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VA – Neujazz 2 [Sonar Kollektiv]

December 15, 2022

The second installment from the Sonar Kollektiv series. “Neujazz 2” features an array of up and coming homegrown artists from Berlin and beyond. The lp drifts between melancholy mid tempo soundscapes to infectious jazz inspired grooves. The disc kicks off with “Open”, a previously unreleased tune from the duo known as Waan. Saxophonist Bart Wirtz and Keyboardist Emiel Van Rijthoven compose a atmospheric gem filled with engaging harmonies. Tutu Amuse have been one of the highlights of 2022 for the label. “Ohm” provides a sample of their sublime psychadelic sensabilities. Marian Tone aka Key Elements gives the a jolt with “Space”. Only a shade under three minutes, it’s a potent mix of jazz fusion and jungle. Vinicius Mendes dips into the songbook of the Brazilian songstress Joyce and emerges with a beautiful cover of Aldeia de Ogum”. There’s also impressive contributions from Pete Josef, Micatone and others. Simply put “Neujazz 2” is another winner from the label that always delivers.

https://sonarkollektiv.bandcamp.com/album/sonar-kollektiv-presents-neujazz-2

Cody Currie – Lucas [Toy Tonics]

December 8, 2022

East London born multi-instrumentalist Cody Currie makes a splash with his full length debut “Lucas”. Now based in Berlin, Currie’s debut is coming out on Toy Tonics. The Berlin based label is well known for infectious House grooves. “Lucas” delivers instant party vibes while blending a touch of house, funk and Disco grooves. In addition, Currie has some very talented friends on board here starting with vocalist Jitwam on the infectious boogie tune “Red Hot”. Ziggy from the Austrailian band Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange injects their brand of jazz infused funk grooves to the track and also on “Deja Vu”. Other highlights include “Night Sky”, another percolating dance track featuring vocalist Eliza Rose. A number of burning house flavored tracks round out the disc. Currie eschews sampling and adds live instrumentation that adds warmth. You’re certain to have happy feet with this impressive release.

https://codycurrie.bandcamp.com/album/lucas

Isatta Sheriff & Koralle – Eat The Kiwi Skin [Melting Pot Music]

December 4, 2022

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

David Versace – Okra [La Sape]

November 23, 2022

Austrailian based Pianist/Composer David Versace turns in a potent release with “Okra”. Versace’s seven track debut demonstrates his versalitity as a piniast, not to mention his work on double bass and percussion. The opener “Summer Party” brings a Latin flavor to the party. Trumpeter Curtis Scibilla puts his stamp on the recording with infectious vamps. “Saguaro” sparkles with strong percussive rhythms and a hypnotic bass groove. “KP Cruisin” is a modal tune that builds with adventurous polyrhythms. Drummer Jasper Gundersen’s rhythmnic five-four time provides a perfect canvas for Scibilla’s blissful soloing. A shame there’s only seven tunes here. Versace’s compositions make for a marvelous record. Austrailian based La Sape records is a label filled with superb recordings and this release is no exception. Versace is indeed one to keep an eye on.

https://davidversace.bandcamp.com/album/okra

Nate08 – Furaha [Needwant]

November 10, 2022

Hailing from Mumbai, bassist/producer Nate08 demonstrates that he has a flair for the good groove on his new release “Furaha”. The eleven track lp packs plenty of bounce, lush arrangements and gorgeous chords certain to keep your body in motion. The title track kicks off with sparkling percussion and sublime guitar melodies. “Sunrise Sunfall” embodies many of the tracks on board here; crisp drums, deep bass lines and gorgeous melodies. Nate08’s vocals are the icing that rounds out this tune. “Want You” is another up-tempo burner that’s enhanced by the blissed out vocals from Megan Murray. No wonder Nate08 has become a fixture in the Indian independent music scene. A marvelous collection of spacey instrumental dance tracks along with infectious vocal tunes filled with good vibes.

https://needwantofficial.bandcamp.com/album/furaha

Inkswel & Colonel Red – Holders Of The Sun Vol.1 [Compost Records]

October 31, 2022

Producer/beat conductor Inkswel and Colonel Red, aka Redz have collaborated on a number of bangers over the past decade. Inkswel’s thumping beats and Redz edgy falsetto vocals have made for a perfect union. “Holders Of The Sun Vol. 1” builds on that partnersip with more infectious compositions in a variety of tempos. “Hold On 2 it” is a mid-tempo banger with a gorgeous soulful melody. “Make Me Crazy” is a stripped down gentle guitar driven tune. “I’ll Pray” simmers at a brooding pace while Redz delivers thought provoking spoken word. The tempo kicks up a nothc with “Save ya Self”, a burning broken beat heater. Inkswel demonstrates that he’s a superb composer in all manner of styles while Redz reminds us why he’s been one of the premier UK vocalists for the last two decades.

