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Kevin Reynolds – A Certain Circumstance [Yoruba Records]

February 25, 2023

Kevin Reynolds had the fortune of growing up in the musical oasis of Detroit where he absorbed a variety of sounds. As a kid he loved hip-hop but the trajectory of his life was changed when he attended his first underground electronic party. From there he has ascended to becoming a premiere producer of soulful elctronic music. Reynolds full length debut, “A Certain Circumstance” is evidence of that. Released on Yoruba records, the thirteen track lp is awash with deep house grooves and atmospheric mid tempo gems. The opener, “Abandoned” emobodies the yoruba sound with infectious percussion rhythms and warm keys. “Para Ti” is another floor burner that features fellow Detoit native Paul Randolph. Yoruba records has been delivering potent recordings for some time now. Reynolds release is no exception.

https://www.facebook.com/kevinreynoldsdetroitmusic/

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VA – 13 Years Later Part 1 [Local Talk Records]

February 9, 2023

Ever since they premiered in 2010, Local Talk records has become one of the premiere labels in essential house music. The Stockholm based label, started by Mad Mats and Tooli consistently delivers the kind of house that resonates with you years after it’s release. Some of your favorite DJ/Producers have dropped a track or two from Opolopo and Kyodai to Soulphiction among others. “Local Talk – 13 Years later” demonstrates why they’re held in high regard with nine potent tracks certain to grip your hips and move. “Come Back To Me” is a soulful house number from veteran DJ/Producer Alex Attias. “Open Destiny” is hypnotic deep house from Dan Tenor City and Tom Funk. “Where You Come From” is a soulful lounge number from Rawson And Jackson. This compilation just scratches the surface of the Local Talk vault but it’s still a great place to start. After you finish enjoying this release you should head over to their bandcamp page as well. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy hours of essential house music.

https://localtalk.bandcamp.com/

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VA – They’re Energized [CoOp Presents]

January 19, 2023

Co-op Presents is the home of Bruk and broken beat and seemingly the ideal place to showcase the rediculous wealth of talent from Austrailia. “They’re Energized” is a fourteen track compilation that frankly is too hot handle. With Allysha Joy spearheading this project you already know it’s in the right hands. Joy’s catalog continues to grow with an array of superb recordings, including her recent solo project which she also produced. In addition she’s part of a communinity of musicians ready to blow up on the big stage. Among the highlights are “Fly” a thounderous track from premier bassist/composer Horatio Luna. “Prophecy” by vocalist, DJ/Producer Squidgenini simmers with a gorgeous melody that serves as the perfect appetizer to the other high energy compositions on tap here. “Walk Away” features brooding beats and a hypnotic groove from SilentJay and heavenly vocals from Lori. Joy, of appears on several tracks here in different collaborations. “Rewind” finds Joy alongside multi-instrumentalist and New Zealand native Lance Ferguson aka Lanu. “Listen” is burning broken beat body shaking music. There’s enough infectious gems here to fill two lps. Simply put you’ll be hard pressed to find a better compilation this year.

https://coop.bandcamp.com/album/theyre-energised

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Dego – Love Was Never Your Goal [2000 Black]

January 4, 2023

Dego has become one of the most prolific prodcuers of the last twenty years. With his 2000black imprint he has consistently delivered a number of broken beat, soul and funk gems. Fresh off his 2021 release “The Negative Positive” he shows no sign of complacency with his latest, “Love Was Never Your Goal”. The nine track release features familiar contributors Kaidi Tathum, Matt Lord and Mr Mensah. In addition, fellow labelmate Samii adds warm and sultry vocals. “Start Again” features dazzling synths and Tathum on keys. Samii’s vocals are featured here also and throughout the disc. “Catch The Sun” is another highlight aligned with a laid back groove There’s four instrumental tracks here but “Warp 7” is the one for me. It features tasty guitar licks and keys from Matt Lord that elevates the funky groove. All in all it’s another strong release from Dego that you shouldn’t miss.

https://dego.bandcamp.com/album/love-was-never-your-goal

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Work Money Death – Thought, Action, Reaction, Interaction [ATA Records]

December 29, 2022

Fresh off their 2021 release, Work Money Death returns with another superb recording. “Thought, Action, Reaction, Interaction” takes the baton and delvers a four track lp filled with Spiritual Jazz treasures. ATA records founder and bassist Neil Innes and Tenor Saxophonist Tony Burkill are joined by an array of musicians poised to breathe life into these impressive compositions. “Freedom As A Heartfelt Song” takes on an orchestral vibe with a number of trumpeters joining Burkill creating joyful rhythms alongside the choir known as The Band and Jasmine Kennedy Shaneen Mooney. Guitarist Chris Dawkins lays down sublime rhythms to set the track in motion. “Same As Before” brings more of the same with the addition of K.O.G (Kweku Of Ghana) with spoken word phrasings. Gareth Wilkinss harmonic layers on harp is pure bliss. The first lp was a nice surprise. Two wonderful recordings mark a trend. Innes and Burkill are putting ATA on the map as the home for high quality recordings you shouldn’t miss.

