This album by Barney Keen has been bubbling away for a while, but I’ve only just gotten around to listening to it. Released by the excellent Touching Bass label, this London multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter will enchant you with his gorgeous blend of Brazilian MPB, indie folk, soul, and thought-provoking musings all served at a gentle pace. If you haven’t been acquainted, press play and get to know each other.  Lovely stuff from Mr Keen..

An artist I have been loving for the past few years has released his debut album. Realf Heygate – who makes music as Flaer embraces the search for quiet miracles on his first LP, Translations. It’s a lovely, measured blend of ambient, contemporary classical, and found sounds. A proper earworm of an album!

This impressive debut album is all about rhythm and groove. La Chooma’s self-titled debut for Batov Records draws on Moroccan Gnawa, Colombian cumbia, Afrobeat, Jamaican dub, roots, and cosmic jazz. The six-piece ensemble crafts deep, hypnotic music rooted in global traditions, tailored for contemporary dancefloors. Play it loud and swing to the infectious sounds of La Chooma!!

Get your ears around this great music and the powerful message. Axis, featuring Saul Williams, is the first release from MidnightRoba’s second album. Axis is a tribute to the grieving, to those such as Khaled Nabhan, whose beloved 3-year-old granddaughter Reem was killed in the bombing of her home in Gaza. Axis describes the lifting of the veil, whereby we, as observers, have witnessed the tilt of the axis of evil – that the true evil lies with the corrupt and colonial sentiments of politicians in the global north. There’s an urgency in the music, creating a growing tension that contrasts beautifully with Roba’s graceful vocals. If the rest of the album is as good as this track, we’re in for a treat!

Sometimes musical experimentation can lead to bland amalgamations, but not so for Bavarian misfits, The Alien Dub Orchestra. This ragtag collective, featuring members from The Notwist and the eclectic G.Rag y los hermanos Patchekos, takes on the formidable task of reinterpreting the Breadminster Songbook, the beloved oeuvre of the elusive Elijah Minnelli. Known for his melancholic yet whimsical tales, Minnelli’s cumbia-infused dub reggae has been transformed into a full-band experience. This is an album that deserves to be played on repeat, and perhaps even danced to in your living room—preferably with a bottle of Helles in hand.