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
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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
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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
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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
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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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| NOVEMBER
2006 |
 GEORGE BENSON AND AL JARREAU GIVIN IT UP
2 giants of Soul/Jazz combine on these exquisite, relaxed and Smooth grooves. Updates of 'Breezin' (added Al Jarreau lyrics), and 'Mornin' set the tone and the duet with Patti Austin 'Let It Rain' is a gentle Smooth jazz sizzler. Jill Scott adds her distinctive vocal to 'God Bless The Child', whilst 'Summer Breeze' is given a reverential re-working. Supporting cast is impressive: Herbie Hancock, Ray Fuller, Marion Meadows, Patrice Rushen, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke!'.
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 NOSTALGIA 77 OCTET BORDERLANDS
This wonderful album echoes the spiritual Jazz sounds of 70's Strata East, though the group are contemporary and based in the UK. The four piece horn section tear it up on tracks like 'Lotus Tree', 'The Cat' and the cover of Adele Sebastian's 'Desert Fairy Princess'. 'One For Man' and 'Question' sustain the high standard of the grooves and solo playing. Highly recommended.
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 JAZZINHO/ GUIDA DE PALMA ATLAS
Fine Brazilian Jazz styled album out of the UK featuring the Flora Purim-esque vocals of Portuguese chanteuse Guida De Palma. Produced by Ed Motta, the full sound including superb horns features upbeat grooves like 'The Lagoon Monster' and the slower 'Da Tempo Ao Tempo'. 'Humano Desumano' has more of a Latin Jazz Funk vibe (a la Incognito meets Brazil), whilst the mid-tempo floater 'Look Inside' is a real gem. This album flows joyfully with an optimistic feel.
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 DEEPERWIDERHIGHER - FOLLOW ME
Interesting and deep self contained Jazz group shares the edgy feel of Fertile Ground. Not so immediate, but after a couple of listens this album will be among the best of its kind this year. Check the atmospheric 'Latter Rain' and the eerie 'Darkside'. The riff-laden 'Still Here' is woven round hypnotic bass and subtle fender Rhodes. Try the message song 'Broken Peaces, whose theme is most like Fertile Ground and whose vocalist Genita Vernon-Edwards has touches of Natasha Daya about her delivery. Also try the awesome title song and 'What Would You Choose'.
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 PAUL MURPHY THE TRIP
Legendary DJ Paul Murphy one of the creators of the UK Jazz dance scene releases an intriguing selection of future Jazz grooves, which includes the popular twelve 'Seven Samurai', and the vibe led jazz dance floor filler 'The Trip'. Other highlights are the eccentric sounding 'Artro Afro' and the powerful 'Baghdad', the Cal Tjader esq 'Budapest Chachacha' and the bass led funk chugger 'Soul Call'. No doubting the Jazz grooves on this set, but the feel is experimental at times and certainly unique.
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| OCTOBER
2006 |
JAMES TAYLOR QT - TASTE OF CHERRY
UK Hammond supreme delivers a fine set of Jazz Funk grooves that should keep feet moving and heads nodding. If you like your Jazz with a groove then 'A Taste..' will be for you. Funky grooves such as 'Summer Song' and bouncy groove laden 'Equinox' epitomise that JTQ sound, whilst the lighter 'Joe's Diversions' adds variety. The Funk hits on 'Kick It' and the vocal 'Your Kind Of Loving', the Roy Ayers influenced 'It's All Over' and the heavy groove driven 'The In Between' underline the diversity and quality - possibly JTQ's best to date ?
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J RAWLS - LIQUID CRYSTAL PROJECT
J Rawls comes up with a similar concept to Mark Mac's Visioneers album, jazz with hip hop beats covering some tracks which were used as hip hop samples. The 'DE Effect' is an original by his band and it really swings, 'Heartbeats' and 'Remember When' are also originals with nice keyboard riffs. 'Tribute To Dilla' has a Mizell feel to it, 'Tribute To Bobby' is based on Hutcherson's great 'Montara' , 'Coa' (tribute to Tjader) is a real chill out tune and the highlight 'Tribute To Troy' is based on Tom Scott 'Today'.
