2007
| DECEMBER 2007 |
 NOSTALGIA 77 WEAPONS OF JAZZ DESTRUCTION CD £10.95/ LP £13.95
Nostalgia 77 always release interesting albums; 'Weapons..' is a mix of the styles that they touched on across the past few albums. 'Journey Home' is an intense instrumental Jazz groove, whilst the vocal 'Stars' has a serene spiritual Jazz feel. The Eastern influenced 'Musical Slit' adds a 60's modal influence, whilst the equally mystical 'Medusa' is freer. 'One Step Out' is a fine, but deep vocal spiritual Jazz journey. Throughout the rhythm section is tight and the horn work (Trumpet, Trombone Tenor and Alto Sax) both ensemble passages and solos is superb.
 
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 AFRO ELEMENTS IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN CD £13.95
Aka Mr Gone, deliver a fine modern day Jazz Funk album. Propelled by Simon Bramley's Pastorius/ Paul Jackson style bass, the instrumentals like 'Ju Ju' and the driving horn fuelled 'Volcano' (complete with Raydio mix feat Jeff Lorber). Try the heavier Funk of 'Four Letter Word' and fast Jazz Funk of 'Stop You're Killing Me'. Vocal cuts include the Jazz Funk dancer 'Lift Your Life', the soulful 'Things You Do', the groove driven 'Chocolat', the latter featuring the vocals of Gerry Williams. This album will appeal to lovers of Down To The Bone and the Jazz Funk side of Incognito.
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 LUISITO QUINTERO PERCUSSION MADDNESS REVISITED CD £12.95
Remix albums rarely hit the heights of the originals, but when Louis Vega is at the helm then preconceptions go out the window. The remixes have not been submerged by dance orientated beats, allowing the subtlety and beauty of the music to breath, though the single 'Music For Gong Gong' is dancefloor heaven. 'Tumbao' is a shuffling slice of Latin Soul Jazz that is graced by the flute of Nestor Torres and 'Skinny Papa' is an amusing slice of Boogaloo. The Latin Jazz of 'Quintero's Jam' shines with its walking b-line and layered percussion; Hilton Ruiz is outstanding on piano. Blaze gives the dance feel to 'Love Remains The Same' but again their qualities compliments rather than detracts.
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| NOVEMBER 2007 |
 RANDY BRECKER 34TH N LEX CD £14.95
This is quality Fusion from one half of the horn playing Brecker Brothers. Randy is joined by his late brother Michael, Dave Sanborn , Ronnie Cuber and Fred Wesley on horns, giving this set a punchy frontline. The title cut and 'Hula Dula' typifies the set urgent grooves, tight ensemble playing and full-on solos. 'The Fisherman', the cooler 'Let It Go' and 'Streeange' add distinctive and diverse flavours to this quality album. Three live cuts include the tribute to Freddie Hubbard 'Tokyo Freddie' that swings like a Blue Note 60's date. Superb stuff.
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 BEGGAR & CO FT FUNK JAZZ COLLECTIVE BRASS STRINGS N'THINGS CD £12.95
(Available from mid November)
Classic Jazz funk recorded live at Jazz Café ft their (light of the world) hits 'Time', 'London Town' 'Im So Happy' 'Petes Crusade' and 'Somebody Help Me Out' along with covers of classics like 'Movin', 'Evolution' , 'Cosmic Lust' 'Throw Down' and 'Nature Boy' .also check the studio remix of 'Time' . Features Light of The world, Carmelle Hinds, Bluey etc Loads of Energy !
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 JIMMY SOMMERS SUNSET COLLECTIVE CD £14.95
Superb album that veers more towards Fusion than Smooth Jazz, laced with some nice Soul cuts too. If you like Boney James then this set will appeal. 'Out of Nowhere' has that Boney/Grover feel, slowish sensual groove topped by fine sax playing. Rahsaan Patterson adds his distinctive vocals to the excellent dancer 'Let your Body Go', whilst Vikter Dupliax adds his typically languid touch to 'If I Knew'. Fans of the smooth groove will adore 'Happy Hour' featuring Paul Brown and 'Kickin It' featuring Brian Culbertson. The Bossa tinged 'Besame Mucho' simmers and adds a touch of Latin. Jimmy gets funky on 'House Party' and 'Vertical'. Ultra strong album that will appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners.