https://colonelred.bandcamp.com/album/holders-of-the-sun-vol-1

Tutu Amuse – Two To Amuse [Sonar Kollektiv]

October 26, 2022

Multi-instrumentalists Rosa Landers and Janek Van Laak are the duo better known as Tutu Amuse. The duo are the latest to emerge from the fertile Berlin music scene. “Two To Amuse” is a trippy collection of sublime psychedelic compositions. Landers’ tender vocals combined with Van Laak’s warped out rhythmic guitar is an intoxicating dose of mellow madness. “Cherry Rising” is a bluesy mediatitive tune driven by rumbling rhythms and Landers sultry vocals. “Ohm” is a laid-back electric guitar driven psychedelic gem. “Fertile” is another keeper with Landers vocals enhanced by deep calming basslines. Dreamy and soulful, “Two To Amuse” is a glorious ride that has a Portishead vibe. Simply put it’s another marvelous release from Sonar Kollektiv.

https://tutuamuse.bandcamp.com/album/two-to-amuse

JSOUL x B.Jamelle – Mellowdisiac [BSM Records]

October 15, 2022

“Mellowdisiac” is the latest release from Baltimore based producer/beat maker JSoul and vocalist B.Jamelle. The nine track EP is laced with mellow jazz infused soul compositions. B.Jamelle’s vocals are soothing to the ear as evidenced on “To Flower”, a slow burning ballad. “Really Love” features poetic verses from Jamil Honesty. The aptly titled “Blissfully Undone” is one of the stronger tracks here. JSoul’s production is full of creativity and the warmth of B.Jamelle’s vocals make for a perfect combination. JSoul already solidified himself as an architect at making soulful hip-hop. With B.Jamelle on board he’s adept at creating mellow grooves as well.

https://jsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/mellowdisiac

Black Thought & Danger Mouse – Cheat Codes [BMG]

October 7, 2022

When it comes to premier MCs, few if any would argue that Black Thought would get a seat at the table of the chosen few. As the front man and co-founder of The Roots, the hip-hop band haven’t release an album since 2014. Black Thought himself however has been busy releasing music. He dropped “Streams Of Thought Vol 1” in 2017. That was followed up with Vol2 and Vol3, the latter dropped in 2020 . Now with the release of “Cheat Codes” he serves notice once again that he hasn’t lost a step. Joined by producer Danger Mouse, the two deliver twelve tracks of authentic boom bap hip hop. On “The Darkest One” is aided by a hypnotic piano melody as well as a guest appearance from legendary Wu Tang member Raekwon. “Aquamarine” is another banger that’s enhanced by the soulful vocal chorus courtesy of Michael Kiwanuka. “Because” glides on the backdrop of a string laden seventies soul groove. In addition Joey Bada$$ and Dylan Cartlidge raise the track to greater heights. This disc is further evidence that Black Thought is lyrically gifted with a bottomless well of rhymnes. Danger Mouse’s production is tight and his beats are edgy. Simply put it’s a hip hop album certain to provide immediate satisfaction.

https://www.bmg.com/us/

Chip Wickham – Cloud 10 [Gondwana Records]

October 1, 2022

Hard to believe that “Cloud 10”, the latest release by Chip Wickham is his debut for Gondwana records. Label head Matthew Halsall has enlisted Wickham for his Gondwana Orchestra projects so it’s only right for him to join the family. “Cloud 10” is filled with an array of soulful compositions tailor made for Wickham’s strong tenor sound. Outside of label-mate Amanda Whiting, this is a veteran band that knows each other well. The title track opens up the set with a slow burning groove while Wickham’s dreamy phrasing places you in a relaxing mood. “Lower East Side” finds Wickham’s melodic flute phrasing aligned beautifully with Jack Mc Carthy’s thundering percussion. “The Hill” erupts with Whiting’s heavenly harp. Jon Scott’s rhythmic drumming creates plenty of space for all to shine. Bassist Sneaky lays down a tasty groove and vibraphonist Tom Risco rises to the occasion. The finale “Before I Go” is a silky ballad where pianist Phil Wilkinson serenading melodies snuggle warmly to Wickham’s warm harmonic tone. Wickham consistently delivers one marvelous record after another. This new release is no exception. Pour yourself a glass of wine, lean back and enjoy.

https://chipwickham.bandcamp.com/album/cloud-10

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