Reissue of a classic alert! On 'Breakin' My Heart,' the wonderful Jim Sharp seamlessly blends A Tribe Called Quest's summery vibes with the original instrumentation sampled by J Dilla. Bebel Gilberto's iconic vocals glide over boom-bap drums and create an undeniably catchy groove. On the flip side, 'Check Minnie's Love,' Naughty NMX and Runex deliver once again by layering horns, heavy beats, deep bass, and smooth vocals into a gem with a nostalgic 90s feel. Minnie's silky vocals transform it into a dancefloor banger, capturing the essence of '92 without missing a beat.

The album effortlessly merges 1960s cool with classical music elements, creating a distinctive and original sound. What stands out most is the harp's role as the lead instrument, bringing a fresh, mystical dimension to the jazz genre that is rarely heard in traditional quartets or duos. Throughout the record, Ashby demonstrates the harp's versatility in evoking different moods. In her rendition of Freddie Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower,' the harp replaces the trumpet's warmth and power with a cool, elegant touch that transforms the piece. Ashby's intricate harp work introduces new harmonies and thematic elements, particularly on the track 'Games,' where the rhythm section's pulsating beat allows the harp's melody to take center stage. Afro-Harping is a hidden gem, encapsulating the essence of 1960s jazz with a nod to Afrofuturism and innovation. The fact that this groundbreaking album is led by a woman, especially in a genre where women often take on vocal roles, adds to its significance. This album is highly recommended for both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers - a gateway to Ashby's remarkable discography.

The legend that is Danny Tenaglia seems to have been creatively re-energised in recent times, with last year's 'The Brooklyn Gypsy' delivering a gorgeous and celebratory blend of good-time house grooves, mazy solos and life-affirming dancefloor energy. 'Tonight', his latest missive, is another gem, presented in 'beats (intro)' and 'no beats (intro)' variations. Both takes feature many of his aural trademarks - think impeccably programmed beats, a mesmerising bassline and incredible sound design - alongside waves of awesome electric piano solos, dreamy pads and eyes-closed female vocal snippets. Over on side B, he doffs a cap to his days as Twilo resident with a deep, dark and deliciously percussive workout ('Out From Obscurity'), before ANTRANIG delivers a similarly heavy, druggy and mind-mangling take on Cevin Fisher collaboration 'Move Your Body'.

Manuold showcases his signature sound once more with a fresh outing on Four Framed Music. The underground house mainstay has previously dropped heat on Beagle Traxx and We_R House and once again cooks up the goods here. The EP opens with 'The Paradise' featuring swirling cosmic pads and an aching female vocal and then 'Glow' races on with potent chords and warm machine soul stylings over deep, dusty drums. 'Give Me Your Hand' offers smooth drum programming and icy hi-hats, while 'Grey Sky' charms with cosmic pads and slick house grooves. Manuold's got a quality sound and great studio skills and all that translates into a futuristic, authentic house EP here.

Osaka-based jazz-funk band Wa Yo Set is dropping this new 7" single as a way of offering fans a sneak peek of another new album project they have coming up this year. The A-side features a jazzy, acoustic, and danceable instrumental cover of MISIA's 'Tsutsumikomu Youni,' which has been skilfully reimagined in the band's signature style. On the B-side, the original track 'R308' delivers a breezy summer vibe and closes out a tasty release that showcases the band's ever-evolving sound. It has more than got us interested in hearing the full length that is soon to come.

Natsu Summer's 2024 release, Orange Tsushin (Orange Communication) was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of Ryusenkei and now arrives on vinyl closely after the cassette format previously. It's a vibrant fusion of danceable lovers' rock and smooth city pop enriched with amapiano and across the seven cuts includes a standout cover of a 90s Japanese lovers' rock gem that mixes blending reggae and city pop influences. Rach format features unique jacket artwork which further showcases Takiguchi's creativity. Orange Tsushin pays homage to Natsu Summer's Ehime roots and captures the essence of mandarin oranges through its music and visuals for both a fresh and nostalgic listening experience.

Craft Latino celebrates Fania Records' 60th anniversary with a reissue of Ismael Rivera's fifth solo album, Traigo de Todo, which was originally released in 1974 on Tico Records. It is an album that showcases Rivera at his best and features iconic tracks like the lively 'El Nazareno' and the rather more sultry 'Que te pasa a ti.' Rivera's smooth, smoky voice is the heart of each track but contrasts perfectly with lively clave rhythms. He often delivers potent messages with his lyrics that touch on empowerment of the social as well as personal kind, always with great immediacy. This special reissue includes 180-gram black vinyl, with lacquers cut from the original tapes by the revered Kevin Gray.

Ruth Brown came to prominence as a 2012 semi-finalist on The Voice as part of Sir Tom Jones' team, and has since performed across the UK, including multiple appearances at London Fashion Week. She also starred as the alternate Effie White in the London production of the Sonia Friedman Production, Dreamgirls. Her shows often sell out, such is the lushness of her soul sound and now she returns with her highly anticipated EP, A Moment Of Truth, which again offers up her powerful vocals and shows some fine artistic growth across a series of tunes with buttery tones, heart aching hooks and timeless neo-soul, house and funk production.