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 EVERETTE HARP MY INSPIRATION CD £14.95
This fine funky and smooth set from the sax maestro, sees a return to form and to his Jazz fusion roots., 'All Jazzed Up', 'Funky Palisades' and 'Juke Joint' provide a riff and groove laden backdrop to Harp's soulful and warm sax playing. Harp sounds uncannily like Grover and Wilton Felder on this predominantly instrumental album that oscillates between smooth Fusion and highly melodic songs such as 'Old School' and 'In Time'. Try also the accomplished cover of Dennis Edwards' 'Don't Look Any Further'. Heavyweight guests include George Duke and Jeff Lorber, whilst the rhythm section includes the exquisite bass playing of Alex Al. Highly recommended.
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 ERIC MARIENTHAL JUST AROUND THE CORNER CD £14.95
Rippingtons' saxman releases a set whose production credits include Brian Culbertson and Jeff Lorber. Eric's alto is highly melodic, which compliments the beat driven style that the Rippingtons have perfected over the years. Tracks such as 'Blue Water' and the slowish/ mid-tempo 'Flower Child' exemplify this style, whilst 'Open Road' could be a Rippingtons album track. 'Dance With Me' has an early 80's Soul vibe, and 'Your Move' is more of a groove laden affair. Throughout Eric's sax is to the fore and dominates all of the tracks. For those who enjoy, sax heavy Smooth Jazz instrumentals this album will appeal.
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 DAVE SERENY TAKE THIS RIDE CD £14.95
Exceptional selection of Smooth Jazz grooves, whose appeal will extend beyond the genre's aficionados. Sereny is a talented guitarist in the Benson/ Norman Brown mould his playing is clean cut and highly melodic, but possesses an understated Funk. Check his version of Rick James' 'Give It to Me Baby', plus Fusion tinged instrumentals like 'Keep Goin'. Mid-tempo groovers like 'St Tropez' and 'Blueberry Groove' are springboards for the guitarist's virtuosity. Viktar Duplaix contributes 3 typically languid songs including the outstanding 'Take This Ride' featuring N'Dea Davenport and 'Lucy' with guest Bob James. 'Fly Away' is another gem on this fine set.
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 SOUND STYLISTICS PLAY DEEP FUNK CD £13.95 LP£13.95
Sound Stylistics are some of the UK's finest session men brought together by a joyous love of Funk and features players that have contributed to the success of the likes of Incognito, James Taylor and Snowboy (the latter form part of the backing to the group). Check the JB like 'Shake And Hip Drop', the awesome 'Players Theme' and the gutsy 'Put It In The Pocket'. If you like 'Deep Funk' or just Funk simply buy this awesome album. Also check the Jazz Funk groove of 'Keepin On'. BRILLIANT.
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| OCTOBER 2007 |
 MONDAY MICHIRU –MY EVER CHANGING MOODS CD £23.95
I’m not a great fan of cover’s albums but when they are this good you have to make an exception.
Monday covers with her own jazzy soul style Barry’s ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A little Bit More’, Patrice’s ‘Remind Me’ and Sos band ‘Just Be Good To Me’ which are good but when she tackles Brainstorm’s ‘Journey To The Light’ it really takes off. Also good covers of jazzier songs ‘Aldeia De Ogum- Joyce), Vera Cruz , Mi Vida (Lucien)and even ‘Walking In Your Footsteps are great.. Brilliant album.
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 QUASIMODE – LAND OF FREEDOM CD £23.95
Follow-up to the highly acclaimed ‘Oneself-Likeness’, this set surpasses the standards of its predecessor. The two tracks featuring Carmen Lundy – a re-working of her ‘Time Is Love’ classic and the more spiritual Jazz tinged ‘Object In The Mirror’ are outstanding. ‘Man from Nagpur’ is a Sleepwalker style stomper, whilst the percussive driving ‘For Self Defense’ build remorselessly towards a crescendo that is but the fore taster to the faster ‘Percussion Revolver’. The acoustic bass line on the title song glows and growls over which the ever excellent horn section and brilliant pianist express themselves in a Modal/ Hard Bop framework. This album is a contender for our Jazz album of 2007.
