The ‘Shapes’ compilation series continues into 2007 and as with past editions it showcases previously released material from the Tru Thoughts label, along with forthcoming cuts and exclusive bits. It kicks off with Boub’s reggae re-rub of Alice Russell’s ‘Hurry On Now’ before moving through to the killer nu-soul steppers, ‘Good Things’ by Spengler, one of the exclusives, and ‘Pushing On’ from Freddie Kruger featuring Linn. Nostalgia 77’s ‘Wildflower’ is also included along with Lanu’s ‘Dis-information’, Diesler’s ‘Into The Woods’ featuring Carla Alexandar, an infectious digital bossa groove from his forthcoming third album and Ze Zam’s tech-samba excursion ‘Me & You’. With tracks of this standard and for less than a fiver this album is an absolute must.

Andy Allen

Quick on the heels of last year’s ‘Easy Livin” LP Peven Everett drops his new set for Aaron Ross’ Soul Heaven, a subsidiary of Defected. ‘Power Soul’ effortlessly blends soul and house resulting in his best set since ‘Studio Confessions’. The singles ‘Stuck’ and ‘Can’t Do Without’ are included and are definitely the better of the house cuts, but it’s on the soul tracks where Peven really shines. Try ‘Surely Shorty’, ‘Washing’, ‘This Just In’ or the amazing ‘Futuristic’ for first rate examples of twenty first century soul music.

Andy Allen

‘A Soulful Tale Of Two Cities’ is a two disc package which brings together a whole host of legendary Philadelphia and Detroit soul artists and sees them covering classic tracks from the Philadelphia International and Motown songbooks. Disc one features the Philly artists taking on the Motown hits whereas disc two is all about the Detroit artists getting their chops around the PIR evergreens. Although the production is a touch smooth for my tastes there’s no denying the talent on show with artists such as Bunny Sigler, Major Harris, Barbara Mason, Vincent Montana Jr, George Clinton, Freda Payne, Carolyn Crawford and Bobby Taylor. The better tracks include Jean Carne’s version of ‘Higher Ground’, ‘Ain’t No Stopping Us Now from Ali ‘Ollie’ Woodson and Lamont Dozier’s take on ‘Close The Door’.

Andy Allen

After several 12" releases under their belt the Belgian duo, Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet, aka Spirit Catcher deliver their debut album for the Leeds based 2020 Vision Recordings. It’s packed full of quality electro-boogie house and includes both ‘Sweet Deal’ and ‘Time Emulator’ from the recent single. To these ears though the standouts are the mid-tempo grooves ‘Space Crash’ and ‘Motown Spring’, the latter featuring a rock steady bass line, atmospheric keys and dreamy filtered harmonies. Trust me this is the bomb!

Andy Allen

Andy Votel again delves into the world of tripped-out acid-folk and unearths another mighty fine selection of obscurities for the second volume of ‘Folk Is Not A Four Letter Word’. As with volume one, Carol Batton kicks off proceedings with an enchanted poetry intro entitled ‘Winter’ before we’re treated to delights such as the Indian influenced ‘Son Of God’ from Parchment, Pentangle’s ‘I Saw An Angel’, Alexis Korner & CCS’ ‘Sunrise’ which is reminiscent of David Axelrod in places, and the beautiful simplicity of Woody Simmons’ ‘Grey Today’. Kick back, relax and let the tranquil waves wash over you.

Andy Allen

Brown’s Bag aka Ward Brown, follows up his 2005 debut ‘Labor Of Love’ with ‘Soul Satisfied’, a collection of contemporary soul/R&B with strong seventies sensibilities. Whilst the production is a little smooth for my current tastes there’s no denying the quality of Brown’s vocals which particularly shine on the mellow groover ‘You’re Contagious’ and the funky ‘Me Around’. The real standouts for me though are catchy up-tempo Diskonauts Remix ‘No More Lies’ and the Markydisco Jazzy Remix of ‘Things You Say’, a slick stepper, both by Marc Mitchell (the original versions of which appear on ‘Labor Of Love’). Both are destined to blow up big time on the modern soul scene over the coming months.

Andy Allen

Kenny Garrett is often mentioned in the same breath as Miles Davis due to the time he spent with Davis’ band during the late 80s/early 90s but Garrett has steadily been releasing his own albums as leader since 1984. His latest offering ‘Beyond The Wall’ features pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Robert Leslie Hurst III, drummer Brian Blade and percussionist Ruggerio Boccato along with jazz legends Pharoah Sanders and Bobby Hutcherson on tenor sax and vibes respectively. Together they have created nine stunning compositions rooted in modal and spiritual jazz, taking in eastern sounds along the way. Nedelka Echols adds her vocal tones to ‘Qing Wen’ ‘Kiss To The Skies’ and ‘Gwoka’, all of which are nothing short of brilliant, as is the firing title track ‘Beyond The Wall’, ‘Now’ and the haunting ‘Realization (Marching Towards The Light)’. Trust me this is a modern classic.

Andy Allen

Compiled by DJ Nova, this fifteen track selection focuses on some of the top picks from his weekly Nova Planet radio show (www.rodonfm.net). Nu-jazz is the order of the day whether it be in its’ more traditional jazz combo form or electronic based. Included are gems from recent times such as Was A Bee’s version of ‘On A Clear Day’, Soulstance’s delightful waltz ‘Moon Vision’, Big Bang’s ‘Summer Fields’ plus the electric mix of ‘Broken Samba’ by Nature’s Plan, Sabrina Malheiros’ ‘Passa (Venom’s Remix), and the amazing ‘Higher Skies’ by Alessandro Oliviero. For anyone who missed these cuts first time around this is an essential package.

Andy Allen

Despite numerous releases I’ve got to admit to knowing little by French vocalist Isabelle Antena other than ‘Playback’ from her 1986 LP ‘En Cavale’, which was covered brilliantly by Yukihiro Fukutomi in more recent times. Her latest offering, ‘French Riviera’ sees her team up with some of Japan’s top producers such as the aforementioned Yukihiro Fukutomi, Tatsuo Sunaga (Sunaga T), Kazuma Fujimoto (Orange Pekoe) and Jazztronik. The result is a gorgeous bossa laced jazz set which includes the outstanding fusion dancer ‘Brazilian Dorian Dream’ produced by Kyoto Jazz Massive’.

Andy Allen

John Kong, head honcho at Do Right further delves into the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s archives to bring us another fine selection of deep jazz grooves. Highlights include Nick Ayoub’s ‘Perception’ and Alvin Pall Sextet’s ‘Melancholy’, both exceptional modal pieces, The Montreal Black Community Youth Choir’s take on Roberta Flack’s ‘Tryin’ Times’ and the funky fusion outings ‘Hidden Strength’ and ‘Beloved Gift’ by Ted Moses Quintet and Bernie Senensky Trio respectively. Note there are 12 tracks on the CD but only 6 on the vinyl version. However the vinyl does feature 2 exclusives not found on the CD, Elizabeth Shepherd Trio’s ‘Soya’ and the firing dancer ‘Capricorn Dance’ again from Bernie Senensky Trio.

Andy Allen