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Yako Trio – Woven [Fair Weather Friends Records]
“Woven” is the latest release from the Yako trio featuring Harris Lambrakis & Wylie. They’re led by pianist Leandros Pasias, Vangelis Vrachnos on double bass and drummer Giorgos Klountzos. The trio had set their sights on a quintet project and their vision had come to light. They come out the gate swinging hard on “Mr McCoy”. Pianist Leandros Pasias is a force with a deft touch while Lambrakis unleashes breezy flurries on the Ney, an ancient Middle Eastern flute. “Speaking Voice” is a meditative burner infused by the warm keys from Pastas. Wylie switches to alto and along with Lambrakis create gorgeous melodies. The enchanting tone of the Ney aligned with the emotive rhythms of the horn have created a unique sound. The result is an engaging release and a new chapter for the trio to explode.
https://fwfrecords.bandcamp.com/album/yako-trio-harris-lambrakis-james-wylie-woven
VA – Nicola Conte Presents Viaggio [Far Out Recordings]
Viaggio” Vol 1 is the new compilation curated by DJ/Guitarist and producer Nicloa Conte. The album is filled with forgotten gems from 60s/70s Brazilian bossa nova to experimental jazz. The music is based on recordings from the vaults of Italian Library music. Brazilian pianist Amedeo Tommasi figures prominently here among others. The opening track “Brazilla” features Tommasi’s skills as a pianist and a composer on a swinging modal tune. Another impressive pianist, Max Rocci unleashes a flurry of melodies on top of a funky modal jazz groove on “Colorombo”. Speaking of funk, The Swingers are an Italian Jazz funk group from the seventies that specializes in sixties swing. “Depressione” is the essence of cool, a haunting fender rhodes driving the groove on top a simmering hi hat. Nicola Conte has cemented himself as a trusted soul who knows quality recordings and where to find them. There’s no doubt there’s more to come from the vaults. I for one can’t wait for that. Simply another quality recording from the Far Out label
Luna Horns – Afro Space Hotel [Saftig Records]
Oslo based quintet Luna Horns showcase their brand of cosmic jazz on their debut, “Afro Space Hotel”. Inspired by the early recordings of Sun Ra, the quintet leans into the celestial sound while incorporating the soundscapes of the Norwegian countryside. The title track is filled with Middle Eastern rhythms. Alto saxophonist and flautist Morten Bjorbaek Moller takes us on a meditative journey of modal rhythms. Tim Lowerson’s warm soprano solos are a delight as well. The aptly titled “The Red Phoenix Returns” simmers with the help of a funky bass groove courtesy of Gard Langerud. “Santa Calrine” demonstrates the band’s ability to swing in a traditional bebop setting. Trombonist Ulf Moen Denneche’s flurries add another dynamic. Overall a promising debut that certainly warrants your attention.
Kibbi Gibbon – Fragments [Star Creature]
Kibbi Gibbon is a musical project out of Germany. They’re known for creating laid back spacey synth laden boogie tunes. “Fragments” provides evidence across eight enjoyable tracks. “Still Dreaming” is a dreamy mid-tempo funky tune with a warm bass groove. Saxophonist Marco Podobnik adds blissful melodies for good measure. “It’s All Good” is filled with vibrant and imaginative synths. It will transport you to a warm sunny afternoon on a Belearic beach. Producer Georgy Whistler’s instrumental compositions are certain to get your toes tapping and your head to nod to the groove.
https://starcreature10000000000000000.bandcamp.com/album/fragments
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.
Ethel Lindsey – Pretty Close [Favorite Recordings]
“Pretty Close”, the debut from Ethel Lindsey is steeped in 80s soul and pop rhythms. “Together Again” is RnB flavored Pop with lush grooves and superbly sung by Lindsey. “Love Paved The Way” is a warm ballad driven by tight vocal and horn arrangements. The song will transport you to a slow dance at the club with your honey towards the end of the night. “Make You Mine” is a down-tempo stroll on the boardwalk on a warm Summer night. Written and produced by Lindsey, this is a delightful trip to a bygone era.
VA – Family Affair Vol. 5 [Razor-N-Tape]
Brooklyn NY based label Razor N Tape have built a reputation for discovering obscure Disco and House tracks. “Family Affair Vol. 5” of the compilation series hosts a number of veteran DJs and newcomers adept at delivering bumping dance tracks. “Dance Girl” is an infectious funk floor filler featuring Hazmet Live on vocals and DJ/Producer Recloose. “Falling” is a soulful House banger courtesy of Boston based DJ/Vocalist Saucy Lady. “Step Inside The Music” is a boogie funk gem from Gus Perilli & UK vocalist Andre Espeut. There’s a little something for everyone with happy feet on this high energy release.
Mr Kafer – A Past Sense [Melting Pot Music]
Austrian born producer Mr Kafer has made a name for himself by crafting jazzy hip-hop instrumentals. With his third solo album he ventures into new territory. “A Past Sense” contains lush compositions with live instrumentation. In addition he has compiled an array of underrated artists to elevate his work. “B-Stone” is a sublime jazzy hip-hop instrumental that features Franz Bumm on keys. “Green Roses” is a mellow soulful tune aided by Cologne based beatmaker Leavv. Berlin based vocalist Novine’s warm and gentle touch takes the tune to another level. Guitarist Van Nay’s clever phrasing complements Bumm’s blissful keys on “Melange”. If you didn’t know Mr Kafer before then it’s time to get familiar. He’s arranged an album filled with rhythm, harmony and melody. An invigorating release worthy of repeated listens.
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.
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.