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NATHAN HAINES - CHILLI FUNK YEARS
This selection combines the best cuts from Nathan's 2 Chilli Funk albums 'Soundtravels' and 'Squire For Hire' plus a CD of remixes. Highlights include 'Squire For Hire' featuring Marlena Shaw, the Pharoah Sanders tinged 'Wonderful Thing' and the spoken word Broken Beat 'Doot Dude'. Also includes gems like 'Earth Is The Place' and 'Right By Your Side'.
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VARIOUS - HOT AS HEL
12 track taster of the best Soul and Jazz that Helsinki has to offer. This varied collection gives a flavour of the quality the Finnish capital city has to offer. Our favourites include Teddy Rok Seven's 'Feel', Five Corners Quintet 'Blueprint' and the awesome Jazz dancer 'Poseidon' by Dalindeo. Check also Infexto's 'Left Hand Jazz' and Freestyle Man 'Que Domingo Inquieto'.
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VARIOUS - PARTY KELLER 2
Compiled by German DJ Florian Keller, this eclectic selection of funky, soulful grooves enjoys many highs not least Travis Blaque's groove driven Hip Hop 'Vowel Movement'. Other gems include Jack Soul's much sought after 'Unconditional Love'. On the Funk side check Sidewinder's 'Ego Riot'. Orgone's 'Funky Nassau' and Lefties Soul Connection 'Organ Donor'.
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VARIOUS - ESSENCE OF ESPECIAL
E*Special have established a reputation for fine Jazz dance music. This collection selects some of the highlights. 11 tracks, the standout of which is Sleepwalker's awesome 'River Of Love' that features Bembe Segue on vocals and is Spiritual Jazz dance at its finest. Other higlights include Hajime Yoshizawa's 'Endless Bow' and 'I Am With You' plus Masa Collective's take on Pharoah's 'Love Is Everywhere'. Essential Essence!
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| AUGUST
2006 |
TABLE 4 5IVE - TO HIP TO BE SMOOTH
This quintet sound like a cross between Down to the Bone and the Holland Tunnel Project. If you like your Jazz with that funky infusion then this CD will hit the spot. From the gutsy dirge-like groove of the title song to the flowing Jazz Funk of 'Joyce's Juke Joint, the tracks keep flowing. 'Brooklyn Junction' has an infectious uptempo dance beat, whilst the driving horn led 'Blue Lounge' is a real corking dancer.
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VARIOUS - SOCIALIZED JAZZ BEATS
Holland's Social Beats label is rivalling Schema and the various Finnish Jazz labels for quality contemporary Jazz dance. This compilation confirms that status with Tom Beek's 'Mr D.J' and the superb 'Make Sense' from Gianni De Luca (check also his 'Blow Your Cool') hitting a relentless groove. Combo Moderna's 'Ghetto Stomp' still sounds great, whilst the Nu Beat take of 'Little Sunflower' from the Cookin Quintet adds a different twist to the classic. The Jazz Invaders contribute two strong dancers in the shuffling 'Sea Of Lies' and the slower 'No Nonsense'. If you enjoyed their album or the 2 volumes of Freedom Jazz Dance then this excellent set will appeal.
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 RIPPINGTONS - 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Russ Freeman's Smooth Jazz iconic group celebrate 20 years recording with this archetypal Rippingtons album. The mix of smooth grooves, Jazz, RnB and West Coast rock remains with cuts like 'Costa Del Sol' and 'Bingo Jingo'. A host of luminaries such as David Benoit, Kirk Whalum, Gregg Karukas, Paul Taylor and Dave Koz join Russ on this commemorative set. Standout is the Soul cut 'Anything' that features Brian McKnight in fine fettle.
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 JAZZMASTERS - V
Paul Hardcastle has carved his own niche in the Smooth Jazz market. His albums are instantly identifiable the warm and hypnotic sound possesses a unique ambience, whilst Snake Davis' sax playing enriches the album with his own soulfulness especially on the gentle Funk of 'Never Far Away' and the bright mid-tempo 'Free As The Wind'. Helen Rogers delivers an atmospheric version of Real Thing's 'Children Of The Ghetto'. Like the Jazzmasters and Hardcastle solo albums this set is very much a 'mood' album.
