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Jonson, Jonson & Jonson – Back To The Buffet [Swamp Recordings]
Jonson, Jonsson & Jonson are a trio of Joe Cang, Danny Schogger and Phil Thomalley. “Back To The Buffet” is a trip back in time to seventies blue lights in the basement soul music. The uplifting opener, “Circles” is filled with gorgeous string arrangements and warm soulful harmonies. “Keep Falling For it” is led by Cang’s soothing vocals and his mellow bass grooves. The mid-tempo “Hip Pocket” is a soul jazz groover inspired by their admiration of the Crusaders. Fans of hot buttered soul will get swept away by the band’s lush orchestral arrangements. Add to that the rich horns and soulful vocals and you have yourself a gem.
Moyses Dos Santos – Maria [Far Out Recordings]
A native of North Eastern Brazil, electric bassist Moyses Dos Santos has been residing in London since the early 2000s. After touring with Asymuth in 2022, drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti encouraged him to reconnect with his Brazilian roots. Dos Santos has taken that advice and has crafted a marvelous record. “Maria”, named after his Mother, features renowned Brazilian and international artists. The opening track “Boa Viagem” is a sizzling Brazilian jazz dance floor filler. The samba tinged rhythms and spirited horn section are a welcome highlight. “Brazilian Spirit” is an Afro Jazz burner that kicks off with a gorgeous piano intro, followed by warm vocal harmonies. Theo Croker’s melodic trumpet is layered over a seductive piano and bass groove. “Saudade” is another winner. Linda Dawn’s heavenly vocals are right at home with Arthur Verocai’s soothing string arrangements. Far Out Records nails it again. Dos Santos’s latest will stand as one of the best records of the year.
Muca & Roberto Menescal – Beleza [The Secret Warehouse Of Sound]
“Beleza”, the latest release from multi-instrumentalist Muca is a musical journey back to his Brazilian roots. Muca has spent the last sixteen years residing in the UK. He decided that the timing was right to reconnect to his youth growing up in Sao Paulo. He’s joined on this journey by composer/guitarist Roberto Menescal. Menescal has been a pioneer of Brazilian Bossa Nova since the mid-sixties. He’s penned recordings like “O Barquinho”, “Voce” and many more. The twelve track LP features a different vocalist for each recording from around the globe. Six songs are sung in English while the other six in Portuguese. “Ladeira” is a soothing samba tune featuring Bahian vocalist Josyara. The aptly titled “Midnight Lullaby” is laced with lush arrangements and gentle guitar licks. The highlight is the soft and stylistic vocals of British Brazilian vocalist Liana Flores. The finale “Feeling When It Comes” is stripped down bossa nova featuring the earthy vocals of Heidi Vogel. Co-produced by Menescal, Muca has captured the essence of bossa nova. The superb lineup takes this record to greater heights. Press play and prepare to be swept away.
https://muca1.bandcamp.com/album/muca-roberto-menescal-beleza
Tom Funk – What’s It Gonna Be [Lazy Robot Records]
London based DJ/Producer Tom Funk spans across infectious funk, hip-hop and soul on “What’s It Gonna Be?”. The ten track album features an array of heavyweight vocalists providing some punch to the compositions. The opener “Coming Back For More” is sophisticated funk featuring the falsetto vocals of Brae Leni. “For Love” is oozing with buoyant Jazz funk arrangements highlighted by the presence of the UK don Omar. “Brighter Day” is another feverish funk burner that features vocalist Andre Espeut. Espeut’s vocals ride on top of a wicked synth and wah wah guitar rhythm section. A superb collection that will keep your head nodding from start to finish.
Scrimshire – Bring Our Light To Every Corner [Albert’s Favourites]
“Bring Our Light To Every Corner”, the ninth album from Adam Scrimshire is a project that was ten years in the making. Scrimshire’s recordings have always been crafted in his emotions. The ability to transcribe those feelings into emotive compositions has been a strength of his and a treat to the listener. “Asleep, A Dream” encapsulates a spiritual jazz vibe with a touch of folk. The tune gets a lift from Amanda Whiting’s blissful harp and Dwight Trible’s wordless phrasings. Idris Rahman’s flute makes its presence felt on a number of recordings. “With Our Eternal Hope & Joy” features frequent contributor Faye Houston on vocals and drummer Chris Bott. The track opens with a stirring piano melody from Jessica Lauren. In addition, Rahman’s fiery flute and sax plus lush vocal harmonies take the track to another level. After a fever pitch, the band simmers down just a bit for poet Joshua Idehen to deliver positive verses. “Awake, A Dream” appears in two takes. An expansive fifteen journey is the finale of a brilliant recording. This is arguably Scrimshire’s best recording to date.
https://scrimshire.bandcamp.com/album/bring-our-light-to-every-corner
Nubiyan Twist – Chasing Shadows [Strut Records]
Nubiyan Twist pick up where they left off from their 2024 release “Find Your Flame”. The Leeds based band’s fifth album “Chasing Shadows” continues to connect the dots from Afrobeat, Jazz and hip-hop. The band features a new vocalist in Eniola, along with an array of prime guest appearances. Eniola’s vocals soar on the high energy opener “Azimuth”. “Mlonje: Voices Joined” is another heater that features The Zawose Queens. “Threads” is a festive jazz fusion burner that features funky moog synth flurries from Patrice Rushen. Bandleader and producer Tom Excell has cultivated a vibrant and recognizable sound that everyone needs to get familiar with. Simply put, this is another joyous release that you shouldn’t miss.
