Lynn Williams - "How Can You Call Love Fascination" (2:26)
Review: Jimmy Bo Horne brings his raw and expressive vocals to this new release on Japanese label Ultra Vybe. The oft-sampled America singer, writer and producer has been turning out such sounds since the mid 70s but remains on top of his game here. The big horns bring energy, the rolling rhythm section gets you up on your feet and the whole thing screams floor filler. On the flip is Lynn Williams with 'How Can You Call Love Fascination,' a much more slow and sensual soul tune with acrobatic vocals and nice piano fills next to a big horn section.
Review: Building on the momentum of their debut album, the legendary musicians and 577 mainstays return with Shine Hear, Vol. 2, a stunning continuation of their avant-garde exploration. Saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Carter, pianist Leo Genovese, bassist William Parkeriwho also contributes on Gralla and Shakuhachiiand drummer and vocalist Francisco Mela, reunite to create another cosmic journey through sound. This second volume maintains the same spirit of improvisational brilliance while pushing the boundaries even further. Drawing from classic jazz structures, the ensemble weaves in modern experimentalism and a broad palette of instruments, resulting in an album that feels both timeless and innovative. The tracks and the album title are inspired by a new poem written by Carter, reflecting the transience and ceaseless motion of modern life, much like the city of New York, where all the musicians are based. This collaboration has unique magic can emerge when these legendary artists come together. Their interplay blends elegant, traditional jazz with daring, avant-garde arrangements. Shine Hear, Vol. 2 stands as a powerful and innovative work, affirming the quartet's ability to continually reinvent themselves while honouring the roots of jazz.
Review: It might be getting cold and dark and wet here in the UK but music will always be able to transport us to warmer, sunnier, happier climes. And so it is with this new 7", which includes a booklet, from Discodelic. It's a two tracker from Cizana and La Nueva Generation that is flame hot and bristling with energy - Cizana's 'She Sold Her Soul' kicks off with its joyous flutes, hand drums and percussive Latin grooves then La Nueva Generacion slow things down and up the brass with their carnivalesque Afro-funk workout 'Uhru Sasa'.
Review: La La Lopez's debut single, 'You Can Call Me Rose,' marks her impressive entry on SOLA Records, offering a soulful, modern r&b response to Thee Sacred Souls' classic 'Can I Call You Rose.' Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, La La brings her unique blend of influences, from Mariachi and Rancheras to Soul and oldies, creating a sound that transcends borders. Recorded at SOLA Studios in Los Angeles and OLAH Producciones in Veracruz, this record shows her versatility. On Side-1, 'You Can Call Me Rose,' exudes soulful warmth, while the flip side, 'Deny,' is a vibrant Latin Pop track with English lyrics and rich Latin percussion, perfect for the dance floor. La La's music resonates deeply with her life experiences, a quality evident in her past works and future releases with SOLA Records. 'You Can Call Me Rose' has already garnered praise across generational audiences, affirming La La Lopez as a musical force to watch. Now available on 7" vinyl!
Review: Mr Bongo's brilliant Brazil 45 series is never more relevant than in the warmer summer months. The latest transmission from the South American country's golden period is again well mastered and cut nice and loud so that the super addictive vocal o the a-side really lodges deep in your brain. It also has a nice boogie bassline and plenty of funk in the drums. Flip it over for a more driving and hard hitting bit of samba rock with MPB grooves and a call and response male/female vocal that says over the high speed grooves.
Review: Rindert Lammers' debut LP is a kaleidoscopic suite in five movements; pelican wingspans of twinkly, retentive but then also generous jazztronica, centring on two distinct themes: Japanese cinema and YouTube confessions. Japanese culture is seen through a grateful lens, as theatrical titans such as Kirin Kiki are homaged; the B1 especially is inspired by a poignant moment in the actor's portrayal of Hatsue Shibata in the 2018 film Shoplifters. Seemingly firstly inconsequential digital traces are lent an upscale gravitas, meanwhile, as a voice clip from a YouTube comment on an algorithmically boosted Hiroshi Yoshimura video evolves into the ride-embellished upswell 'Thank You Hiroshi Yoshimura'. Mastering the art of appreciation from afar, Lammers brings a mood of gobsmacked reverence for Japanese enviro jazz and its offshoots, suspending us over an endless realm of forms circa 1989.
Review: 2 more gems from the ever growing Dynamite Cut 7 inch series. First up and first time ever on a 45 featuring Linda ''Tequilla'' Logan on vocals on a dirty funk drenched groove. On the flip the rare super sexy 7 inch version of the infamous Turn Off The Lights taken from the original tapes is presented here. Infectious essential classic funk for the nu & old generation alike.
Review: Dynamite Cuts have pulled out another classic from the Afro-jazz canon here. It's one of the many gems from the catalogue of The Last Poets and was sampled by some big hip-hop artists back in the day including The Jungle Brothers. The original track is some ten minutes long but here it has been edited down to a short and sharp for minutes for an exclusive 7" pressing. Soon as you drop the needle you will be hypnotised by the saxophone and vocals as the energetic groove lifts you up and away.