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 FOURPLAY - X
Fourplay return with their tenth set that oozes the quality and accomplished playing you would expect. Cuts like Bob James' 'Turnabout' and the breezy 'Eastern Sky' epitomize what Fourplay is about. Michael McDonald adds his distinctive vocals to the dramatic ballad 'My Love's Leavin'. Check the flowing Jazz jaunt 'Screenplay' on which James' playing is particularly expressive. The band's trademark light touch and melodic focus characterise this set that is their finest for many years.
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 BAMM DAVIS LET THE TRUTH BE PLAYED
This excellent Smooth Jazz album highlights Bamm's undoubted keyboard skills that are especially apparent on the wonderfully melodic 'A Funky Dream' and the groove driven 'How Could It Be'. Smooth Jazz/Soul lovers will appreciate the catchy 'Be My Lady'. Try also the mellow 'Quite Simple' and the smooth 'Mustardseed'. The jazzier 'True Players Play' is an 80's style Fusion workout. If you like your Smooth Jazz with oomph like Marcus Johnson, this album will hit the spot.
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 SOUL PROVIDERS SMOOTH URBAN GROOVES
Pianist Bob Baldwin and friends interpret a selection of RnB hits in a Smooth Jazz style. Languid easy on the ear rhythms underpin fine solos from Bob, David Mann, Marion Meadows, and Nelson Rangell (sax). Tunes like 'Encore' and John Legend's 'Ordinary People' sound familiar yet fresh in their instrumental guise as the gentle grooves are perfect for the sultry summer of 2006. Fine vintage.
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 HERITAGE ORCHESTRA – THE HERITAGE ORCHESTRA
The long awaited debut from the much talked about collective features beautiful recordings such as Mothers & Daughters Now Mothers which is reminiscent of Charles Stepney’s work with Cadet. Lush strings are the order of the day with compositions such as Ballard for Strings. Written by & feat. Chris Bowden on sax & the heartfelt Tell Me Stories feat. Natalie Williams on vocals. A well written orchestral set
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 SLEEPWALKER THE VOYAGE
Brilliant second album from the premier Japanese jazz group. Their sound is deep and spiritual , the playing fantastic with a real 70's feel. The title track feat Pharoah Sanders is a brilliant uptempo spiritual jazz workout, and 'Ai No Tabi' is another full on spiritual jazz dancer. 'Afloat' is a great modal jazz dancer featuring the vocals of Yukimi Nagano from Koop. The standout though is 'Into The Sun' featuring the great Bembe Segue and is one of the best vocal jazz tracks in years reminiscent of Dee Dee's 'Afro Blue' absolutely fantastic. A must for any jazz fan
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 RODNEY LEE THE SATELLITE ORCHESTRA
Electronica meets Headhunters style Funk Rodney's funky Rhodes playing sounds uncannily like Herbie Hancock at times and this experimental album gives a twenty first century twist to Jazz Funk as on 'Escaping Gravity'. The update of 'Sky Islands' features Jody Watley on vocals. Cuts like 'Nu Dimension' build gradually with warm bass lines and Rodney's fender work casting a spell. The vocal 'Electric Smile' hits a soulful groove. Nu Beat influence comes to the fore on the Soul tinged 'Human Race' check CC White's vocal. Strong album.
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| JULY
2006 |
BIG BANG - WAY IN JAZZ
Outstanding Jazz album, this set explores full-on Jazz dance with a slight Latin orientation. Check the modal take on ‘My Favourite Things’ or the delightfully crisp yet driving ‘Summer Fields’, which is right in the new Italian jazz style. Another stand out is the aptly titled ‘Dancing Nights’ or the flute led (Nathan Haines) vocal track ‘To The Full Every Minute’ that echoes Koop’s ‘Summer Song’. ‘Yo Yo Jazz’ hits a jazzier groove, whereas ‘Spinning 6 Turning 8’ sounds like a heavy early 70’s spiritual Jazz cut.
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DWIGHT TRIBLE - LIVING WATER
Magnificent deep spiritual jazz album from the voice of Build An Ark. Vocally and musically Dwight is reminiscent of Leon Thomas and Andy Bey. He brilliantly covers Clifford Jordan's modal 'John Coltrane' and Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower'. The highlight is his take on Coltrane's 'Africa', which he turns into a jazz dancer. He also covers Bartz/Bey's 'Celestial Blues' and add lyrics to 'Footprints' which really works. A very special, mesmerising and uplifting album. Highly Recommended.