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 GERARDO FRISINA – NOTEBOOK: A JOURNEY IN SOUND REMIXES
CD £14.95 DBL LP £15.95
Gerardo Frisina’s albums epitomize the essence of the Schema label. Vibrant groove led Jazz that echo the sound of the great Blue Note in its Hard Bop/ modal heyday. This selection of new tracks and remixes/reworks from Gerardo will be a must for fans of the label. The remixes (mostly adding the bass and drum of the Lo Greco brothers) beef up cuts like Combo Moderna’s ‘Ghetto Stomp’ and Hipnosis’ Black Forrest Stomp’. Three previously unreleased cuts like the blistering Blue Note sounding ‘Tokyo’s Dream’, the movie theme tune like ‘Es Diferente’ and the vibes led groover ‘Calle De Candela’. The percussive ‘Alborado’ and Dizzy Gillespie’s ‘Swing Low Sweet Cadillac’ reworked keep the tempo and spirit up. A fine addition to the 2 previous highly recommended albums:
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 TIMO LASSY – SOUL AND JAZZ OF TIMO LASSY CD £13.95/ LP £13.95
Another candidate for Jazz album of the year, the sax player from Five Corners Quintet combines the 60’s Blue Note style of say Horace Silver, Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan (esp. on ‘Live At The Timber Yard’) with a contemporary freshness. Timo’s fluid sax playing creates a vibrant storm on tracks like the modal swinger ‘Early Move’, the fluent ‘The Call’ and the heavier percussive ‘African Rumble’. Check also ‘Weldon’ the more laid-back ‘Sweet Spot’ and the deep, slow ‘Universal Four’, on which Timo’s playing is particularly evocative. Essential Jazz dance.
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 ELIZABETH SHEPHERD – BESIDES (REMIXES AND B SIDES) CD £13.95
Excellent set that combines some new material with re-workings/re-mixes of her brilliant album ‘Start To Move’ of last year. Vocal dance Jazz cuts like the delicate ‘Midnight Sun’, the bass led ‘Open Your Eyes’ and the heavier ‘Soya’ that bursts into a 60’s (Blue Note) style groove. The Nostalgia 77 mix of ‘Reversed’ and the Jazz dance version of ‘George’s Dilemma’ are strong versions that add to the originals and coupled with the enhanced production make this CD a must buy.
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 RANDY MULLER – BOOM CHANG BANG-GROOVIN U CD £11.95
Ex Brass Construction main man and legendary producer delivers a groove driven set that will appeal to lovers of upbeat late 70’s dancers, Fusion and Smooth Jazz. The instrumental ‘Magic’, the vocal ‘Groovin U’ or try the atmospheric floater ‘Luvanova’ are all strong cuts. ‘Easy Luv’ is another mid-tempo gem, whilst ‘Bala’ adds a light Brazilian Jazz touch and ‘Devotion’ is a straight forward Soul dancer. Randy plays all instruments plus takes the lead and solos on flute.
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 DWAYNE KERR – HIGHER CALLING CD £11.95
Featured flautist with Erykah Badu’s band, delivers his second album, which is a fine mix of Smooth Jazz and Fusion. Erykah add vocals to Kerr’s pleasing take of Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’. The mid-tempo shuffler ‘Daughters’ is fine slightly Latin tinged cut and is a vehicle for Dwayne’s solo prowess. The slower ‘Yeah’ and the uptempo ‘Being With You’ featuring Kirk Whalum are joyful smoothish grooves. The riff-laden ‘Keep It Right There’ and ‘Higher Calling’ are fine slowish grooves and Dwayne’s playing soothing and soulful throughout.