Review: Dynamite Cuts is one of the most aptly named labels in the game. Its latest releases have focused on The Last Poets with 'Tribute To Obabi' droopy on the same day as this one to kick off 2023 in style. As per that 45rpm, this one features a special 7" edit of a longer tune in 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle'. It's laced with musings on oppression and slavery with funky drumming and speak-sung vocals making for a compelling mood. On the A-side is the Afro-jazz of ''It's A Trip' complete with unique vocal styles and funky basslines.
Review: 1977's Delights of the Garden, which saw The Last Poets accompanied by legendary soul-jazz sticks-man Bernard Purdie, remains one of the proto-rap innovators' greatest albums. The team behind the Dynamite Cuts label clearly agree, because they've decided to stick two of the set's most magical tracks on one must-have 45. On the A-side there's a chance to savour LP highlight 'It's a Trip', where the band sings and speaks over skittish, loose-limbed Purdie breakbeats, fizzing funk guitars and rubbery bass. Turn it over for special (and tastefully executed) 7" edit of 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle', a classic chunk of politically charged proto-rap featuring killer drum work from the ever-impressive Purdie. In a word: essential!
Review: This must-check dinked 45 brings together two killer and influential jazz recordings from the early 1960s. On the A-side you'll find Yusuf Lateef's inspired cover of Alen North's 'Spartacus Love Theme', a shuffling, Latin-tinged, piano-laden affair that inspired many subsequent interpretations from fellow musical titans (think Ramsey Lewis, Carlos Santana, Eddie Harris and Bill Evans, for starters). It's an effortlessly breezy and life-affirming version that stands apart from the hard-bop jazz jams that Lateef was recording at the time. On the flip you'll find the scarce 7" edit of the Cannonball Alderley Sextet's recording of 'Brother John', a cool jazz interpretation that famously features a rare oboe solo from the track's composer (and Sextet member), Yusuf Lateef.
Review: In an unprecedented collaboration, Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc and world-renowned pianist Sofiane Pamart present Dreamers, a unique piano composition project. An unusual project to say the least, we have to admit that the idea is there: co-composed between the boy racer and the pianoforte prodigy, Leclerc and Pamart jointly describe their release as a "tribute to the journey and not just the destination", and a composition that "captures the ongoing pursuit of excellence and the never-ending evolution of dreams". It certainly is dreamy, with the likes of 'Focus' and 'The Dream Continues' wringing out the stargazing propensities of all those at home and mixing it with the raw power of the figurative racecar engine, inspiring a longing for greatness on the level embodied in these two.
Review: Monika Linges' voice sways between jazz and bossa nova with a natural ease that makes it seem like she was born for this. But her latest track pushes things furtherigently drawing you in with a relaxed yet intricate arrangement, before layering in subtle harmonies and rhythmic flourishes. There's a warmth to the way she sings, each note spilling effortlessly into the next, hinting at a deeper emotional core. It's a performance that feels personal yet universal, bringing the complexities of her influences into a fresh light. By the time it fades, you're left with the feeling of something timelessia quiet reflection on both genre and soul.
Aniceto Molina Y Su Conjunto - "Cumbria Candela" (3:04)
Catalino Y Su Combo Negro - "Cumbia Montaera" (2:23)
Los Hermanos Martelo - "Por Las Buenas" (2:52)
La Pesada - "Cumbia Y Tambo (En La Lluvia)" (3:54)
Review: The third instalment in the 'Cumbia Sabrosa' series delves into the rich archives of Colombia's Codiscos label, unearthing a selection of tracks that exemplify the vibrant energy of cumbia. Artists such as Los Trotamundos, Aniceto Molina y su Conjunto, and Los Hermanos Martelo contribute to a compilation that seamlessly blends traditional rhythms with the dynamic flair characteristic of the sonidero scene. Each track offers a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of the era, highlighting the enduring appeal of cumbia's infectious beats.
Review: Low Leaf's Red Moon is a strong three-song release that shows her dynamic artistry. The album opens with a live rendition of Alice Coltrane's 'Blue Nile,' enveloping listeners in its swirling, ecstatic sounds. The subsequent tracks, 'Innersound Oddity' and 'How to Open a Portal,' are Low Leaf originals that feel strangely familiar yet innovative. 'Innersound Oddity' builds to a frenetic climax, while 'How to Open a Portal' blends flute and harp over an airy rhythmic bed, offering soothing vibes with daring climactic surprises. Low Leaf's musical trajectory reflects spontaneity, freedom, and intuition, evident in the multifaceted meanings of her moniker. The album feels like a transmission from a dream realm, echoing her experiences of receiving harp lessons via lucid dreams. A snapshot of Low Leaf's artistic evolution, blending elements of free jazz, astrology, hip-hop and eco-spirituality.
