VA - 25 Years of Mr Bongo [Mr Bongo Records, 2014]

Mr Bongo started life in 1989 as a small record shop underneath Daddy Kool’s Reggae Store on Berwick Street in London. They were the first shop to sell vinyl releases from independent hip-hop labels such as Def Jam, Rawkus, Nervous and Big Beat outside of the USA. They also became the established bearer for hard-to-find, classic Latin music, particularly Brazilian, outside of the Americas. Such characters as Gilles Peterson and clubs such as Dingwalls championed this music and in the following years Mr Bongo established itself as the leader and provider for whole scene.

The Gregg Foat Group - Live at The Playboy Club, London (2014)

 The Greg Foat Group are currently the resident band at the Playboy Club, located in Mayfair, London. Earlier this year a couple of nights were recorded for Jazzman, and the results are here for all to enjoy. Recorded live and direct onto 1" analogue tape the album captures the energy and atmosphere of the group at their regular gig. Awash with library-esque soundtrack-themed jazz grooves with a modal edge, jazz has never been so much fun! This is the 3rd album by the Greg Foat Group on Jazzman, and is the first album to be recorded live at the Playboy Club for over 40 years.

Emma Donovan & The PutBacks - Dawn (2014)

Acclaimed indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The PutBacks come together to bring you "Dawn", an LP of hard hitting and heartfelt soul songs telling stories of grief, struggle and redemption. "Dawn" is a gritty, uniquely Australian record, simultaneously classic and contemporary. The songwriting is in turns optimistic, angry and melancholic, and on occasions bruisingly honest. The music is fluid, live and raw, recorded in one room on eight channels of analog tape and the electric connection between Emma and the band comes through in every beat.

Cherry Boop & The Sound Makers - The Way I Am (2014)

“THE WAY IAM “ sounds like a Soul Music album from the 60’s, but it is the new album from“Cherry BOOP and The Sound Makers “.

This LP is a brave step back to the roots of this fantastic, “ Afro-­Americain“ music...The songs are not “Ghetto Brothers“ vibes, their singer is more of a “Marilyn Monroe “ Soul type! The album really is a daytrip from Girona (Spain) where it was recorded to Philadelphia (USA) where it was mixed and mastering.

Olivier Pot composed every track (helped for arrangements by J Barrientos), he used those good vintage microphones, or Wurlitzer, or Glockenspiel and Vibraphone to make it sound like in good old time...

VA - The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, Vol. 3 (2014)

...a few words by the man himself...

The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club returns - and Volume 3 is a truly international round up of all things hip, happening and gorgeously groovy!

Since Volume 2 was released a year ago, I've continued my mission to spread the sound of good grooves right around the world, not just via my radio shows on 6Music and BBC Radio 2, or by DJ-ing to a huge sea of humanity at Glastonbury Festival 2014, but I also took my trunk of funk to Australia to spread my kind of dance floor dynamite to Antipodean audiences hungry for fresh soulful sounds and some foot stomping funk.

The Budos Band - Burnt Offering (2014)

 'Burnt Offering,' the new album from The Budos Band, is a wild, booze-fueled ride of hazy riffs, take-no-prisoners horn lines and relentless percussion that summons the occult - an evolved sound for this mighty 10-piece band sparked by their love of Black Sabbath and Pentagram.  'Burnt Offering,' The Budos Band's first album in four years, will be released October 21 on Daptone Records.  Says Pitchfork of The Budos Band: "So tight and in tune that they've basically become this telepathically-communicating instrumental hydra that ambushes you into moving your body on its terms."

Dawn Pemberton - Say Something (2014)

Vancouver soul dynamo Dawn Pemberton has a deep musical foundation rooted in tradition. Spending her formative years surrounded by a family of multi-instrumentalists she developed a true love of music from the very beginning. A staple of the West Coast music scene, she can be found tearing it up as a vocalist, arranger, and go-to for live performances and studio sessions.

The secret weapon of funk and soul groups all over Western Canada, she has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Linda Tillery, John Lee Sanders, The Sojourners, John Boutte, and Dutch Robinson. Her gifts have been featured in the music of future jazz group 1Luv (Sonar Kollektiv) and the blues duo The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer.

The Heliocentrics & Melvin Van Peebles - The Last Transmission (2014)

The Last Transmission is an interplanetary space/love odyssey told in twelve chapters; it comes nearly ten years after Van Peebles’ appearance as the third member of Quasimoto on Stones Throw Records’ 2005 release The Further Adventure of Lord Quas. For the Heliocentrics, The Last Transmission represents their third Now-Again album, following Out There in 2007 and 13 Degrees of Reality in 2013.

Van Peebles makes for the Heliocentrics’ ideal foil: he did graduate work in astronomy in Holland in the 1950s and maintains an avid interest in cosmology. The Heliocentrics, as their name conveys, draw inspiration from both the philosophic leanings of the likes of Stephen Hawkings and interstellar mysteries, like those surrounding the Malian Dogon tribe’s knowledge of the Sirius B star hundreds of years before it was discovered. Their music is as indebted to Sun Ra’s interstellar jazz as it is inspired by psychedelia’s spiritual expanse.

