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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.
Daniel Casimir – Balance [Jazz re:freshed]
Bassist Daniel Casimir describes his third lp “Balance” as the balance between claasical, orchestration and UK jazz. Casimir, who also produces the album blends all of these components seamlessly. The album features the London Comtemporary Orchestra as well as a few of his friends. Nubya Garcia, Binker Goldings and Cassie Kinoshi are three quarters of the saxophone section. Jay Phelps and Sheila Maurice-Grey are part of the trumpet sections. The thumping bass on the title track sets the tone for the swirling strings and trumpet phrasings. “I’ll Take My Chances” is a warm and mellow tune that features the vibrant vocals of Ria Moran. This isn’t your father’s Big Band recording. Not only does it swing but Casimir drives the groove throughout and his compositions keep you engaged. Simply just another marvelous recording courtesy of Jazz Re:freshed.
Greg Foat & Gigi Masin – The Fish Factory Sessions [Strut Records]
“The Fish Factory Sessions” from Greg Foat & Gigi Masin picks up where the 2022 release “Dolphin” left off. The four tack release features four sublime recordings filled with warmth and ambience. Foat displays impeccable touch and tenderness on “Viento Calido”. Masin is renowned for his ambient compositions and “Three Piece Suite” finds him at his best. The fifteen minute tune is a voyage of cascading melodies certain to take you on a peaceful journey. Masin’s emotive compositions combined Foat’s superb playing makes for a beautiful collaboration. Close your eyes, lean back and enjoy.
https://gregfoat.bandcamp.com/album/the-fish-factory-sessions
Resolution 88 – Vortex [Synthethesia Records]
The London Jazz funk band Resolution 88 returns with their latest release “Vortex”. Bandleader and composer Tom O’Grady taps into jazz funk pioneers such as Herbie Hancock and The Mizell Brothers for inspiration. Highlights include “The Boss From Boston”. The funky tune features thumping bass rhythms from Tiago Coimbra. Special guest Tom Smith adds tasty melodies on tenor sax. As for O’Grady, he fuels the recording with layers of vibrant synth and keyboard arrangements. “Sky High”, a homage to Larry and Fonce Mizell is mellow spacious funk filled with swaying synths. “Love Will Come Around” is another mellow slow burn that features vocalist Vanessa Haynes. A delightful record that taps into the well of late seventies jazz funk with impressive results. O’Grady demonstrates that he’s a monst
er composer as well as a master of the rhodes.
The Brkn Record – The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 [BBE Music]
Jake Ferguson, one half of the Heliocentrics returns with volume 2 of his solo project, The Brkn Record. While the theme of vol 1 centered on braking down oppressive institutions, vol 2 takes an extra step in calling out the injustices within the system. Ferguson certainly has enlisted an array of socially conscious artists to push this message forward. The mighty Anthony Joseph appears on three tracks here. “Skull Tax” comes in with a roar. A thumping bass groove and infectious electric guitar provides the canvas for Joseph’s thought provoking lyrics. “We Need Freedom” is a spirtual gem that kicks off with simmering percussion followed by searing Tenor sax and flute rhythms. UK vocalist Jermain Jackman’s falsetto moves the track to another level. “Prison of Skin” is another spiritual jazz keeper that speaks to the socio-economics prison that has held back countless communities. Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, a Nigerian singer/poet adds her heavenly vocals to the tune. A strong recording that entertains and enlightens you simultaneously.
https://thebrknrecord.bandcamp.com/album/the-architecture-of-oppression-part-2
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
Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi – Altera Vita [BBE Music]
When it comes to Jazz duos, the tenor sax and the harp probably isn’t the first combination you think of. That said, the pairing of Tenor saxophonist Tony Kofi and harpist Alina Bzhezhinska is a heavenly match indeed. “Altera Vita” is a divine recording of two musicians submerging into a cohesive duo creating crisp yet warm compositions. “Tu Vides” begins with meditative percussion that the duo also contributes to the set. Kofi follows up with a seductive solo intertwined with Bzhezhinska’s gentle phrases. While her touch is tender she manipulates the strings for a bigger sound. “Audite Me – Hear Me” opens with the superb Muriel Grossman on the tanpura bass. The Middle Eastern rhythms combined with Kofi’s solo creates a spiritual jazz vibe. Bzhezhinska spins out phrases that bring it all together. Two great performances result in a marvelous recording. This will certainly inspire repeated listens.
Bruk Rogers – Loopholes [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Cian McCann aka Zero T made his mark in the drum n bass arena. He has a number of recordings on the 4Hero label Reinforced records. He ventured into Bruk during the pandemic and his first release landed on renowned Bruk DJ/Producer Afronaut’s label. Alas, Bruk Rodgers was born. “Loopholes”, the full length debut on Tru-thoughts spans various genres with broken beat as the centerpiece. “Deusa” is ignited by latin rhythms and the warmth of vocalist Roberta Silva. “Feel Alright” is bubbling with broken beat rhythms that features rapper Jswiss and pianist Onj. “Jelly Head” is another banger filled with dazzling synths that features Wipe The Needle. This is an infectious album that’s filled with bangers and shines a light on club culture.
Tess Hirst – HERstory [Jazz Re:freshed]
Tess Hirst first came to my attention during her collaboration with Bassist Daniel Casimir. Their joint album “These Days” showcased her ethereal vocals and songwriting. In addition, she was accompanied by some of London’s premiere musicians who are at the forefront of UK club culture. Hirst’s solo debut “HERstory” picks up where that album left off. The disc kicks off with the simmering “This Is Her”. Hirst’s emotive vocals intertwine seamlessly with the Tomorrow’s Warriors string section. The finale “Magic” is a tribute to their ability to rise to any challenge. This high energy tune is spearheaded by Richard Spaven’s propulsive drumming and Casimir’s driving bass rhythms. Pianist Sarah Tandy completes the band and their cohesion is notable. London based label Jazz re:freshed continues to be the place for superb Jazz recordings. This marvelous lp is no exception.
Stro Elliot – La Villa [Def Pressé]
DJ/Producer Stro Elliot is the latest Def Pressé member to dive into the vaults of the London based KPM/EMI record library. You may be familiar with Stro’s hip-hop samples through his affiliation with the Roots. The KPM libary spans seventy years of music across a myriad of genres. The arrangement between KPM and Def Presse was a benefit to fellow labelmate Damu the Fudgemunk and his recent projects. Based on this release Elliot came away with some hidden gems with a seventies soul vibe. Specifically they would feel right at home in a James Brown catalog. The opening track “Monday’s Generation” is a prime example. The drum kit snare lays down the beat while the uplifting flute and guitar rhythms round things out into form. “Bamboo” is a mid-tempo hypnotic boom bap tune. The Asian cinematic soundscapes would easily fit into a Wu Tang recording. It must have been a daunting task for Elliot to narrow down his selections. That being said the ten tracks he came up with certainly have hit the mark.