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS – BLACK FEELING CD £13.95 LP £13.95
Another great compilation from Freestyle, this set kicks funky ass. From Pacific Rhythm Combo’s take on Bill Doggett’s JB groove ‘Honky Tonk Popcorn’ to Shirley Eubanks Ensemble’s jazzer ‘The Blessing Song’ and the fast Latin take of Rusty Bryant’s ‘Fire Eater’ from Sexteto Excellencio make this groove driven comp varied and cohesive. The Prestige like Jazz groove of Prince Nafa and His Polynesians’ ‘Whatcha Feel Is Whatcha Get’ revisits 60’s Soul Jazz, whilst Luther Harris’ ‘Black Feeling’ is given a riff laden rework. 12 strong Jazz and Funk grooves all produced by Australia’s Lance Ferguson
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 COOKIN ON 3 BURNERS – BAKED, BROILED AND FRIED CD £13.95 LP £13.95
Hot Funk in the style of the late 60’s early 70’s – raw, tough and groove laden, this trio are aided by a sublime set of horns literally cook. Check ‘Keb’s Bucket’ and ‘Cook It’ or the riff laden ‘Cressy St Breakdown’ with its infectious guitar lick and Hammond stabs. This heavy Funk is relentless and with 13 relatively short tunes you choose from a range of hard driving cuts like ‘Gravel Rash’ to slower heavier semi-dirge grooves like ‘Cane Toad’. More magic from the Freestyle label.
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 LACK OF AFRO – PRESS ON CD £13.95
Interesting 12 track set that, whilst is based on Funk is a varied and eclectic. Check the awesome ‘The Outsider’, the groove laden ‘Live At The Club’, the tough ‘Mongrel Strut’ and the jam ‘Wait A Minute’. Check the jazzier;’Roderigo’ and the late 60’s Soul tinged ‘Touch My Soul’. If you like something different, then try this innovative album.
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 QUEEN LATIFAH – TRAVELIN LIGHT CD £11.95
This selection of (mainly) Jazz standards is delightful and showcases just what a fine voice Queen Latifah possesses. ‘Georgia Rose’, ‘Travelin Light’, the spiritual ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ and ‘Don’t Cry Baby’ are all gorgeous slow numbers, whilst the big band ‘I’m Gonna Live Till I Die’ is a lively upbeat cut. The Pointer Sisters’ funky ‘How Long’ echoes the original, whilst the soulful late 60’s sounding ‘What Love Has Joined Together’ is superb and she breathes new life into 10CC’s hit ‘I’m Not In Love’.
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 HAGGIS HORNS – HOT DAMN CD £13.95
UK based Funk band that is as tight as any of their contemporaries are blessed with a classic 70’s style Funk horn section. Coupled with funky guitar licks, running bass lines and tough drums is a winning combination. The first two cuts ‘Enter The Haggis’ and ‘Pipe Bag’ set the tone – quality hard driving Funk. ‘The Bump’, ‘Got To Lose Your Way’ is tough grooves, whilst ‘The Traveller’ and ‘Tribe Vibes’ add an Afro-beat feel. Kool’s ‘Who’s Gonna Take The Weight’ and the quirky ‘Naughty Buddha’ keep the Funk quotient high. Excellent JB inspired stuff.
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 DARREN RAHN – ONCE IN A LIFETIME CD £13.95
Saxman Darren Rahn has amassed an impressive track record, playing with the likes of Waymon Tisdale, Brian Culbertson and Gregg Karukkas. Tisdale, Dave Koz and Jeff Lorber guest on this superior instrumental Smooth Jazz album. Check the uptempo ‘Uptown’, the funkier ‘Groove Du Jour’ and sleek ‘Groove Tonight’. Take the slowish ‘A Greater Love’, the charming chugging ‘Side Steppin’ or the layered sax play of ‘On The Rebound’. Playing wise, Darren’s style is not unlike that of Euge Groove.
