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Deep Jazz: Heaven & Earth [Perfect Toy Records]
Hailing from Germany , Jerker Kluge and his Deep Jazz ensemble deliver a spirited collection of 60’s inspired jazz that would fit nicely in the Impulse or Blue Note library. Kluge, shifting between double bass and upright bass wrote two of the compositions and co-wrote another (Starlings Talk). The opening title track is a mellow modal number that is driven by Florian Riedl on flute and Julia Fehenberger on vocals. “Black Tiger” is a riveting number that showcases superb soloing by Martin Fredebeul on Soprano sax, followed by Ulrich Wangenheim on bass clarinet and Till Martin on Tenor. The up-tempo bop “Red Smoke” also features the three horn players but it’s the work of pianist Jo Junghanss that steals the show. His inspired playing here and on the other tracks is simply breathtaking. Jerker doesn’t break any new ground here but he succeeds by breathing new life into the genre and the result is timeless music that any jazz enthusiast will enjoy.
Various Artists: DUCK [M8MC Music]
There are compilations that come and go and then there are some where the heat just keeps coming, track after track after track. The DUCK compilation falls under the latter. DUCK is a concept album that features producers from Derby , UK such as Atjazz, Clyde and Bleep District. This disc also serves a dual purpose not only by delivering quality music but by making charitable contributions. The proceeds from this project go to MacMillan cancer research and QUAD, Derby ’s visual arts studio. Each track contains a musical or lyrical element relating to the unassuming town that resides in the midland of England as well some live instrumentation. The disc starts out with the Brazilian mid-tempo “Teu Sorriso” (Your Smile) by YSE, ripe with wonderful guitar work by Carlos and vocals by Nego. Things heat up right after that with “I Got Soul” by Supalouisa, a energetic dance floor filler. Former Mantis recordings member and Derby native Clyde contributes to the cause with the funky “Swedish Blue”. Atjazz’s “Kidnapped in Kathmandu-rby” is a chilled out dance floor gem that has strong appeal. Make no mistake, a disc full of thumping beats like this and a worthy cause to match easily makes this purchase money well spent.
Various Artists: John Morales – The M&M Mixes [BBE Records]
It’s easy to lose sight of all the quality remixes that emerged during the eighties. After all, a new 12” inch seemingly dropped daily or whenever we frequented our favorite clubs from back in the day. We would rush to our local record shop humming a tune we heard the night before as the top DJ’s were making their mark remixing future dance classics. Thanks to John Morales, we have an opportunity to relive some of those moments with “The M&M Mixes. It’s only fitting since many of those dance classics were mixed by John himself. The “M&M Mixes” is an excellent collection of some of his greatest remixes that were beloved by the dance music community. The disc starts out with “Weekend” a huge club hit mixed by John and also produced by the legendary producer Patrick Adams. Another pleasant surprise and no doubt a worthy addition to this disc is “I want you all tonight” by the late Curtis Hairston. And any compilation that highlights classic club tracks would be shamed if it didn’t include Inner Life’s “Ain’t No Mountain High enough”, which features the great Jocelyn Brown. The ten minute dance floor filler still sounds superb twenty years later. The M&M mixes is a tremendous time travel through a important period in the culture of dance music. The dance music that you love today owes a debt of gratitude to John Morales and the rest of the pioneers that laid it down before them. This compilation will enhance your appreciation as well as keep your body moving. After a self-imposed exile that has lasted nearly ten years, it’s great to have John back blessing us with his timeless music.
Shapeshifter: Soulstice [Inertia Records]
On their fourth album, the New Zealand based band continues to build on their unique brand of alternative drum n bass music. “Soulstice” combines elements of soul, dub step and folk to create their most ambitious project yet. The disc kicks off “New Day Come”, an energetic track that is enhanced by the melody from the Norman Connors classic “You are my starship”. “In The Rain” starts out as an acoustic gem that simmers, thanks in part to the vocals of Ladi6. “One” is a blissful track with uplifting lyrics and a gorgeous piano loop. You can’t help but feel good after listening to this one, thanks in part to the vocals of Paora Apera (aka P Digsss). “Soulstice” is an enjoyable record that will have you listening to drum n bass in a different light. This is groundbreaking work that should propel this group to greater heights.
Martyn: Great Lengths [3024]
The long awaited full length release from DJ/Producer Martyn is everything we expected and more. Martyn has arranged an splendid array of electronic compositions steeped in dance, techno and dub step that you will find it irresistible not to move. One of those tracks is the lead song “The Only Choice”, a pulsating track filled with catchy synths and percussion. “These Words” is a techno flavored drum n bass burner enhanced by the warm vocals of D Brdige. “Elden St” is easily my favorite track here, a dense hypnotic house gem with an infectious groove that is reminiscent of the early Detroit sound made famous by Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May and Juan Atkins. Martyn is becoming a household name in the world of electronic dance music and with this new release it’s easy to see why. He never relies on one style and keeps things interesting throughout. You owe it yourself to check this one out.
