Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
Review: We'll never tire of the incredible Brazil45 series on Mr Bongo, which has provided an authoritative window into the rich history of 60s and 70s grooves from South America. Here's a missing joint from the series which took some time to come to fruition - a split release featuring Brazilian Boys on the A side and Rubinho E Mauro Assumpcao on the B. 'Super Herois' is an obscure slice of off-kilter, psych tinged funk from 1975 that has the kind of individual sound which could find favour with a lot of different DJs. 'Tudo Ai' has a more recognisable samba shuffle, but much like the A side there's a subtle twist in the sound which leans towards blues rock and jazz, locking down on the rhythm and creating a low-key party starter in its own unique way.
Review: Soul Supreme is a master keyboardist best known for his covers of classic hip-hop songs by the likes of Mos Def, MF Doom and A Tribe Called Quest. Here side-steps his covers duties to handle remix productions for two of his contemporaries in the Netherlands neo-soul scene - Gallowstreet, LYMA, Shamis and Rebiere. The A side lends a wonky future house feel (a-la GoldLink, Crackazat) to '52 North', Gallowstreet's ode to the city of Amsterdam. The B tune strips it back to a lo-fi soul bapper, fleshing out its theme of loneliness in parenting.
Review: Pete Cunningham's hybrid electronic/acoustic jazz collective Ishmael Ensemble has been right at the forefront of innovation when it comes to those sounds. For his latest project he links up with lyricist and MC Rider Shafique. They first met some six years ago when Cunningham was struck by "his powerful way with words." As such they got in the studio, Cunningham embraced a more bass heavy sound to his style and drew on his love of the likes of dub kings King Tubby and Adrian Sherwood. Coupled with Rider's voice and you have a superb new record.
Review: Joyce Moreno, a legendary Rio-born artist, is celebrated for her exceptional voice, musicianship, and songwriting. With over 30 albums in a career spanning more than 50 years, she continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Her iconic track 'Aldeia de Ogum,' known for its vibrant jazzy arrangement and rich samba rhythms, became a staple in London's Acid Jazz scene, championed by DJs Patrick Forge and Gilles Peterson. Originally featured on her 1980 LP Feminina and our 1997 Essential Joyce compilation, this beloved song first appeared on 7" through the Brazil 45 series. Rosinha de Valenca, another Rio native, was a revered composer, arranger, and guitarist who collaborated with giants like Baden Powell and Sergio Mendes. Her instrumental rendition of Gershwin's 'Summertime,' from her 1975 LP Um Violao Em Primeiro Plano, shows off her exquisite guitar skills accompanied by lush strings, delivering an emotionally stirring performance. A lot of great history on one 7".
You Are In The Embrace Of The History (Iti remix) (8:00)
You Are In The Embrace Of The History (Kuniyuki Takahashi remix) (7:19)
Review: Rafet's You Are In The Embrace Of The History is a thought-provoking debut released on Research Records, where Daniel Rafet Grima delves into ambient and drone music with a sense of reverence for ancestral memory. Side-1 begins with the title track, a piece that carries an air of longing and introspection. The atmosphere is rich with layers of ambient sound and chamber music depths. The next song featuring DGrima, adds another dimension with its haunting, immersive quality. On Side-2, Iti's remix introduces a delicate piano melody and a subtle beat, infusing the original with a fresh, creative energy. In contrast, Kuniyuki Takahashi's remix takes a more abstract approach, deconstructing the track into an intriguing exploration of sound and texture. You Are In The Embrace Of The History is a meditative and deeply reflective work that resonates with both beauty and depth.
Review: Another week, another clutch of must-have reworks from Chicagoan master Rahaan, this time on his personal, Hot Biscuit Recordings-funded Typewriter Record Pool imprint. He predictably hits the ground running on 'Ghetto Music', a slowly building and impeccably realised tweak of one of Phildelphia International's greatest moments, 'The Ghetto' by Donny Hathaway. After replicating and extending the original's atmospheric build-up, Rahaan focuses on keeping things rolling percussively, while subtly ratcheting up the energy throughout. Tampering with an all-time classic is dangerous, but predictably Rahaan has done a stellar job. 'Dark Places' is a more intense and psychedelic affair, with Rahaan working a bunch of heavy loops while inserting subtle builds and changes in tone and intensity. It's very good, but naturally lacks the 'wow' factor of his A-side edit.
