Donso is a foursome that hails from France and Mali. Pierre Antoine Grison is the producer and Gedeon Papa Diarra, who hails from Mali is the vocalist. Guimba Kouyate and Djele Nlgoni fill out the rest of the group. Together they have created a melodic blend of Malian music sweetened up with electronic pop grooves. The opening track “Kenya” has a traditional Malian sound enhanced by the falsetto voice of Gedeon. “Mogoya” has more of a modern sound thanks to Grison’s electronic programming arrangements. “Tiyamba” is a nice relaxing tune that features Ballake Sissoko playing the Kora, a 21 string instrument made very popular in West Africa. It has a very interesting sound that’s a cross between a harp and a flute. From the first track to the last, Donso flows seamlessly and captures the spirit of the Malian musical experience. Long time admirers of the music will certainly enjoy the traditional vibe while newcomers will quickly warm up to a folk inspired sound that embraces the styles of today. Overall a quality album that certainly merits your attention.

Reg Dancy

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Japanese born and London based DJ/producer Kay Suzuki was raised on soul, jazz and funk. It’s quite obvious that he has learned well during those years based on the superb 12 inch recordings he has released since hitting the scene in 2004. “Consciousness” is his first full length release and with the quality of beats, instrumentation and guest vocalists assembled, we hope it’s not his last. There’s much to admire here starting with the global inspired “Music”. The traditional West African vibes presented by Babacarr Dieng’s vocals and percussion work plus Jally Susso’s playing of the Kora, a West African harp are transformed by Kay’s production and remixing. The result is a spirited global dance infused gem that has international appeal. The aptly titled “Journey Sublime” is exactly that, 13 minutes of subliminal funk augmented by the unmistakable sultry voice of Colonel Red. “Move On” is one the highlights, which is saying something. A wicked funky broken beat kicks off for a solid three minutes before the soulful vocals of Duchy takes it to another level. It’s hard not to press repeat for this one. “Something To Say” is another up-tempo beat driven delight enhanced by the vocals of Fatima. I normally would feel short changed when a disc only delivers nine tracks but this one is so enjoyable that it doesn’t matter. This is a very strong debut that will provide immediate satisfaction.

Reg Dancy

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The duo from Croatia returns with their third album and delivers with an enjoyable disc filled with their signature array of house flavored dance tracks, not to mention some nu-soul rhythms and progressive beats. Among the highlights are ”Mr. Sakamoto & The Forgotten Rails”, a futuristic house track enhanced by notable guest Zed Bias.  “Little Dragon” is a cleverly composed broken beat treat. Yannah’s soothing vocals and Capital A’s low key rhyming style complement each other very well. Add Eddy’s composition skills and you got a sure fire banger that ranks very high on the head nod meter. “Difference” is a nice mid tempo nu-soul treat that demonstrates that their talents stretch beyond dance music and they’re equally adept at. “Nostalgic” is a high energy instrumental packed with a thumping bass and clever synth arrangements. Eddy’s production talents and Yannah’s vocal artistry make a winning combination. As solid as “Once In A While” was, Fiction Jar” is a much stronger record that you need to add to your collection.

Reg Dancy

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I think it’s time for Detroit to change their nickname from the Motor City to the Music City. They’re not producing automobiles like they once did but they’re sure as heck producing an abundance of talented musicians, singers and producers left and right. Without a doubt one of those musicians is Paul Randolph, a talented bass player with the distinctive raspy voice heard previously on Jazzanova’s “Of All The Things”. “Echoes Of Lonely Eden” is two cd’s in one. Disc 1 features the original recordings while disc 2 features an assortment of reworks from an all star lineup of dj/producers.  One of those dj’s, East London’s Simbad flips “Lonely Eden” into a bass heavy mid tempo funk deluxe. Deetron adds a laidback soulful groove with some experimental Rhodes playing on “Leanin”. Aaron Jerome starts out “Golden Days” with a mellow groove and then it morphs into a up-tempo house treat. Speaking of house, there are lots of gems here like the Jazzanova remix of “Believer” and Archety’s Lower Harmonic remix of “Claim”. If by chance you missed out on the 2009 release, there’s no excuse now. This is an impressive collection of original recordings and outstanding remixes from an artist who clearly deserves more recognition.

Reg Dancy

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When you take a record that already has an assortment of quality recordings and you lay down some equally burnin’ remixes, it’s comparable to taking your favorite dish and adding a few new spices to them. Indeed, “Havana Cultura” captured the spirit of traditional Cuban music and introduced the masses to a bunch of musicians we might not have otherwise heard from. Now “Havana Cultura Remixed” receives the blessings of some of the foremost dj’s and producers in the game today. For starters, there’s Louie Vega’s rework of “Reforefo Fight”, a nine minute mélange of swirling horns, energetic percussion and crisp vocals by Mayra. “Rezendo” is an infectious piano driven groover courtesy of Michel Cleis. A surefire favorite will be the Donald Byrd classic “Think Twice”. Remixed by 4Hero, this alternate take gives the track a breath of fresh air. Not that was needed but it’s certainly welcome. The same can be said for the entire disc, there are quite a number of appealing remixes here that will have you adoring these songs for the first time all over again.

