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Plunky & Oneness Of Juju – Made Through Ritual [Strut Records]
“Made Through Ritual” is the first album in forty years from Plunky & Oneness of Juju. James “Plunky” Branch and Jimmy Grey founded Black Fire records in 1975 and released their debut “African Rhythms”. They were part of a musical Afro centric revolution that sparked a number of independent labels to express their message. Plunky was inspired by the artists of this era, specifically Pharoah Sanders and Archie Shepp. “Black Unity”, an early recording by Oneness of Juju, was written by Sanders. Plunky would go on to compose spiritual compositions filled with seventies funk grooves and African polyrhythms. This new release is produced by Plunky’s Son Jamiah and Grey’s Son Jamal Grey. The opener “Share This Love” is warm and mellow soul highlighted by vocalist Charlayne “Chyp” Green. “Shades of Light” is another mellow burner filled with hypnotic tenor and flute melodies. The powerful finale “Children of The Drum” features poet Roscoe Burnem. Jamiah and Jamal capture the essence of their elders’ compositions. They blend samples from earlier recordings along with live instrumentation to re-imagine these poignant recordings. It feels as though they haven’t skipped a beat.
https://onenessofjuju.bandcamp.com/album/made-through-ritual
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.
Don Glori – Paper Can’t Wrap Fire [Mr Bongo]
Gordon Li, aka Don Glori returns with his third release. “Paper Can’t Wrap Fire” has plenty of the same flavors his previous compositions. That means an array of fusion forays combining soul, jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist ML Hall jumps on three tracks. One of those tracks, “Brown Eyes” combines Hall’s falsetto vocals with Glori’s sublime piano arrangements. Glori’s warm and melodic arrangements shine on “Song For Ants”. The tune begins with a flurry of horns layered over wordless phrasing. Glori tops it off with rhythmnic and harmonically adventurous soloing. “Power” is another highlight that begins with a heavenly choir layered over vibrant fender rhodes and a samba groove. Glori has built an impressive catalog. This release from the multi-instrumentalist may be his best.
Black Loops – Always Moving [Freerange Records]
“Always Moving”, the new release from Black Loops seamlessly weaves soul, funk and House grooves into a high energy after hours album. The Italian DJ/Producer has been crafting 12 inch house bangers for a decade. He demonstrates that he’s much more than that by utilising live drumming and electronics. The opening track “CDMK” grabs your attention with a funky groove and shades of broken beat. “Detroit Love” featuring Byron The Aquarius is a nod to Detroit Deep House. Vocalist Marlena Dee is featured on four tracks. She’s joined by fellow vocalist Harvey Sutherland on the house heater “Pleasure Ride”. An impressive collection of beats and grooves that has a little something for everyone.
Rosettes – Lifestyles [Timmion Records]
“Lifestyles”, the debut album from Rosettes is a collection of traditional soul jazz recordings. Led by vocalist Tytti Roto, the stripped down analog sound paves the way for lucid songwriting layered over mellow soul compositions. “The Call” is a lo-fi soul burner driven by laid back guitar rhythms, soft horns and warm vocals from Roto. “Spirals” is another swaying tune with a simmering groove that sinks into your body. Each track follows the same formula from one to another, making it hard to pick a favorite. That also means that every song is a delightful listen.
Close Counters – Lovers Dance Academy [Northside]
Melbourne natives Finn Rees and Allan McConnell are the duo better known as Close Counters. In a short time they have built a reputation for crafting infectious groove inspired soulful recordings in the shape of house and broken beat. “Lovers Dance Academy” their latest release is filled with high energy compositions. In addition, some of their Melbourne friends are on board to lift these tracks to another level. “Constant Love” is infectious up-tempo boogie funk with fellow Melbourne native Jace XL on vocals. “Waiting All Night” is another sonic banger with warm synths that features Allysha Joy. “Freedom We’re Needing” takes the party to a fever pitch. Led by Shiv on vocals, the high energy tune is laced with warm percussion and gorgeous piano melodies. These guys are rapidly building a catalogue of tunes that are well worth checking out. This new release brings a lot of heat. A clever title with recordings that certainly deliver.
https://closecounters.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-dance-academy
Dora Morelenbaum – Pique [Mr Bongo Records]
“Pique”, the solo debut from Dora Morelenbaum is awash with sublime jazz infused Brazilian rhythms. A member of the group Baja Desejo, Morlenbaum’s own project allows her to put her talents on full display. The blissful opener “Nao Vou Te Esquecer” showcases her heavenly voice over warm keys and soft guitar melodies. “Nem te procurar” is a light Disco number with an infectious groove. “VW Blue” is a jazzy number where Morlenbaum’s wordless phrasing aligns seamlessly with the stellar musicianship on board. The soothing ethereal “Petricor” is another highlight among many here. Ana Frango Eletrico serves as co-producer and creates a balance between mellow and funky tunes. Morelenbaum’s voice is understated yet passionate so you’re instantly pulled in. There’s a new generation of talent emerging from Brazil and Morelenbaum is certainly one to watch. This engaging debut is evidence of that.
Mörk – Still Dreaming [Albert’s Favourites]
Hailing from Budapest, Mork is a four piece band specializing in psychadelic jazz infused grooves. Guitarist Mark Zentai’s honey toned vocals are sprinkled over an array of ambient tracks here. “Towards The Sun” has a tasty groove and packs plenty of bounce for the dance floor. “Dromedar” is simmering apacey fusion highlighted by South London poet Brother Portrait. The mid-tempo “Only Mine” features Zentai’s vocals wrapped around a gorgeous melody and a wicked backbeat. The UK based label Albert’s Favourites consistently delivers gems and this is no exception. An impressive record that certainly deserves repeated listens.
Allysha Joy – The Making of Silk [First Word Records]
With “The Making of Silk” singer/songwriter/keyboardist Allysha Joy is in the mood for love. The eleven track release is a marvelous collection of dreamy emotive compositions as only Allysha can interpet them. The opener “Nothing To Prove” is a sublime recording where Joy confesses her unabashed pure love for someone. Finn Rees chips in with warm synth and rhodes arrangements. “Hold On” is augmented by Oscar Jerome’s hypnotic guitar. Joy states that her love is strong enough to allow someone the freedom to be the best version of themselves. The recordings are lifted by some of her long time friends from Melbourne who also happen to be superb musicians. Drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist appears on several tracks. Jace Xl provides backing vocals throughout the album. The result is engaging live instrumentation and string arrangements that linger in your soul. Add Joy’s blissful vocals and songwriting and you have a recording that will stir your heartstrings.
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.