11 November 2013
Bet.e & Stef – Wish You Well (Marlow & Trueby Extended Refix) [Compost]
The Blaxploited Orchestra – Until The Day [Compost Disco]
77 Karat Gold – Love [Jazzy Sport]
Rojai & E. Live – Hard Pressed [Bastard Jazz]
Bosq of Whiskey Barons feat. Tall Black Guy – Paciencia de Jo (Remix) [Ubiquity]
Shadow – I Can’t Keep Holding Back (My Love) [Elektra]
Ashley Thomas – How Can I Love You [Issystrut]
Ray Harris – Deep Down Inside [Fusion Music]
Ross McHenry – Prayers [First Word]
Timo Lassy – Touch Red (Live) [Schema]
Tom Scott – Song #1 [Impulse]
The Liberators – Epicoso [Record Kicks]
Ogassa – Ogassa Story [Hot Casa]
The Fontanelles – Criminality [First Word]
The Electric Peanut Butter Company – Mono Man [Ubiquity]
Warsaw Afrobeat Orchestra – Only Now (Bosq Remix) [Ubiquity]
Tall Black Guy – Live Forever
Basic Bounce – Spacework
Julien Dyne feat. Mara TK – Dirtcrystal [BBE]
Funkineven – Egypt [Eglo]
Mr. Beatnick – Shifting Sands [Don’t Be Afraid]
DJ3000 – Patron [Motech]
Hunter Game – Distant Storms (Christian Prommer Remix) [My Favorite Robot]
Si Tew – Maricaibo
4 November 2013
Sundance – Buster [EMI]
Taggy Matcher – Chameleon (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix) [Stix]
Francis Bebey – Divorce Pygm’ee [Bad Born]
Naná Vasconcelos – Coco Lunar [Far Out]
Da Lata feat. Rich Medina – Monkeys And Anvils [Agogo]
Bugalu Foundation – One Man Woman [Kushti]
Lord Echo – Digital Haircut [Bastard Jazz]
The Gene Dudley Group – The Hilo Bay Halfway (Gene Dudley Disco Dub Mix) [Wah Wah 45s]
Lee Bannon – 216 [Ninja Tune]
Touchy Subject – Measurements Of Time
Lost Midas feat. NüTrik – Boss Man [Tru Thoughts]
Kae – Spark [Cascade]
Hartley & Wolfe – The Little Things [BBE]
DJ Vadim feat. Sadiba Jade – Set Them Free (Dizz1 Remix)
Paper Tiger feat. Homeboy Sandman – The Sting [Wah Wah 45s]
Reggie B feat. Kan Sano – Love’s The Way [Tokyo Dawn]
MFÖ – Yalnızlık Ömür Boyu (Fattish’s Autmun Leaves Edit)
Evol Ai – Dar K Disco (Ilya Santana Disco Fury Remix) [Compost Disco]
80’s Child – Plane Love (80’s Child Player Groove) [Retrospective]
Wasserfall – Came As It Went [Greta Cottage Workshop]
Robinn feat. Nathaniel Pearn – The Sound Around Us [Compost]
Mop Mop feat. Anthony Joseph – Let I Go (Mr Raoul K’s Version) [Agogo]
Atjazz & Jullian Gomes feat. Wunmi – Agbara [Atjazz Record Company]
Gifted & Blessed – The Gospel [Eglo]
Paul Mac – Grand Statement [Teng]
Alex Barck: Reunion [Sonar Kollektiv]
"Reunion" the new release from Alex Barck is a triumphant return after a break from the music scene. Indeed "Reunion" is filled with an assortment of uplifting dance tracks filled with Soul, Pop and African rhythms. It’s obvious that the hiatus was good to Barck for the superb writing and arrangements is only surpassed by the spirited collaborations from an array of talented vocalists filtered throughout this disc. Among the many highlights is "Oh Africa", a soulful house track features the deep husky vocals of Christine Salem, a native of La Reunion, located in the Indian Ocean where Barck sought repose. "Don’t Hold Back" is another pulsating track that features the powerful vocals of Sweden’s own Jonathan Backelie. Backelie also shines on "We Get High" and the moving "Doubter". Vocalist Pete Josef, one half of The White Lamp blesses two other tunes, "Reset" and "Spinning Around". With other notable contributions from Stee Downes and Fetsum "Reunion" is highly recommended dance music at it’s best.
