GERARDO FRISINA – JOIN THE DANCE CD £15.95 DOUBLE LP £16.95 (FROM MID JUNE)
Gerardo Frisina delivers yet another excellent album of Italian Jazz. From the opening Latin infused 'Tata Somba' to the superb Eastern flavoured 'Mille E Una Notte', the album delivers driving groove after driving groove. The lighter 'Titoro' has a more melodic approach. 'High Hat' has a typical Schema sound with lush percussion, fine horn lines and infectious piano. The two waltzes, 'Waltz For Emily' and 'Another Waltz' add a modal inflection. 'Bubbly' lives upto its title and 'For My Mother' is fitting tribute and finale and is the only track from the recent 10” single (note it's not on the vinyl LP)

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JOYCE – FEATURING JOAO DONATO – AQUARIUS CD £13.95
Legendary Brazilian singer Joyce combines with another legend pianist Joao Donato. The delicate under-stated Brazilian jazz flows form the opener 'No Fundo Do Mar' and the gentle groove of 'Amor Nas Estrelas'. 'Xango E De Bae' is as an infectious a tune as you will hear all year. Donato's articulate piano playing adds a jazzy feel to 'E Passa O Carrossel'. This album though is very much one to listen to from start to finish and enjoy the relaxed feel of the entire CD.

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SUNLIGHT SQUARE LATIN COMBO – HAVANA CENTRAL CD £13.95
Joyful and joyous, this Afro Cuban band exudes a carefree vibe.  Includes the single - a cover of the Jackson Sisters’ ‘I Believe In Miracles’ plus several Latin dancers such as ‘Havana Central’ and ‘Para Guarachar’.  The interplay between percussion, horns and piano give a powerful feel..just enjoy and dance.

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RAY HARRIS AND THE FUSION EXPERIENCE – RAY HARRIS AND THE FUSION EXPERIENCE CD £13.95
Cracking Jazz dance album mixes various styles including Jazz Funk, Latin.  Check the awesome ‘Scaramunga’ and ‘In Your Eyes’.  Try also the driving ‘Tokyo Blue’ with its rippling piano and deep running bass.  Best Jazz dance album for a couple of months, methinks.

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PAPIK – RHYTHM OF LIFE CD £16.95
This excellent Italian Jazz album mixes the familiar sounds of Schema with a lighter breezier touch (a la Swing Out Sister or Matt Bianco at their very best) – check ‘Rhythm Of Life’.  The Italian Jazz sound surfaces on ‘E La Chiamano Estate’, the upbeat ‘Staying For Good’, the interesting take on Knarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ and ‘Notes Of The Past’.  Alan Scaffardi’s vocals echo those of Mario Biondi, especially on the swinging ‘Capture The Sound’ and the finger popping Sinatra-ish ‘Happy Rhymes’.  ‘Lady Bug Bossa’ and ‘Summer In Rio’ add a subtle Brazilian flavour’.  In these wintery days, this taste of sunshine is most welcome.

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NICOLA CONTE – THE MODERN SOUND OF NICOLA CONTE DOUBLE CD £19.95
This fantastic double CD of Nicola Conte remixes and a few unreleased cuts recorded with his combo is a fine example of why the Italian Jazz sound is so popular.  Finger popping, foot tapping grooves that are so infectious permeate this entire double CD.  Popular Conte mixes like Mark Murphy’s ‘Stolen Moments’ and Fertile Ground’s ‘Yellow Daisies’ are truly awesome.  Other great remixes include Sabrina Malheiros’ ‘Terra De Nengeum’, the deep ‘Elevated States by Thunderball,  Five Corner Quintet’s wonderful ‘3 Corners’ and Marco Di Marco ‘Campi’.  There are a number of either previously unreleased or not previously released on CDs tracks primarily recorded either by Nicola Conte or with his Jazz Combo. I could list virtually every track.  This album is just essential.

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ALESSANDRO MAGNANINI – SOMEWAY STILL I DO CD £15.95
Alessandro Magnanini wrote Mario Biondi's 'This Is What You Are'. The cool that Biondi personified surfaces on the gorgeous swing of 'But Not For You' and 'Livin My Life' both sung by Liam McKahey in a not dissimilar style to Biondi. 'Stay In My Life' has that Schema sound complimented by the powerful vocal of Renata Tosi. Rosalia De Souza adds a Brazilian flavour to the shuffling beauty 'L'estate E Qua'. Jenny B adds a touch of glamour with 'Open Up Your Eyes' with a Shirley Bassey like performance. This set illustrates Magnanini's song writing, arranging and production skills in a jazzy context.

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SOUL 4 INTRODUCING MATTIA CIGALINI - ARRIVING SOON CD £14.95 LP £22.95
Excellent Italian Jazz set that takes its inspiration from 60's Blue Note and cites Cannonball Adderley as a source. The album of three originals and seven re-works is a fine example of contemporary Jazz album. The quintet includes Fabrizio Bosso on trumpet and Andrea Pozza on piano. From the stomping 'Arriving Soon' to 'Destination' with its flowing acoustic bass line. Brilliant covers of 'Bohemia After Dark', Cannonball's catchy 'Sambop' and Victor Feldman's 'New Delhi' keep the Jazz groove running. 'Ciga R Smoke' and the slower 'If You Believe' add a more subtle tone to what is an exceptional album

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