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El Michaels Affair & Black Thought – Glorious Game [Big Crown Records]

May 16, 2023

Ever since El Michaels Affair, led by Lee michaels dropped their first lp back in 2005, they have put their stamp on creating cinematic seventies soul music. “Glorious Game”, the latest project finds him partnering with the iconic rapper Black Thought from The Roots. The twelve track disc kicks off with the brooding boom bap heater “Grateful”, where Black Thought pays tribute to the people that came before him. The following tracks ease into stripped down soul that could easily fit into the Stax catalog. “Hollow Way” begins with a slow burn layered with haunting soundscapes while the tempo steadily cranks up. Black Thought the story teller paints a picture of a man navigating through the obstacles of street life. Michaels seamlessly arranges tasty samples with live instrumentation. Simply said this is straight no chaser hip hop at it’s best. Each track serves as a chapter in Black Thought’s life as he serves as the consummate narrator.

https://elmichelsaffair.bandcamp.com/album/glorious-game

Emile Londonien – Legacy [Naïve Records]

May 3, 2023

Emile Londonien is a trio from Strabourg, France who have emmersed themselves in London club culture. “Legacy” captures the essence of their sound by merging jazz rhythms with soul and broken beat grooves. The disc begins with the title track, a lo-fi instrumental with a simmering horn section courtesy of trumpeter Antoine Berjeaut and saxophonist Leon Phal. They shift gears on “Make it Easy”, a percolating tune ignited by house grooves and sublime vocals from Lara Issa. Although “House Party” is under two minutes it’s a live performance filled with infectious energy, providing a taste of what they’re capable of on stage. “londonien” demonstrates that this trio can jam in all manner of styles. An impressive release certainly worth checking out.

https://emilelondonien.bandcamp.com/album/legacy-2

Sunb​ö​rn – Sunb​ö​rn [Tramp Records]

March 28, 2023

The Danish band formerly known as KutiMangoes returns as Sunborn. Their eight track release is a vibrant collection of West African influences and brassy afro-beat rhythms. The opening track “Dancing In The Dusk” is an exhilarating display of swirling horn arrangements and percussion certain to put you in full blown toe tap mode. Along with fiery tunes there’s an equal amount of simering mellow burners as well. “Reach” kicks off with tasty melodic guitar intro that takes center stage. “Echoes” is a meditative tune driven by warm trombone harmonics. Their name may have changed but their sound has only gotten better with time. A terrific album certainly worth checking out.

https://tramprecords.bandcamp.com/album/sunb-rn

Gabriel Da Rosa – É o que a casa oferece [Stones Throw Records]

March 16, 2023

Vocalist Gabriel Da Rosa grew up in Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil listening to a variety of music that eventually would serve his quest for a music career. A quest that came to life when he moved to Los Angeles. He would find a like minded lover of Brazilian music in Stones Throw founder Peanut Butter Wolf. Da Rosa’s full length debut “E o que a casa oferece” is blissful bossa nova highlighted by Da Rosa’s tender vocals and acoustic guitar. The opening track “Bandida” sets the mood for a collection of sublime bossa. “Jasmin Parte 1” is a mellow tune riped with warm keyboard and flute melodies. “So You Can See Me” is a moving ballad swaying over a feathery percussion. Da Rosa’s debut will put you in touch with nature and will transport you to Rio. A blissful bossa recording that will warm your heart.

https://gabrieldarosa.bandcamp.com/album/o-que-a-casa-oferece

Tea White – Between Planets [Stay True Sounds]

March 5, 2023

South African label Stay True Sounds continues to launch an array of talented artists from South Africa. The latest is electronic Producer Tea White. With “Between Planets” White demonstrates a flair for atmospheric house tracks filled with sonic arrangements. The opener, “Anemoiapolis” is a moody mediatative tune that transports you into White’s planetary vision. “Astro Retro” veers towards traditional house with a deliberate hypnotic rhythm and pulsating beats. A promising release from a up and coming producer who has caught the attention of premier DJs worldwide.

https://staytruesounds.bandcamp.com/album/between-planets

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/

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/

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

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

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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