Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be (Shy One remix) (3:37)
The Message Continues (Mark De Clive-Lowe remix) (6:10)
Review: Long based sax supremo Nubya Garcia's debut album was a real thing of beauty so it only makes sense it now gets revisited by a team of super remixers for this special Record Store Day release. Presented on limited edition turquoise marbled vinyl it opens with Makaya McCraven's airy and floaty light remix of 'Source' before DJ Tahira layers up 'Stand With Each Other' with ethno-grooves that are loose and off kilter. That tumbledown vibe continues on the scruffy deep house version of 'Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be' by Shy One before big jazz house feels from Mark De Clive-Lowe close things down.
Review: We're not sure who GeeW is but since 2021 they have served up three super fusion EPs, one on Ten Lovers Music and two on Colin Curtis Presents, which is where they return now for the third time. Their Deeper Than Black EP is a magic one that draws on all forms of jazz, soul, Latin, bossa, funk and house to cook up broken beat explorations doused in sunshine and with one eye on the stars. The title cut is a lively and vibrant jam with layers of percussion and mad Rhodes jams, 'Alzira Vida' is a little more chill but no less expertly arranged and 'Ocean Drive' then gets more dance with its prickly broken beats and lush horns. 'Difi The Hifi' is high-paced fusion brilliance.
Review: Gee wizz, we've got a 'Supernova' on our hands. The eponymous UK-based producer Gee W has gone above and beyond on this fresh EP for Colin Curtis Presents, topping up the label's slick repertoire with four unusually improvisatory club numbers. With each track playing out as spiritual/noir jazz freakouts live-improvised over quantized club skeletons, pieces such as 'Nu Horizonz' and 'Subtonix' enchant and impress with their multifarious layers and impressive array of instrumental choices, from vibraphone ting to trumpet parp to bass lick.
Review: Mahal by Glass Beams melds a diverse array of influences into a unique and enchanting soundscape. The Melbourne-based trio, shrouded in mystery with their mask-wearing anonymity, lets their music speak volumes. Built around founding member Ranjan Silva, their sound draws from the rich heritage of Ravi Shankar, Bollywood, Electric Light Orchestra, and traditional blues.Inspired by repeated viewings of 'The Concert For George', Silva's vision for Glass Beams seems to echo the fusion George Harrison envisioned when introducing classical Indian music to Western pop. The EP opens with 'Horizon,' setting a serene tone before leading into the title track 'Mahal,' an instrumental piece that envelops the listener in its mystical charm. 'Orb' follows with a riveting bass riff, while 'Snake Oil' delves deeper into Indian classical territory, showcasing evocative vocals. The EP concludes with 'Black Sand,' a dramatic and beautiful track featuring interwoven vocals and guitar. As their second EP, following Mirage, Mahal solidifies Glass Beams' distinct place in music, defying categorisation and quietly demanding attention with its almost otherworldly quality.
Review: 'Suite For Chick' is a heartfelt tribute to the late jazz legend Chick Corea. This 12" was assembled to reimagine classics like 'City Gate, Rumble,' 'Time Track,' 'Hymn of the Heart' and Return to Forever's 'Romantic Warrior.' It finds Bangkok-based Maarten Goetheer collaborating with Thailand's jazz virtuoso Pong Nakornchai and blending Wurlitzer chords, Moog basslines, ARP leads and Rhodes phasings. Inspired by his jazz-pianist father, Maarten fuses classic jazz with modern genres like techno, cosmic disco and ambient for a fresh take on jazz fusion. These electrifying interpretations honour Corea's pioneering legacy in jazz and fusion from his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis to founding Return to Forever.
Review: Matthew Halsall's Gondwana label is seeing a busy August what with the imprint flooding our jazz charts with reissues and, of course, new releases such as this wonderful collaborative effort from The Gondwana Orchestra and Dwight Trible. Trible's voice is like silk, running up and down the delicate waves of melodies from the collective, with "Colors" and "The Creator Has A Master Plan" both capable of making the toughest of audiences feel utterly uplifted. On the flip, "Love Is Everywhere" shines bright amid a flurry of flutes and intricate drum percussions, while "You've Got To Have Freedom" rides off a much smoother, deeper sort of vibe that's got a little funk at its core. Wicked.