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| JUNE 2007 |
 DOWN TO THE BONE SUPERCHARGED CD £13.95
Great new album from the British contemporary Jazz Funk outfit, 'Supercharged' is the funkiest set for a while. The title song is a full on Funk instrumental on which the horn section excel, as is the slower 'Funkin Around'. 'Parkside Shuffle' is a mellower summer like groover (hints of Ramsey Lewis). Hil St Soul adds her soulful voice to the Incognito like 'Smile To Shine wicked b-line! Roy Ayers adds scat and vibes to the Jazz Funk stunner 'Electric Vibes', 'Space Dust', 'Make It Funky and 'Hip City' are fine instrumentals that fuse Jazz and Funk.
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 JAMES TAYLOR'S 4TH DIMENSION PICKING UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF CD £13.95
James Taylor returns with his second album in quick succession and whilst 'A Taste Of Cherry' is classic British Jazz Funk, 'Picking..' is altogether funkier. 'Boot Up', 'Easy Time' and 'Mr Z' are on the money organ grooves thumping Hammond, walking bass lines and infectious guitar riffs backed by tough drumming. 'Mincemeat' and the single 'Dead Leg' keep the Funk quota high. Great stuff.
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 DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER RED EARTH CD/DVD £14.95
Dee Dee goes to Mali to find her ancestral roots and makes this CD with African musicians. Rhythmically strong throughout the tracks of most appeal will be the jazz covers. The standout is her revisiting 'Afro Blue' in a more percussive version than her 70's classic. Wayne Shorter's 'Footprints' is given a slightly slower pace but is equally good, and her version of Nina's 'Four Women' is compelling. There's also a real barnstorming version of 'Compared To What'. The other tracks may be too African for many on this interesting project.
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 JAFFROSAX JAFFROSAX 4 CD £23.95
Jazzy grooves topped by Japanese saxman Jaffrosax hits the good groove. 'Grow' is a magical Incognito like Jazz/Soul number with female lead vocal. The jazzy House 'Shooting Star' is an upbeat and optimistic dancer, whilst the Jazz/spoken word 'MB Saxophone' is a percussive shuffler. The album covers Jazz Fusion, soulful House and many stops in between.
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 MANTECA TREMENDO BOOGALOO CD £13.95
Yet another fine release from the Freestyle label, this Latin Jazz CD exudes the 'feel good factor'. Cuts like the blistering 'Fuego', and the infectiously upbeat 'Pa'lante' will get feet moving and heads nodding. 'Tremendo Boogaloo' is an uplifting, vibrant dancer and the whole album is simply a joy. Perfect for a party, this album is quality Latin Jazz from start to finish.
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| MAY 2007 |
JIMI TENOR/KABU KABU |
JOYSTONE |
Recorded in Helsinki, this album is a joyous mix of Jazz styles from the Funk of ‘Hot Baby’ to the mysterious ‘Arlane’ and menacing ‘Smoking’. The vibe of this album is eclectic as ‘Sunrise’ encapsulates many styles during its 8 minutes. ‘Hermetic Man’ is a breezy jazzy groove, whilst ‘Anywhere Anytime’ floats gently based on a Rhodes piano riff and then builds to a fast jazzy crescendo. The album features members of The Five Corners Quintet. |
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METROPOLITAN JAZZ |
BIRD OF SPRING |
Excellent swinging Jazz dance out of France, that grooves in a relaxed vein and grows on you after a few spins. ‘Bird Of Spring’ is a mid-tempo floater a la Blackbyrds/Mizell, whilst ‘Drifting’ has a nu-Soul meets Jazz. ‘Find A Way’ is a bright and breezy cut reminiscent of Koop, where as ‘Escapism’ and ‘Everybody Knows are fine pieces of contemporary European Jazz dance; ‘Swagger and ‘Turned To Clay’ are equally strong Jazz tunes. Overall this is a fine European Jazz set that will appeal to Jazz Funk fans too. |
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FOUR80EAST |
EN ROUTE |
