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Don Glori – Paper Can’t Wrap Fire [Mr Bongo]
Gordon Li, aka Don Glori returns with his third release. “Paper Can’t Wrap Fire” has plenty of the same flavors his previous compositions. That means an array of fusion forays combining soul, jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist ML Hall jumps on three tracks. One of those tracks, “Brown Eyes” combines Hall’s falsetto vocals with Glori’s sublime piano arrangements. Glori’s warm and melodic arrangements shine on “Song For Ants”. The tune begins with a flurry of horns layered over wordless phrasing. Glori tops it off with rhythmnic and harmonically adventurous soloing. “Power” is another highlight that begins with a heavenly choir layered over vibrant fender rhodes and a samba groove. Glori has built an impressive catalog. This release from the multi-instrumentalist may be his best.
Aldorande – Trois [Favorite Recordings]
“Trois” is the latest release from the Parisian band Aldorande. The five member group led by bassist Virgile Raffaelli deliver an array of cosmic jazz funk bangers. The compositions may transport you to the late seventies jazz funk period and give off Lonnie Listen Smith vibes. Florian Pellissier’s spacey synths and multiple variations of keys elevate burning tracks like “Gulf Of Mexico” and “Back To Mother Love”. He’s not alone. Laurent Guillet’s plucky guitar adds a touch of spice as well. “Opium Des Nuits” is one of a number of simmering mellow tunes highlighted by the rhythmic percussion work from Erwan Loeffel. If you want to journey through the galaxy of jazz funk then this is the record for you.
Gilles Torrent – Buleria [Jazzman Records]
Swiss Tenor Saxophonist Gilles Torrent is following the path of the esteemed tenor legends that have set the bar. Certainly John Coltrane heads the top of that list and his influence resonates throughout this disc. “Buleria”, his latest release is a modal jazz gem that pays tribute to the Tenor titan. The opener “Dense Tropicale” is a modal flavoured tune with Flamenco style sketches. “Ouannassa” is a warm and beautiful ballad that will instantly remind you of “Naima”, the Coltrane classic that Torrent also covers here. “Bahia” is an exotic modal journey that transports you to the sites of Iberia. Overall the compositions here are less intense and more elegant. Torrent and his band are in their element here. They have delivered a marvellous collection of warm and melodic modal compositions certainly worth a listen or two.
Black Loops – Always Moving [Freerange Records]
“Always Moving”, the new release from Black Loops seamlessly weaves soul, funk and House grooves into a high energy after hours album. The Italian DJ/Producer has been crafting 12 inch house bangers for a decade. He demonstrates that he’s much more than that by utilising live drumming and electronics. The opening track “CDMK” grabs your attention with a funky groove and shades of broken beat. “Detroit Love” featuring Byron The Aquarius is a nod to Detroit Deep House. Vocalist Marlena Dee is featured on four tracks. She’s joined by fellow vocalist Harvey Sutherland on the house heater “Pleasure Ride”. An impressive collection of beats and grooves that has a little something for everyone.
Mark de Clive-Lowe – Past Present (Tone Poems Across Time) [Impressive Collective/BBE Music]
Mark de Clive-Lowe’s latest release, “Past Present (Tone Poems Across Time)” is a solo project that is driven by an introspective look into his family and heritage. This is a project that may have never seen the light if not for the persistence of close friend and multi-instrumentalist Carlos Nino. Nino also suggested that De Clive Lowe record at Ken Barriento’s analog synth studio. As a result, the eleven track release yields a vivid canvas of sounds. That’s largely due to the use of twenty two keyboards across all recordings. The rich ambient synths stand out on tracks like “Present Past”. “Heart” is warm, spacious and peaceful. The entire album is meditative and moving. Mark takes us along his journey into his family history and provides a quiet pause along the way.
https://markdeclivelowe.bandcamp.com/album/past-present-tone-poems-across-time
Web Web – Plexus Plexus [Compost Records]
The latest release from Munich band Web Web features guitarist JJ Whitfield. Whitfield has led a number of bands, most recently the Poets of Rhythm. Previously he performed under the alias of Karl Hector & The Malcouns. He brings a dose of psychedelic guitar rhythms to the session and his presence pays dividends. “The Madness Of Ajax” is a mid tempo soul jazz number with Whitfield out front along with Tony Lakatos on flute. “Sacred Tree” is a warm and mellow heater, thanks in part to Lakatos melodic tenor sax. “Nyx” and “Cheiron” are two of the hazy psychedelic tunes. The latter erupts with Peter Gall’s melodic and spacey keys. The band demonstrates that they can play at a high level in all manner of styles. All of their albums have been impressive and this one is no exception.
Rosettes – Lifestyles [Timmion Records]
“Lifestyles”, the debut album from Rosettes is a collection of traditional soul jazz recordings. Led by vocalist Tytti Roto, the stripped down analog sound paves the way for lucid songwriting layered over mellow soul compositions. “The Call” is a lo-fi soul burner driven by laid back guitar rhythms, soft horns and warm vocals from Roto. “Spirals” is another swaying tune with a simmering groove that sinks into your body. Each track follows the same formula from one to another, making it hard to pick a favorite. That also means that every song is a delightful listen.
Colonel Red – Thankful [Inner Tribe Records]
A career that predates the West London broken beat period for which he is best known for, Colonel Red is a pioneer in music. He’s been a consistent force for over three decades. “Thankful” is a self produced seven track recording that gives blessings to his successful career. “Promises” kicks off with Red’s raw falsetto vocals riding a driving drum n synth pulsing beat. “Careful” is another heater with a hypnotic groove. On the former he assures his partner that he’ll always be by her side. With the latter he states that he’s taking a cautious approach to her. “Livin’ In The Sky” demonstrates that he’s equally adept with a slow burning tune as well. Colonel Red’s musical journey has been filled with a large catalogue of bangers in all manner of styles. He has a signature voice that’s recognizable from the first note. We’re thankful for him dropping another marvellous recording.
Kaidi Tatham – Miles Away [First Word Records]
Kaidi Tatham has become one of the most in demand keyboardist/producers on the UK scene today. A career that spans three decades with no signs of slowing down. He’s worked with everyone from 4hero to Marcus Valle, Nubya Garcia and many more. “Miles Away”, his sixth album is filled with the customary funky jazz fusion compositions we have come to enjoy. The bossa nova flavoured “Misty Garden” is a mid tempo burner. “So Happy” is a breezy atmospheric tune with warm vocal harmonies. The hip-hop tinged “Hydration” is filled with funky neck snappin’ drum rhythms. You know Kaidi’s sound when you hear it, warm uplifting keys filled with good vibes. You can’t resist his groove, just give in and enjoy the ride.
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange – Inspire // Radicalise [Energy Exchange Records]
“Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, a staple of the Australian music scene return with their latest album “Inspire/Radicalise”. Produced by founding member and drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist and keyboardist Lewis Moody, the band demonstrates their prowess at delivering thumping instrumental grooves. A robust rhythm section is just part of the driving force behind these compositions. The opening track, “Astras Theme” is a high energy romp fuelled by Moody on the Moog and Eric “Sunny” Owusu on congas. “Shine Your Light” is a funky boogie tune that features Karai on vocals. “Cyberfunk” is symbolic of the entire album, infectious grooves that inspire happy feet and plenty of body shaking. An engaging album that deserves your attention.
https://zeitgeistfreedomenergyexchange.bandcamp.com/album/inspire-radicalise