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Tag Archives: R&B
Close Counters – Lovers Dance Academy [Northside]
Melbourne natives Finn Rees and Allan McConnell are the duo better known as Close Counters. In a short time they have built a reputation for crafting infectious groove inspired soulful recordings in the shape of house and broken beat. “Lovers Dance Academy” their latest release is filled with high energy compositions. In addition, some of their Melbourne friends are on board to lift these tracks to another level. “Constant Love” is infectious up-tempo boogie funk with fellow Melbourne native Jace XL on vocals. “Waiting All Night” is another sonic banger with warm synths that features Allysha Joy. “Freedom We’re Needing” takes the party to a fever pitch. Led by Shiv on vocals, the high energy tune is laced with warm percussion and gorgeous piano melodies. These guys are rapidly building a catalogue of tunes that are well worth checking out. This new release brings a lot of heat. A clever title with recordings that certainly deliver.
https://closecounters.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-dance-academy
Dora Morelenbaum – Pique [Mr Bongo Records]
“Pique”, the solo debut from Dora Morelenbaum is awash with sublime jazz infused Brazilian rhythms. A member of the group Baja Desejo, Morlenbaum’s own project allows her to put her talents on full display. The blissful opener “Nao Vou Te Esquecer” showcases her heavenly voice over warm keys and soft guitar melodies. “Nem te procurar” is a light Disco number with an infectious groove. “VW Blue” is a jazzy number where Morlenbaum’s wordless phrasing aligns seamlessly with the stellar musicianship on board. The soothing ethereal “Petricor” is another highlight among many here. Ana Frango Eletrico serves as co-producer and creates a balance between mellow and funky tunes. Morelenbaum’s voice is understated yet passionate so you’re instantly pulled in. There’s a new generation of talent emerging from Brazil and Morelenbaum is certainly one to watch. This engaging debut is evidence of that.
Mörk – Still Dreaming [Albert’s Favourites]
Hailing from Budapest, Mork is a four piece band specializing in psychadelic jazz infused grooves. Guitarist Mark Zentai’s honey toned vocals are sprinkled over an array of ambient tracks here. “Towards The Sun” has a tasty groove and packs plenty of bounce for the dance floor. “Dromedar” is simmering apacey fusion highlighted by South London poet Brother Portrait. The mid-tempo “Only Mine” features Zentai’s vocals wrapped around a gorgeous melody and a wicked backbeat. The UK based label Albert’s Favourites consistently delivers gems and this is no exception. An impressive record that certainly deserves repeated listens.
Allysha Joy – The Making of Silk [First Word Records]
With “The Making of Silk” singer/songwriter/keyboardist Allysha Joy is in the mood for love. The eleven track release is a marvelous collection of dreamy emotive compositions as only Allysha can interpet them. The opener “Nothing To Prove” is a sublime recording where Joy confesses her unabashed pure love for someone. Finn Rees chips in with warm synth and rhodes arrangements. “Hold On” is augmented by Oscar Jerome’s hypnotic guitar. Joy states that her love is strong enough to allow someone the freedom to be the best version of themselves. The recordings are lifted by some of her long time friends from Melbourne who also happen to be superb musicians. Drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist appears on several tracks. Jace Xl provides backing vocals throughout the album. The result is engaging live instrumentation and string arrangements that linger in your soul. Add Joy’s blissful vocals and songwriting and you have a recording that will stir your heartstrings.
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.
Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation – Things Are Getting Better [Day Dreamer]
“Things Are Getting Better” is the latest release from Jimetta Rose and the Voices of Creation. The title speaks to the evolution of the choir that Rose assembled from her Los Angeles community. It also speaks to her perseverance through tough times during the pandemic. “Let The Sunshine In”, the previous release from 2022 just scratched the surface of how potent this choir can be. This release showcases a more confident choir that is hitting their stride. Evidence lies in “Already Real To Me” where Rose’s soul infused gospel vocals will uplift every soul within listening distance. The tune starts off in acapella fashion with subtle riffs from musical director/organist Jack Maeby. “Portals” delivers an electricfying performance that’s filled with inspiration and faith. There’s plenty of talented contributors such as saxophonist Isiah Collier. Rose nearly walked away from the music business before linking up with Maeby for this project. We’re grateful that she stuck with it and blessed us with an uplifting collection of soul and gospel compositions.
https://jimettarosethevoicesofcreation.bandcamp.com/album/things-are-getting-better
The Brkn Record – The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 [BBE Music]
Jake Ferguson, one half of the Heliocentrics returns with volume 2 of his solo project, The Brkn Record. While the theme of vol 1 centered on braking down oppressive institutions, vol 2 takes an extra step in calling out the injustices within the system. Ferguson certainly has enlisted an array of socially conscious artists to push this message forward. The mighty Anthony Joseph appears on three tracks here. “Skull Tax” comes in with a roar. A thumping bass groove and infectious electric guitar provides the canvas for Joseph’s thought provoking lyrics. “We Need Freedom” is a spirtual gem that kicks off with simmering percussion followed by searing Tenor sax and flute rhythms. UK vocalist Jermain Jackman’s falsetto moves the track to another level. “Prison of Skin” is another spiritual jazz keeper that speaks to the socio-economics prison that has held back countless communities. Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, a Nigerian singer/poet adds her heavenly vocals to the tune. A strong recording that entertains and enlightens you simultaneously.
https://thebrknrecord.bandcamp.com/album/the-architecture-of-oppression-part-2
Audrey Powne – From The Fire [BBE Music]
Melbourne native Audrey Powne delivers her debut lp “From The Fire” on BBE music. The nine track release was written and produced by Powne. “Sleep” is inspired by lucid dreams Powne experienced and how they measured up to her reality. The track is a beautiful piano driven ballad. “Souled Out” is another emotive ballad that features Matt Keagan’s haunting phrasings on baritone sax. Powne’s string arrangements add another layer of emotion that will certainly stir your heart strings. Powne’s dexterity as a multi-instrumentalist are on display here. “Feed The Fire” is a mid-tempo track that showcases her soloing on Trumpet as well as her prowess as a pianist. A marvelous debut that weaves soul, jazz and classical elements seamlessly. Powne is a gifted artist you need to get familiar with.
Erin Buku – Self Titled [Inner Tribe Records]
Austrailian Vocalist, DJ/Producer Erin Buku delivers an engaging self titled debut. The nine track album is a laidback array of tasty RnB soulful hip hop grooves. “Dreamers” is a mid-tempo hip hop track that showcases her tender vocals. It’s an uplifting tune where Buku artfully encourages everyone to follow their dreams. “Ley Lines”, co-produced by Inkswel is awash with serenading horns and melodic textures. “The Way” erupts with ebulient electronic rhythms aligned with Buku’s emotive vocal harmonizing. Buku is just another example of the bottomless well of talent from Austrailia that’s well worth checking out.
Go.Soul.Map – Peaceful Sound for Broken Minds [Space Echo]
“Peaceful Sound for Broken Minds” is the debut from Sicilian producer Salvo ‘Dub’ Bruno aka Go Soul Map. The twelve track lp is filled with dreamy soundscapes layered over warm melodic grooves. “Back In The Underwater”, the opening track features the sultry vocals of Reiwa Pia. It’s a downtempo gem heighthened by warmsynths. London based vocalist Derane Obika appears on nine tracks. “Fall Into The Flame” features Obika’s dreamy falsetto aligned with heavenly synths. While the tempo picks up on “Right Of Me”, Bruno’s production along with Obika’s vocals ensure that the mood remains the same. Bruno has created a marvelous record filled with warmth and is certain to put your mind at ease. I’m instantly transported to a place free of stress and full of engaging grooves.
https://gosoulmap.bandcamp.com/album/peaceful-sound-for-broken-minds