Review: Rahaan is an absolute don when it comes to disco done right and with genuine soul. He's been rolling it out in original and edit form for many years and none of it ever goes out of date. Here he presents Gregory Carmouche & Cherelle Cherisoul Sullivan on the second release on the Yellow Taxi label. 'It Is What It Is' is a lovely loose jam with noodling chord work, rolling drums and magnificent vocals that bring plenty of sunshine next to playful whistles. Those vocals are more centred on the B-side opener while an instrumental remixes peels them away entirely.
Review: Aussie soul man Jordan Rake has a voice as smooth as silky. He first made waves with deeply emotive and romantic r&b laced slow jams on labels like Rhythm Section and has since put out several albums that grow ever more accomplished and adventurous. 'Flowers' however is a new standout 7" single on Decca with a signed insert that marks his own new deal with the legendary label. It finds the Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer and songwriter offer up more of his inner most emotions all wrapped in his signature production.
Review: Founded by Roy Ayers in Cincinnati in 1976 as a vehicle for his songs and productions - though, interestingly, he was never a member of the band RAMP recorded and released one album, 1977's sun-soaked jazz-funk opus, Come Into Knowledge. This fantastic 45 from South Street Records' new South Street Soul offshoot showcases two of the set's most admired and in-demand cuts. Edwin Birdsong and William Allen share production credits with Ayers on 'Daylight', a shuffling, dewy-eyed, afternoon-ready delight whose slow groove, meandering synth solos and blissful female vocals recall another Ayers' classic 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine'. Fittingly, RAMP's fine, soft-focus take on that tune can be found on side B.
Review: Rasco's The Unassisted was a pivotal release in 1997, helping to put independent rap on the map with its raw energy and standout production. Taken from his Time Waits for No Man LP, this 12" single, produced by Fanatic with cuts from D-Styles and Peanut Butter Wolf, quickly became an underground classic. Rasco's sharp delivery and gritty lyricism, paired with that unmistakable 90s sound, solidified his place in the scene. Over the years, Rasco has collaborated with hip-hop heavyweights like Phife Dawg, Evidence, Jake One and Roc Raida, releasing albums with Stones Throw and gaining international recognition.
Review: On paper, combining Coltrane jazz classic 'A Love Supreme' and Bob Marley's 'Exodus' in a Cuban jazz style seems like an odd idea, but as Joe Clausell and pianist Matt Jenson proved on their 2013 album as Rebel Tumbao, it's actually a genius one. For proof, check out the original mix, which is tucked away on the flipside of this belated remix EP. The real star attraction though is Ron Trent's A-side remix, which brilliantly re-images the track as a skanking chunk of slow-motion dub house complete with echoing vocal snippets, reverb-laden pianos and plenty of Latin and African style hand percussion. Eqwel's accompanying 'Dub Bass Mix', a more glitchy, electronic affair, is also well worth a listen.
Just Can't Wait (feat Lumi HD - Kid Creme remix) (4:51)
Just Can't Wait (feat Lumi HD - extended mix) (5:28)
One More Time (feat SANITY - Red Rack Em remix) (6:39)
One More Time (feat SANITY) (5:19)
Review: As we wait impatiently for the release of Sam Redmore's forthcoming debut album, Universal Vibrations, the hotly tipped producer has treated us to some club-ready revisions of two tracks from that set. In its extended mix form (track 2), 'Just Can't Wait' is an inspired slab of vocal boogie brilliance complete with heady Afrobeat style horns, sparkling piano riffs and a chorus so addictive it should probably come with a warning. Kid Creme's accompanying remix is a bouncier disco-funk revision rich in rubbery bass guitar, Nile Rodgers licks and jaunty electric piano stabs. Over on the flip, Latin-fired, rap-sporting Afro-breaks number 'One More Time' is given an airing, alongside a fine, stripped-back, sub-heavy deep Afro-house rub from Bristol-based veteran Red Rack'em.
Review: Sam Redmore's innovative and eclectic global grooves continue to impress with his latest releases. Known for creating uplifting tracks that effortlessly merge electronic, jazz, Latin and Afro sounds, Sam returns with a stunning rendition of Dames Brown's 'What Would You Do?' Lumi HD's outstanding vocals, supported by a superb ensemble of backing singers and musicians, bring an organic warmth to the track, which passionately encourages lovers to make the right choices. On the flip side, 'Glow,' which debuted earlier this year, has already received acclaim from tastemakers for its infectious and bold groove. This track exemplifies Redmore's talent for crafting music that deeply resonates with audiences. Both tracks highlight Redmore's distinctive style and his skill in fusing various genres into seamless pieces. These new releases further cement his status as a maestro of eclectic global sounds.
