Ikebe Shakedown - Stone by Stone (2014)

IkebeShakedown’s powerful instrumental soul takes “big unison horns, slinky bass lines, tight little guitar licks—and blends them with tasty grooves culled from '70s-style horn-driven funk (WNYC Soundcheck).” The Brooklyn-based collective is set to follow up their well-received self-titled debut album with the heavier, more mature sound of their second full-length Stone By Stone, out April 15 on Ubiquity Records.

The new album was recorded at the famed “House of Soul” Daptone Studios in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Notes bassist Vince Chiarito, "Thinking of all the great music that has come out of the Daptone Studio really pushed us to refine our songs and grow as a band. It was really inspiring to record there." 

Sonzeira: Brasil Bam Bam

 As the World Cup draws near and the irresistible rhythms of Brazil take centre stage, Gilles announced his extraordinary new record – an incredible journey through the different flavours of authentic Brazilian music culture, from its majestic heritage to its super-dynamic present. ‘Sonzeira: ‘Brasil Bam Bam Bam, is set to be released on May 19th via Talkin’ Loud / Virgin EMI and will be the first release on Talkin’ Loud in over a decade. ‘Southern Freeez’ will be released as a limited edition 7” for Record Store Day on April 19th.

Crowd Company - Now or Never (2014)

Crowd Company rose from the ranks of London’s burgeoning funk/soul sceneto assert themselves as an act to watch out for, with engaging live performancesand a finely tuned sound based on retro grooves with a soulful edge and a moderntwist. After playing in venues such as The 100 Club and Band On The Wall, and sharing stages with artists such as George Porter Jr of The Meters, this 8 piece is now ready to reveal itself to the world with its debut full-length release, “Now Or Never” which sees the participation of Joe Tatton from The New Mastersounds and Alan Evans from Soulive.

Rory Moore - Looking for Lazlo (2014)

Electric organist Rory More is still the one-stop shop for melody-intense grooves, dusty oscillations and liltingly hip lounge pop vocal excursions. It began with the über organtastic loungsters Les Hommes - the retro moderne jazz exotica trio who swung their way around much of Europe in the early 2000s. Still ensconced within a uniquely niched jazz pop panoramica, and after a decade of solidly collectible 12s and 45s, Rory More's curiously seductive and unapologetically magical mondo moods have maintained his profile at medium-cool status.

Sugarpie & The Candymen - Waiting for the One (2014)

“Waiting For the One” is the third and brand new effort for Sugarpie and the Candymen.

Why the title “Waiting for the One“? As the exact meaning goes, “waiting for someone, something that really makes a difference” it can be an event, a moment, a person … not waiting for something to change but more of a hope and a promise.This album, in fact, represents a further evolution in the sound and in the musical direction of the band. The ‘Swing’ trademark it’s always there but the spectrum broadens with new colours,styles and inspirations: the marching bands of New Orleans, Cuban sound, Reggae, Nu Jazz, Rhythm and Blues of early 50′s, all of these Sounds are here, and… why not? Pop as well!

The Record is equally made up by originals songs and covers, as we have seen in their previous work “Swing’n'Roll,” but here the tracking list is shuffled differently to show that there are two sides of the same coin.

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

2014 Academy Awards Winner - BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

  

Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others.   

Christian Prommer - ÜberMood (2014)

ÜberMood is a very personal travel of Christian Prommer into his roots. Having collaborators with most of his projects for the last two decades, he now debuts with his first solo album: ÜberMood. These 16 songs are a reflection on his musical journey for the past 12 month.
ÜberMood says it all. You need the german Übermut (may be translated as cockiness or devilment) as an artist to go the extra mile out of your comfort zone to tap into new territory. And the mood or atmosphere is something that defines your voice as an artist. This record was written and produced all over the world on the many travels that Christian Prommer took to concerts, studio sessions and DJ shows.