
Sons Of Kemet – The Book Of Disquiet [Naim]
The Liberators – Power Struggle [Record Kicks]
Youngblood Brass Band – Wrestlevania [Tru Thoughts]
Ross McHenry – Stanley Park Dream [First Word]
Alessandro Scala Quartet – Lemon Funk [Schema]
Baron Retif & Concepcion Perez – Blind Lemon [Heavenly Sweetness]
The Rebirth – Got Your Madness [Kajmere]
Ümit Besen – Hoş Gör Diyorlar (Fattish in 70’lik Editi)
Bosq of Whiskey Barons feat. Tall Black Guy – Paciencia de Jo (Remix) [Ubiquity]
Alice Smith – Love Endeavor (Maurice Fulton Remix) [BBE]
Marubini musiQ – Take A Deep Breath (Pablo Martinez Remix) [FOMP]
llum Sphere – Sleeprunner (Zed Bias Remix) [Ninja Tune]
Bonobo – First Fires (Maya Jane Coles Remix) [Ninja Tune]
One Bomb feat. Georgia Copeland – Good Times Roll
2 December 2013
Demetrius Perry – Another World [Tabu]
Minnie Ripperton – Only When I’m Dreaming [GRT]
General Caine – Upside Down [Tabu]
Hartley and Wolfe – Behind Close Doors [BBE]
Belle – We Once Were
Brahj feat. Monica Janke – Wading On [Meze]
Fatima – La Neta [Eglo]
Superhumanoids – Bad Weather (Scoop Deville Remix)
Beat Spacek – Alone In Da Sun [Ninja Tune]
TY – Knock Knock (DJ Spinna Beyond Real Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
KRTS – Berlin Girls [Project Mooncircle]
Theo Parrish – Long Walk In Your Sun [Sound Signature]
Gifted & Blessed – The Road Ahead (Dego’s 2000black Modification) [Eglo]
Rick Wade – Sweet Life (Mr Beatnick Remix) [Fina]
Andrew Ashong – Love The Way [Which Way]
LAAK – Unbalanced [Austere]
Kaytronik – Belined [Atjazz Record Company]
The Black 80s feat. iBi Vaughan – Nothing Better [Compost]
Ashley Beedle – Ghetto Luv (Will LV Remix feat. Daddy Dark) [Girls Music]
Jef Gilson – Chant Inca (Alternative Version) [Jazzman]
Steve Kuhn – A Change Of Face [ECM]
Nostalgia 77 – An Angel With No Halo [Tru Thoughts]
Ogassa – Avale [Hot Casa]
Jimmy Jones & His Versatiles – Christmas Is A Drag [Tramp]
Steve Gray – Snowmans Stomp [Tramp]
Patchworks Galactic Project: Space [Favorite Recordings]
Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart has built quite a diverse resume over the years. He has collaborated to projects like Mr President, The Dynamics and many more. He returns under the title of Patchworks Galactic Project. With his latest release entitled "Space" he has composed a collection of spaced out boogie tunes with a nod towards seventies Disco soul as well. Patchwork’s fascination with the outer limits is apparent from the outset with the opening track "Cosmic Tripping", a slow burning soul tune with spacey synths. "Cruising Through Space" is a soulful Disco tune with sweet string arrangements. "Dancing Among The Stars" is atmospheric space funk. Patchworks succeeds in transporting the listener into his musical galaxy. With these polished arrangements it’s a trip worth repeated visits.
Ross McHenry: Distant Oceans [First Word]
Bassist Ross McHenry may be familiar to some from his work as a member of the Shaolin Afronauts. As a result he has been on the radar for some time now so it’s great to experience his debut entitled "Distant Oceans" for First Word Records. McHenry shows that he isn’t messing around by enlisting an impressive roster of musicians. Keyboardist Mark De Clive Lowe needs no introduction and Drummer Myele Manzanza’s career has soared since emerging with Electric Wire Hustle. Ross has wrote all but one track here and has served up a fusion of rhythmic spacey experimental jazz. His compositions provide a perfect canvas for Adam Page’s Tenor Sax and flute phrasings, not to mention Luca Spiler hearty Trombone riffs. Manzanza’s drumming sets the foundation for everyone to improvise and they do so in grand fashion. There are many highlights to savor but let’s start with "Intercosmos". Page and Spiler combine for a soaring ethereal intro that eases intro Ross’s laid back bass groove. On "Griffith Park" Ross’s rhythmic bass licks complement Page’s hearty solos. "Malmsbury Shale" and "Prayers" are spirited excursions into celestial territory, particularly on the latter. MDCL sprinkles in some tasty Rhodes alongside the explosive horn section of Page, Spiler and Jon Hunt on Bass Clarinet. Normally you would be concerned that a lineup this impressive would give in to excessive soloing but this group sticks to the script by playing their roles well and taking these compositions to another level. This is simply a superb record that certainly merits your attention. Here’s hoping this is the first of many releases from Mr McHenry.
