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Alexander Flood – Artifactual Rhythm [Atjazz Record Company]
Australian native Alexander Flood has been quite busy since his debut album “Heartbeat” in 2020 Flood dropped a number of singles and EPs showcasing his command of beat making and his propulsive drumming. Flood, who cites Trumpeter Christian Scott ATunde Adjuah as a mentor taps into his jazz influence while composing bruk inspired dance compositions. Surrounded by an array of top tier musicians Flood merges live instrumentation with dancehall culture with impressive results. “Life Is A Rhythm” is an infectious dance track featuring Caseaux O.S.L.O. “Can’t Get Enough” is another banger featuring Vivian Sessions. The band is filled with some of Australia’s rising stars starting with producer Lewis Moody, Finn Rees on keys and bassist Dylan Paul. Together they have captured the dancehall house inspired sound that would make a DJ blush. A potent release with a bevy of infectious grooves worthy of repeated listens.
https://alexanderflood.bandcamp.com/album/artifactual-rhythm
VA – Horse Meat Disco presents Disco Boogie from Brazil Vol.1 [Mr Bongo]
“Disco Boogie from Brazil Vol.1” is a compilation thirteen years in the making from London collective Horse Meat Disco. The four member unit consists of James Hillard, Severino Panzetta, Jim Stanton and Luke Howard. They started a residency at Eagle London in 2003. Nine years later Howard would embark on the first of many visits to Brazil, He would later receive an invitation to visit the headquarters of Mr Bongo records to listen to some rare obscure Brazilian flavoured boogie recordings. A compilation was approved only to lie in limbo due to licensing issues. Well the wait is finally over. “Harmony Cats” kicks off the comp with a funky cinematic theme and a thumping groove. “Sol De Verao” by Lafayette soars with soulful vocals, blistering brass and strings. “Rio Babilonia” is a mid tempo banger from Jorge Ben. It’s always a treat when crate diggers come across some hidden gems waiting for a second chance to be heard. This is an engaging compilation from the always reliable Mr Bongo
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/horse-meat-disco-presents-disco-boogie-from-brazil-vol-1
MOMO – Gira [Batov Records]
Brazilian native Marcelo Frota, aka Momo releases his seventh album “Gira” on the UK label Batov records. Frota’s debut album, “A Estetica do Rabisco” showcases his honey toned vocals alongside an array of folk tinged acoustic compositions. Several more recordings would follow and status building with each release. Frota now resides in London and collaborates with an eclectic band of musicians from the London jazz scene. “Para”, opens with haunting baritone sax phrasings from Tamar Osborn and hypnotics keys from Jessica Lauren. “Passo de Avarandar” is an engaging romp filled with infectious groove and lively percussion courtesy of Caetano Malta and Magnus Mehta respectively. “Summer Interlude” begins with a spirited jam session before easing into six plus minutes of mellow madness. Trombonist Rosie Turton seductive soloing layered on top of the languid grooves is a heavenly mix. Frota’s guitar rhythms alongside drummer Nick Woodmansey is a strong presence throughout. While Brazil is at the root of these compositions, Frota explores a myriad of genres that will have you yearning for more. Well done.
Daniel Casimir – Balance [Jazz re:freshed]
Bassist Daniel Casimir describes his third lp “Balance” as the balance between claasical, orchestration and UK jazz. Casimir, who also produces the album blends all of these components seamlessly. The album features the London Comtemporary Orchestra as well as a few of his friends. Nubya Garcia, Binker Goldings and Cassie Kinoshi are three quarters of the saxophone section. Jay Phelps and Sheila Maurice-Grey are part of the trumpet sections. The thumping bass on the title track sets the tone for the swirling strings and trumpet phrasings. “I’ll Take My Chances” is a warm and mellow tune that features the vibrant vocals of Ria Moran. This isn’t your father’s Big Band recording. Not only does it swing but Casimir drives the groove throughout and his compositions keep you engaged. Simply just another marvelous recording courtesy of Jazz Re:freshed.
VA – John Gómez and Nick the Record Present Tangent [Mr Bongo]
Happy ten year Anniversary to Tangent, one of London’s beloved underground parties. John Gomez and Nick the Record are residents who share some of their favorite tunes frequently played during their events. Released on Mr Bongo, the eighteen track compilation covers a myriad of styles. “Amek Amek” is an infectious blend of West African and Congolese rhythms. “Tet Chaje'” is a funky boogie tune courtesy of Kajou. “Let’s Get High” receives a re-work from Nick the Record. The result is a sixteen minute banger that bridges the gap between deep Disco to eighties synth laden boogie. Most of these tracks are obscure so good luck trying to find them. Luckily you don’t have to search, just sink into this compilation and transport yourself to one of London’s premier hotspots.
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/john-g-mez-and-nick-the-record-present-tangent
VA – Love & Purpose (Volume One) [First Word Records]
“Love & Purpose” is the brainchild of First Word label head Aly Gillani. Gillani lays out the musical progression of UK soul from the eighties to the present for independent artists. The disc begins with “Dazzle You” and “Searching”, two obscure slices of eighties synth heavy soul from Dazzle and Robyn. “Tell Me How It Feels” is one track that received international acclaim from 52nd St. “Hard Work” by Children Of Zeus represents the new face of UK soul. It’s a lovers rock inspired tune showcasing the honey soaked vocals of Tyler Daley. Lynda Dawn is another voice to get familiar with. “Roses” is laidback mid-tempo soul tailor made for chill out moments. Gillani has set the standard by creating one of the premier independent record labels for the last twenty years. From UK artists to the US, First Word has always delivered and this superb release is no exception.
https://firstwordrecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-purpose-volume-one
Tess Hirst – HERstory [Jazz Re:freshed]
Tess Hirst first came to my attention during her collaboration with Bassist Daniel Casimir. Their joint album “These Days” showcased her ethereal vocals and songwriting. In addition, she was accompanied by some of London’s premiere musicians who are at the forefront of UK club culture. Hirst’s solo debut “HERstory” picks up where that album left off. The disc kicks off with the simmering “This Is Her”. Hirst’s emotive vocals intertwine seamlessly with the Tomorrow’s Warriors string section. The finale “Magic” is a tribute to their ability to rise to any challenge. This high energy tune is spearheaded by Richard Spaven’s propulsive drumming and Casimir’s driving bass rhythms. Pianist Sarah Tandy completes the band and their cohesion is notable. London based label Jazz re:freshed continues to be the place for superb Jazz recordings. This marvelous lp is no exception.
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