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Scrimshire – Music For Autumn Lovers [Albert’s Favourites]
Adam Scrimshire’s latest release focuses on the seasonal transition to Autumn. “Music For Autumn Lovers” captures the emotional shift we all experience with nature. Physically and mentally moving from outdoors to indoors and essentially into hibernation. Scrimshire performs all instruments here with his continued excellance. “Hazel” begins with pensive acoustic guitar rhythms. The melancholy “Willow” is another moody tune heighthen by euphoric strings and hints of drum n bass. These two tracks along with “Blackthorn” and “Hawthorn” were recently written and produced by Scrimshire. The other tracks were part of an earlier EP released in 2022. Scrimshire paints a vivid picture of the beauty of Autumn through the eyes of his reflective compositions. The result is a deeply personal expression of moods that you’ll enjoy in all seasons.
https://scrimshire.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-autumn-lovers-2
Joel Sarakula – Soft Focus [Legere Recordings]
Joel Sarakula’s latest release “Soft Focus” is a collection of light funk and jazzy pop recordings. Born in Sydney Austraila Sarakula has built a following around the UK where he’s now a resident, “I’ll Get By Without You”, produced by Shawn Lee is a laid back blue eyed soul stomper. “Back For Your Love” has a touch of Northern Soul with jazzy synths and funky wah wah guitar rhythms. “Midnight Movie” is a sunny uptempo tune with a touch of samba. “Soft Focus” is a time capsule into late seventies soulful pop recordings. Sarakula’s falsetto will remind you of crooners like Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. The recordings will inject you with good vibes while yearning for simpler times.
Richard Spaven – Solo Subject [Fine Line]
Richard Spaven has been the go to drummer for a number of the emerging stars on the UK jazz scene. With his latest project “Solo Subject” he picks up where he left off with his last album “Spirit Beats”. Two of the Uk ‘s premier rappers are on board for this project. “Spaven’s Arc” features Wildchild from the hip-hop group Looppack. Wildchild’s flow and lyrical dexterity complements Spaven’s drum snare rhythms. UK rapper Tendayi drops a fiery verse alongside the gritty groove of “Mind State”. “Find Peace Within”, a rework of the Liquid Biskit classic jumps out of the speaker with infectious percussion and synths. Another instrumental highlight is “Faders”, a ferocius drum n bass banger. Spaven’s fierce yet gentle drumming lays the groundwork for the wave of spirited piano flurries. Another impressive release from the mighty drummer.
Nubiyan Twist – Find Your Flame (Deluxe Version) [Strut Records]
“Find Your Flame”, the latest release from Leeds based Nubiyan Twist is a melting pot of flavors certain to satisfy your musical palette. You want toe tapping funky grooves. You got it here. A slice of reggae and afrobeat rhythms. Yes, there’s plenty of that too. Guitarist/producer Tom Excell manages to tie all these components together while receiving contributions from a number of notable musicians. “Lights Out” instantly pops partly due the soulful vocal harmonies but mainly because the unmistakable bassline from the legendary Nile Rogers. Frontwomen Aziza Jaye elevates the recordings with her gorgeous vocals. Jaye equally shines on the tropical “So Mi Stay”. The punchy Afrobeat rhythms of “Carry Me” receive a boost from Afrobeat pioneer Sean Kuti. “Slow Breath” featuring Mali native Mamani Keita allows us a moment to catch our breaths and enjoy the mellow groove. “Free” is another burning track featuring Ego Ella May holding down the chorus. Afro Futurist band Onipa is essentially Nubiyan Twist plus rapper K.O.G (Kweku Sackey). If you need one album to kickstart your next party then this is the one. No doubt you’re gonna have a funky good time.
https://nubiyantwist.bandcamp.com/album/find-your-flame-deluxe-edition
Les Hommes – Si Cosi [Sudden Hunger Records]
London organ trio Les Hommes latest release “Si Cosi” is an atmospheric blend ranging from lounge to bossa with a touch of soulful jazz. Rory More’s cinematic organ compositions work well on the dance floor or in a lounge setting. He’s joined by Tarek on vibes and Vlad on drums. “Sonorissima Bay” a lanquid tune glides on the strength of the mellow thumping bass. More’s organ rhythms along with Tarek’s vibes make for an intoxicating listen. “Night Drives” is another mellow organ grinding burner highlighted by soothing flute melodies. More’s radiant hammond is a reminder that the organ trio is alive and well. This recording is a breath of fresh air. It picks up where their earlier recordings on the Italian label Schema records left off. An engaging record worthy of repeated listens.