Contemporary Fusion band, Four 80 East will appeal to lovers of Down To The Bone or Yada Yada. Sleek grooves like ‘Five By Five’ or the upbeat guitar led ‘Noodle Soup’ are foot tapping beats. ‘Double Down’ hits a heavier atmospheric groove built around an infectious guitar fill and Hammond riff. The title song is a fast groove laden percussive dance cut. Check also the moody mid-tempo cuts like ‘Waterline’ and ‘Closer’. |
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KEITH ANDERSON |
LETS ROLL |
Keith Anderson is the sax player with Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor and a similarly funky vibe permeates this excellent CD. ‘Funk Storm’ and ‘Collared Greens’ in particular carry that feel and a real barnstormer they are too, whilst ‘Trance’ is a heavier and slower. ‘Treasure City’ is more melodic yet still funky, and ‘Mr Fela’ infuse a taste of ‘Afrobeat’. On the mellower side check ‘Niagra Falls’ feat Dave Sanborn. At times there is a hint of Grover about Keith’s playing. Features the RH factor band with guest appearances from Marcus Miller, Bernard Wright, Kirk Whalum and Karl Denson! |
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NATIVE |
PRUSSIAN BLUE |
Japanese Jazz courtesy of the Infracom label that has a light yet groove driven feel. Cuts like ‘Diva’ and ‘Upstairs’ characterise this easy on the ear style, whilst ‘Prussian Blue’, ‘Beyond The Border’, ‘4 Corners’ and ‘’Step It’ have a harder edge, though the flute/ sax lead rounds the edges nicely. Of the vocal cuts, the strongest is the dreamy ‘A Wish For You’. |
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GROOVE COLLECTIVE |
PS 1 WARM UP BROOKLYN NY 2ND JULY 2005 |
9 elongated grooves over 2 CDs, with the Jazz Funk flowing on cuts like 'Set Up', the Afrobeat 'DFU' and the gorgeous multi-paced Latin jam 'Mango Mongo' gracing the first CD. Also check the jazzy 13 min opus '6 For Fred', the heavier 'KOG' and the awesome 'Loisaida'. At times Groove Collective are reminiscent of the great War albeit with a jazzier edge and a horn section. Both are ESSENTIAL the sound quality is that of a studio sets. |
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GROOVE COLLECTIVE |
LIVE AND HARD TO FIND |
One of two albums that capture the magical musicianship of one of the US’ finest self-contained Fusion outfits. The full horns, lush percussion and funky grooves scream out from these performances. Comprises of 22 shorter tracks, but Latin workouts like ‘Low Insider’ and the moody ‘Griers Near’ highlight the tightness of the band. ‘Sabrosona’ touches a Salsa beat on which the percussion and flute stand out, also try the Roy Ayers-ish ‘Lapsang Souchang’ and the funky ‘Great Escape’. Other standouts include ‘Flute Juice’ and the vibes led ‘Hide Where’. |
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| APRIL 2007 |
 JUJU ORCHESTRA BOSSA NOVA IS NOT A CRIME
Superb Jazz dance album that is full of strong grooves, check 'What is Hip' that features Terry Callier on vocals. 'Kind Of Latin Rhythm' hits a swinging 'Jive Samba' vibe as does the shimmering 'Nao Posso Demorar', whilst 'El Bravo' has a heavier, more percussive Latin feel. The cover of 'Funky Nassau' gives this Funk classic a contemporary spin. Brilliant album.
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 JUNE APRIL WHAT I AM
Inspirational Spiritual Jazz album, brilliantly produced by Teddy Crockett which spans Soul . Jazz and Gospel has some great live instrumentation but the main focus is on April's beautiful crystal clear voice.
Of her originals 'Tick Tock' is a jazzy soul track with some nice trumpet backing reminiscent of Badu and Fertile Ground. 'What I Am' is a big production jazzy gospel and 'Fear Vs Faith' is pure Spiritual jazz with scat vocals and the excellent band really stretching out, whilst 'Weeping Mary' is more freer but still very together. Of the Afro- American Spirituals the breezy and jazzy 'At The Cross' and 'Ready' work best. This album has elements of the kind of thing that appeared on black jazz/strata east in the 70's and makes a refreshing change from today's more formulated music, and what a voice !!
