Here’s the latest Between The Cracks selection for your listening pleasure. As always 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
Extra Soul Perception – New Tangents In Kampala, London and Nairobi
‘New Tangents In Kampala, London, and Nairobi’ is Extra Soul Perception’s debut album. Across the project, soul music is brought together in various forms to celebrate the power of collaboration. In 2019, the project began as a week-long writing camp in Nairobi with artists from Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. It follows the 2020 release of the EP’ New Tangents In Kampala, London & Nairobi Vol.1. Several artists can be heard on both releases, including Lynda Dawn, Lex Amor, K15, Maxwell Owin, Faizal Mostrixx, etc.
Neue Grafik Ensemble – Foulden Road Part II
Following their standout album Foulden Road back in 2019, the ensemble led by Neue Grafik returns with the second instalment in the Foulden Road series. As part of Grafik’s ongoing commitment to recording live, he created all the songs using 100% live takes. While not wanting to remain in one particular musical space for too long, the project also draws on his past work with the Rhythm Section and 22a. Its thought-provoking spoken word poetry, dancefloor heat, broken beat vibes and afro grooves make it the perfect jazz album for anyone constantly on the lookout for creative approaches to the genre.
Jameszoo- Blind
Jameszoo returns to Flying Lotus’s Brainfeeder for his third studio album ‘Blind’. Continuing his boundary-pushing jazz explorations like that of his 2016 debut ‘Fool’ and his recent collaboration with the Metropole Orkest, this new record is another adventurous ride that falls somewhere between Flying Lotus’ You’re Dead! and Teebs’ Anicca.
Dowdelin – Lanmou Lanmou
On Dowdelin’s new album, the Creole Afro-Futurists blend fragmented electronic sounds with jazz influences. Amidst the fusion of French West Indies music with gwo-ka, dancehall, and biguine, the quartet channels the spirits of Coltrane, Clinton, and Kendrick. Highlights include recent singles’ Simé Love’, ‘Tan Nou’, ‘Yo Wé’ and the title track.
Sélène Saint-Aimé – POTOMITAN
Brilliant new album from multi-instrumentalist and composer Sélène Saint-Aimé. Conversations inspired the writing and recording of this record with her paternal grandmother retracing their family history, life, childhood memories, and the strength of Caribbean women. ‘Arawak Uhuru’, The Bird, ‘White Birds, Silver Tree’ and the title track are particular highlights.
The Ano Nobo Quartet – The Strings of Sao Domingos
The Strings of São Domingos is a fascinating collection of traditional and rhythmical songs dedicated to one of the island’s best-known composers Ano Nobo and led by Pascoal, one of his former mentees and a soldier in Cabo Verde’s armed independence struggle. On the album is Pascoal, Fany, Nono, and Afrikanu.
Etran de L’Aïr – Agadez
The second studio album from the Saharan rock stronghold of Agadez, Niger, comes from Etran de L’Aïr (or “stars of the Aïr region”). Their latest release, named after the capital city of Saharan rock’ Agadez,’ is crammed full of hypnotic guitar solos and a strong melodic sensibility. Highly recommended.
EP’s
Ego Ella May – FIELDNOTES II
FIELDNOTES II from Ego Ella May is an EP of rich soul, jazz and contemporary r&b songs that find Ego sharing her differing experiences with love and relationships. While May’s lyrics explore challenging themes such as self-healing, protest, love and loss, the music is profound in its simplicity. Her voice is as expected, as captivating and beautiful as ever. Just try the first track, Beautiful Days, to find out yourself. Press play, listen and enjoy!
Reissues
Jeff Phelps – Magnetic Eyes
The one and only album by Jeff Phelps has been reissued by the Chicago label Numero Group. As a result of taking pieces of the electro stylings of Africa Bambaataa, the experimental funk of Prince and Anita Baker’s soulful R&B, Phelps seamlessly married the three with his own charismatic style to create a unique concoction. The sweet electro-soul of ‘Don’t Fall Apart On Me’ and the laidback analog-soul of ‘Wrong Space, Wrong Time’ are the album’s undisputed highlights. A radical and innovative work that ages like fine wine.
Retrospective Collection
Louis Crelier – Rester Partir
Caldeira Records has released a retrospect collection of works by Swiss movie soundtrack composer, producer, and pianist Louis Crelier. Taking in experimental ambient music, jazz vibes, and polyrhythmic excerpts, it’s a fine collection.
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