Review: Label regulars Roberta and Trilaterals are back on Worldship Music to take part in the latest Herald Tarccs instalment. Reelsoul is a new name to join the fun and pens up with 'La Costa' which is a throwback disco house sound with wild melodies and big horn leads vying for attention and getting hands skyward. Trilaterals bring plenty of percussive funk and jumbled drum brilliance to 'Flo Jo' and Teflon Dons taps into a Philly sound with the string loops of 'DONTWANTU2GO.' Roberta's "Hang Back' is a classy little jazz-house number.
Get Some Love (feat LeeLee A Stanwyck & Marcus Machado) (4:23)
Find My Way (4:57)
Review: Bump'n'Grind has served up some serious heat across its first few 7"s and for this new one it taps into the fertile ground where hip-hop, funk, r&b, soul and boogie all intersect. The tunes are lovely and lo-fi with roughhewn analogue edges and a dusty vibe that is immediately appealing. Reggie B is the man behind them and first up he says 'Get Some Love' feat LeeLee A Stanwyck & Marcus Machado - its rich in dazzling chords and Prince style funk with catchy as hell vocals. 'Find My Way' is a hip hop beatdown with plenty of swagger and sugary synths.
Review: Reggie Ray's latest release, timed with the Paris '24 Olympics Breaking event, pays homage to street culture with a heartfelt record. With intricate production and a nod to New York '72, it's a fitting tribute to DJ Regal's innovative spirit. The artwork by Optic Intake adds visual depth, resonating with the energy of the FBV Crew and the late Paul Eve's enduring influence. Released by Lexington144 Records, this EP blends nostalgia with contemporary beats, showcasing Reggie Ray's mastery in crafting dynamic, street-inspired tracks. A poignant note honors Eve's legacy, promising future releases from Lexington 144 Records. This release not only celebrates breaking culture but also tells about the enduring impact of its creators.
Review: Timmy and South African songstress Toshi Tikolo, who hails from Kwalanga Township in Cape Town, collaborate on this powerful Afro House track that showcases a deep, spiritual side of the genre. Known for its impact on Shelter Heads and beyond, the instrumental mix alone packs a punch. Joaquin Joe Claussell elevates things with his signature and sacred style that transforms the original Afro roots into something entirely unique. His remixes, including the wonderful Cosmic Arts Afro and Drum Gathering versions, add plenty of depth to an already captivating original. This is as authentic as Afro house gets.
All You Got To Do (feat Jimmy James & Alex Rose) (4:29)
Original (feat Marina Alberto) (4:01)
Review: Reposado aka Tequila Funk brings more Latin and Afro flavours magic to this new 7". It makes a perfectly international soundtrack for global dancefloor fun with A-side 'All You Got To Do' bringing an uptempo soul vibe with some legendary guitar from the one and only Jimmy James, while some soulful background cooing comes from Alex Rose. It's a feelgood gem that will unite all who hear it and then the reverse is a salsa-tinged delight. 'Original' has masterful piano from Marina Albero and is an irresistible gem that completes a fine two-tracker.
Review: Resavoir's return is a reflective piece that evokes the haze of distant memories. Originally commissioned by Chicago's Public Media Institute for their 2020 Quarantine Times publication, the track now sees wider release following Resavoir's 2023 self-titled LP which came after their 2019 debut of the same name. Composed by bandleader Will Miller in collaboration with designer Crystal Zapata, it draws inspiration from the 1960s and 70s Italian film composers like Piero Umiliani and Alessandro Alessandroni. The track blends Miller's piano and synthesiser with Lane Beckstrom's double bass and Peter Manheim's drums to make for a wistful, cinematic soundscape.
Review: Rhythm Rhyme Revolution, alongside DJ Tabu, delivers a fantastic EP with Summertime / Sunshine Girl. 'Summertime (nuacidfunk)' gradually escalates into a disco crescendo, enriched by Dan Lipman's jazz flute/sax and Gareth Tasker's steaming sitar riff. On the flipside, 'Sunshine Girl' boasts a slinky Afro percussive groove, with DJ Tabu's vocals celebrating love in the sunshine, complemented by Barrie Sharpe's infectious hooks. The ensemble work, featuring Kenny Wellington's jazzy trumpet and vibrant guitar, creates a dynamic sonic landscape. The EP also includes the original version of 'Summertime,' reminiscent of Motown classics. Sharpe's masterful tease and impeccable mood-building make this record a touch of class, leaving listeners thoroughly enchanted.