Jukka Eskola: Orquesta Bossa [Schema Records]
The aptly titled "Orquesta Bossa" by Trumpeter Jukka Eskola is a soothing atmospheric bossa with strings. Recorded live on a 8-track recorder, Eskola captures the essence of sixties bossa effortlessly. Highlights include the uplifting "Bolly Beat". "Chester-Le-Street" is a funky string laden Bossa that ends with beautiful vamp. "And The Days Passed By" is one of many gentle recordings that demonstrate Eskola’s gift of creating adoring melodies. "Wien" is the only vocal recording here and it features the beautiful vocals of Chihiro. This is an intimate recording filled with strong performances from the string quartet as well as Eskola’s Quintet. For his part Eskola handles his solos with warmth and tenderness and the result is an engaging record worthy of repeated listens.
25 November 2013
Teotima Ensemble – Orange Lamps [First Word]
Eska – Gatekeeper [Northern Shore]
Guida de Palma & Jazzinho – Abraco Da Bossa [Toca Piano Fala Frances]
The Internet – Shadow Dance [Odd Future]
Oumou Sangare – Moussolou [World Circuit]
Sidmar Vieira – Gosto Desse [EBS Diggin]
Dave Pike – Spirit’s Samba [Muse]
Ed Meme feat. Paulo Apollo Negri – Young Scene [Breadin’ Bread]
Ray Harris – Letting Go [Fusion Music]
Paco Zambrano y su Combo – Meshkalina [Tiger’s Milk]
Funky Mama – Evolution
Warsaw Afrobeat Orchestra – Only Now (Bosq Remix) [Ubiquity]
Dudley Perkins feat. Percee P – Hearing Test [Mello Music]
Ragz Nordset – New August (Ghostchant Remix) [NuNorthern Soul]
Yumi And The Weather – All We Can [XVI]
Rumpistol – Asleep (Bwoy De Bhajan Remix [Rump]
Howeefeel – People Of The World [Family Groove]
Fatima – Family [Eglo]
J.A.N. – Shines [Dopeness Galore]
Ashley Thomas – Kept On Runnin’ [Counterpoint]
Simbad feat. Melo – After The Dance (Bugz In The Attic Remix) [Raw Fusion]
Kraak & Smaak feat. Ben Westbeech – The Future Is Yours [Jalapeno]
Debukas – Minus 24 [2020 Vision]
Afrobuddah – Zone [Round In Motion]
Hardrive – Deep Inside [Strictly Rhythm]
18 November 2013
Robert Calvin – Night Stalker [Factor City]
AD Bourke – Prelude [Five Fold]
Paskal & Urban Absolutes feat. Paul Randolph – Here Again [Sonar Kollektiv]
Pink Skull – Perfect Suites [My Favorite Robot]
Fred Hush – Carrousel [Sonar Kollektiv]
The Marx Trukker – A For You, B For Me [Greta Cottage Workshop]
Lele X & Posh feat. Dana Byrd & Tantra Zawadi – Lies [Smooth Agent Africa]
Scrimshire – Emperor (Stubborn Heart Remix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Macky Feary Band – A Million Stars [BBE]
Lord Echo – The Creator Has A Master Plan [Bastard Jazz]
Ed Meme feat. Myles Sanko – Oh Yes I Will [Breakin’ Bread]
Gil Bernal – King Solomon’s Blues [Jazzman]
The Perceptions – Bite The Bit [Freestyle]
Bahama Soul Club feat. Ruthie Foster – Grinning In Your Face [Buyu]
Kirkis – Ballad For A Venus Flower
Nostalgia 77 – An Angel With No Halo [Tru Thoughts]
Teotima Ensemble – Counting The Ways [First Word]
Alessandro Scala Quartet – Isola Del Sole [Schema]
Ancient Astronauts – Robots Are Taking Over [Switchstance]
Robot Koch – Sugar Owl [Project Mooncircle]
Hanami – Ribbons [Project Mooncircle]
Simba & Milton Gulli – We’ve Got The Jazz [BBE]
Rakim – New York To Cali
Amin Payne x Ben Bada Boom feat. Silent Jay – Lay Low [Cascade]
Dangerdoom – Space Ho’s (Madlib Version) [Lex]
The Black Seeds – The Answer [Sonar Kollektiv]