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Mecca:83 – Until Dawn [Rockwell Product Shop Label]
DJ/Producer Mecca:83 aka Rise has been composing beats and rhythms for twenty years. He came on the scene under the guidance of Simon S from the Futuristica label. They share an affinity for laid back Jazzy hip-hop grooves. “Until Dawn”, the sixteen track release, has plenty of that and more. Rise has surrounded himself with a number of talented musicians he’s built a relationship with over the past twenty years. Detroit’s own Guilty Simpson has worked with Mecca:83 in the past. He’s joined by Phat Kat and their gritty lyrics fit like a glove on “Don’t Stop”. “Elevation”, co-produced by Parisian MC/producer Lex (de Kalhex) is a warm and mellow instrumental filled with soft head nodding grooves and atmospheric visuals. Rise has nailed the synergy between jazzy piano melodies and electronic beats. You’re bound to get swept away by the array of blissful compositions presented here. Although it’s been a minute since his last release, this record is worth the wait and arguably his best work to date.
Joy Spheres Rees – Solina [BBE Music]
Joy Spheres Rees is the trio of vocalist Allysha Joy, DJ/Producer Hidden Spheres and pianist Finn Rees. “Solina” is an intimate and ethereal recording that fuses the talents of each member. Together they compose nine tracks that touch on romance and spirituality. “Trust The Feeling” is warm and seductive with Joy instructing her partner to let go of any inhibitions. “When Will The Day Come” is a meditative yet intimate tune. Joy’s lush vocals and phrasing aligned with euphoric strings create a mood of passion. “Promise Me Love” is a balearic tune armed with Rees warm synths and Spheres deep grooves. Joy’s tone is in tune with the sound. The result is a mid-tempo gem filled with warmth and plenty of bounce. Bright moments abound on this record. The trio demonstrate their chemistry while the melodies stay with you long after the song is over.
Jamie Finlay – Sun Dogs [Wah Wah 45s]
Pianist/Composer Jamie Finlay dropped his first single back in 2005. It feels a bit wrong that we have waited so long for an album. “Sun Dogs” is his full length debut on Wah Wah 45s. Finlay has assembled an array of extraordinary musicians to lift his compositions to another level. Multi-instrumentalist Caitlin LM combines her blissful vocals and baritone sax to “Staring At The Sun”. Vocalist Ellen Beth Abdi is featured throughout this set. “Rain Will Come” is a spiritual jazz number where her vocals will stimulate your eardrums. “Destroy Create (Part 2)” is another highlight. The cosmic track features Abdi once again along with the vocals of Kemani Anderson. Finlay’s bass guitar rhythms are at the heart of the track. Trumpeter Bryan Corbett’s soloing along with MAtt Steele’s glorious rhodes provides a welcoming boost. “Parhellon” is a thematic tune that draws inspiration from Detroit techno. It all adds up to a marvelous album that will catapult it’s way into your rotation. My hope is that the wait isn’t so long for the next album.