Reg Dancy

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There have been many groups that have presented projects as diverse as SK Radicals full length release “Urban Electriks”. Very few however have succeeded in creating a project that grooves and swings as well as this one. Sean Khan, the producer and driving force behind the group has crafted an album that weaves seamlessly between jazz and funk while demonstrating that they’re equally adept at both. Take for example the lead single “Troubled Times”, a laidback deep funk tune that speaks to the stressful climate that we’re all living under today. The following track “My Story” is a swinging jazz tune features superb piano melodies from Sean and the gorgeous vocals of Susan Allotey.  “Free Yourself” is an up-tempo acid jazz flavored funk groover. Although “Urban Eclectiks” presented only ten tracks in all, each selection is quality and allows the disc to flow at steady pace while maintaining the groove throughout. It has taken Sean several years to deliver a full length project after several successful singles. Let’s hope that this is the first of many albums in the group’s future. Highly recommended.

Reg Dancy

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Once again the folks at Strut records have dug up and dusted off a hidden gem. Afro Rock Vol.1 features hard to find music out of East Africa from the 60’s and 70’s. Originally released on Duncan Brooker’s Kona label in 2001, the music will now have a wider audience to educate on just how prominent the soul and funk scene was in the Motherland. Some of the talent to emerge during that scene is Gerado Pinto. Known as the Nigerian James Brown, Gerado and The Heartbeats bring the funk on the energetic organ grinding “Heavy Heavy Heavy”. On “Africa”, they bring the tempo down considerably and create a spirited jazz inspired gem. “Mebala” is a mid-tempo guitar driven funk track that is reminiscent of prominent rhythm sections of that era. Overall “Afro Rock Vol. 1” is an entertaining polyrhythmic blend of Afican rhythms and seventies soul influences. This is essential World music that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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It seems like yesterday that the Brownswood series began and here we are already on Bubblers five. Gilles Peterson is consistent with shining the light on underground gems that warrant your attention, this one is no exception. There are plenty of delights in all forms to enjoy like the opening track “They Don’t Want It”, a raw no holds barred electro soul jam courtesy of New Zealand’s Electric Wire Hustle. “Lil Girl” is a down tempo groover that combines the multi instrumental talents of Shafiq Husayn of SA-RA Creative Partners and warm blissful vocals of Fatima. “Into My Life” has a cinematic like intro before it morphs into a dark piano driven gem courtesy of Ron Basejam. The songstress Nailah is a perfect example of why the Bubblers series are so important. Her voice will remind you of Nina Simone one minute and Cassandra Wilson the next. The track “Sacred” will have you seeking more of her work. Likewise for Michael Olatuja, the guitarist and former member of Terrance Blanchard’s band features the late Lynden David Hall on “Hold On” that not only beautiful but also reminds you how sorely missed he is. There is much more to explore and plenty to appreciate until the next volume drops so treat yourself to some of the finest talent you’ve never heard of. After one listen you won’t soon forget them.

Reg Dancy

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Every year there is one record that comes out of nowhere and before you know it, that record has become part of your daily musical rotation. There is a strong chance that once you start listening to Electric Wire Hustle, it will become a part of your rotation too.  The debut album from the New Zealand based trio successfully merges old school soul with an eclectic array of nu-soul, psychedelic funk and thick ear splitting beats. With the silky soulful vocals of Mara TK, EWH hits on all cylinders. The opening track “Test The Waters”, has Mara’s expressive vocals complimenting the brooding hypnotic with overwhelming results. “Walk On” is a sensual psychedelic gem augmented by the pairing of Mara and Stacy Epps. The song is delivered in a laid back manner and may lull you into a dreamy state of mind and you’ll find no fault with that “This World” is future soul accompanied by uber talented Georgia Anne Muldrow. While the guest appearances would certainly aid any project, make no mistake this record stands firm on the strengths of the trio. Taay Ninh’s multi-instrumental talents are all over this record as are the trio’s production skills and Myele Manzanza’s drumming is felt throughout. How refreshing to play a disc from start to finish with nary a weak track in it’s path. Quite simply, this is one great record that deserves a space with your collection. As for EWH, the future looks very bright.

Reg Dancy

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Flying Lotus’s adventures in experimentation has made him one of the most sought after producers on the scene. His latest release, “Cosmogramma” will only add to that. Lotus skillfully meshes multiple sounds like classical, jazz and hip hop and adds assortment of multiple colors to them. The result is a disc filled with celestial arrangements that pushes the music deep into cyber space and the next thing you know you’re soaring right along with him. Among the highlights are “Intro of Cosmic Drama”, filled with kinetic synth arrangements. “MmmBmm” is a laidback space odyssey that features Thundercat on vocals and bass. “Do the Astral Plane” is a intergalactic cyber funk jam that is, like many of the tracks here too short but enjoyable nonetheless. Each track feels like an extended snippet, just as you’re getting deep into track it’s on the next one. However it’s a ride that you’ll certainly enjoy. “Cosmogramma” is a journey into the mind of Flying Lotus. It’s a trip to places you probably didn’t realize existed but you’re glad you traveled there. 

Reg Dancy

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