Review: Felipe Gordon returns with NeighbourSoul Edits Vol 5, delivering a vibrant mix of funky rhythms, nu-disco grooves and jazzy undertones. Released via NeighbourSoul Rhythm Germany, this 12" captures Gordon's signature style, blending deep house textures with soulful samples and organic instrumentation. Known for his unique ability to fuse genres, Gordon's latest edits bring a fresh twist to timeless sounds, perfect for both the dancefloor and home listening. Expect warm basslines, catchy melodies, and plenty of groove throughout this standout edition in the series.
Review: Following the success of their debut album On The Inside, UK hip-hop, soul and r&b collective Gotts Street Park are back with their highly anticipated new EP which features a series of instrumental tracks born from the raw, live chemistry of the band. Made using techniques inspired by Miles Davis's Bitches Brew and with no lyrics, the music draws on psychedelic influences and hip-hop instrumentals so tracks like 'Diego' blend funky grooves and snaking guitar riffs, while 'Ozu' evokes the peaceful, voyeuristic feel of director Yasujir? Ozu's films. The EP ends with 'Enzo's Theme' which is nicely inspired by The Godfather.
Review: Long-established Italian producer Nicola Conte started working with jazz trombobist Gianluca Petrella back in 2017. In the years since, they've released a string of singles that fuse contemporary house sounds with the rhythms and musical styles of Africa. Here they present their collaborative debut album, People Need People, an effortlessly soulful affair that draws deeply on the pair's joint love of deep jazz-funk (see 'Hold On To Your Dreams') and the funk-fuelled goodness of Afrobeat ('Nigeria'). Throw in versions of those previously released singles (think 'African Spirits' and 'New World Shuffle' for starters), and you've got a highly entertaining full of high-quality musicianship and plenty of life-affirming melodic motifs.
Review: 90s pop favourite Gabrielle's Find Your Way was released in 1993 and was the debut studio album that established her as one of the UK's standout r&b and soul artists of the era. Now reissued, it features the hit single 'Dreams,' which topped the UK charts. The album blends smooth soul with pop and dance influences while Gabrielle's distinctively husky voice, emotive delivery, and relatable lyrics about love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment continue to resonate widely. Tracks like 'Going Nowhere' and 'I Wish' are further proof of her skills and help make her a major voice in British pop.
Review: Gadiaga, a rising star in the UK music scene, brings a fresh and captivating blend of old-school jazz tradition and modern rootsy sounds in her latest release, All Black Everything. Drawing from her Senegalese, Gambian, and Malian heritage, Gadiaga's music resonates with authenticity and vitality. Influenced by legends like Betty Carter and Stevie Wonder, she crafts a unique style that captivates audiences and critics alike. Through her soulful voice and compelling lyrics, Gadiaga explores themes of individuality, struggle and empowerment. All Black Everything serves as a poignant expression of her personal journey, celebrating the strength found in embracing one's uniqueness. With appearances at renowned festivals and support from influential platforms like Jazz FM and BBC Radio, Gadiaga's star continues to rise, cementing her status as a significant new voice in contemporary music. This album is a big reason why and should win over any listener.
Review: Almost three decades on from their last release, Acid Jazz forefathers Galliano are back with news of their new LP Halfway Somewhere, released on Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings. Led by lead single 'Circles Going Round The Sun', which proffers a watery, spiritual jazz-dance exposition through which the raspy vocal humours of the group's founder, Rob Gallagher, waxes poetic about the meaning of getting together for a boogie in the club. Where the somatic essence of the night might otherwise be resigned to experience alone, Galliano defy the unfortunate tendency for philistinism among dance music enjoyers in favour of a consistent spoken-word throughline; this is what the group have done since the 1980s, when they arrived as the first act on Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud label in 1990, with 'Welcome To The Story'. Their first full-length record to emerge since their first album, Live at The Liquid Room (Tokyo), released in 1997, Halfway Somewhere is a triumphant yet latent return for these essential players.
