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Omar – Brighter The Days [Impressive Collective / BBE Music]
“Brighter The Days”, the ninth album from Omar was originally recorded around the pandemic. The beauty of the UK soul star is his recordings have never followed trends. It has made for a catalog of cherished timeless recordings. It also helps when you have a label that firmly supports your musical vision. Now signed to BBE, he’s free to continue delivering compositions in his own image. Lyefook has made a number of friends on both sides of the pond over his storied career. Many are on board here to take this release to another level. “Holding On to Life” is a mid-tempo burner that features the songstress Ledisi. “Lovey Dovey” is another highlight where he’s joined by vocalists Eric Robeson and Rahemm DeVaughn. The samba flavored “Latin Salsa” demonstrates that Omar can groove in all manner of styles. With eighteen tracks in all, there’s plenty of essential recordings to soothe your Omar fix. The wait has been long but this lp is worth the wait.
VA – Our Music Our Culture Vol. 2 [CoOperation Records]
“Our Music Our Culture Vol. 2” celebrates the CoOp. The signature club was spearheaded by Bugz In The Attic members Afronaut and Mark Force, The late Phil Asher, Dego, Domu and IG Culture were early contributors as well. It was during this period that the seeds of Broken Beat were planted. It grew from a London Sunday night hangout into an international phenomenon. Evidence of that lies in the array of bangers compiled here. “Digital Soul” from SoulParlor receives a dynamic dub rework from Naul’s L8 Nite. It’s a certified floor filler. “Loose Legs” is another heater from London DJ/Producer Don Kamares. Other highlights includes “Your Woke Moment” and “Get Stronger” from Ben Hauke and Bruk Rogers respectively. They’re two of the new generation of Bruk beatmakers. As good a compilation as you’ll hear all year. All you need to do is press play and walk away.
Lawne – Attic [Wah Wah 45s]
Joe Nicklin and Joe Martin are the duo known as Lawne. Their debut LP “Attic” is a mashup of Afrobeat Dub and psychedelic rhythms. The title is inspired by their attic that was transformed into a makeshift studio. The opening track “Mamasong” is an uptempo burst of wah wah guitar rhythms, thumping bass and tasty synths.”Beta Pan” starts out with psychedelic dub rhythms before shifting the tempo up a notch. At this point the tune becomes a high energy bass heavy banger. “Ame Tova” is a sublime tune that follows the same formula. There are vocal harmonies sprinkled throughout but this is mainly an instrumental vehicle. Nicklin and Martin have created a vibe here in the form of a melodic soundtrack. A marvelous debut worthy of repeated listens.
Scrimshire – Music For Autumn Lovers [Albert’s Favourites]
Adam Scrimshire’s latest release focuses on the seasonal transition to Autumn. “Music For Autumn Lovers” captures the emotional shift we all experience with nature. Physically and mentally moving from outdoors to indoors and essentially into hibernation. Scrimshire performs all instruments here with his continued excellance. “Hazel” begins with pensive acoustic guitar rhythms. The melancholy “Willow” is another moody tune heighthen by euphoric strings and hints of drum n bass. These two tracks along with “Blackthorn” and “Hawthorn” were recently written and produced by Scrimshire. The other tracks were part of an earlier EP released in 2022. Scrimshire paints a vivid picture of the beauty of Autumn through the eyes of his reflective compositions. The result is a deeply personal expression of moods that you’ll enjoy in all seasons.
https://scrimshire.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-autumn-lovers-2
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.
Richard Spaven – Solo Subject [Fine Line]
Richard Spaven has been the go to drummer for a number of the emerging stars on the UK jazz scene. With his latest project “Solo Subject” he picks up where he left off with his last album “Spirit Beats”. Two of the Uk ‘s premier rappers are on board for this project. “Spaven’s Arc” features Wildchild from the hip-hop group Looppack. Wildchild’s flow and lyrical dexterity complements Spaven’s drum snare rhythms. UK rapper Tendayi drops a fiery verse alongside the gritty groove of “Mind State”. “Find Peace Within”, a rework of the Liquid Biskit classic jumps out of the speaker with infectious percussion and synths. Another instrumental highlight is “Faders”, a ferocius drum n bass banger. Spaven’s fierce yet gentle drumming lays the groundwork for the wave of spirited piano flurries. Another impressive release from the mighty drummer.
Nubiyan Twist – Find Your Flame (Deluxe Version) [Strut Records]
“Find Your Flame”, the latest release from Leeds based Nubiyan Twist is a melting pot of flavors certain to satisfy your musical palette. You want toe tapping funky grooves. You got it here. A slice of reggae and afrobeat rhythms. Yes, there’s plenty of that too. Guitarist/producer Tom Excell manages to tie all these components together while receiving contributions from a number of notable musicians. “Lights Out” instantly pops partly due the soulful vocal harmonies but mainly because the unmistakable bassline from the legendary Nile Rogers. Frontwomen Aziza Jaye elevates the recordings with her gorgeous vocals. Jaye equally shines on the tropical “So Mi Stay”. The punchy Afrobeat rhythms of “Carry Me” receive a boost from Afrobeat pioneer Sean Kuti. “Slow Breath” featuring Mali native Mamani Keita allows us a moment to catch our breaths and enjoy the mellow groove. “Free” is another burning track featuring Ego Ella May holding down the chorus. Afro Futurist band Onipa is essentially Nubiyan Twist plus rapper K.O.G (Kweku Sackey). If you need one album to kickstart your next party then this is the one. No doubt you’re gonna have a funky good time.
https://nubiyantwist.bandcamp.com/album/find-your-flame-deluxe-edition
Les Hommes – Si Cosi [Sudden Hunger Records]
London organ trio Les Hommes latest release “Si Cosi” is an atmospheric blend ranging from lounge to bossa with a touch of soulful jazz. Rory More’s cinematic organ compositions work well on the dance floor or in a lounge setting. He’s joined by Tarek on vibes and Vlad on drums. “Sonorissima Bay” a lanquid tune glides on the strength of the mellow thumping bass. More’s organ rhythms along with Tarek’s vibes make for an intoxicating listen. “Night Drives” is another mellow organ grinding burner highlighted by soothing flute melodies. More’s radiant hammond is a reminder that the organ trio is alive and well. This recording is a breath of fresh air. It picks up where their earlier recordings on the Italian label Schema records left off. An engaging record worthy of repeated listens.
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.
LCSM “Likwid Continual Space Motion” – The Remedy [Super Sonic Jazz]
Dj/Producer IG Culture, one of the pioneers of Bruk continues to push the boundries of the genre. “The Remedy” is his second full length release under the moniker Likwid Continual Space Motion. While there’s elements of Bruk boogie throughout, it’s also layered with hip-hop and Jazz aesthetics. “Salty” gives a nod to the Dizzy Gilespie classic “Salt Peanuts”. The tune encompasses a touch of hip-hop sampling as well as funky horn flurries from Trombonist Nathaniel Cross and Trumpeter Jnr Biles. “The Journey” pops with pulsating rhythms from drummer Benjamin Applah. The hammond B3 melodies from Don Myth add a touch of spice to the tune. The title track is a heart pounding burst of energy. Bassist Luke Wynter lays down a thumping groove while Tenor saxophonist Deji Ijishakan’s spirited soloing adds the finishing touch. IG bridges the gap between Bruk, Jazz and beyond. The results are some of his best work in a long and storied career.