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 FRANK McCOMB TRIBUTE TO THE MASTERS
Frank McComb is a phenomenon, not only does he possess one of the world's finest Soul voices, but he is an accomplished pianist as this instrumental album showcases. The set is dedicated to some of keyboard inspirations such as George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis, Patrice Rushen and Joe Sample. Delicate mid-tempo tunes like 'Asia' suit the man's keyboard skills, whilst the subtle groover 'Movin In Traffic' shows a funkier side. The lilting 'Patrice' typifies the relaxed vibe of this fine album.
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 ROOT SOURCE ROOT SOURCE
Wickedly funky Hammond led grooves of the highest order, this UK combo deliver with a barnstormer of an album; every track is a winner. The aptly titled 'Eastern Steamer' or the riff laden 'Time Bawl' are relentless workouts, whilst 'Nexus Flight' has a Blaxploitation style theme. Standout is the vocal 'Beyond The Haze'. The horn and rhythm sections are cooking. Essential.
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 SOIL AND PIMP PIMPOINT
The anarchists of Japanese Jazz dance return with their strongest album so far. From great covers of 'Red Clay' and 'Zambesi' to full-on grooves like 'Dawn', the band hit hard groove after hard groove, combining driving rhythms with intense solos. Check also 'Funky Goldman' and 'The Party'. If you like Sleepwalker, then this is for you.
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 SIRIUS B VERY BEST OF 1998 2006
From Bahia to Bath ! Excellent selection that documents 8 years of the west Country's finest Latin group, catch the excitement and feel good factor with dancers like 'High N Dry' and 'Something New'. The take on Herbie's 'Watermelon Man' is superb. 12 tracks that will uplift and get feet moving.
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 SHEILA LANDIS PARENTHE SEIZURE
Counterpoint Records strike gold yet again with this selection of quality vocal Jazz. Sheila's exceptional vocals glide across original songs and standards/classics try her dancer's take on 'Summertime' or her busy Latin version of 'Who Will Buy'. 'Nightwalking' and 'Guess I'll Call It Love' show she is a fine composer too! Highly recommended.
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 TOCO OUTRO LUGAR
Italian label Schema deliver a fine album of Brazilian Jazz recorded in Rio and produced by S Tone Inc. Touches of Bossa and Samba mesmerize underneath Toco's subtle sensual male vocal. Check the title song and 'Litoral' plus the duet with Rosalia De Souza on 'Bom Motivo'. The lilting groove of 'Guarairanga' echoes back to the 60's heyday of Marcos Valle and Sergio Mendes!
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| MARCH 2007 |
 MARIO BIONDI HANDFUL OF SOUL
Jazz crooner meets Italian Jazz dance, Mario's voice possesses richness and warmth a mix of Frank Sinatra and Mark Murphy with a hint of Louis Armstrong. Covers of 'Rio De Janeiro Blue' and Deidre Wilson's 'I Can't Keep From Cryin Sometimes' groove subtly yet remorselessly. Check the popular 'This Is What You Are' and 'On A Clear Day' plus the title song and 'A Child Runs Free'. Outstanding.
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 MACKROSOFT ANTONIOS GIRAFFE
Lovers of 70's Jazz fusion will go for this funky album set, it features ex Headhunters drummer Mike Clark and compares favourably with that group's 'Return Of..' set from the late 90's. The moody riff laden 'Mighty Luconchu' is the business, whilst the atmospheric title song and the awesome 'Art Of Rollin' sustain the quality on this string and consistent set.
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 BILLY COBHAM DRUM N VOICE VOL 2
Contemporary Jazz Fusion from this drum master, sees Cobham hit that funky vibe like his 70's Atlantic albums. 'Final Destination' is a jazz funk killer, 'Waveform' features Brian Auger a fast furious Fusion workout, whilst the bass driven 'Real Funk' lives up to its name as does 'Ozone Part 2'. The warm mid-tempo vocal track 'Let Me Breathe' adds a jazzy Soul dimension to a strong album.
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 NOSTALGIA 77 - BORDERLANDS
This British Jazz group go from strength to strength. 'Everything..' adds vocals in a Spiritual Jazz inspired manner, check the beautiful 'Wildflower' or the heavier 'Stop To Make A Change'. Vocalist Lizz Parks has a delicate yet deep Jazz voice with hints of Nneena Freelon to its tone. Beth Rowley adds her vocals to the dreamy 'Steps Of The Sun' and the aptly titled 'Quiet Dawn'. Of the instrumentals, 'Dreamers Dance' takes the modal route.