Review: Rob Gallagher and company make up Galliano, the trailblazing jazz and broken beat supergroup, active at least since 1997 andrenowned for their contribution to the musical landscape across the difficult-to-bridge gaps between music, fashion, spoken word and a concern for current affairs. Having staked their claim to their portion of the jazz and electronica pie as early as 1990, when they first appeared on the scene via Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud label, Galliano have gone down in memory as a pioneering acid hip-jazz act, "capturing a scene (then) built on re-invention", in the words of Brownswood. Now the five-piece collective once again moves at one, synergising over a nineteen-track opus, three decades on from their debut, recalling the (literal) quintessence of London's down-in-history acid jazz scene.
Review: Elliot Galvin is a leading figure in UK jazz with four solo albums that have topped year-end lists in respected media outlets. He is also a member of the Mercury-nominated Dinosaur and has collaborated with key jazz cats such as Shabaka Hutchings, Emma-Jean Thackray and Norma Winstone. Known for his improvisational prowess, his latest solo album taps into that skill once more and is an entirely improvised record that takes in quiet beauty like the opener, more theatric drama on 'Still Under Storms' and world jazz sounds on 'High & Wide'.
We Walk In Gold (feat Georgia Anne Muldrow) (3:50)
Water's Path (3:56)
Clarity (6:10)
In Other Words, Living (4:02)
Clarity (Outerlude) (1:35)
Triumphance (5:37)
Triumphance (instrumental) (5:40)
Review: To red and black splatter vinyl comes Nubya Garcia's latest full-length record Odyssey, out of which which a nascent batch of volcanic red jazz, dub and hip-hop fusions effuse. Produced by Garcia in collaboration with London legend Kwes, Garcia returns with Joe Armon-Jones (keys), Daniel Casimir (bass) and Sam Jones (drums), also enlisting the aid of such featured guests as Esperanza Spalding and Georgia Anne Muldrow. Leading with the felsic dance that is 'The Seer', across which what sound to be microtonal saxophone improvisations move across dark interregnums and moodily rapacious razzes, the ensuing album is equally as explosive and never settles or sets, despite its molten presentation.
We Walk In Gold (feat Georgia Anne Muldrow) (3:48)
Water's Path (3:41)
Clarity (6:10)
In Other Words, Living (3:57)
Clarity (Outerlude) (1:35)
Triumphance (5:35)
Triumphance (Instrmental) (5:32)
Review: For every artist who reaches immense heights early into their career, a second album brings much anticipation, and the exceptional tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia's Odyssey, is no exception. Musicians of the calibre of Garcia and her band have been honing their craft forever, and like this double album's name, all musically travel long and hard paths... Those that arrive at Garcia's deliciously distinct compositions on the legendary Concord Jazz record label, home of that other pioneer Esperanza Spalding, who guests on 'Dawn'. Garcia's luscious orchestrations fuse jazz with d&b, Latin, r&b, dub and beyond, in thoughtful syncopations and intriguing harmonics that speak of journeying. So, relish the funky intro of 'Set it Free' and Garcia's sultry tones with Richie's sweet and endearing siren-like vocals... On 'Seer' enjoy Garcia's precision, locked in heavenly reverbs and echoes playing off Jones' junglism and Armon-Jones' keys in a free jazz blast, and on 'Clarity' let Garcia, with her sisters-in-brass Maurice-Grey and Turton interweave Casimir's Bass in a luxurious cinematic embrace. Garcia with Kwes produce this adventure, one that undoubtedly will receive even more accolades. Odyssey, an album for lovers of all manifestations of jazz excellence to collect and treasure.