Sons Of Kemet: Burn [Naim Jazz]
"Burn", the aptly titled debut from the quartet known as Sons Of Kemit doesn’t just burn, it scorches. The ten track debut is a fusion of African, folk and spiritual Jazz rhythms that is engaging, intense and defies categories. Clarinetist/Saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings apprenticeship with Courtney Pine and Tomorrow’s Warriors has served him well here. His explosive playing and ambitious compositions is complimented by the dual drumming of Tom Skinner and Seb Rochford. On "Inner Babylon" Hutchings and Tuba player Oren Marshall rhythmic explorations and lyrical content extend into Afro-Caribbean ancestry. "Adonia’s Lullaby" evokes deep passion and emotions highlighted by Hutching’s melodic clarinet rhythms. Each member is a leader in their own right yet they come together focused on their take on the movement of the African Diaspora and the result is one of the best records of the year.
Bahama Soul Club: The Cuban Tapes [Buyu]
"The Cuban Tapes" is a moody collection of dark seductive Afro-Cuban rhythms that captures the essence of mid-sixties soul and jazz. In addition the lineup of legendary vocalists take these compositions to greater heights. For starters there’s Bessie Smith laying down her powerful vocals to "Moaners". Spanky Wilson contributes to the organ grinding soul-jazz number "I Warned You Baby". Other notables include Blues stalwart Ruthie Foster on the simmering "Grinning In Your Face" and the melodic piano driven "Tiki Suite pt1". This seventeen track release is an exciting adventure into the overlooked Cuban night club scene. I suggest you pull up a chair and enjoy.
Hartley and Wolfe: Bespoke Future [BBE]
Hartley & Wolfe is the alias for Dj Vadim and singer Greg Blackman. "Bespoke Future" is filled with tasty electro soul and edgy funk grooves. You may be familiar with Blackmon from Vadim’s previous lp "Don’t Be Scared". While he only appeared on just a couple of tracks on that disc his rugged vocals are on display throughout here. Among the highlights are "You’ve Got Nothing", a mid-tempo soul groover. "Room To Breathe" is a gritty funk tasty treat. "Turn Up The Volume" and "Lady Sunshine" are soulful grooves with funky synths. "Bespoke Future" is reminiscent of the eighties funk and synth era and Vadim skillfully taps into that sound. Greg and Vadim combine tight production and cutting edge vocals for an entertaining disc.
28 October 2013
Mark de Clive-Lowe Performs Soho – Hot Music (Live Construction)
Bahama Soul Club feat. Danay Suarez – Malago [Buyu]
Otis Trio – Otis Natu [Far Out]
Timo Lassy – Shootin’ Dice (Live) [Schema]
The Revelations – Lively [Schema]
Carole Veal – H’way Of Love [Tramp]
Master Plan Inc. – Bright Lights, Big City [Jazzman]
Hot 8 Brass Band – Homies [Tru Thoughts]
Quantic and Nidia Gongora – Muévelo Negro [Tru Thoughts]
The Eerier Child – The Tunnel [Meze]
Baishe Kings – Like [Big Dada]
Deft – Maybes [Project Mooncircle]
Abnormal – Zoe Finds Mila
Dr Zygote – Quick [Zoot]
The Blaxploited Orchestra – Until The Day [Compost Disco]
Bet.e & Stef – Wish You Well (Marlow & Trueby Extended Refix) [Compost]
Double Yellow – Dust Can Glow (DJD Shining Dubb) [Here & Now]
Richie Phoe – Thriller [Wah Wah 45s]
Tal M. Klein – Perforated [Aniligital Music]
Paskal & Urban Absolutes feat. Pete Josef – Bits Of Me [Sonar Kollektiv]
Paskal & Urban Absolutes feat. Desney Bailey – The Way [Sonar Kollektiv]
DJ Nasty – Aphrodisiac [YoSucka]
Tortured Soul feat. N’Dea Davenport – I Might Do Something Wrong (Ethan White Raindrops Remix) [TSTC]
