Soundway レコード& CD

Review: As NYC multi-instrumentalist Chico prepares for a new album in 2013, we're treated to a selection of cuts from his previously limited "Manifest Tone" series. Fusing sprightly electro boogie with the zest of D-Train, the jazz fluency of Roy Ayers and the more modern, complex production presentation of The Mexican Institute Of Sound, it's a really interesting blend of flavours that spans decades. From the sad Cuban dirge "El Paraguay" to the two-step meets classic Knuckles-out garage "His Favourite Thing" via the Kenny Dope-meets-Fela Kuti minded rhythm of "Luz" this oozes unique character, creativity and musicianship.

Review: Chico Mann seems to be able to turn his hand to almost anything. Having previously impressed as a soulful beatmaker (2007's Manifest Tone Volume One on Kindred Spirits) and afrobeat/afro-Cuban fusionist (2010's Analog Drift), third album Magical Thinking sees him prove his boogie, synth-pop and electrofunk credentials. Predictably, he hits the spot, delivering an authentic mix of vintage synths, boogie guitars, sweaty drum machine rhythms (see the excellent "Long Time Gone") and strong songs ("Comes and Goes", "Same Old Clown"). A string of Dam Funk-ish jams ("Esta Bueno") and Cuban-influenced electrofunk workouts ("Vivito") only adds to the impression than Mann makes music for endless summers. Recommended.

Review: Chico Mann and Kendra Morris combine sublimely on the Same Old Clown 12" through Soundway which is a thrilling taster of what's to come on Magical Thinking, the multi instrumentalist's third solo LP. Whilst the Antibalas guitarist has remained close to his Afrobeat roots on previous long players for Wax Poetics and Kindred Spirits, his new album is said to offer a more expansive portrayal of Chico's tastes taking in latin, freestyle, funk and boogie and "Same Old Clown" certainly suggests this is a rewarding approach. Mann's classic squelching 80s electro funk arrangement is the perfect backdrop for Kendra's slinky vocals and the accompanying remixes from Linkwood and Kon only serve to show her range, with the Firecracker man's boogie house update our personal favourite here at Juno.

Review: Bouncing his time between Antibalas and his Marcos Garcia and Chico Mann projects, Chico returns after several years of silence with a sweet slice of lolloping broken soul. With its soft padded synths and cotton wool hug of Kendra Morris's vocals, there's a delicate tumble to proceedings as we nod and slide into a sound that's remained in its own soul universe since emerging almost 20 years ago. When done as well and with as much authenticity as this, it's timeless.