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 SOIL AND PIMP - PIMP OF THE YEAR
Japanese Jazz quartet sustain their energetic approach to Jazz dance, but get past the manic intros and these guys can play. The relatively sedate ‘Summer Goddess’ and the urgent ‘Crush’ are fine tracks and the horn solos raise the bar on ‘Sabotage’. ‘Sahara’ is a breezy upbeat cut, whilst ‘The Black Widow Blues’ possesses an infectious groove. ‘??’ (can’t read Japanese’) is a fine waltz like piece of 60’s style Jazz. Check also the Jazz Funk killer ‘Last Long’. This excellent album needs a couple of plays to appreciate, but is most definitely worth the ride.
Also available ‘Pimp Master’
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 JULIE AND KHARI - MOON BOSSA
One of our fav singers Julie Dexter teams up with Jiva’s bass and keyboard player Khari Simmons, and make a very laid back album with a light Bossa feel. This is evident in the title track, Venusian, Sea And Sky, and especially the Incognito mix of ‘Fooled By A Smile’. The album gets better with each play has a nice summer feel even if it doesn’t reach the heights of Julie’s solo albums or Jiva’s excellent album.
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 VICTOR DAVIES - HEAR THE SOUND
Great new album from the soft voiced/acoustic guitarist who is in the same bag as Jon Lucien, in fact he even does a good cover of ‘Would You Believe In Me’ here. The mid tempo ‘Gold And Diamonds’ , ‘Hear The Sound’ , ‘If You Ruled The World’ and ‘Til You Come home’ epitomise Voctor’s sound. The brassy mid tempo dancer ‘One More Time’, the catchy ‘So Good To Me’ and ‘Dance’ will also appeal to soul fans. This is probably his best album to date and is quality throughout.
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LUISITO QUINTERO - PERCUSSION MADNESS
Louie Vega's percussionist makes an interesting album, covering Latin and Brazilian styles.
The title track and 'Mr Bongi' are percussive workouts, 'Gbaganda Gbogodo' Fela Style Afro funk,
'Aqilas Coisas Todas' similar style to EWF 'Brazilian Rhyme', whilst 'Quintero's Jam' is a brassy latin percussive jam ft Hilton Ruiz'. The highlight is 'Our Love' a breezy latin tinged vocal dancer ft Anane, Blaze lend their vocal touch to 'Love Remains The Same', and the latin 'Four Beat Mambo' is also good.
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QUINTETTO LO GRECO - SNAP COUNT
Schema hit the spot once more with this straight-ahead Jazz set that swings from the opening Hard Bop title song to the slower 'Woodoo Dance' and the wonderfully groove driven 'Yes And No' with its Horace Silver like feel and potent horn lines. 'Just Easy' lives upto its title, whilst 'Walkin On The Bridge' has a mid 60's Blue Note vibe. Excellent.
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 MONDAY MICHURU - ROUTES
Monday returns to form with her best album since 'Optimista'. Cuts like the jazzy 'The Right Time' and the atmospheric 'Hung Up', the slower 'Be Who You Are'. 'Yellow Light' has a gorgeous Latin feel, whilst the wispish 'I Couldn't See' is a lovely ballad. The mix of influences Jazz, Latin and her Japanese roots combine to make an intoxicating brew.
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 VARIOUS ARTISTS - REWIND 5
Ubiquity delivers the goods on this excellent cover version series. Check out the soul on The Rebirth's version of the Sylvers 'Handle It' or El Michels Affairs take on Isaac Hayes' version of 'Walk On By'. Osunlade works wonders with Prince's 'Crazy You' & Daz I Kue feat. Bembe Segue & Colonel Red do the broken beat thing with Ben E Kings' 'Spoiled'.