La Cumbia Me Esta Llamando (Kaidi Tatham remix) (5:04)
Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be (Nala Sinephro remix) (2:17)
The Message Continues (DJ Harrison remix) (2:57)
Inner Game (Blvck Spvde remix) (1:29)
Boundless Beings (Georgia Anne Muldrow remix) (3:04)
Stand With Each Other (KeiyaA remix) (3:19)
La Cumbia Me Esta Llamando (Suricata remix) (5:24)
Source (Dengue Dengue Dengue remix) (5:33)
Pace (Moses Boyd remix) (5:05)
Review: Nubya Garcia is one of the icons of the current, thriving jazz scene. Her album Source was a deserving Mercury Prize-nominee and here she reworks it through a series of new collars with the likes of DJ Harrison, Moses Boyd, Dengue Dengue Dengue and Georgia Anne Muldrow. Each of the new versions retains plenty of the soul and invention of the originals but adds in a range of other influences that take them in a more driving, groove-orientated direction. The results are stunning, with plenty of great options for DJs who like to play slow and sensuous. The Kaidi Tatham remix of 'La Cumbia Me Esta Llamando' is our personal pick.
Review: You will always have a job second-guessing where The Gaslamp Killer might go next. This time, it is to a new collaborative album with Jason Wool. ANANDA find the pair cooking up 33 minutes of avant-garde experimental jazz underpinned by heavy bass and topped with plenty of sound design madness that calls to mind the likes of Stanley Clark, David Axelrod and Aphex Twin. The synapse firing collage of 'Chaos In The Brain' is a great example of the joys of this record - organic and synthetic, chaotic yet calm. It's a real treat.
Left & Right (feat Method Man & Redman - instrumental) (5:14)
Spanish Joint (instrumental) (3:35)
Sugah Momma (instrumental) (1:33)
Brown Sugar (instrumental) (3:08)
Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine (instrumental) (4:07)
Cold World (interlude instrumental) (2:27)
Be Here (feat Raphael Saadiq - instrumental) (4:03)
Review: To commemorate the 20th anniversary of D'Angelo's iconic album Voodoo, Amerigo Gazaway had crafted a masterful tribute that reinterprets several standout tracks from the original. Utilising live instruments like electric guitar, synth bass, clavinet, organ and Rhodes, Gazaway breathes fresh life into these classic cuts while maintaining the essence of their grooves. The result is a woozy, silky update that melds elements of hip-hop, gospel, neo-soul and r&b, creating a rich tapestry of sound that honors the source material. With fourteen tracks, including both vocal and instrumental versions, this project captures the spirit of Voodoo while infusing it with new energy. A highlight of this release is the bonus track featuring Raphael Saadiq alongside D'Angelo on 'Be Here', which further emphasises the collaborative spirit of the genre. Gazaway's reimagining not only celebrates the timeless quality of Voodoo but also showcases his talent for blending classic sounds with contemporary influences, making this tribute a worthy addition to any music lover's collection.
Review: B-sides, Remixes, Rarities: Volume 3 & 4 is the second double LP in Amerigo's Soul Mates series and this one showcases 15 more superb tracks from his extensive catalogue. This compilation includes exciting mash-ups like Kendrick Lamar vs. Marvin Gaye, Dr. Dre vs. Curtis Mayfield, and Black Star vs. Aretha Franklin, among others. Each track highlights a masterful blending of iconic artists to create a unique listening experience that celebrates the intersections of hip-hop and soul and brings plenty of good times.
Review: The Doober, the latest instalment in the Music for Saxofone and Bass Guitar series by jazz duo Sam Gendel and Sam Wilkes, is a freewheeling listen through covers of songs by artists like Joni Mitchell, Judee Sill, and Sheryl Crow. Recorded live, the album captures the raw energy and spontaneity of their performances that feature Gendel's dynamic saxophone work and Wilkes' bouncing basslines. The duo's approach to covers is far from conventional, as they prioritise spacious textural exploration over faithful renditions. Tracks like 'Rugged Road' and 'The Circle Game' undergo radical transformations, evolving into wriggling, cartoonish masses and modal studies, respectively. Gendel and Wilkes playfully deconstruct each song, infusing them with their own cheeky sense of abandon. Despite their unconventional approach, the duo's chemistry shines through on every track, with each piece serving as a framed photo of outer space, presenting the infinite within a digestible container. The album's highlights include unexpected interpolations, such as a jazz rendition of Sheryl Crow's 'Tomorrow Never Dies' and a seamless transition from Miklos Rozsa's 'Love Theme (From Ben Hur)' into Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game.'
