FIVE CORNERS QUINTET HOT CORNER CD £13.95 LP £13.95
The Finnish guys deliver their second album and lovers of driving Jazz Dance will appreciate this. As always the musicians are in top form on thumping grooves like 'Hot Rod'. Mark Murphy the master of cool Jazz vocal glides on 'Kerouac Days In Montana'. 'Skinny Dipping' swings joyfully, whilst Okou takes the vocal duties on the light, beat driven 'Rich In Time'. The modal 'Habib's Habit' has an Eastern vibe. 'Waltz Up' is an outstanding Jazz waltz, whilst 'Shake It' with its walking acoustic bass line and full horns is a delight. Great stuff.


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SEUN KUTI + FELA'S EGYPT 80 MANY THINGS CD £13.95 LP £13.95
Seun encapsulates the spirit of his father Fela Kuti on this sublime set of Afrobeat grooves. Backed by Fela's own band, the sound is an authentic modern interpretation of the Fela vibe. 'Many Things' is an hypnotic piece, but 'Don't Give That Shit To Me' and 'Think Afrika' are equally strong Afrobeat opuses. The full band horns (check 'Mosquito Song'), percussion and female backing singers echo the great Nigerian sound of the 70s/ 80s. 'African Problems' is a powerful riff laden groove. Quality..


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SNOWBOY & THE LATIN SECTION COMMUNICATION CD £13.95/ LP £13.95
Latin percussionist Snowboy returns with his first album in 4 years and what a fine mix of Latin grooves and rhythms it is. Snowboy adds his own UK/ Jazz dance twist to Afro Cuban, Salsa and all things Latin combined with his infectious enthusiasm and joie de vive for the music. The legendary Eddie Palmyra penned his own tribute 'Snow boy Special' that kicks off the CD in top gear. Fast and furious 'Metele Mano' and 'Bailalo' keep the vibe going, whilst 'Six For Eight' changes the tempo. Welcome back Snowboy, this is an album that will lift the spirit, move the feet and bring a smile to the face in these challenging times.


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PERCEPTIONS INTRODUCING CD £13.95 LP £13.95
Modern day Hammond led combo that successfully tries to add a contemporary feel to the classic 60s Blue Note/ Prestige Soul Jazz organ album. Snowboy joins some of the UK's finest session Jazz and Funk musicians on a series of Soul Jazz grooves like the driving 'Inside Outside' and the smoking Charles Earland influenced 'Nicky's Knack'. Hammond maestro Sam Gabarini captures the vibe perfectly as his B3 playing combines Funk with power and subtlety when required. 'Loopy Doopy', the heavy 'Fathead' and the blistering 'Hurricane Warming' are among 8 instrumental slices of funky Organ that constitute an awesome set that sounds both old school and fresh at the same time


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CHICAGO AFROBEAT PROJECT MOVE TO SILENT UNREST CD £13.95
This smouldering set of Afrobeat grooves is in the tradition of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, but the US musicians give the grooves a slightly lighter feel. cleverly changing the pace all be it only slightly to add variety. The elongated 'Media Man' is a fine Afrobeat groove, whilst the wonderfully understated 'Cloister' features 80's Jazz Funk guitar man Bobby Broom and a gloriously intricate horn arrangement. 'Fix And Release' is propelled by a wicked groove and topped by fine solos especially piano and baritone sax.

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OLI SILK THE LIMIT'S THE SKY CD £15.95
This, Oli's second album finds the talented young keyboard player at his best. If you are into quality Smooth Jazz then cuts like 'Seventh Heaven' and 'The Limit's The Sky' fit the bill. At the Fusion end of smooth try 'S.O.S.O.S' with its infectious rhythm guitar or the gorgeous riff laden 'Lime Cordial Soup'. Add a dose of Soul on the gentle floater 'That Kinda Love' featuring Donnell Spencer Jr on vocals. Saxman Jaared adds his soulful playing on several tracks. This consistent album will appeal, for example, to those who enjoyed Brian Simpson's last album.

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KIM WATERS I WANT YOU LOVE IN THE SPIRIT OF MARVIN CD £15.95
Kim Waters releases a typically relaxed set of quality Smooth Jazz grooves inspired by the music of Marvin Gaye. The album includes 2 Marvin covers an excellent take on 'I Want You' with Vivian Green supplying vocals. 'Distant Lover' is a nice smooth interpretation of a Marvin song. 9 other instrumentals including 'Smooth Sailing', 'Some Dreams Come True' and 'Groove With Me' will appeal to Kim's existing fans and lovers of strong Smooth Jazz., as whilst Marvin provides the inspiration this is still very much a Kim Waters set.