Review: Ricardo Bomba was not only a studio owner, engineer, pianist and composer, but so too was he an accomplished amateur skateboarder. He lay down these previously unreleased, sun soaked Brazilian tunes in 1978 after years as bandleader with the one and only Jorge Ben's live show. The master tapes were said to have been binned during a heavy studio clear out but the man himself kept a tape copy that has been remastered for this special 7". Mariana Couto provides the angelic vocals while the music all trills with joy and happiness.
Review: Pedro's House swings open its doors again for another joyous party soundtracked by the label founder himself, Pedro Ricardo. He has a well-crafted brown beat style that draws great energy from the sun and gives it back in the form of loose-limbed and well-worked grooves. 'Solway System' is a busy, kinetic opener and '28 Or 5 To 4' then luxuriates in smeared pads. 'In The Attic' brings some Detroit soul to cuddly but heavy kicks and 'Knockup Stream' adds a little swing into the mix. 'Maracuya Matanzas' is the big finish with wonky chord work.
Review: Skeme Richards delivers a throwback to the golden age of funk with 'Hayes Turner On The Run'. Side-1 features the titular track, an epic 70s-themed piece with a powerful beat, a vibrant horn section and a funky bass and guitar riff, key moments punctuated by an electrifying sax solo, making it feel like the ultimate theme song of the era. Side-2's 'A Bookie Named Janice' offers a groovy blend of funk and soul, highlighted by scintillating guitar work reminiscent of the late 60s. With a hippie psychedelic West Coast slant and big drum fills, this track encapsulates the essence of that transformative period, capturing the spirit and sound of classic funk.
Review: Cosmocities returns with a sizzling six-track remix package of 'How It Feels To Be Loved' by American artists Erik Rico & C. Boogie. These jams are all ready for deployment in the club but come with a soulful signature that fans of Rico will quickly recognise. Tracks 'How It Feels...' and 'Love Everlasting' both get reworked by the one and only Josh Milan while Marc Mac, and Rico himself also step up with their own fresh twists. Milan's 'Honeycomb' mix infuses slap bass and acid-leaning grooves, his 'Floor Radio Vocal Mix' adds late-night soulful funk, Rico's 'Trench Coat Tribute Remix' delivers seductive P-funk vibes and Marc Mac's take on 'Love Everlasting' brings Balearic house magic.
Review: Atlanta house mainstay Stefan Ringer finds a perfectly complementary bedfellow in Marquinn Mason on this new EP for the venerated UK label Eglo. His mastery of deep house and broken beats is a great foundation for the jazz chops of Mason. 'Bounce Lesson' is the first to win you over with its loose, leggy bassline and funky, jazz, cosmic chord work. It's a seamless fusion of different worlds and after the brief jazzed-up piano dance of 'Alltogethernow' comes the standout cut 'Lead Walk'. Another wandering bassline locks you in while heavy, knocking broken beat patterns and gloriously life-affirming chords all warp and weft around one another.
Review: 80s soul jazz sensation and keyboardist Judy Roberts debut with her The Other World album and went on to out another nine full length. The first remained her best, though, and two tunes from it make up this hot new 7" on Dynamite. It's the title track that goes first and is an uplifting and life-affirming soul-jazz jam with busy drumming, hectic chord work and a fantastic lead guitar that brings the Balearic vibes. Things slow down on the flip with the more sentimental and noodling jazz-funk bass and laidback grooves of 'The River Must Flow.'
Review: The Robinson and Takahiro Fuchigami take a side each on this compelling exploration of house music infused with diverse jazz influences. This release effortlessly blends genres, creating a rich and textured soundscape that bridges lounge, disco and blues. Side-1 opens with 'Passion Is The Key', a track that leans into lounge jazz vibes, pairing smooth melodies with a laid-back house groove. Following this, 'A Satisfying Day' injects disco elements into the mix, creating an uplifting fusion of rhythm and melody. Side-2 deepens the jazz-house connection. 'Jazzing Bird' delivers an intricate, jazz-forward interpretation of house, balancing vibrant improvisation with danceable beats. 'How's That Sound?' captures the essence of a smoky jazz club, blending sultry brass lines with a steady house pulse. Closing the release, 'In Motion' incorporates bluesy undertones into a chilled-out vibe, offering a soulful, reflective end to the journey.
Review: 'Thermae' feels like a track that's more about the spaces between the notes than the notes themselves. Featuring Andy Baxter on guitar, bass, and drums, along with Jim Piela on saxophone and Francesca Uberti on piano, it's a laid-back, almost meditative piece that brings to mind the warm, smooth vibes of Khruangbin and Glass Beams. The track is sparse, but not in a way that feels emptyithere's a certain tension in the way it unfolds, with each instrument carving out its own space. The saxophone, in particular, stands out with an FX-laden part that evokes the mood of Robohand's 'Palms' LP from 2023, adding a touch of depth and atmosphere that lingers in the background. There's a nice balance between the organic and the electronic here, which shows in how the track was recorded between London and New York. It's all mixed and mastered with care by Sean Woodlock and John Webber, ensuring that each element, no matter how subtle, shines through in its own time. It's a reflective piece that doesn't demand attention, but invites it when you're ready.