Osunlade – Dionne [Yoruba]
DJ 3000 – Morning Bird [Motech]
Triumph & Ivan Picazo feat. Valldeneu – Soyuz (Opolopo Remix)
21 October 2013
The Sonarphonic feat. Margarita Thompson – Super Breaker [People’s Potential Unlimited]
Mala feat. Dreiser & Sexto Sentido – Como Como (Theo Parrish Remix) [Brownswood]
Dazzle – Explain [People’s Potential Unlimited]
Omar feat. Caron Wheeler – Treat You (Opolopo Remix) [Freestyle]
Mr. Beatnick – Waning Moon [Don’t Be Afraid]
Boe & Zak – Looking For Love? [The Classic Music Company]
G Spice – The Way We Were [Phat Elephant]
Alex Dolby – Nefesis [Affekt]
DJ 3000 – Faygo [Still Music]
Appian – G381 [End Of Level Boss]
Peshay – Kickin’ It With The Piano [Tru Thoughts]
Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Norah Jones – Let It Ride [Blue Note]
Jukka Eskola – Bolly Beat [Schema]
Otis Trio – Otis Natu [Far Out]
Tongues Of Fire – Smokin’ Jo Crow (Revbjelde Mix) [Buried Treasure]
Electric Conversation – The Pit [Futuristica Music]
Richie Phoe – I Want’a Do Something Freaky To You [Wah Wah 45s]
Insomniax – A Vibe For Chrissy [Bastard Jazz]
KTRS – Bonehead [Project Mooncircle]
Julien Dyne feat. Dalziel – Tonight [BBE]
ScienZe feat. LeXuS – The Date
Yamin Semali feat. J-Live, Boog Brown, and Joe D – Another Way
Jonwayne – Black Magic [Stones Throw]
Jaylib – The Red [Stones Throw]
Ruth Koleva – Sunshine [Nurture-Music]
Algebra Blessett – Danger Zone [BBE]
14 October 2013
Débruit & Alsarah – Alkoan Baladi [Soundway]
Lucho Neves y su Orquesta – Mambo De Machaguay [Tiger’s Milk]
Guida de Palma & Jazzinho – Papão
Yellowtail feat. La Note – Street Thing [Campus]
Travis Lee – Take You Away [Sonar Kollektiv]
77 Karat Gold – Memories In The Rain [Jazzy Sport]
Collocutor – Instead (Emanative Remix) [On The Corner]
Jordan Peak – S.O.O.N. (Mike Huckaby Remix) [Rogue Society]
Alex Barck feat. Fetsum – Why & How [Sonar Kollektiv]
DCastillo – Short Eyes [Dead As Disco]
Starship Connection & K-Maxx – We Can Go [Bastard Jazz]
Fatima & The Eglo Live Band – Redlight (Live) [Eglo]
Fatima – Black Dough [Eglo]
Alice Russell – To Dust (Sam Sparro Remix) [Tru Thoughts]
J-Louis – All About The Panties (That Mara Hruby Flow) [Soulection]
A Sagittariun – Trine [Elastic Dreams]
The Electric Peanut Butter Company – Alfonso [Ubiquity]
Calibro 35 – Vendetta [Record Kicks]
Sons Of Kemet – Inner Babylon [Naim]
Naná Vasconcelos – Nizinga [Far Out]
Zo aka La chauve-souris – Crazy Legz [Cascade]
Mecca:83 feat. Kan Sano x Maximoe – Amber Glow
Reggie B – Hypnotized [Tokyo Dawn]
Sandra St. Victor – Presence [Shanachie]
Ross McHenry – Intercosmos [First Word]
7 October 2013
William Sommers – Delight [Wah Wah 45s]
Abnormal feat. Ben Jamin – Asia Dee
ScienZe – The Quest(ion)
Boldy James – Moochie [Decon]
Ruth Koleva – Sunshine [Nurture-Music]
Jan Roth – Kleine Freiheit
Electric Conversation – La Neige [Futuristica Music]
Electric Conversation – Everyday [Futuristica Music]
The Range – Postie [Project Mooncircle]
Samuel – Steam Train [Technicolour]
Submerse – Melonkoly (Deft Remix) [Project Mooncircle]
Paper Tiger – Crossover [Wah Wah 45s]
Da Lata feat. Rich Medina – Monkeys And Anvils [Agogo]
Omar feat. Caron Wheeler – Treat You (Opolopo Remix) [Freestyle]
Aurra – Something Tells Me [Family Groove]
Turner Brothers feat. Sun Sound – Running In The Rain (Paolo Scotti & Giacomo Silvestri Re-Edit) [Luv N Haight]
Milton Nascimento – Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser (Aroop Roy Remix) [Gamm]
