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Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation – Things Are Getting Better [Day Dreamer]
“Things Are Getting Better” is the latest release from Jimetta Rose and the Voices of Creation. The title speaks to the evolution of the choir that Rose assembled from her Los Angeles community. It also speaks to her perseverance through tough times during the pandemic. “Let The Sunshine In”, the previous release from 2022 just scratched the surface of how potent this choir can be. This release showcases a more confident choir that is hitting their stride. Evidence lies in “Already Real To Me” where Rose’s soul infused gospel vocals will uplift every soul within listening distance. The tune starts off in acapella fashion with subtle riffs from musical director/organist Jack Maeby. “Portals” delivers an electricfying performance that’s filled with inspiration and faith. There’s plenty of talented contributors such as saxophonist Isiah Collier. Rose nearly walked away from the music business before linking up with Maeby for this project. We’re grateful that she stuck with it and blessed us with an uplifting collection of soul and gospel compositions.
https://jimettarosethevoicesofcreation.bandcamp.com/album/things-are-getting-better
Quiet Dawn – Celebrate [First Word Records]
French multi-instrumentalist Will Galland aka Quiet Dawn returns with another banger entitled “Celebrate”. This release picks up where the previous EP “Movements” left off. That means an array of broken beat rhyrhms that will inspire you to dance. There’s an impressive list of guest stars certain to puncuate that fact. “All Around” features the queen of Broken Beat Bembe Seque. The tune moves along at a laidback pace before the tempo cranks up. The infectious groove along with dizzying keys sink into your body. It unleashes a jolt of joy that you can only feel from a bonafide banger. “Lost From Life” is another burner that features Oliver Night from the Co-Op collective. Night’s honey toned vocals are a perfect match for the hooks and melodies of the track. “It’s All About Freedom”, driven by samba rhythms and gorgeous vocal harmonies is another heater to savor. Whether it’s hip-hop inspired beats or broken beat rhythms Quiet Dawn has always delivered. This marvelous album is no exception.
https://quietdawn.bandcamp.com/album/celebrate
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.
Divorce From New York – Brick Lane [Tokonoma Records]
Alvaro Granda, aka Divorce From New York follows up his 2023 release “Sausalito” with another banger. “Brick Lane” was inspired by his recent visit to West London and it’s bubbling ecosystem of club culture. Indeed the title track sets the tone with funky synths courtesy of Parisian group Quiet Dawn. The tempo downshifts from upbeat to laidback broken beat bliss. “What is Jazz” is another head nod tune filled with warped synths and electro funk grooves. “Copeland Park” navigates between broken beat and house. Drummer Fernando Damon creates an atmosphere of infectious rhythms that will inspire you to dance. Divorce from New York is a producer on the rise. This record further cements that.
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
Musclecars – Sugar Honey Iced Tea! [BBE Music]
Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield are Musclecars. Over the last few years they’ve been making a name for themselves for their lush house remixes for a number of artists. “Sugar Honey Ice Tea”, their debut album captures the essence of New York City club culture made famous by some of the legendary local DJs. DJs like the late Larry Levan and Louie Vega, just to name a few are known for injceting a myriad of musical styles seamlessly into their live sets and kept the party rocking. This lp follows the same formula. “Ha Ya” is a deep percussive afro house with a hypnotic chorus. “Tonight” is infectious soulful house with warm vocals. “Circles 11” is the kind of track that would’ve filled the floor at the Paradise Garage back in the day. The duo flex their remixing skills to extend the groove. The end result is a seven minute funk deluxe banger with a pulsating groove and ear popping percussion. Get to know this duo. Based on this impressive release they should be around for a long time.
Another Taste – Another Taste [Space Grapes Records]
Another Taste are a four piece band with a handful of special guests from the Netherlands. The self titled debut specializes in 70s styled boogie tunes. The live instrumentation lends to the authenticity of their sound. Bob Roche on bass and rhythm guitar is a constant presence throughout the disc. Barend Lippens synth arrangements as well as his lead vocals also hit the mark. The opener “Turn Up” is infectious boogie funk. “Anything You Want” is soulful boogie meets Disco with dazzling synths. Vocalist Sarina Voorn gliding over the thumping bass groove.s the icing on the cake. The finale “Perfect Night” is laidback synth laden boogie funk. This is a band that knows how to lay down the funk. Polish your dancing shoes, you’re gonna have a funky good time.
Amanda Whiting – The Liminality of Her [First Word Records]
In a short period, Amanda Whiting has made her presence felt on the UK jazz scene as an accomplished harpist and composer. Strong recordings on Jazzman records and Albert’s Favorite’s are evidence of that. “The Liminality of Her” is her first release on First Word records. The ten track release explores a new direction as the title suggests. Liminality is the in-between moments of what was and what is. “Liminal” is a blissful mid-tempo tune where Whiting manipulates the harp into sounding more like an acoustic guitar. “Waiting To Go” is another highlight where Chip Wickham’s flute phrasings complement the vibrations of the harp. “Rite of Passage is a gentle tune that features vocalist Peach. Whiting is venturing into new territory here. “The Liminality of Her” will be a gratifying listen for those who choose to travel along with her.
https://amandawhiting.bandcamp.com/album/the-liminality-of-her
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.