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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.
Bright & Findley – Everything Is Slow [Athens Of The North]
In 2019 James Alexander Bright & Tom Findley made their presence felt with the single “Tigers Roar”. The single garnered critical acclaim and filled us with hope there was more to come. The wish has been granted. “Everything is Slow” is the debut from Bright & Findley. The eleven track disc is filled with laidback synth funk compositions tailored made for lazy Summer afternoons. Findley’s arrangements combined with Bright’s vocals are a potent mix. Among the highlights are the languid “When I look into the World” The swaying string arrangements and ambient soundscapes will warm your heart. “It’s Only Rain” is another downtempo delight. “NY Disco” is a nod to the Brooklyn Disco scene that also leans into eighties boogie. Warm and melodic, this is an electro soul gem that you shouldn’t miss.
https://brightandfindlay.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-slow
The Circling Sun – The Circling Sun [Soundway Records]
The New Zealand based collective The Circling Sun channel the spirits of Pharoah
Sanders and Alice Coltrane on their marvelous debut. Fellow New Zealnder, producer Julien Dyne serves as the primary songwriter and he delivers. The six track lp is a blissful ride of spiritual jazz that will resonate with any fan of the genre. Among the highlights are “Kohan”, a blissful tune driven by the bass rhythms of Ben Turua building the canvas for all to shine. The heavenly chorus aligned with J.Y. Lee’s warm melodic flute makes for a fantastic voyage. “Spirits” evolves with a wave of piano rhythms and hypnotic percussion. Lee’s Soprano lifts the tune to another level. Each track is a delight in its own right that’s filled vibrant energy and superb performances. Highly recommended.
VA – Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura Vol.2 [Mr Bongo]
Manchester based DJ Luke Una delivers another impressive compilation for the premiere global label Mr Bongo. “E Soul Cultura Vol 2” is laced with obscure yet superb recordings found in dusty record shops across the globe. Una, like many promiment DJs frequent these record shops and always manages to come away with an assortment of hidden gems. “Ile De Mes Amours” is a soul jazz gem from Guadeloupean singer percussionist Erick Cosaque. “Lost Children” is a mid-tempo synth laden 80s soul number with a Northern Soul vibe from Gospel vocalist Veronica Mickie. “Logun Ede” is a strip down late seventies Brazilian soul jazz gem from Eloah. House music is represented here as well with a scintilating dub remix of Mr Scuff’s “Giffin” courtesy of Speechless. Una picks up where he left off with Vol 1 by delivering another quality compilation in all manner of styles. Vol 1 was quite impressive and this one is no exception.
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/luke-una-presents-soul-cultura-vol-2
Inkswel & Colonel Red – Holders Of The Sun Vol.1 [Compost Records]
https://colonelred.bandcamp.com/album/holders-of-the-sun-vol-1
VA – Luke Una Presents E Soul Cultura [Mr Bongo Records]
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/luke-una-presents-soul-cultura