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JAZZ INVADERS – UP AND OUT
Whatever the Italians and Finns can do, the Dutch can better – well equal. With Jazz grooves like the single ‘Go Ahead’ or the compelling ‘Bonga Bongo Jazz’. ‘Dutch Flies’ is a horn driven fast paced Jazz groove that cooks, whilst ‘Licks And Brains’ is a tough shuffler. The Afro-Latin vibe of ‘Up Et Out’ is dance Jazz perfection – but every cut hits the spot. This is a contender for Jazz album of the year
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SOULSTANCE – LEAD THE WAY
More Latin/Jazz magic from Italy’s premier label – Schema. This musical journey touches hard driving Afro-Cuban themes like ‘Antigua’, Blue Note influences such as Horace Silver tinged ‘Cool Plan’ and swinging Latin Jazz such as ‘Lead The Way’. The percussion horns and piano intertwine in a mesmerizing fusion of styles that will appeal to lovers of Nicola Conte’s last set and Gerardo Frisina two recent albums. Strong and consistent.
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 ROY HARGROVE - DISTRACTIONS
Roys third RH Factor album features some top names , Renee Neufville on vocals, David Fathead Newman on Sax and Flute and Reggie Washington on bass. The vocal highlights are ‘Crazy Race’ a jazzy funky l track that swings, ‘On The One’ a heavy funky groove , ‘Family’ a slower jazzy number (ala Roy Ayers Sunshine)and the funky ‘Cant Stop’. The Instrumentals ‘Kansas City Funk’ and especially ‘Distractions 4’ re also great where they are all really going for it, but its Roy’s trumpet playing that holds the whole thing together and despite D’Angelo and a couple of self indulgent P Funk tracks its still a good album.
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 ROY HARGROVE - NOTHING SERIOUS
Second (and best) new album from Roy this week is more straight ahead featuring Ronnie Matthews and Slide Hampton amongst others. Title track is a great uptempo latin tinged jazz track with great trumpet and piano. ‘Day In Vienna’ is a good modal dancer, ‘The Gift’ a good mid tempo track that goes through changes, but the highlight is the killer modal jazz dancer ‘Salima’s Dance’, with Roy blowing better than ever, probably the best new jazz track you’ll hear this year. Magnificent.
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 GROOVE COLLECTIVE – PEOPLE PEOPLE MUSIC MUSIC
Return to form for the Collective who release their best album since the classic ‘We The People’. Check ‘Forgotten Travellers’, the organ led ‘6 for Fred’ plus the Afrobeat ‘DFU’ feat Fred Wesley. The Latin cuts kick hard such as ‘Tito’ and ‘Mambomongo’ and don’t miss the straighter Jazz cuts such as the Hancock cover ‘Speak Like A Child’ that is truly brilliant.
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 MOTIV - MOTIV
UK jazz band featuring former members of Cymande and Jazz Warriors, produce an interesting album of mainly laid back jazz grooves with a West Indian feel. ‘Next Impressions’ and ‘Beat Drez’ are laid back grooves with sax and trumpet. Covers of ‘The Message’ (especially good) and ‘Brothers On The Slide’
Feature the sweet vocals of Kat (aka Anyah). ‘Return Of The Fro’ is a more fiery track with a driving rhythm and blistering horns, ‘Sure Thing’ is also a good beaty instrumental. There is rap on some tracks from Leon Johnson (ala Guru/Common) which might put some people off, but overall it’s a solid and interesting album well worth checking.
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 THE IPANEMAS – SAMBA IS OUR GIFT
The legendary Ipanemas release their third set for Far Out. If you like your Brazilian Samba to be subtle and sensual this album will appeal. The mix of African and South American rhythms cast a spell that is perfectly illustrated by the instrumental ‘San Roque’ and the uplifting ‘Valsamba’. Vocal tracks like ‘Imperial’ and ‘Malandro Quando Vaza’ add a romantic Brazilian feel, whilst the Jazz influence is highlighted on ‘Folia No Samba’.
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 GERD – PERSPECTIVES
Out of Belgium, this album is a mix of warm soulful grooves and contemporary influences. From the Jazz Funk feel of ‘Elementz’ to the eclectic vibe of ‘What Is It’ featuring Guida Da Palma this album covers all bases. Standouts include the (Soul) dance orientated ‘Fire In My Soul’ with vocals from Marilyn David and the riff-laden ‘Star Seed’ plus the New Beat tinged ‘So Real’ featuring Vanessa Freeman. Also check the jazzy ‘Perspectives’ with its quirky female lead (Twana Roberts’ and refrained horns over a light percussive rhythm. Quality.