Review: DJ Scientist aka John Raincoatman is the German record collector behind the Outer Edge label. This time he welcomes Ghia for a second outing following the sold out and hugely desirable first one. This one comes in the form of a full length album featuring some previously unissued songs and lots of the group's signature downtempo synth pop sounds. They are soothing, lush and soulful, with delicate female vocals over sweet and innocent 80s keys and drum sounds. Perfectly steamy and sexy for slow dancing or lazy afternoons.
Review: The Jakarta label out of Germany serves up constantly high quality beats from across the hip hop and downtempo spectrum. Gianni Brezzo is a jazz affiliated bandana studio project helmed by Cologne-based producer & creative maestro Marvin Horsch and their new long player 'Tutto Passa' was made in homage to and respect of Italian culture. Horsch spent time researching Italian composers of the 60s and 70s before staring work on the record and it show sin the lush melodies, sweeping synth sounds and Library music vibes of this most exquisite record of instrumental chill.
Review: Stone's Throw has never really made any wrong moves in our opinion, and here the label puts its full force behind a deceptively powerful album. Taking us to places that are deeper than perhaps what the imprint is best known for, this is immersive, hypnotic, otherworldly stuff made from a variety of plugged in machines, analogue and otherwise, including a semi-modular synth. The result is a journey-style collection packed with atmosphere but one that's also painstakingly detailed and textured. Sound waves are rendered almost visible by the movements, drones, tracks and other pieces here, drum and effects machines producing the kind of noises that mesmerise and suck you in further as time passes. Tunes to get lost in, the only remaining question is whether anyone will ever want to return.
Review: Bebel Gilberto has put out several genre-bending albums is a truly gene-bending talent. The Grammy-nominated Brazilian singer-songwriter had her Joao album reissued in 2023 and now Agora is her first new music in six years. It finds her work with Thomas Bartlett who has worked with the likes of Sufjan Stevans and sees Gilberto reach all new heights. Her sultry and smoky Brazilian rhythms come embellished with plenty of catchy electronic beats and it carries on where much loved previous albums like Tudo, released in August 2015 on Sony, and her self titled album from 2004.
Review: Scott Gilmore's tracks are deceptively pared back. Putting an Arp Odyssey, Yamaha CS-01, Korg DW-8000, Hohner Pianet T, Roland TR 606, Roland SH 101, bamboo alto saxophone, clarinet, electric guitar and electric bass to very good use on this nine track Balearic-downtempo stunner, the tunes are easy to groove with yet subtly complex. They feel simple, but are incredibly detailed. Veering between a kind of synth-y smooth jazz, lounge, lofi electronica and sunset instrumental, Volume 01 is the proof after the promise of Gilmore's 2019 debut, Two Roomed Motel. Second album in and it's quite clear how talented the guy is. We just wish there was more information available for us to get to know him better with.
Review: The Gin Tonic Orchestra hail from Saint Etienne in the lower regions of France. They are a collective of music lovers with various different backgrounds that all feed into creating fresh new sounds. For proof look no fritters than this album, Shyance, which is their debut and is a perfect primer for anyone not familiar with the sounds. Elements of spiritual jazz, London broken beats, classic jazz-funk and new school fusions all feature here with some high-energy dance floor bangers like 'Rage Jaune' next to much more mellow offerings.
Review: Brooklyn-born, New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist Gitkin delivers a rich fusion of global sounds on Golden Age, his latest ten-track album. Known for his guitar-driven style, Gitkin blends the rhythms of cumbia, North African, and Middle Eastern music, creating a sonic journey that feels both expansive and deeply rooted. As the frontman of The Pimps of Joytime, a staple in the festival circuit, his influence on the soul-funk scene is undeniable. From Bonnaroo to Electric Forest, Gitkin has built a reputation for electrifying live performances. Beyond his own projects, he's produced for artists like Corey Henry, Bernard Purdie and Cedric Burnside, whose Benton County Relic earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album. With Golden Age, Gitkin further explores the intersections of global music traditions, weaving his soulful guitar into a captivating tapestry that speaks to his wide-ranging influences.
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