VA - Wah Wah 45s: We Wah Fifteen (2014)

This year Wah Wah 45s, reach a landmark fifteen years in the music business. What began as a 'hobby' label run by Hospital Records boss Chris Goss and his late brother Simon, has grown into a full time job for label directors Dom Servini and Adam Scrimshire, ably assisted by young buck Neil Bopperson.

Wah Wah 45s now has over a dozen artists on its books, and many of them are featured on this exhaustive compilation, charting fifteen years of this fiercely independent soulful record label, and as you would expect, a soulful strand runs through it, from the brassy funk and jazz of Hackney Colliery Band (with their hand-to-find first single Money), Colman Brothers (On a Better Day) and The Gene Dudley Group (the summertime smasher Minnie) to the sonorous dubwise sounds of Resonators (with the classic Sweet Love Affair) via Paper Tiger and Lea Lea's more electronic edge, and Scrimshire, Stac and Bev Lee Harling's lush, organic leanings. And that's without mentioning a little Kompa Funk from our Haitian born Canadian pianist Henri-Pierre Noel demonstrating his vocal prowess, as well as his awesome piano skills on Merci Bon Dieu.

Kasar - Walk On (2014)

Arnold Kasar is a musical jack of all trades: in countless projects around the Berlin based label Sonar Kollektiv, the musician grown in the southern area of the picturesque Black Forest left his traces, among them Nylon, AtomHockey or with Volksbühne-player and latest Internet-Hype Friedrich Liechtenstein („Supergeil“).
However, the trained sound-engineer is also capable of going solo, as he proved with his solo debut „The Piano Has Been Smoking“ in 2012. Now he returned to his first instrument and his timing couldn't be better, since the piano returned to new strength in the music world, as the numerous releases of pianists in the past few years have shown.

Shaun Escoffery - In The Red Room (2014)

UK vocalist Shaun Escoffery, whose classic hits “Space Rider” and “Days Like This” are enjoyed by club goers worldwide, is back with a stunning new album “In The Red Room” which combines sheer gospel-tinged power – as on the single “Nature’s Call” – with soulful subtlety on ballads such as “Nobody Knows” and “Do U Remember”.

From his first recording with D-Influence at the tender age of 17, Shaun Escoffery has been one of the UK’s finest vocal talents – a singer with a glorious Isleys/Curtis Mayfield falsetto.  Along the way he has enjoyed support from Elton John – who has hailed Shaun as one of his favourite new artists – and actor Idris Elba, one of his oldest friends, who has contributed a remix of lead single “Nature’s Call”.

Prince Fatty meets Nostalgia 77 - In The Kingdom of Dub (2014)

The worlds of dub and jazz collide when Prince Fatty meets Nostalgia 77 ‘In The Kingdom Of Dub’; this intriguing collaborative album, out 22^nd September on Tru Thoughts, sees two like minded musical explorers joining forces to illuminate the shared roots and spirit of rebellion at the heart of these two genres. Early tastemaker support includes confirmed reviews in The Wire, Clash, Q, DJ Mag and Blues & Soul, and radio play from Jamie Cullum (BBC R2).

Prince Fatty – maverick producer of Hollie Cook and countless pop and reggae legends alongside his own Soundsystem projects – puts his spin on the music of bluesy jazz wunderkind Nostalgia 77, for a full set of exclusive new versions of tracks from across the latter’s prolific career, including collaborations with Alice Russell, Keith and Julie Tippett and Beth Rowley. The result is a deep, energetic and transporting listen, with an intense flavour that celebrates and builds upon the sonic and cultural beauty of both jazz and dub.

Lee Fields - Emma Jean (2014)

Soul legend Lee Fields has re-teamed with The Expressions for new album Emma Jean. Coming at a time when many new artists are trying to emulate the soul and swagger of the 1960s, Mr. Fields showers us with authenticity on the 11-track set, highlighted by first single “Magnolia.” Hear the refreshed cover of the JJ Cale track that embodies the late, great American singer-songwriter and the Tulsa Sound he helped create. Since releasing his first album in 1969, Fields has continued to make music for the last 45 years.

 And having been on the road, touring non-stop for the better part of the last decade, it's evident that Fields has hit an elevated stride both as a recording artist and live performer. Emma Jean is the follow up to Fields’ widely praised first two Truth & Soul albums—2009’s My World and 2012’s Faithful Man. Lee Fields & The Expressions have forged a distinct soulful sound and a grown style with this album. They’ve pushed their sound in new directions, moving from being content as contemporary soul music royalty and instead delving into and exploring its next steps. 