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 EDDIE ROBERTS QUINTET TRENTA
Released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the best Italian restaurant in Leeds, New Mastersounds' guitarist Roberts tasks his quintet with a selection of classic Italian/ Neapolitan Jazz tunes. The result is beauty and perfection. Eddie's playing has hints of Benson, Grant Green, Melvin Sparks and Gabor Szabo! 'Giorgios Brother' typifies the acoustic Jazz style with a relaxed groove. Check also 'Strada Statale' and 'Sto Vicino A Te'.
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 TITA LIMA 11:11
Hailing from Brazil, Tita delivers an album with some fine compositions. Tracks such as 'A Conta Do Samba' warm you up with its trombone laced Bossa groove & sweet vocal. 'Esquizofrevo' an acoustic song with a multitude of guitars is pleasant. 'Molho Ble' has a great arrangement of horns that weave in & out of the track complimenting Tita's vocal. A mid tempo affair for forthcoming lazy summer days.
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 LANU THIS IS MY HOME
'Dis-information' has those fusion qualities that 4 hero & Agent K do so well, which is a mixture of beats & the live touch. 'Mother Earth's' roots lie in Afro Beat in which lyrics have a political slant, but conscious. 'Don't Sleep' has an mid 80's influence which would appeal to more than the broken crowd. Soul is in full swing here on tracks such as 'Runaway' feat. Cherie Mathieson with a nod to Roy Ayers in the vocal arrangement & the ballad 'Let You Glow'. Worth a listen.
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| FEBRUARY 2007 |
 DALINDEO - OPEN SCENE
More magic from Finnish Jazz label, Ricky Tick, Dalindeo combines swinging grooves, tight ensemble playing, and fine solo playing. The single 'Poseidon', the subtle Latin tinged 'Samba Da Li' and the hypnotic 'Vedenneito'. Check also the heavier 'Voodoo' or the awesome dancer 'Solifer-Lento' and the Jazzier acoustic bass led 'Sold Out' with its wicked Jimmy Smith B3 Hammond. Essential.
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 KENNY WELLINGTON KIND OF BLACK
Ex Light Of The World trumpeter releases his first solo set that is primarily Fusion. Try the killer Jazz-Funk dancer 'Big Apple' that stars Jamie Cullum on keys; the incessant groove is reminiscent of early 80's Jazz Funk such as 'By All Means'. The slower 'Soulfinger' simmers complete with LoW type horn lines, whilst the atmospheric 'Speak Brother Speak' and the lovely slowy 'Claudette' add diversity to the set.
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 NEW MASTERSOUNDS - 102%
Leed’s finest return with their own brand of funk, mixing up the Meters-esq break ladden grooves of the title track to the distinctively warped organ fuelled ‘Witness’ and onwards and upwards through a mix of Grant Green/Lou Donaldson styled hammond funkers, mid-tempo head nodders and a clutch of ‘deep funk’ type dancefloor stormers. Standout tracks include ‘Return To Gijon’, ‘Give Me A Minute’, the Afro-funk of ‘Hey Fela!’ and ‘Talk Is Cheap’. Quality set.
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 OSAKA MONURAIL REALITY FOR THE PEOPLE
As authentic take-off of the JBs as you will find, this Japanese group are as tight as the original group well almost. Chugging guitars and stabbing horn lines are the order of the day check 'Quick Sand and the cover of the AABB's 'Pick Up The Pieces One By One'.. 'The Coming Back' is riff-laden and juicy topped by a Bobby Byrd like vocal delivery. For the funkiest.
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SLEEPWALKER WORKS CD £19.95
QUASIMODE ONESELF LIKENESS CD £13.95 NOW OUT IN THE UK!
HOUDINIS UNLEASHED AND MIXED DBLCD £14.95
SAGE PAY…IMPROVED SERVICE AND SECURITY