Review: Roddyrod is a key player in contemporary hip-hop who gained recognition alongside East Coast pioneers like Kev Brown and Oddisee as part of The Low Budget Crew. His new release on Dirty Tech is a fine testament to his genre-blending skills as he combines hip-hop, broken beat, deep house and soul with real studio finesse. The standout track for us is 'Servant Royal' with unquantized drums and a jazz-inspired piano riff that will capture the attention of house heads everywhere. 'Fendi Foot' expands on his earlier work, while 'Skin Pride Deep' features Grammy-nominated Wayna and offers a powerful exploration of self-love and empowerment to add depth to the EP's overall sound.
Review: With Yoyaku's record shop staff handling A&R, the YYK No Label imprint has become impressively unpredictable. Recently, they've served up 21st century progressive house from Varhat, a killer collaboration between Chez Damier and Ben Vedren and an experimental synth-pop album from People People. Here they turn to Swizz jazz drummer Samuel Rohrer, an artist with extensive experience of delivering hybrid acoustic-electronic tech-house and minimal techno excursions. That's what's on offer here, with Rohrer blending vintage electronics and his own drums and percussion with synthesiser sequences, machine beats and intoxicating aural textures. This approach is best exemplified by the Tangerine Dream-goes-tech-house flex of 'Rewired Paradise' and the sludgy, pitched-down 'Memory Reset', though ambient jazz number 'Into The Void Where Things Go (Part II)' is also brilliant.
Review: Bora Rokovic's JBW blends the energy of jazz and funk, creating an engaging interplay between tight basslines and a rolling electric piano. The track's complex, yet subtle rhythms showcase Rokovic's technical prowess, drawing listeners in with its intricate grooves. This tight, experimental jazz serves as a fantastic testament to his skill in balancing improvisation and structure. The accompanying piece weaves in melancholic cello, adding a layer of depth and texture. The result is a release that holds an air of sophistication, offering both complexity and fluidity in equal measure.
Review: Romero Bros deliver a vibrant double-feature with Samba De Flora Parts 1 & 2, a limited 7" release on Echo Chamber Recordings. This dynamic single ventures into broken beat and nu jazz territories with flair. Side-1 presents 'Samba De Flora' (part 1), a lively track characterised by its tribal rhythms, prominent piano lines, and infectious Latin house influences. This reminds us a lot of Ian Pooley's energetic style from the Since Then album. Side-2 features 'Samba De Flora' (part 2), offering a more subdued take. This version highlights instrumental elements with a refined approach, creating a nuanced soundscape that complements its energetic counterpart. Both versions make this a versatile and enjoyable little 7".
Review: Rose Noir's debut Beat Tape 01 was first released on Daddy Kev's Alpha Pup label and soon made waves in the LA beat scene. Known for championing groundbreaking artists like Flying Lotus and Ras G, Alpha Pup set the stage for Rose Noir's unique sound. Now you can cop a piece of this legacy with a limited-edition 7" featuring standout tracks from Beat Tape 01. There is noodle jazz-funk on 'Cowboy', low-slung backpacker beats on 'Differentak', stoned synth swirls and glitchy grooves on 'High' and lovely loose, broken beat tumbles on 'Bambino'.
Review: The latest single from Finnish indie label Timmion Records is 'Souvenir' by The Rosettes, fronted by vocalist Tytti Roto. This sombre, mellow 70s-flavoured ballad is delivered with raw emotion, lacking in sophistication but rich in depth, reflecting on the world's dangerous and harmful conditions. Timmion Records introduces new talent with The Rosettes' 7" vinyl single, blending soul and jazz with smooth pop sensibility. Dubbed the 'Khruangbin of the North', The Rosettes bring a fresh cinematic perspective to contemporary soul music. On Side-1 'Souvenir' offers a deep soul experience showcasing Tytti Roto's emotive storytelling and the band's melodic depth. The Side-2, 'Green Ray,' delivers a psychedelic soul groover with a funky backbeat, evoking a 1960s vibe. Drawing inspiration from Cymande and Isaac Hayes, The Rosettes infuse their sound with experimental elements while keeping it catchy and accessible.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.