Paul White – Peace in Chaos [R&S Records]
“Peace in Chaos” is the third lp on R & S records from multi-instrumentalist Paul White. The eleven track release is a collection of ethereal synth heavy compositions. “Glory in Stories” is an electro pop treat filled with lush arrangements and soothing vocal harmonies. The aptly titled “Surreal” is a dreamy mid-tempo tune that is filled with joyful euphoric vibes. White has solidified himself as a premier producer who has worked with an array of musicians from Sudan Archives to Danny Brown. This release finds him front and center, crafting a record in his own personal vision. The result is a blissful journey that will brighten your mood.
LCSM “Likwid Continual Space Motion” – The Remedy [Super Sonic Jazz]
Dj/Producer IG Culture, one of the pioneers of Bruk continues to push the boundries of the genre. “The Remedy” is his second full length release under the moniker Likwid Continual Space Motion. While there’s elements of Bruk boogie throughout, it’s also layered with hip-hop and Jazz aesthetics. “Salty” gives a nod to the Dizzy Gilespie classic “Salt Peanuts”. The tune encompasses a touch of hip-hop sampling as well as funky horn flurries from Trombonist Nathaniel Cross and Trumpeter Jnr Biles. “The Journey” pops with pulsating rhythms from drummer Benjamin Applah. The hammond B3 melodies from Don Myth add a touch of spice to the tune. The title track is a heart pounding burst of energy. Bassist Luke Wynter lays down a thumping groove while Tenor saxophonist Deji Ijishakan’s spirited soloing adds the finishing touch. IG bridges the gap between Bruk, Jazz and beyond. The results are some of his best work in a long and storied career.
Daniel Casimir – Balance [Jazz re:freshed]
Bassist Daniel Casimir describes his third lp “Balance” as the balance between claasical, orchestration and UK jazz. Casimir, who also produces the album blends all of these components seamlessly. The album features the London Comtemporary Orchestra as well as a few of his friends. Nubya Garcia, Binker Goldings and Cassie Kinoshi are three quarters of the saxophone section. Jay Phelps and Sheila Maurice-Grey are part of the trumpet sections. The thumping bass on the title track sets the tone for the swirling strings and trumpet phrasings. “I’ll Take My Chances” is a warm and mellow tune that features the vibrant vocals of Ria Moran. This isn’t your father’s Big Band recording. Not only does it swing but Casimir drives the groove throughout and his compositions keep you engaged. Simply just another marvelous recording courtesy of Jazz Re:freshed.
Greg Foat & Gigi Masin – The Fish Factory Sessions [Strut Records]
“The Fish Factory Sessions” from Greg Foat & Gigi Masin picks up where the 2022 release “Dolphin” left off. The four tack release features four sublime recordings filled with warmth and ambience. Foat displays impeccable touch and tenderness on “Viento Calido”. Masin is renowned for his ambient compositions and “Three Piece Suite” finds him at his best. The fifteen minute tune is a voyage of cascading melodies certain to take you on a peaceful journey. Masin’s emotive compositions combined Foat’s superb playing makes for a beautiful collaboration. Close your eyes, lean back and enjoy.
https://gregfoat.bandcamp.com/album/the-fish-factory-sessions
Resolution 88 – Vortex [Synthethesia Records]
The London Jazz funk band Resolution 88 returns with their latest release “Vortex”. Bandleader and composer Tom O’Grady taps into jazz funk pioneers such as Herbie Hancock and The Mizell Brothers for inspiration. Highlights include “The Boss From Boston”. The funky tune features thumping bass rhythms from Tiago Coimbra. Special guest Tom Smith adds tasty melodies on tenor sax. As for O’Grady, he fuels the recording with layers of vibrant synth and keyboard arrangements. “Sky High”, a homage to Larry and Fonce Mizell is mellow spacious funk filled with swaying synths. “Love Will Come Around” is another mellow slow burn that features vocalist Vanessa Haynes. A delightful record that taps into the well of late seventies jazz funk with impressive results. O’Grady demonstrates that he’s a monst
er composer as well as a master of the rhodes.