Momoko Gill – Momoko [Strut Records]
Momoko Gill made quite a splash in 2025. She appeared alongside electronic producer Matthew Halsall on the superb album “Clay”. Prior to that she made a name for herself within the underground UK Jazz scene. She would go on to perform with acclaimed Saxophonist Alabaster Deplume. Gill builds on her momentum with an astounding self-titled debut. A self taught drummer, producer and songwriter, Gill’s debut is a passage of sublime heavenly goodness woven by electronics and Jazz stylings. On “No Others”, Momoko’s vocals glide over a subtle yet funky bass groove and a high hat rhythm. “Heavy” is another beauty serenaded by distinct guitar and flute melodies. “Ineffably”, fueled by gorgeous vocal arrangements is a modal jazz gem. Gill takes the tune over the top by caressing a hauntingly beautiful piano melody. Without a doubt this belongs in your collection. It definitely will be one of the best releases of 2026.
Oliver Night – Between The Lines [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
Broken beat, or bruk became an underground phenomenon in the late nineties through the early 2000s. By 2007 it drifted into the shadows without receiving the shine it deserved. Fast forward to the present, it’s clear that broken beat is back. DJ/Producer/Vocalist Oliver Night is one of the voices leading the resurgence. Night has released a number of singles on the premier broken beat label CoOp in recent years. “Between The Lines”, his debut on Tru Thoughts, is poised to expose him and the genre to a wider audience. The album spits fire right out the box with “Undefeated”. West London producer Goldbar lays down ear popping beats along with Phoebe who co-wrote the tune with Night. DJ/Producer Megatronic lends her vocals to two tracks here, “It’s Alright” and “We Are Love”. Both tunes bring the heat. “Friends” is a marvellous Afro-house tune with euphoric chords and the honey vocals of Kaya Fyah. “The City” finds Trumpeter Jay Phelps melodic phrasings aligned with breezy vocal harmonies. This album bangs from beginning to end and you’ll find it difficult not to dance. In addition, there’s an instrumental version for each track listed here. What pushes this album over the top is that it’s more than just a string of heavy beats. Night has pushed the boundaries of his compositions in multiple directions. A sure fire winner.
Charles Webster & The South African Connection – From The Hill [Stay True Sounds]
“From The Hill” is the new release from UK Producer Charles Webster. This is the follow up to 2020’s “Decision Time”, which was his first release in two decades. With “Decision Time”, Webster’s affection for South African rhythms was apparent across several tracks. He moved to Cape Town many years ago and some of his recordings have become a fixture in the clubs from Cape Town to Johannesburg. This release reveals a deep drive into the music and the culture he has become a part of. The South African Connection represents a contingent of DJs and musicians Webster has grown to know and collaborate with over the years. “Free” is seven minutes of ethereal mid-tempo bliss. He’s joined by Soweto born electronic producer Atmos Blaq. It embodies the signature South African sound with punchy bass grooves and melodic piano progressions. “Rain” is awash with warm guitar rhythms and hypnotic percussion. The vocals of Emamkay & Bokang Ramatlapeng layered on top makes for a spiritual genre bending journey. Vocalist Sio, who performed on “Decision Time” lends her soulful voice to “Film Me”. Released on Stay True Sounds, the premier South African label for infectious House and hip-hop. The record is a triumph in weaving together the sounds of the underground and the vast landscape of artists and producers. You need this in your collection.
Kid Sublime – The Paradigm Shift [Natural Element]
“The Paradigm Shift” is the latest release from Amsterdam DJ/Producer Kid Sublime. The eight track album draws on influences from Broken Beat to house and soul, The album is filled with an array of versatile contributors. East London’s Oliver Night is a prominent figure in the Bruk landscape. “Bring It Come” is an infectious bruk banger that features Night on vocals. “The Awakening” is an atmospheric house gem that features Han Litz on flute. “Stay Over” and “Kingz” are mid tempo simmering recordings. The former features Sydney native Natalie Slade and the latter features UK vocalist Colonel Red. Kid Sublime spent a considerable amount of time in London and it served him well. These soulful compositions pack plenty of punch yet are filled with warmth and dynamic rhythms. They’re certain to get a spin at the club or in your living room.
https://naturalelementmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-paradigm-shift
Land of Echo – Almost Music [Wah Wah 45s]
Land of Echo is the brainchild of DJ/Producer Rob Mac. Mac is a long time figure in the UK underground club culture. He ran the legendary Scratch hip-hop nights in the nineties as well as releasing under aliases such as Speeka, Explore and Jumbonics. With “Almost Music” he delivers a nine track LP filled with infectious soulful boogie tunes certain to put you in a party frame of mind. Mac has enlisted a pair of premier vocalists to elevate these tracks. Kathy Diamond lends her soaring vocals to a number of tracks here. The opener “What We Want” is high energy boogie soul goodness. “Don’t Talk Just Dance” is a mid tempo burner. “Dream With Me” featuring Ayanna Homma is filled with synth wizardry and packs plenty of bounce. Credit the synth arrangements to violinist Lucy Wilkins. Mac has hit the mark with deep boogie funk grooves, hypnotic rhythms and high energy production. Get ready to groove tonight.
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