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Don Glori – Paper Can’t Wrap Fire [Mr Bongo]

Gordon Li, aka Don Glori returns with his third release. “Paper Can’t Wrap Fire” has plenty of the same flavors his previous compositions. That means an array of fusion forays combining soul, jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist ML Hall jumps on three tracks. One of those tracks, “Brown Eyes” combines Hall’s falsetto vocals with Glori’s sublime piano arrangements. Glori’s warm and melodic arrangements shine on “Song For Ants”. The tune begins with a flurry of horns layered over wordless phrasing. Glori tops it off with rhythmnic and harmonically adventurous soloing. “Power” is another highlight that begins with a heavenly choir layered over vibrant fender rhodes and a samba groove. Glori has built an impressive catalog. This release from the multi-instrumentalist may be his best.
Black Loops – Always Moving [Freerange Records]

“Always Moving”, the new release from Black Loops seamlessly weaves soul, funk and House grooves into a high energy after hours album. The Italian DJ/Producer has been crafting 12 inch house bangers for a decade. He demonstrates that he’s much more than that by utilising live drumming and electronics. The opening track “CDMK” grabs your attention with a funky groove and shades of broken beat. “Detroit Love” featuring Byron The Aquarius is a nod to Detroit Deep House. Vocalist Marlena Dee is featured on four tracks. She’s joined by fellow vocalist Harvey Sutherland on the house heater “Pleasure Ride”. An impressive collection of beats and grooves that has a little something for everyone.
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange – Inspire // Radicalise [Energy Exchange Records]

“Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, a staple of the Australian music scene return with their latest album “Inspire/Radicalise”. Produced by founding member and drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist and keyboardist Lewis Moody, the band demonstrates their prowess at delivering thumping instrumental grooves. A robust rhythm section is just part of the driving force behind these compositions. The opening track, “Astras Theme” is a high energy romp fuelled by Moody on the Moog and Eric “Sunny” Owusu on congas. “Shine Your Light” is a funky boogie tune that features Karai on vocals. “Cyberfunk” is symbolic of the entire album, infectious grooves that inspire happy feet and plenty of body shaking. An engaging album that deserves your attention.
https://zeitgeistfreedomenergyexchange.bandcamp.com/album/inspire-radicalise
Kuna Maze – Layers [Tru Thoughts Recordings]

“Layers”, the latest full length release from DJ/Producer Edouard Gilbert aka Kuna Maze showcases a mellower tempo in contrast to his previous lp “Night Shift”. The album title speaks to his approach to composing this album. Maze’s layering of rhythms and live instrumentation captures the mood of his live performances. “Layered Memories” is a prime example. The mellow tune evokes echoes of Herbie Hancock’s early eighties fusion era. “Tangle” is another simmering tune filled with languid grooves. All eleven tracks follow this formula with superb results. Maze demonstrates that he can create jazz influenced compositions along with house and dub. The finale “Kuna’s Dub” is evidence of that. Maze’s sophomore release is every bit as impressive as his debut.
Close Counters – Lovers Dance Academy [Northside]

Melbourne natives Finn Rees and Allan McConnell are the duo better known as Close Counters. In a short time they have built a reputation for crafting infectious groove inspired soulful recordings in the shape of house and broken beat. “Lovers Dance Academy” their latest release is filled with high energy compositions. In addition, some of their Melbourne friends are on board to lift these tracks to another level. “Constant Love” is infectious up-tempo boogie funk with fellow Melbourne native Jace XL on vocals. “Waiting All Night” is another sonic banger with warm synths that features Allysha Joy. “Freedom We’re Needing” takes the party to a fever pitch. Led by Shiv on vocals, the high energy tune is laced with warm percussion and gorgeous piano melodies. These guys are rapidly building a catalogue of tunes that are well worth checking out. This new release brings a lot of heat. A clever title with recordings that certainly deliver.
https://closecounters.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-dance-academy
Inkswel & Andre Espeut – Synchronicities [Compost Records]

If there’s a category for hardest working DJ/Producer then Inkswel would certainly be a finalist for the title. “Synchronicities”, his latest project is a collaboration with UK singer songwriter Andre Espeut. Inkswel dishes up a collection of funk n soul gems for Espeut’s soulful vocals to shine. “Play With Fire” is a gritty tune fueled by organ and guitar grooves. “Downtown” is a trip to funky town that features Los Angeles rapper Abstract Rude. “Callin 4 U” is a taste of synth powered broken beat goodness featuring Amsterdam flautist Han Litz. Inkswel’s compositions have no shortage of infectious funk and soul grooves. This release is no exception.
VA – John Gómez and Nick the Record Present Tangent [Mr Bongo]

