experimental – Basic Soul

Nyron Higor – Nyron Higor [Far Out Recordings]

March 31, 2025

Nyron Higor returns with his sophomore release to 2022’s “Fio de Lamina”. The sublime recording is rooted in the foundation of Northeastern Brazilian rhythms. “Louro Cantador” is a subtle bossa nova tune that will transport you to the beaches of Brazil. Higor plays drums, bass and synths on this track among others. “Sao So Palavras” is another mellow tune that features vocals from Higor along with Alici Sol and Bruno Berle. Another vocalist, Johanna, brings warmth to “Estou Pensando Em Voce”. Rubens Adati’s guitar and piano arrangements raise the track to another level. Higor along with many of his contemporaries have composed a marvellous recording that captures the essence of Brazil. In addition Higor is an emerging talent to keep on your musical radar.

https://nyronhigor.bandcamp.com/album/nyron-higor

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Inkswel & Andre Espeut – Synchronicities [Compost Records]

February 19, 2025

If there’s a category for hardest working DJ/Producer then Inkswel would certainly be a finalist for the title. “Synchronicities”, his latest project is a collaboration with UK singer songwriter Andre Espeut. Inkswel dishes up a collection of funk n soul gems for Espeut’s soulful vocals to shine. “Play With Fire” is a gritty tune fueled by organ and guitar grooves. “Downtown” is a trip to funky town that features Los Angeles rapper Abstract Rude. “Callin 4 U” is a taste of synth powered broken beat goodness featuring Amsterdam flautist Han Litz. Inkswel’s compositions have no shortage of infectious funk and soul grooves. This release is no exception.

https://inkswel.bandcamp.com/album/synchronicities

Reg Dancy

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Mario Luciano & Lauren Santi – Shades of Mauve [Madlib Invasion]

March 18, 2024

The Madlib invasion Music Library series continues with Producer Mario Luciano and vocalist Lauren Santi. “Shades of Mauve” is a collection of breezy jazz samples. Luciano’s keyboard arrangements take center stage while guitarist Gerson Zaragoza and drummer Ayepee play big roles. Santi’s vocal phrasings are spread throughout the fifteen track disc. “Inner Search” is layered with hazy synths and wordless vocal phrasings. “Psych Impression” is a cinematic offering highlighted by Santi’s opera styled vocals. “Blue Miles” captures the spirit of the Mountains with warm guitar and spacey rhodes. If you’re into laidback beats and dreamy soundscapes you’ll no doubt enjoy this one.

https://mils.bandcamp.com/album/mils008-shades-of-mauve

Reg Dancy

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Kai Meara – Statik [XVI Records]

April 15, 2023

London based beatmaker Kai Meara’s latest project “Statik” hits you like a warm Summer breeze. The twelve track disc starts and ends with warm and mellow beats and hypnotic chords. Like all good beat tapes it instantly puts you constant head nod mode and you willingly go along for the ride. The disc begins with “Self is Gone”, a hazy jazz infused mellow soul burner. “Madbass” seduces you with sizzling fender rhodes and wicked basslines. Maxing out at around twenty minutes, each track hits the mark and sets the mood while quickly moving onto the next track. Meara’s previous releases all have mellow textures but “Statik” packs more soulful grooves. All of them are a pleasant listen and this one is no exception.

https://kaimeara.bandcamp.com/album/statik

Reg Dancy

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Daniel Villarreal – Panama 77 [International Anthem]

August 12, 2022

“Panama 77” is the debut of Panamanian born and Chicago based drummer Daniel Villarreal. The twelve track disc is layered with psychedelic Latin rhythms aligned with jazz fusion and folkloric sensibilities. Villarreal has been a fixture in the Chicago music scene, recently as a member of the group Dos Santos. The disc kicks off with “Bella Vista” where Villarreal demonstrates a keen sense of polyrhythms. Villarreal’s spirited percussion creates an enchanting groove for Elliot Bergman’s howling baritone. “In/On features labelmate guitarist Jeff Parker. Villarreal’s hypnotic percussion simmers over a samba beat alongside organist Dave Vettraino. With Parker’s glorious electric guitar rhythms layered on top you have an irresistible groove worthy of repeated listens. “Parque En Seis” opens with Villareal on congas and cow bells, paving the way for Bardo Martinez’s bass guitar grooves and synths. Chicago based International Anthem is known for their roster of genre bending jazz artists. Villarreal’s debut is left of center brilliance that stacks up well with their catalog.

https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/panam-77

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Inkswel & The Snaglepuss – Chasing Infinity [Cosmocities Records]

June 29, 2022

DJ/Producer Jules Habib, aka Inkswel has proven to have traces of funk and a knack for the groove in his DNA. He has compiled a catalogue of essential grooves ranging from boom bap hip-hop to funk n soul. Inkswel’s latest release “Chasing Infinity” is no exception. It’s a album filled with bumpin tracks aided by a star studded lineup. “Everything” is tasty hip-hop featuring veteran rapper Dudley Perkins. “Butterflies” is laid back cosmic funk featuring the familiar falsetto vocals of Steve Spacek. The title track is an infectious dance track with a thumping groove that features veteran House vocalist Oliver Knight. We’re just scratching the surface here as there’s notable contributions from Kylie Audist, Amp Fiddler and more. An energetic album filled with various tempos certain to shake your hips and press repeat.

https://inkswel.bandcamp.com/album/chasing-infinity

Reg Dancy

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