review – Page 12 – Basic Soul

Isatta Sheriff & Koralle – Eat The Kiwi Skin [Melting Pot Music]

December 4, 2022

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David Versace – Okra [La Sape]

November 23, 2022

Austrailian based Pianist/Composer David Versace turns in a potent release with “Okra”. Versace’s seven track debut demonstrates his versalitity as a piniast, not to mention his work on double bass and percussion. The opener “Summer Party” brings a Latin flavor to the party. Trumpeter Curtis Scibilla puts his stamp on the recording with infectious vamps. “Saguaro” sparkles with strong percussive rhythms and a hypnotic bass groove. “KP Cruisin” is a modal tune that builds with adventurous polyrhythms. Drummer Jasper Gundersen’s rhythmnic five-four time provides a perfect canvas for Scibilla’s blissful soloing. A shame there’s only seven tunes here. Versace’s compositions make for a marvelous record. Austrailian based La Sape records is a label filled with superb recordings and this release is no exception. Versace is indeed one to keep an eye on.

https://davidversace.bandcamp.com/album/okra

Reg Dancy

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Nate08 – Furaha [Needwant]

November 10, 2022

Hailing from Mumbai, bassist/producer Nate08 demonstrates that he has a flair for the good groove on his new release “Furaha”. The eleven track lp packs plenty of bounce, lush arrangements and gorgeous chords certain to keep your body in motion. The title track kicks off with sparkling percussion and sublime guitar melodies. “Sunrise Sunfall” embodies many of the tracks on board here; crisp drums, deep bass lines and gorgeous melodies. Nate08’s vocals are the icing that rounds out this tune. “Want You” is another up-tempo burner that’s enhanced by the blissed out vocals from Megan Murray. No wonder Nate08 has become a fixture in the Indian independent music scene. A marvelous collection of spacey instrumental dance tracks along with infectious vocal tunes filled with good vibes.

https://needwantofficial.bandcamp.com/album/furaha

Reg Dancy

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Inkswel & Colonel Red – Holders Of The Sun Vol.1 [Compost Records]

October 31, 2022

Producer/beat conductor Inkswel and Colonel Red, aka Redz have collaborated on a number of bangers over the past decade. Inkswel’s thumping beats and Redz edgy falsetto vocals have made for a perfect union. “Holders Of The Sun Vol. 1” builds on that partnersip with more infectious compositions in a variety of tempos. “Hold On 2 it” is a mid-tempo banger with a gorgeous soulful melody. “Make Me Crazy” is a stripped down gentle guitar driven tune. “I’ll Pray” simmers at a brooding pace while Redz delivers thought provoking spoken word. The tempo kicks up a nothc with “Save ya Self”, a burning broken beat heater. Inkswel demonstrates that he’s a superb composer in all manner of styles while Redz reminds us why he’s been one of the premier UK vocalists for the last two decades.

https://colonelred.bandcamp.com/album/holders-of-the-sun-vol-1

Reg Dancy

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Tutu Amuse – Two To Amuse [Sonar Kollektiv]

October 26, 2022

Multi-instrumentalists Rosa Landers and Janek Van Laak are the duo better known as Tutu Amuse. The duo are the latest to emerge from the fertile Berlin music scene. “Two To Amuse” is a trippy collection of sublime psychedelic compositions. Landers’ tender vocals combined with Van Laak’s warped out rhythmic guitar is an intoxicating dose of mellow madness. “Cherry Rising” is a bluesy mediatitive tune driven by rumbling rhythms and Landers sultry vocals. “Ohm” is a laid-back electric guitar driven psychedelic gem. “Fertile” is another keeper with Landers vocals enhanced by deep calming basslines. Dreamy and soulful, “Two To Amuse” is a glorious ride that has a Portishead vibe. Simply put it’s another marvelous release from Sonar Kollektiv.

https://tutuamuse.bandcamp.com/album/two-to-amuse

Reg Dancy

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Chip Wickham – Cloud 10 [Gondwana Records]

October 1, 2022

Hard to believe that “Cloud 10”, the latest release by Chip Wickham is his debut for Gondwana records. Label head Matthew Halsall has enlisted Wickham for his Gondwana Orchestra projects so it’s only right for him to join the family. “Cloud 10” is filled with an array of soulful compositions tailor made for Wickham’s strong tenor sound. Outside of label-mate Amanda Whiting, this is a veteran band that knows each other well. The title track opens up the set with a slow burning groove while Wickham’s dreamy phrasing places you in a relaxing mood. “Lower East Side” finds Wickham’s melodic flute phrasing aligned beautifully with Jack Mc Carthy’s thundering percussion. “The Hill” erupts with Whiting’s heavenly harp. Jon Scott’s rhythmic drumming creates plenty of space for all to shine. Bassist Sneaky lays down a tasty groove and vibraphonist Tom Risco rises to the occasion. The finale “Before I Go” is a silky ballad where pianist Phil Wilkinson serenading melodies snuggle warmly to Wickham’s warm harmonic tone. Wickham consistently delivers one marvelous record after another. This new release is no exception. Pour yourself a glass of wine, lean back and enjoy.

https://chipwickham.bandcamp.com/album/cloud-10

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Guinu – Palagô [Razor-N-Tape]

September 23, 2022

Brazilian musician/producer Pedro Guinu debuts with the samba flavored “Palego” The title is a homage to Lapa, a neighborhood in downtown Rio. the place to be for night life, good food and good music. The album reflects that vibe with an array of simmering tunes. “Haja Fe” is layered with infectious polyrhythms, lush vocals and sunny chords. “Amanha” is a mellow samba instrumental slow burner. “Joana Joa” kicks off with a lovely flute melody that sets in motion the laid-back North West Brazilian rhythms. A marvelous record that effortlessly highlights Northern Brazilians music and the pulse of the community. If you dig the sounds of Marcos Valle and Joao Donato then you’ll certainly enjoy this one.

https://razor-n-tape.bandcamp.com/album/palago

Reg Dancy

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Kaidi Tatham – Don’t Rush The Process [First Word Records]

September 14, 2022

“Don’t Rush The Process” is the fourth full length release by multi-instrumentalist Kaidi Tatham. Over the course of his career Tathum has become a prolific keyboardist. He has brought warmth and has made it an expressive part of his compositions. It’s no wonder that he’s become a go to guy for countless remixes. His list of collabs and remixes range from Marcus Valle to Allysha Joy among others. On the title track he’s accompanied by the Easy Access Orchestra. They add a soft symphonic element that compliments the jazz funk instrumental groove certain to keep your head on a swivel. “Sooretama” is a breezy Brazilian composition that features sweeping virtuoso rhodes playing from pianist Robert Mitchell. Tatham has long been a fixture in the broken beat community but he has challenged himself with a myriad of rhythms and harmonies on this release. The result is a refreshing disc filled with good vibes and tasty grooves you’ll find deeply satisfying.

https://kaiditatham.bandcamp.com/album/dont-rush-the-process

Reg Dancy

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