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 VARIOUS - RIO EVOLUTIONS VOL 2
Out of Belgium, this album is a mix of warm soulful grooves and contemporary influences. From the Jazz Funk feel of ‘Elementz’ to the eclectic vibe of ‘What Is It’ featuring Guida Da Palma this album covers all bases. Standouts include the (Soul) dance orientated ‘Fire In My Soul’ with vocals from Marilyn David and the riff-laden ‘Star Seed’ plus the New Beat tinged ‘So Real’ featuring Vanessa Freeman. Also check the jazzy ‘Perspectives’ with its quirky female lead (Twana Roberts’ and refrained horns over a light percussive rhythm. Quality.
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VISIONEERS - DIRTY OLD HIP HOP
Ignore the title, (and the first track), this is quality jazz funk from Mark Mac of 4 Hero. ‘Running’, ‘The World Is Yours’ and ‘Rollin For The Ride’ are great instrumentals with backing vocals similar in style to a Mizell Prod from the 70’s. ‘Run For Cover’ is a clavinet led inst, ’55 Dollars’ a funky beat with brass and ‘Paul’s Guitar Story’ a guitar led jazz funker. Also check the nice covers of Moe Koffman’s ‘Days Gone By’ (orig on our ‘African Sprits’ album),’and Isaac Hayes breakbeat anthem ‘Ikes Mood’, appropriately titled ‘Dirty Old Bossa Nova’ and the old school hip hop (ala ‘Rappers Delight’/’Kim Tim 3’) ‘Funk Box’.
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NEW COOL COLLECTIVE - TRIPPIN'
Dutch Latin/ Afro Latin band deliver their finest album to date. Cuts like the driving ‘Perry’ and the Boogaloo tinged ‘Propeller’ typify their approach, whilst ‘Conga Yeye’ is a percussion led belter. It is the second CD that focuses on Afrobeat that is the real corker, aided by legendary Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen. Check the funky ‘One More Time’ with its incessant guitar and bass riffs and the more deliberate dirge like ‘Matoke’.
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| MARCH
2006 |
 SCHEMA SEXTET - LOOK OUT
Recorded in 1999, Schema have re-promoted this album and will enhance the
reputation of the label. 'Look Out' has a more of a Hard Bop/ modal Jazz feel
than the excellent sets from Gerardo Frisina and Nicola Conte. The title song
is blessed with a mellow groove a la Miles' 'So What', whilst the furious
'Agitazione' has a Jazz dance leaning. On the modal side the beautiful 'Before
Ten O'Clock' stands out as does the swigning 'Time Was'. 'Lothar' sounds like
mid 60's Horace Silver mixing the Hard Bop beat with a Latin feel, and Silver's
own 'Preacher' is given a reverential and joyous vibe. Seven or eight
outstanding cuts from some of Italy's finest Jazz musicians.
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 NOSTALGIA 77 - 7'S AND 8'S
REVIEW FOLLOWS
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 ROSALIE DE SOUZA - BRAZIL PRECISA BALANCAR
REVIEW FOLLOWS
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ROY AYERS - VIRGIN UBIQUITY REMIXED
Complimenting Virgin Ubiquity 1 & 2, B.B.E. release a remix project. The list of remixers is comprehensive: Kenny Dope, Onsunlade, King Britt, Joey Negro, Nicolay, Platinum Pied Pipers, Jeremy Newall et al. The album varies from downbeat outings to full on club tracks - picks being a Onsunlade's 'Searching', Kings of Soul 'What's the T', Jeremy Newall 'Third Time & Sean P's edit of 'Touch of Class'.
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VOODOO FUNK PROJECT - DEEP IN THE CUT
Complimenting Virgin Ubiquity 1 & 2, B.B.E. release a remix project. The list of remixers is comprehensive: Kenny Dope, Onsunlade, King Britt, Joey Negro, Nicolay, Platinum Pied Pipers, Jeremy Newall et al. The album varies from downbeat outings to full on club tracks - picks being a Onsunlade's 'Searching', Kings of Soul 'What's the T', Jeremy Newall 'Third Time & Sean P's edit of 'Touch of Class'.
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