With so much good music coming through thick and fast, it’s easy for albums to drop online and go overlooked. No lengthy write-ups as who reads those anyway? We keep it short and to the point because you’re here to listen to the music! Check out our weekly mini-guide below and if you like what you hear, click the links and support the artists.
Albums
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio – I Told You So
One thing you know you’re going to get from the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio is a funky, good time. Drawing inspiration from Booker T and the M.Gs, the jazz organ of Jimmy Smith, and the styles of Motown and Stax, the end result is an album of feel-good jazz/soul that will brighten up even the dreariest of days. One to uplift your mood.
Archie Shepp & Jason Moran – Let My People Go
Jazz legend Archie Shepp has teamed up with piano wizard Jason Moran, for a new collaborative album. Let My People Go gathers recordings of their performances at La Philharmonie de Paris, during Jazz à la Villette Festival in 2017, and at the Alte Feuerwache Mannheim, during Enjoy Jazz Festival the following year. Simply put this is an undeniably great album from two unbelievably great musicians!
Muqata’a – Kamil Manqus
Palestinian producer and MC Muqata’a lands on Simone Trabucchi’s Hundebiss Records with Kamil Manqu. The 8-track album sees the artist combining sounds from live radio, drum machines, synths, and field recordings. Using Simya’ — “an ancient Arabic science of combining numbers and alphabets to communicate with the unseen” — Muqata’a summons the voices of his ancestors, fragmenting them throughout the tracks. Let the music caress your ears and stimulate your mind, trust me you will not be disappointed
Harry James – Buy The Numbers
On Harry James’ new album, Buy The Numbers, the tracks are short but very sweet. Fourteen instrumentals, each under three minutes in length, find Harry limiting his instrumentation to upright piano and percussion. A clever blend of soul, jazz, funk and beats, these fourteen vignettes make for a very enjoyable album.
EP’s
Cool Affair – Um’culo Wabantu
The prolific Prince of Broken Beats’ Cool Affair’ is back with his second EP this year. Renowned for his excursions into electro-jazz/broken beat/nu-jazz and soulful ‘Um’culo Wabantu’ will only reinforce that reputation. The opening cut ‘Bhala Cisha’ is a lovely foot-tapper featuring the soulful tones of Skandi Soul. The title track takes centre stage on the EP with its irresistible broken beat groove coupled with the gorgeous vocals of Zephan. Check out the entire project below.
ELLLL – Housebreaker
ELLLL makes a welcome return to UK label First Second, with the Housebreaker EP. The project features the original and a dub version excursion plus, Parris comes through on the remix tip, which is our personal favourite amongst a strong set. All killer, no filler!
Sección De Ritmo – No Drama Llama
The Equiknoxx family drop some Avant-dancehall mutations this time from a new artist Sección De Ritmo. Inspired by legendary producer Dave Kelly’s short “Jungle era” of 1999 the two cuts combine electronic, dancehall, dub, and jungle influences. Still, the result is something unique on its own. Can’t wait for more!
Reissue’s
Jennifer Lara – Woman Of The Ghetto
Jennifer Lara’s timeless and absolutely essential roots reggae take of Marlena Shaw’s 1968 soul classic ‘Woman Of The Ghetto’ sees a welcome reissue on Dub Store Records. The 7″ also features Jackie Mittoo & Sound Dimension’s Side Walk Doctor Version on the flipside. Highly recommended.
Mustapha Skandrani – Istikhbars and Improvisations
Istikhbars and Improvisations is a 1965 session recorded in Paris by Algerian musician Mustapha Skrandani. The release sees Skrandani create a distinctive fusion of Arabo-Andalusian and European styles. Click play and discover this gorgeous collection of deeply meditative solo piano pieces. A truly unique album that is a delight to the ears. Headphones recommended.
Star Lovers – Boafo Ne Nyame
The Hot Casa crew come correct once again with this reissues of a Ghanaian highlife all-time classic, Star Players’ 1987 LP Boafo Ne Nyame. Five expansive tracks filled with hypnotic hi-life groove and funky digital touches go way beyond modern Afro Funk’s standard riffing. Absolutely essential reissue!