https://workmoneydeath.bandcamp.com/album/thought-action-reaction-interaction

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Myele Manzanza – Crisis & Opportunity, Vol.3 – Unfold [Deepmatter]

December 22, 2022

New Zealand native Myele Manzanza demonstrates that not only is he an accomplished drummer but a premier producer as well. Now living in London, Manzanza enlisted his new London mates as well as a few friends from back home for his latest release. While Volume’s 1 and 2 of “Crisis and Opportunity” leaned toward jazz compositions, Vol 3 shifts towards beats and electronics and the results are nothing short of brilliant. The opener “Child” and “Unfold” features fellow New Zealander Rachel Fraser. The latter builds with boundless energy while Fraser’s warm vocals serves as the perfect compliment. “Therapy” is another banger with infectious beats that features UK don Omar. “Silencing The Sun” features the feathery vocals of rising star Wallace. Other notable vocalists include China Moses and Rosie Frater Taylor. If you’re not familiar with Lewis Moody then I suggest you check out his band Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange. Moody recorded and mixed this project while also applying his wizardry on keys and synths. With only nine tracks you’re left wanting more but you’ll Have a blast listening nonetheless.

https://myelemanzanza.bandcamp.com/album/crisis-opportunity-vol-3-unfold

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VA – Neujazz 2 [Sonar Kollektiv]

December 15, 2022

The second installment from the Sonar Kollektiv series. “Neujazz 2” features an array of up and coming homegrown artists from Berlin and beyond. The lp drifts between melancholy mid tempo soundscapes to infectious jazz inspired grooves. The disc kicks off with “Open”, a previously unreleased tune from the duo known as Waan. Saxophonist Bart Wirtz and Keyboardist Emiel Van Rijthoven compose a atmospheric gem filled with engaging harmonies. Tutu Amuse have been one of the highlights of 2022 for the label. “Ohm” provides a sample of their sublime psychadelic sensabilities. Marian Tone aka Key Elements gives the a jolt with “Space”. Only a shade under three minutes, it’s a potent mix of jazz fusion and jungle. Vinicius Mendes dips into the songbook of the Brazilian songstress Joyce and emerges with a beautiful cover of Aldeia de Ogum”. There’s also impressive contributions from Pete Josef, Micatone and others. Simply put “Neujazz 2” is another winner from the label that always delivers.

https://sonarkollektiv.bandcamp.com/album/sonar-kollektiv-presents-neujazz-2

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Cody Currie – Lucas [Toy Tonics]

December 8, 2022

East London born multi-instrumentalist Cody Currie makes a splash with his full length debut “Lucas”. Now based in Berlin, Currie’s debut is coming out on Toy Tonics. The Berlin based label is well known for infectious House grooves. “Lucas” delivers instant party vibes while blending a touch of house, funk and Disco grooves. In addition, Currie has some very talented friends on board here starting with vocalist Jitwam on the infectious boogie tune “Red Hot”. Ziggy from the Austrailian band Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange injects their brand of jazz infused funk grooves to the track and also on “Deja Vu”. Other highlights include “Night Sky”, another percolating dance track featuring vocalist Eliza Rose. A number of burning house flavored tracks round out the disc. Currie eschews sampling and adds live instrumentation that adds warmth. You’re certain to have happy feet with this impressive release.

https://codycurrie.bandcamp.com/album/lucas

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

December 4, 2022

Isatta Sheriff & Koralle – Eat The Kiwi Skin [Melting Pot Music]
London born MC Isatta Sheriff teams up with Italian beat maker Koralle. “Eat The Kiwi Skin” is filled with laidback soulful beats reminiscent of their acclaimed 2021 release, “Laid Back”. On “Window Thoughts”, fellow South Londoner MC Lex Amor jumps on board. Amor’s slow emotive tone is an ideal complement to Sheriff’s rapid fire delivery. “For Those Who Love” serenades you with swaying piano melodies and the soothing vocals from Merci. “What You Tellin Me” is classic drum snare boom bap that provides the canvas for Isatta to showcase her unlimited lyrical skills. Koralle’s laid back jazz infused beats have made him a go to producer for a number of hip hop artists. Evidence lies in the number of tasty edits on board here. Meanwhile Isatta has worked with premier talent such as Flying Lotus and Oddisee. If you dig laid back soulful hip hop then this is the lp for you. The arrow is trending upwards for these two.

https://isattasheriff.bandcamp.com/album/eat-the-kiwi-skin

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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