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Joel Sarakula – Soft Focus [Legere Recordings]
Joel Sarakula’s latest release “Soft Focus” is a collection of light funk and jazzy pop recordings. Born in Sydney Austraila Sarakula has built a following around the UK where he’s now a resident, “I’ll Get By Without You”, produced by Shawn Lee is a laid back blue eyed soul stomper. “Back For Your Love” has a touch of Northern Soul with jazzy synths and funky wah wah guitar rhythms. “Midnight Movie” is a sunny uptempo tune with a touch of samba. “Soft Focus” is a time capsule into late seventies soulful pop recordings. Sarakula’s falsetto will remind you of crooners like Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. The recordings will inject you with good vibes while yearning for simpler times.
Paul White – Peace in Chaos [R&S Records]
“Peace in Chaos” is the third lp on R & S records from multi-instrumentalist Paul White. The eleven track release is a collection of ethereal synth heavy compositions. “Glory in Stories” is an electro pop treat filled with lush arrangements and soothing vocal harmonies. The aptly titled “Surreal” is a dreamy mid-tempo tune that is filled with joyful euphoric vibes. White has solidified himself as a premier producer who has worked with an array of musicians from Sudan Archives to Danny Brown. This release finds him front and center, crafting a record in his own personal vision. The result is a blissful journey that will brighten your mood.
Arthur Melo – Mirantes Emocionais [Wonderfulsound]
Arthur Melo, a Brazilian composer, guitarist and singer returns after a three year hiatus. Backed by his band O Ministerio da Consciencia, the new album “Mirantes Emocionais” pays homage to Melo’s heroes of the 70 & 80s, specifically Milton Nascimento. In addition, the album has plenty of film refernces as he’s studied film and is a fan of the great Director Brian De Palma. Melo’s feathery vocals float over the percussive electric guitar driven “Dama da Noite”. The psychedelic “Principios Organizadores” simmers with electric and acoustic guitar rhythms. Dante Batista Ribeiro’s playing on the sitar adds another layer of flavor to the recording. “Saidas” is a blissful acoustic tune enhanced by the gentle brushes from drummer Theodora Viana. Produced by Kassim, “Mirantes Emocionais” is a superb recording that recalls the past while applying new ideas from the present.
https://wonderfulsound.bandcamp.com/album/mirantes-emocionais
Little Dragon – Slugs of Love [Ninja Tune]
“Slugs of Love”, the latest release from Little Dragon doesn’t deviate from what they do best. That is deliver another collection of gorgeous synth pop recordings certain to brighthen your mood. There’s a couple of guests on board to spice things up. Vocalist Damon Albarn adds a nice contrast to lead vocalist Yukimi Nagano on the dreamy “Glow”. Rapper JID adds clever rhymnes on “Stay”. The title track is an up-tempo number that erupts with a rumbling guitar groove with a hint of a new wave nineties vibe. Throughout the disc Nagano’s vocals sparkle while elevating the sublime arrangements. This band just continues to deliver feel good music.
Illa J – No Traffic [BBE Music]
Rapper Illa J has consistently built his reputation as one of Detroit’s premiere MCs with a number of projects over the years. The former member of Slum Village and younger brother of the late great J Dilla has cemented his own place in hip-hop. “No Traffic” is his first release for BBE. The nineteen track lp is well represented by some of Detroit’s veteran MCs along with a number of MCs on the rise. Along the highlights are the cosmic funk of “Off The Tap”. The banger includes fellow lyricists Zay Bcuz and Nicx Rhett. Detroit native Amp Fiddler applies his signature brand of funk and vocals on “Get Down”. UK vocalist Harleighblu adds her distinctive vocals to “Not Ever”. Illa J serves up a heavy dose of mid-west boom bap while showcasing a plethora of talent. As evidence here, real hip-hop runs deep in the Motor City.
JSOUL x B.Jamelle – Mellowdisiac [BSM Records]
https://jsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/mellowdisiac
Moonchild – Starfruit [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
https://thisismoonchild.bandcamp.com/album/starfruit