Not only can Richard Spaven keep the time, he can also compose infectious Jazz rhythms with grooves steeped in hip-hop and move people from both genres in the process. Spaven has been a sought after drummer for years now and came up with the idea for this trio project while on tour. “The Sure Co.”, the latest release from the Jazz Refreshed imprint will leave you wishing this was an album. Instead it’s just a five track ep, albeit a superb one. The synergy created by the trio is evident right from the beginning from pianist Grant Windsor’s dazzling melodies on “The Sure Chimes”. Guest vocalist Nailah Porter earthy tones adds another layer on the shivering “Loose Shots”. Bassist Neville Malcolm lays down scorching grooves throughout the session and shines especially on “Persephone”. This is gorgeous work from Spaven and after serving us a few appetizers it’s time to deliver us a full length lp to showcase his artistry.

Columbian Soul is a fitting way to describe the new release from Quantic & Alice Russell and the results from this collaboration are nothing short of superb. What’s great about this record is how it shifts from deep rooted soul onto traditional Columbian music while featuring stellar instrumentation throughout. The title track, for instance is pure psychedelic soul with strings that serves as the canvas for Alice’s soaring vocals. “I’ll Keep My Light In My Window”, complete with gospel fused harmonies and strings will awaken your spirits. Meanwhile Combo Barbaro, a multicultural collective of talented musicians provide an authentic Columbian vibe and a spirited rhythm section throughout, particularly on “Road to Islay” and “Magdalena”.  Will Holland’s explorations in music have always paid dividends for the listener and he has struck gold with this release.

Rhys Adams aka Yesking returns with the follow up to his 2008 release. “Re-record Not Fade Away”, his first record for BBE is filled with soul infused dub-step beats, Roots Reggae and Hip-Hop rhythms.  Recorded live and by Adams himself, he comes away with a tighter sound than on his previous lp "Rock this World". In addition he’s also enlisted Patrick Hatchett, guitarist for The Soothsayers to enhance the sound that reverberates throughout the album. Rioghnach Connolly’s heartfelt lyrics and melodious tones make for some engaging moments and elevate several tracks here. One of those tracks is the opener; "Hardground", a funky tune with restrained intensity and a thumping bass that gives you a sense that something special is brewing here. "Overproof", featuring Mel Uye-Parker is an engaging reggae tune with cheerful harmonies. "Chicken Chops" is another spirited reggae tune with funky horns and sweet organ rhythms. Kodjovi Kush adds a touch of afrobeat to the disc with the energetic “One More Time”. With other artists like Toddia T and Lady Chann packing supreme contributions into ten tracks, the result is an superb disc that deserves room in your musical rotation.

2012 proved to be a quiet year for Benny Tones but “The Chrysalis Remixes”, armed with thirty tracks should make up for his absence.  You’d be hard pressed not to find a handful of favorites among this impressive collection however there some prime cuts that you shouldn’t miss. For starters the Negghead remix of “aero:soul”, sung by Mara TK is a banger and a nice precursor of more goodness forthcoming. The Night Panther remix of “On my Way”, also sung by Mara TK is certain to put you in a neck brace due to the fierce bass line. Dizzy I’s rework of “Home”, performed by Fat Freddy’s Drop is a keeper as well as the AD Bourke remix of “Fire Fly”. Rather than trying to decide what to play first, just hit the random button and you’re certain to find a new favorite with every spin.

The diamond in the rough phrase certainly applies to the emergence of Resonators in the Dub Step/Reggae field. Indeed, the Brighton/London based group captures the spirit of Roots Reggae by merging sparkling rhythms, thumping bass grooves and soothing vocals from Kassia Zermon and Faye Houston. The performances on “The Constant” reflect a band that plays with the precision and fluidity that comes from numerous sessions and constant touring. Highlights include “Soldier”, “Vipers” and the Dub plate vocals of “Surrender” . The production is superb as well complete with additional horns and overdubs. “The Constant” is a breath of fresh air that is not only a first rate reggae album but simply one of the more impressive records of 2012.

Martha High has been belting out soul songs for four decades strong. Martha started off working as a member of the Jewels, a group that was part of the James Brown Revue. Martha would continue to work with the Godfather of soul and later on work with former band member Maceo Parker. On “Soul Overdue” her voice sounds as strong as ever as she covers classics and makes them her own. A prime example is her rendition of the Etta James timeless “I’d Rather Go Blind” and Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man”. Other highlights include “Save Me” and “Dragging Me Down”, two burning tracks that demonstrate that Speedometer are more than capable of giving up the funk. A killer rhythm section and a dynamic voice adds up to a wonderful record. “Soul Overdue” is right on time.

You can count on Craig Charles as a certified messenger of the funk and his weekly radio show on BBC’s Radio 6 is testament to that. Throughout the nineteen track disc, Charles compiles some of the heavy hitters of today as they carry the baton of tasty funk with gritty grooves. There are many prime cuts to savor like “Seven Nation Army” by Nostalgia 77 featuring the soaring vocals of Alice Russell.  “A Time For” is another taste of slow burning funk courtesy of Lack Of Afro. For instrumentals there’s The Haggis Horns “The Bump” and “Shaft In Africa” from The Mighty Showstoppers just to name a few.  Don’t have the time hand pick your funk? No worries, Craig Charles’s selections will supply all the funk you need.

Double Yellow is the duo of Singer/songwriter Dave Lilley and DJ/Producer Diesler. "Life in the Slow Lane”, their full length debut  is a potpourri of musical flavors rooted in deep grooves and tasty funk.  Among the highlights are the Dixie Jazz flavored “No One Knows” that features the sweet vocals of Suzanne Lilley. “Zygote No.9” is heavy funk with hypnotic grooves. “Dust Can Grow” is a laid back Latin jazz flavored tune that features vocals from Edward Pye and and Daniel Smith on trumpet. Lilley’s imaginative songwriting and Diesler’s beats make for an engaging record. Admirers of the “We Got Caught” ep will not be disappointed.

Jesse Reuben Wilson, the man behind Positive Flow returns with his first full length release since 2006. We hope there isn’t another six year gap in between albums because “Flowlines” is packed with superb recordings by an array of talented artists like Colonel Red, Omar, Andre Espeut and many more. “Flowlines” starts out impressively with “Children Of The Sun”, a mid-tempo soulful electronica blessed by the angelic vocals of Heidi Vogel. The disc picks up the tempo with “My Prediction”, filled with thick grooves and the unmistakable vocals of Omar. “In The Garden of Your Life” is another laid back soulful beauty sung by Vanessa Freeman. Jesse does a superb job with string arrangements on the aforementioned tracks and throughout the entire disc that adds an emotive element to his compositions. In addition to the vocal contributions there are some funky instrumentals such as “Phaedra’s Flight” and the celestial “Capoeira”. You know you have a great record when you can find a new favorite every time you play it. Simply put this is futuristic soul music of the highest order and one of the best records of the year.