Doom: Born Like This [Lex Records]
Hip Hop’s favorite villain returns with his first solo project since 2004’s “MM..Food?”. “Born like This” doesn’t quite measure up to “Food” but there are several standout tracks that are well worth checking out. Highlights include “Gazillian Ear” where Doom’s unconventional rhyme style combined with his abstract production makes this one a clear cut winner. “Yessir” is also impressive, thanks in part to special guest Raekwon, whose dense delivery is the complement to Doom’s gritty beats. “Still Dope feat. Empress Sharhh” is another banger and further proof why many respected rappers yearn to lay down rhymes to a Doom produced track. If you’ve been a supporter of Doom’s work over the years then you’ll no doubt enjoy this release. For those who tire of watered down hip-hop, prepare to be enlightened to Doom’s dark tales and you’ll see why he’s one of the most respected underground rapper/producer on the scene today.
DJ Bootsie: Holidays in the Shade [BBE Records]
On his second full length release, DJ Bootsie taps into his Hungarian roots and delivers an impressive album steeped with cinematic soundscapes with classical and folk influences. One listen and it’s clear that Bootsie is adept at creating beats for hip-hop heads as well as composing potential film scores. Among the standouts is the haunting “Lieutenant Chrome”. “Ballad of the Space Ship Rigger Pt.1”, complete with searing electric guitar riffs is another banger. “Neil And Vincent” is a peaceful atmospheric down-tempo gem. As impressive as Bootsie’s debut “The Silent Partner” was, this new release has a bolder and more refined sound. This should be the record that propels Bootsie to the recognition his talents deserve.
1000 Names : Toys Room Combat [Eklektik Records]
Casio Blaster and 99 Mistakes, better known as 1000 Names take you on an adventure in experimental breakbeats and instrumental hip-hop on their full length debut, “Toys Room Combat”. The duo has been a favorite of underground artists for their ability to mash up modern day and futuristic hip-hop beats as well as expanding their wizardry on rare undiscovered grooves. Their inventive producing skills are evident on tracks like the funky hip-hop driven “It started as a remix”. “Cloudride” features the rap duo 215 The freshest Kidz and is one of only four tracks with a guest appearance. Other highlights are “Ant on my bottom” and “Simmer down” which features C Mont. The majority of the cuts are barely exceeding three minutes but the idea is not to settle into one groove for too long. If you’re a fan of Madlib or J Dilla then you’ll certainly enjoy this.
Minus 8: Slow Motion [Compost Records]
Robert Jan Mayer, the architect behind Minus 8 is well established as a producer of quality drum n bass and down-tempo music. On his latest release, “Slow Motion” he delivers his usual assortment of gorgeous lounge flavored down-tempo grooves but he has also crafted some delicious dance tracks as well. Let’s start with “Letting Go”, where Virag’s blissful vocals are layered with an acoustic guitar strumming that feels like a cool breeze on an autumn afternoon. “Soverato” is a warm and seductive instrumental that is augmented by the sultry saxophone playing. “Enigma of a summer afternoon” is a mellow synthesized mid-tempo groover. Robert has exercised his ability to stretch out into different genres on previous releases with uneven results. Here he does a nice job infusing blissful dance tunes like “Wonderland”, which features Mirian S. “Make your Day” is an 80’s style boogie tune that is delightful and fun. “Hustler” sounds a little out of place here and the vocals are uninspiring but that is the only hiccup here on this otherwise enjoyable record. Overall “Slow Motion” will satisfy long time fans and will make new listeners feel right at home.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble [Honest Jon’s Records]
There aren’t many notable brass bands to compare the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble to other than the festive party bands in New Orleans but the Hypnotic Brass ensemble isn’t your typical brass band. For starters there roots are steeped in jazz, considering that each of the band’s seven members are sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran, once a member of Sun Ra Arkestra. Clearly the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Once you add the jazz aesthetic to their hip-hop rhythms you have yourself a collective whose energy is relentless and never lets up. The band drives through tunes like “Alyo”, complete with a tight rhythm section and a synergy among the horn players not often heard. On “Ballicki Bone” they bring down the tempo and create a soulful mid-tempo groove. “Jupiter” is a mellow number where the trumpet player and trombonist trade phrases with each other. The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have succeeded in creating compositions that are rousing and engaging. You won’t find many records this year with a band performing as well as this.