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RANDY CRAWFORD AND JOE SAMPLE NO REGRETS CD £12.95
This highly polished vocal Jazz set, consisting of fine interpretations of standards and covers is beautifully crafted, arranged and produced. Randy has rarely sounded better and her powerful voice glides gracefully across all the tracks like 'Every Day I Have The Blues' and 'Today I Sing The Blues'. Standout is the take of the Staple Singers' 'Respect Yourself' which adds a funky groove, whilst 'Lead Me On' is a heavy slow blues. Throughout Joe Sample's expressive piano takes most of the instrumental solos on piano and shows just what a master of the instrument he still is. This straight ahead Jazz set with a slight blues tinge is masterful.

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VARIOUS ARTISTS SOUND OF JAZZ FM 2008 DOUBLE CD £14.95 (FROM MID OCT)
The return of Jazz FM to the airwaves is complimented by the return of the station's record label. Their legendary Smooth Jazz compilations are re-launched with this 30 track set. This mix of Smooth Jazz, Jazz Funk and Soul includes current gems like George Duke's 'Listen Baby', Chante Moore 'First Kiss', Swing Out Sister 'Butterfly' and Gerald Albright 'Never Can Say Goodbye'. Also check Jazzhole's version of 'Lowdown'. Bobby Womack 'How Could You Break My Heart', Phyllis Hyman 'Sleep On It' and Chaka Khan 'What Cha Gonna Do For Me' are among the classic tunes on this welcome return..


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FOURPLAY ENERGY CD £15.95
The super-group return with a typically well crafted and exquisitely performed set. You are guaranteed a mellow set of grooves and fine melodies. 'Fortune Teller' is the kind of tune that Bob James recorded on his own Tappan Zee albums in the early 80's. 'Ultralight' is a lovely riff-laden cut that highlights Larry Carlton's crisp guitar lines. Esperanza Spalding adds her delicate vocals to the pretty 'Prelude For Lovers'. On the jazzier tip, try the fine 'Look Both Ways'or the gentle 'Comfort Zone'


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ALTHEA RENE NO RESTRICTIONS CD £13.95
Excellent Smooth Jazz album from this exceptional flautist, Althea's music has a more funky edge than most smooth albums. Take the title song and 'Ladies Night Out' two strong instrumental grooves, which suit Althea's full flute playing style. 'Come My Way' is a mid-tempo vocal Soul/Jazz tune as is the mellow 'Never Givin Up'. She gives a lovely spin to the Rose Royce ballad 'Wishing On A Star' and to the standard 'Summertime'. Her expressive flute playing dominates the most of the tracks.


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JASON MILES 2 GROVER WITH LOVE CD £15.95
The second volume of Jason's tribute to Grover Washington Jr focuses on some less familiar Grover tunes. 'Summer Nights' captures the spirit of the man's sax playing perfectly. 'Reed Seed' is a fine slice of laid-back Fusion, whilst Oliver Nelson's 'Stolen Moments' is given a smooth yet jazzy working with Jason on Hammond organ. Maysa adds her distinctive vocals to a beautiful slow rendition of 'Mr Magic'. Equally stunning is the cover of 'Moonstreams'. Miles' arrangements are tasteful and reverential staying true to the album's concept. Guest players include Jay Beckenstein, Kim Waters and the excellent Andy Snitzer.
Also available 'To Grover With Love' (vol 1) CD £13.95

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NATE HARASIM LOVE'S TAKEN OVER CD £14.95
Keyboard player Harasim releases one of the finest (largely) instrumental Smooth Jazz albums from a pianist this year. Haunting melodies like the title song and the funkier 'nuGroove' are superb. The vocal cut 'Feel the Love' is a delicious riff-laden affair that floats with along with grace. Can't Get Enough' has the catchiest piano melody (echoes of Jazz Fm heyday). On which Nate is joined by talented guitar man Jay Soto. 'What's Happenin' and 'Give It Up' are fine Smooth grooves that are complimented by the high quality production sound.

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GORDON JAMES INJOY CD £14.95
Trumpeter Gordon James is a new name to us, but if this set co-produced by James Lloyd (Pieces Of A Dream and Bob Baldwin) is anything to go by we should hear more. Mellow Smooth Jazz, his playing is rich like Rick Braun's with a touch of Herb Alpert. 'In Joy' is typical of the album understated slow/mid-tempo grooves with the warmth of James' fine trumpet playing riding the groove. Roberta Flack's 'Back Together Again' is covered well, retaining the vibe of the original, whilst 'One Nation Under A Groove' is given the Smooth Jazz interpretation and it works!. 'Drivin' is a funky Smooth Jazz tune in a Rick Braun style as is the head nodder 'G's House'. 'Sunshine' is a wonderfully atmospheric song and 'Keep It Real' is slowish funky tune.