Francis Bebey – Wuma Te [Bad Born]
Quantic and Nidia Gongora – Muévelo Negro [Tru Thoughts]
Peshay – Kickin’ With The Piano [Tru Thoughts]
Paskal & Urban Absolutes feat. Neve Naive – White Walls [Sonar Kollektiv]
Wasserfall – Flame [Greta Cottage Workshop]
Titeknots – Wordy [Tru Thoughts]
Magic Number – Coming Back To Me
Patrick Skoog – Saturnian Acid [Third Ear]
Forrest – Shiny Suit Man [Midnight Vision]
Da Lata feat. Luis Maita – Um Amor A Mais (Prophets Of The South Fundi Remix) [Agogo]
Wordy Soulspeak: Let The Rhythm Hit [BBE]
It’s safe to say that China hasn’t been a hotbed for hip-hop but Wordy Soulspeak are out to change that. DJ Wordy provides catchy electronic beats, clever scratching and synths while Jeff Soulspeak provides tight production on their debut "Let The Rhythm Hit". The title track symbolizes their sound with clever synth arrangements and wicked break-beats. "Smokeout" is a nice laid back tune filled with warm keys and synths. WordySoulspeak cite many hip-hop influences and that’s quite evident. I would bet that they heard a few Dam Funk recordings since several tracks have a 80’s electro funk flavor as well. Wherever the inspiration came from the result is a promising debut from the duo from the Far East.
Reggie B: DNA [Tokyo Dawn]
Reggie-B has been sprinkling eps and singles showcasing his brand of electro-funk for several years now. With his full length debut on Tokyo Dawn, he’s poised to strike a chord with funk enthusiasts past and present with the aptly titled "DNA". Reggie’s rich vocals serve as the main ingredient within a deep dish of bass heavy up-tempo gems featuring an impressive collection of contributors like DJ Spinna, Dam Funk and many more. There are many highlights here to ignite your funk groove like "Light Horizon" featuring Onra and Ubiquitous. "Her Own Way" is a smooth mid-tempo soul funk groove. In addition there are a number of gentle ballads that are treated with a delicate touch as well. "Just enough" features a romantic verse from D-Lok. "Love The Way" is another soothing track that features the Moog and synth wizardry of Kan Sano. With seventeen tracks in total I was afraid there might be some filler tracks but not to worry. This is a superb album with an assortment of contributors fully committed to bringing the funk. Along with emerging artists like Dam Funk, B-Bravo and Teeko, Reggie-B is spearheading a renaissance of deep funk with wicked hooks. With an album this good it’s assured that the future of the funk is in good hands
Asymuth: The Aurora Remixes [Far Out]
For over forty five years, Asymuth has been one of Brazil’s most treasured bands. The trio of Jose Roberto Bertrami, percussionist Ivan Conti and guitarist Alex Malheiros have released over twenty albums. When you have a catalog as deep as Asymuth’s, it’s no surprise that the "Aurora Remixes", a collection of previously unreleased material would attract some of the foremost DJs in the game today. Some of those heavyweights include 4Hero and their superb rework of the title track. "Aurora" is a sublime tune filled with soothing Samba rhythms augmented by Jose Roberto Bertrami’s electric piano. Maddslinky picks up the tempo with the percussive infused house flavored mix of "Ta Nessa Ainda Bicho". Another highlight is "In My Treehouse (We Are The Horsemen Remix)" filled with funky bass licks and keyboard rhythms. The "Aurora Remixes" also includes the original recordings as well so this an essential record for any Asymuth fan and without a doubt will influence newcomers.
