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Moonchild – Waves [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
“Waves”, the latest album from Moonchild expands the boundaries of their dominance of laidback sunny RnB grooves. With Amber Navran’s feathery vocals, they have injected elements of hip-hop and jazz into their new release. This is also a personal project that deals with the ups and downs of their everyday lives post pandemic. While the compositions may lack their usual collection of love songs, they’ll brighten your mood nonetheless. In addition, the array of special guests on board take these compositions to another level. “Up From Here” features Jazz-funk arrangements from pianist Robert Glasper. The languid vocals of Gretchen Parlato aligned with Navran feels like destiny on “Counting”. The warm whispery tenor of saxophonist Dayna Stephens is an added highlight. The acclaimed songstress Lalah Hathaway appears on two tracks. On “Afterglow” she’s joined by Jazz vocalist Christie Dashiell. The three contrasting voices unite to create heavenly blissness. Other contributors include drummer Chris Dave and RnB singer PJ Morton. This group continues to ascend. All of their albums have been a delight and this one is no exception.
Soulparlor – Day By Day [Atjazz Record Company]
Frank Jensen and Tobias Muller aka Soulparlor have been crafting infectious dance tracks and soul recordings for well over a decade. The Mainz based duo have worked with an array of underground musicians from Erik Rico, Rogiers and many more. The disc kicks off with “Pull Me Close” where vocalist Leona Berlin’s sultry vocals are layered over a mellow piano melody. UK bruk don Colonel Red takes the baton and follows suit with the mid-tempo burner “Day By Day”. “Splentay 4 Ya” is a broken beat banger filled with spacey synths and the funky vocals of Amalia. From their earlier recordings to this one, Soulparlor have proven to have the magic touch. Their soulful electronic recordings are always on fire and this release is no exception.
Georgie Sweet – I Swear To You [First Word Records]
“I Swear To You” is the sophomore release from Brighton Vocalist Georgie Sweet. The honeytoned vocalist made a splash with her 2021 debut “Misunderstood”. Multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who contributed to the first album figures prominently on this record. The two began collaborating soon after the debut’s release. “All That We Were”, the first single is a gorgeous ballad filled with lush harmonies. “Equal Measure” is lush mid-tempo soul with smooth melodies. “In My Stride” opens in ballad form before morphing into a mellow hip-hop inspired piano jam. Rapson’s arrangements provide the right balance of laid back beats and warm fender rhodes and piano. Sweet’s vocals are as tasty as warm butter on toast. A delightful recording from an artist whose star will only get brighter. Another winner from First Word records.
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.
Moonchild – Starfruit [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
https://thisismoonchild.bandcamp.com/album/starfruit