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DAVE KOZ GREATEST HITS CD £14.95
14 tracks from the accomplished Smooth Jazz alto sax man include four new tunes plus ten from across the last 18 years or so of his career. Songs like 'You Make Me Smile', the highly melodic 'Together Again', 'Love Is On The Way' and 'Can't Let You Go (The Sha La Song)' are perennial Koz favourites the latter featuring Luther Vandross on wordless vocals. Of the new cuts check the upbeat 'Life In The Fast Lane' and the riff laden 'Bada Bing' that uses real drums and sees Koz on tenor sax. 'And Then I Knew' is archetypal Dave Koz with a nice melody and handclapping beat

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VARIOUS ARTISTS VERVE REMIXED VOL 4 CD £14.95/ DBL LP £16.95
This series always produces some quality remixes. 12 cuts with the likes of Kenny Dope's killer remix of James Brown's 'There Was A Time' and Diplo/ Mad Decent interesting spin of Marlena Shaw's classic 'California Soul' are amongst the strongest cuts. Nina Simone's 'Take Care Of Business (Pilooski Edit) does just that whilst Roy Ayers' 'Every Loves The Sunshine' is given a vibrant edge by 9th Wonder. On the Latin side Karriem Riggins remix of the classic 'Evil Ways' by Willie Bobo hits the spot.


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AL TURNER MOVIN CD £12.95
Bass player Turner is highly regarded on the Smooth Jazz circuit, whose credits as sideman includes Bob James and Earl Klugh. This primarily instrumental selection highlights Al's melodic lead bass on cuts like 'Stop Watch' and 'Dreamin'. 'Bassin', 'Feelin Better' and Movin' are pleasant smooth grooves with the bass playing to the fore. 'Te Quiero' features Earl Klugh, whilst Oleta Adams adds a soulful touch of Gospel to 'Your Will'. 'Movin' is a CD that will appeal primarily to lovers of Smooth Jazz and smooth bass players in particular.


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GLOBAL NOIZE - GLOBAL NOIZE CD £14.95
The musical marriage of Jason Miles and DJ Logic may not be the most obvious but it works. Jason brings his vast experience of working with Miles Davis, Grover Washington and an array of Smooth Jazz's finest. But this is 'new-age' Jazz Funk that includes elements of Hip Hop, Funk, Soul and World Music. The eerie 'A Jam 4 Joe' a Joe Zawinul tribute is bound together by Me'shell Ndegecello's funky bass. 'Quero Dancar' adds a Latin groove, whilst the Hip Hop backbeat, incessant funky guitar and groove allow Karl Denson's flute to stretch on the awesome 'Planetary Beat'. Equally strong is the riff-laden 'Pool Of Honey' on which Denson is again outstanding on flute and the slower 'Spin Cycle' that maintains the quotia of Funk. This outstanding set sounds innovative yet familiar and funky.


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SONAR KOLLECTIV ORCHESTER GUARANTEED NICENESS CD £13.95
This CD is released to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Sonar Kollectiv label, the orchestra under the auspices of Volker Meitz re-work many of the labels finest moments from the last few years. The musicianship is of the highest standard. Tracks like 'No Use/ Another Day' and 'Held Him First' are fine examples of the 'Jazzanova' sound. Also check the Latin (with Jazzanova flavour) groove of 'Run/ Fedimes Flight'. On the Soul tip 'Boom Clicky Boom Clack' is a fine dancer, whilst 'Africa' is a strong slice of Jazz/ Afrobeat with guitar licks, bass line and female vocal.


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YELLOWJACKETS LIFECYCLE CD £14.95
80's Fusion supergroup/ veterans deliver an album that will appeal to their fans steeped as it is in their trademark sound. On 'Falken's Maze', the band hit a familiar yet satisfying sound, where as 'Double Nickel' is far jazzier with Jimmy Haslip's walking bass on fire. Russell Ferrante's piano is delicate yet expressive whilst drummer Marcus Baylor keeps the rhythm tight. Check also the slightly off-beat '3 Circles'. Needless to say the solo and ensemble playing is faultless and reflects the band's telepathic musical understanding.


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JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET AT THE JAZZ CAFÉ £13.95
Recorded at London's Jazz Café in December 2007, this exhilarating set of grooves by (despite the name), the seven piece plus vocalist band will appeal to JTQ fans, lovers of funky organ Jazz or just good music. The take on 'I Feel The Earth Move' featuring female lead vocalist Yvonne Yanney is particularly strong. Favourite Hammond covers like 'Blow Up', 'Jan Jan' and 'The Theme From Starsky And Hutch' get the temperature rising. 'Joe's Diversions' is a wicked slice of Jazz Funk, sounding not unlike Joe Sample's 'Many Stops Along The Way' in places. One of London's finest live groups deliver at what is almost James' second home.