30 September 2013
Frootful feat. Angeline Morrison & Mazen – Baby It’s A Fine Line [Freestyle]
Guida de Palma & Jazzinho feat. Leon Ware – A Seed In You
Rudolph Johnson – Time And Space [Black Jazz]
Silk – I Can’t Stop (Turning You On) [Philadelphia International]
Master Plan Inc. – Something To Be Done [Jazzman]
Jonwayne – How To Be A Gemini [Stones Throw]
Oddisee – Own Appeal
T.R.A.C. – That Surreal Feeling [Omniverse]
fLako x ATCQ – Sluggish Again (Dappa Dubs Refix) [Cosmonostro]
Dabrye feat. Jay Dee & Phat Kat – Game Over [Ghostly International]
Sola Rosa feat. L.A. Mitchell – Real Life [Agogo]
Harleighblu – Sittin’ By The Window [Tru Thoughts]
Da Lata – N.Y.J [Agogo]
Bembe Segue – Space Odyssey
The Range – Seneca [Project Mooncircle]
Revbjelde – Lullaby From The Wicker Man [Buried Treasure]
Mi – Thirds [Mesa]
Fela Ransome Kuti & Africa 70 – Alagbon Place (Emanative Edit)
Patchworks Galactic Project – Gobblins Are Gone [Favorite]
Andre Zimma feat. Jane Hamilton – Take It ‘N’ Make It [Slope Music]
Alex Barck feat. Jonatan Bäckelie – Doubter [Sonar Kollektiv]
Alex Barck feat. Jonatan Bäckelie – Don’t Hold Back [Sonar Kollektiv]
Christian Prommer – Wonders Of The World (Catz ‘n’ Dogz Remix) [Musica Autonomica]
Reggie Dokes – Cyber Love [Still Music]
Kid Sublime – The Cooldown [Dopeness Galore]
23 September 2013
Tigerskin – Burning Down Paris [Dirt Crew]
Jonwayne – After The Calm [Stones Throw]
Aufgang – Midnight Hip-Hop [InFiné]
Herb Geller feat. Mark Murphy – Space A La Mode [Tramp]
Sandra St. Victor – Eternal
Baishe Kings – Like [Big Dada]
Roots Manuva – Stolen Youth (Segal Remix) [Big Dada]
Rodney P feat. Harleighblu & Renegade Brass Band – Success [Tru Thoughts]
Deft – Faded [Project Mooncircle]
Tiny Hearts – Centrefold [Dirt Tech Reck]
Aalon Butler & The New Breed Band – Gettin’ Soul [Tramp]
Mbiri Young Stars – Ndiri Ndanogio Niwe [Soundway]
Los Fulanos – El Que No Está Se Lo Pierde (Discoteque Version) [Love Monk]
Ikebe Shakedown – Tujunga (Brennan Green’s Disco Acido Remix) [Ubiquity]
Evol Ai – Dar K Disco (Ilya Santana Disco Fury Remix) [Compost Disco]
SOS Band – The Finest [Tabu]
General Caine – Don’t Stop [Tabu]
Robínn – Plastic People [Compost]
Emanative & Earl Zinger & RN9 – Over [On The Corner]
Magic Number – Coming Back To Me
Terri Walker – He Loves Me (Osunlade Remix) [Soul Heaven]
Kon – All Night (Everybody) [BBE]
Atjazz & Jullian Gomes feat. Robert Owens – Turn Back To You [Atjazz]