Happy ten year Anniversary to Tangent, one of London’s beloved underground parties. John Gomez and Nick the Record are residents who share some of their favorite tunes frequently played during their events. Released on Mr Bongo, the eighteen track compilation covers a myriad of styles. “Amek Amek” is an infectious blend of West African and Congolese rhythms. “Tet Chaje'” is a funky boogie tune courtesy of Kajou. “Let’s Get High” receives a re-work from Nick the Record. The result is a sixteen minute banger that bridges the gap between deep Disco to eighties synth laden boogie. Most of these tracks are obscure so good luck trying to find them. Luckily you don’t have to search, just sink into this compilation and transport yourself to one of London’s premier hotspots.
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/john-g-mez-and-nick-the-record-present-tangent
Clyde Beats – Hyper Reality 2 [Atjazz Record Company]

“Hyper Reality 2” is the sophomore release from Clyde Beats. The fifteen track lp is a funk deluxe synth filled beat banger filled with tasty grooves. “It’s Time” features vocalist and songwriter Jane Hamilton. The laidback tune combines soothing vocals and warm chord progressions. “Rising Up” is another funked out track that features funk disciple Amalia. “Unconditional” is another head nodder with warped out synth arrangements and lush vocals. “Snapped” is tailor made for rappers Jakka Blades & Manny Marko. If you listen further you’ll appreciate the way Clyde pushes the envelope beyond boom bap. The arrangements are engaging and creative. This isn’t the type of record you would expect to find from the Atjazz label but it’s definitely worth checking out.
https://clydebeats.bandcamp.com/album/hyper-reality-2-an-english-gentleman
Divorce From New York – Brick Lane [Tokonoma Records]

Alvaro Granda, aka Divorce From New York follows up his 2023 release “Sausalito” with another banger. “Brick Lane” was inspired by his recent visit to West London and it’s bubbling ecosystem of club culture. Indeed the title track sets the tone with funky synths courtesy of Parisian group Quiet Dawn. The tempo downshifts from upbeat to laidback broken beat bliss. “What is Jazz” is another head nod tune filled with warped synths and electro funk grooves. “Copeland Park” navigates between broken beat and house. Drummer Fernando Damon creates an atmosphere of infectious rhythms that will inspire you to dance. Divorce from New York is a producer on the rise. This record further cements that.
17th June 2024


Black Diamond – Say To Yourself [We Jazz Records]
Sun Ra – Stardust From Tomorrow [Strut Records]
Ronnie April’s Positive Energy – Dancers Theme [Jazz Room Records]
Aderemi Kabaka – Funky Lagos [BBE Music]
Rasa – The Dream Is Over [Gopal]
Tom Noble feat. Alice Russel – Moon & Stars [Laws Of Motion]
Jamie Finlay feat. Ellen Beth Abdi – Daylight [Wah Wah 45s]
Steve Cobby – It’s Raining Diamonds On Neptune [Déclassé]
Inkswel & Tableek – Smarter feat. Colonel Red (Drum Machine Version) [Tokyo Dawn Records]
Danny Kuttner & Roy Reemy – Getaway [Siyal Music]
Banda Black Rio – Melissa [Music On Vinyl]
Lagos Thugs feat. Kiala & Ruth Tafébé – Radio Talk [Tangential Music]
RAH & The Ruffcats – Rodeo [Sonar Kollektiv]
Arthur Melo – Saídas [Wonderfulsound]
Culross Close – Reactive State [Esencia]
beatsbyhand – SARS [Stay True Sounds]
Kid Fonque X Jonny Miller feat. Zaki Ibrahim – Migration [Stay True Sounds]
Yuu Udagawa – Spectral (Dub) [Trusted Rhythm Records]
Mike Steva feat. Stevo Atambire – Destiny Song (Henrik Schwarz Remix) [Sondela Recordings]
Quiet Village – Reunion [The Quiet Village]
Tom Noble – Atlast [Laws Of Motion]
OG Wang – Ebony [Boogie Cafe]
Nicola Kramer – Best In Me (Best In Me (Dego And Kaidi 2000 Black Refake) [TrebleO]