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VARIOUS ARTISTS A NIGHT AT THE JAZZ ROOMS CD £11.95
Russ Dewbury's Jazz Rooms in Brighton is the UK's world's longest running club Session 21 years and going strong. This 2 CD, 19 tunes that featured and starred at the night is a brilliant selection. Outstanding cuts include Karl Denson featuring Andy Bey 'Bougainvillea' is Spiritual Jazz par excellence as is the spoken word classic 'Sweet Songs' from Sarah Webster Fabio much sought after on original vinyl. The blistering Afro/ Latin Jazz Funk of Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience's 'Scaramunga' is among the strongest cuts (hints of St Germain). Another delight is Palimpsest's 'I Bet You Thought I'd Never Find You' remixed by Pacifica and feat DJ Chikashi. Try also the Afro Beat Funk of 'Frantic Activity' from the Rhythm Funk Masters and the Latin spin of Chaka's 'Ain't Nobody' from Alex Wilson. If you enjoyed the 2 recent Messin Around compilations then this double CD should also appeal.


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ESPERANZA SPALDING ESPERANZA CD £11.95
This second album by acoustic bass player Esperanza is a joyful mix of Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music. Her delicate vocals phrasing not unlike Nnenna Freelon are expressive whether in English or Portuguese. The album takes a relaxed journey through grooves like 'I Adore You' and 'Cuerpo Y Alma' that she sings beautifully. 'Precious' is simple Jazz song of exquisite delicacy, whilst the jazzy 'Mela' hits a serious groove. 'If That's True' is equally strong as a Jazz cut with Esperanza demonstrating considerable bass playing skills.


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J.A.M JUST A MAESTRO CD £19.95
Japanese trio Jazz propelled by the invigorating piano playing of Josei, 'Just A Maestro' is power fuelled selection of Jazz grooves akin to Quasimode or Sleepwalker, but slightly more sparse. 'Crescendo', 'Quiet Fire' and the thumping groove of 'New Things' are as good as any Japanese Jazz around at present. 'In The Sea' adds a slower more Hip-Hop style vibe, whilst 'Jazzy Joint' features the Jazz vocals of Jose James. 'Sign' takes a modal route and don't overlook the Latin tinged 'Quiet Passion'.

STANCE BROTHERS KIND SOUL CD £13.95 LP £13.95
More magical Jazz from the Ricky Tik label out of Finland, the Stance Brothers release an album that uses Hip Hop style beats. The funky Jazz of 'Upside The Road' , the soundtrack-ish 'Steve McQueen', and jazzier 'Prayer' and deep groove 'Dynamite' kick things off in fine style. Check the 70's sounding 'Bright Moments' or the heavy bass led 'Upside The Head'. The lead solo instruments are vibes and keys, whilst the entire set was written arranged and produced by Teddy Rok.
Also recommended Teddy Rok Seven 'Universal 4' CD £11.95 LP £13.95

HARLEM EXPERIMENT – THE HARLEM EXPERIMENT CD £13.95
This contemporary Jazz spin on Harlem’s musical history is eclectic quality musicianship. The funkier tunes like Cameo’s ‘Rigor Mortis’ are best. Equally satisfying is the Hip Hop funky Soul of Lyn Collins’ ‘Think’ featuring Queen Esther on vocals and the Latino Funk of Jimmy Castor’s ‘It’s Just Begun’. 

SOUL SUMMIT – SOUL SUMMIT CD £13.95
Recorded live at the Berks Jazz fest, the all-star cast sound like a studio session. Maysa adds her distinctive tones to the superb riff-laden ‘Can You Feel It’. ‘Memphis Underground’ led by Karl Denson’s flute, ‘Shotgun’ ft Richard Elliot and the Jazz Funk workout ‘Memphis 2000’ are highlights.

25TH STREET BAND – THE KEY OF H CD £ 9.95
British Jazz Funk CD includes the wickedly funky ‘Hollywood’ (touches of the Crusaders).  ‘West Coast Highway is a gentle mid-tempo groover. ‘Vem Dancar’ is vocal Jazz Funk gem with sax, guitar and keys lead.  This is a nice album with high quality musicianship and production.

YASUKO AGAWA  RE-MODE  CLUB JAZZ DIGS YAS CD £19.95
11 of Japan's Yasuko Agawa's old classics  are brought up to date and remixed by current jazz dance stars.  'L.A.Nights' is given two remixes, firstly from Five Corners Quintet and also by Slowly. 'New York Afternoon' mixed by Quasimode really kicks, and 'Skindo le-le' is given the Gerardo Frisina treatment. Nicole Conte brings Stevie's 'Send One Your Love' to the dancefloor and Povo try their hand at 'Zanzibar'. One of the most interesting is the remix of 'When The World Turns Blue' that tuns it into a floor filler.  Great songs, and great new versions.

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

LUISITO QUINTERO  PERCUSSION MADDNESS REVISITED CD £11.95 (NEW PRICE)
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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