Review: Original Gravity, Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez return with yet two more Latin groove versions of funk and soul classics, emulating two sounds not yet brought together enough. 'Dap Walk' is a shot-by-shot cover of the song of the same name by Ernie And The Top Notes - a slick and slippery interpretation that translates the original AAVE of the song's intro into Spanish. 'El Barrio', meanwhile, opts for 70s crime thriller vibes, instrumentally verging on expressionism via djembe, brass sections and vibraslaps.
Review: A stellar mix of DJ-able breakbeat and northern soul from Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez, two of our favourite contemporary funk artists active today (as long as we're certain of their identities, that is). This limited 7" contains two versions of the same killer track: 'Soy Un Hombre' reincarnates the triumphant 'achievement' of manhood through carnal brasses and kettle drums, in a quiver-inducing cover version of Spencer Davis Group's classic track 'I'm A Man'.
Review: Dynamite Cuts has done it again here. Celebrated American bassist Curtis Lundy called upon his sister Carmen for her vocal talents for this wondrous vocal jazz cut. 'Never Gonna Let You Go' is powered by a superb double bass groove, with lush xylophones and plenty of lively drums al backing the acrobatic vocal performance. It has never before been pressed up to 7" is a serious must have for collectors, especially as it is backed with the wonderful walking basslines and feathery light snares, meandering keys and seductive jazz melodies of 'Jabbos Revenage'.
Billy Hawks - "(O Baby) I Do Believe I'm Losing You" (3:03)
Review: This Juno colour vinyl exclusive finds Linda Lyndell serve up her own majestic cover of the classic "What A Man." Her vocal is smooth and buttery but also laden with gravitas, while the sweeping horns and jazzy keys all around her help to lift the spirits. On the flip is an ice cold slice of funk from Billy Hawks in the form of his "(O Baby) I Do Believe I'm Losing You". It's raw soul that glides at high speed with plenty of hip swinging claps. This is a much sought after reissue that will shift quick, so make sure you do too.
Leon Thomas - "The Creator Has A Master Plan (Peace)" (edit) (3:02)
Louis Armstrong & Leon Thomas - "The Creator Has A Master Plan (Peace)" (4:06)
Review: 'The Creator Has a Masterplan (Peace)' might have been performed beautifully by Louis Armstrong but it was written by Pharoah Sanders and Leon Thomas. Sanders was the first to record and release it on February 14, 1969 and it has since been covered by the likes of Don Cherry, Krokodil, The Dynamics, Lord Echo and many more artists right up to the present day. Here we get the Leon Thomas versions from 1969 as well as the one he recorded alongside Louis a year later. Two sublime sounds that make the whole world feel at peace.
Review: Rashied Ali had a unique talent for transforming unlikely sound pairings into masterpieces. Following Interstellar Space with John Coltrane and Duo Exchange with Frank Lowe, he joined forces with violinist Leroy Jenkins for this album in 1975. Jenkins was fresh from the Revolutionary Ensemble and composed all pieces for this rare duet, which is now reissued on vinyl for the first time in nearly half a century. The deluxe set includes an unreleased session exploring standards, the sounds of Coltrane and some truly wild improvisations. A top treasure for jazz-heads.
Review: Record Store Day and Black Friday 2023 continue to serve up the treasure even now as we roll into 2024. This latest pice, Creative Improvisation Ensemble, is from Marion Brown and Leo Smith who explore an experimental and avant-garde world of challenging jazz. It is freeform, unbound by rules and expectations and very much keeps you on your toes as the saxophones burst to life, express tortured emotions and peel away to nothing. Some cuts are more heavily percussive with tribal drums like 'And Then They Danced' and others are persuasive numbers that make you move.
Review: In March 2023, composer, arranger, and alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi debuted her commissioned suite, Gratitude, at London's Southbank Centre. Featuring her flagship ensemble seed. in a unique augmented formation alongside turntablist NikNak and the London Contemporary Orchestra (LCO), the sold-out event marked a milestone. Known for her work with seed. and Kokoroko, Kinoshi's compositional prowess extends across various mediums. Gratitude now showcases her textured and dynamic sound as it traverses from groove-focused modal melancholia to anthemic brass and string themes. Inspired by her mother and her own mental health journey, Kinoshi's creation resonates deeply, reflecting the soul of contemporary Black London with the craftsmanship of legendary jazz arrangers.
Dark As (feat The Maghreban & Tamar Collocutor) (4:52)
Tea Leaf Dancers (feat Vince Vella) (3:51)
The Volume Of The Light (feat Jessica Lauren) (4:43)
Review: London spiritual jazz man Emanative is drummer and producer Nick Woodmansey. He has put out some well received albums on Brownswood, The Steve Reid Foundation and Jazzman Records and also tries his hand - successfully - at electronic music. Vocalist Liz Elensky has been part of the project since 2006 and this album finds the duo head in a new direction that delves deep into electronic sounds but with soulful jazz vibrations and contributions from the likes of Rocketnumbernine, The Maghreban and Khalab & Jesica Lauren amongst others. It results in an album that is as alluring as it is inventive.
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