Red Snapper - Hyena (2014)

 

The first thing that strikes you about the new Red Snapper album is how much the band have raised their game. There's no reason why bands shouldn't get better over time, it's just that a lot of names don't stay hungry and creative.

To start with it's a great idea; an album inspired by the band’s recent soundtrack for cult 70s Senegalese road movie "ToukiBouki" - the first independent African film which was recently restored by Martin Scorcese and which is first and foremost an afro-funk odyssey in itself. Red Snapper have toured with the film for a year, playing the soundtrack live to audiences across Europe; themes from the score having been developed and extended to form Hyena. Hitting the studio at the end of this long haul on the road has delivered a super-tight energized performance, reminiscent of a 1970’s approach to recording.

Myles Sanko - Forever Dreaming (2014)

The soul singer and songwriter based in England known as Myles Sanko released his debut “Born in Black & White” to broad critical and fan acclaim in 2013. Featuring seven original funk and soul tracks written and performed by Myles himself, this EP was perceived and played in the style of soul greats such as Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Al Green and James Brown, all of whom Myles openly names and proudly as his main musical influences. A stop-to-finish work of deep grooves and jazzy musical knowledge, Now “Born in Black & White” is followed up by Myles Sanko’s first full-length album “Forever Dreaming”.

Hugh Gledhill - Big Dinosaur Mouth (2014)

 Big Dinosaur Mouth is the debut album from London-based funk and soul guitarist Hugh Gledhill (The Jezebel Sextet, The James Taylor Quartet) on Sookie Records, featuring Hugh Gledhill on guitar, Seamus Beaghen (Trio Valore), on Hammond, Burundian singer/songwriter Mudibu on vocals, and the Killer Horns (Alice Russell).

Nine new songs blend Memphis soul, boogaloo guitar, Hammond and horns - all captured with outstanding sound quality on analogue tape. Mudibu features on four vocal tracks including 'Under Our Eyes' and 'Time, Strength...; Patience', two ballads inspired by Steve Cropper and Booker T & The MGs, plus the radio-friendly 'Don't Rush' with its summer soul groove, ska chorus and big finale.

The Shaolin Afronauts - Follow the Path (2014)

The driving force of The Shaolin Afronauts is Ross McHenry, the ARIA nominated composer, bandleader, producer and bassist based in Adelaide. Alongside co collaborators Lachlan Ridge and Dylan Marshall, It is their opmbined wide ranging musical tastes, impeccable production and instrumental skills that always result in music that is original, thought provoking, unexpected and quite beautiful.

2011's debut album 'Flight Of The Ancients' was a critical and commercial success story. The follow up 'Quest Under Capricorn' further cemented the bands reputation for forging their own very particular sound - and now in 2014 - as the band prepare to tour Japan & Europe (including 2 prestigious shows at The Glastonbury Festival) Freestyle Records is proud to present the expansive & epic Follow The Path.

V/A - The Wah Wah version (2014)

 Wah Wah 45s celebrate the joy of the cover version! The label has always had a keen ear for a re-working of a classic piece of music, whether it be an unexpected brass take of a soft rock or hip hop cut from Hackney Colliery Band, or a sultry rendition of a soul nugget from Stac, with the only conditions being that the cover takes the original piece of music somewhere new, fresh and exciting.

The label's 15thanniversary seemed like a good time to not only re-visit a number of very canny covers from over the years, but also to throw in a couple of new and exclusive ones for good measure too and as a way of saying thank you for all your support over the last decade and a half.

Finding Fela (Alex Gibney, 2014)

 

Finding Fela tells the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life, his music, his social and political importance. He created a new musical movement, Afrobeat, using that forum to express his revolutionary political opinions against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. His influence helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria and promoted Pan Africanist politics to the world. The power and potency of Fela’s message is completely current today and is expressed in the political movements of oppressed people, embracing Fela’s music and message in their struggle for freedom. Finding Fela was directed by the Academy Award winning director, Alex Gibney.

Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens - Cold World (2014)

With Gabriel (Bosco Mann) Roth at the helm, Naomi and company went into the studio Summer 2013, and cut onto tape what can only be described as bonafide Soul Excitement of the highest order!  At the heart of it, Cold World is a Soul record but the cross section of sub-genres the album weaves through makes it difficult to label it plainly as such.  There are tracks like ‘Sinner’, ‘Heaven Is Mine’, and ‘Humble Me’ that capture the group’s penchant for Soul grooves, seasoned with Naomi’s tough vocal delivery, and the Queens melodic interplay, which captures perhaps better than any of the other tracks, NSGQ’s live show. 

Tumi Mogorosi - Project ELO (2014)

When Tumi Mogorosi composed this suite for jazz musicians and opera vocalists he had never heard the previous successful attempts by Donald Byrd, Max Roach or Mary Lou Williams to combine these seemingly 'unfriendly'aesthetics. Tumi, born in 1987 and already an accomplished drummer on the Jo'Burg scene, was at the time studying music at the Tshwane University of Pretoria where he became close friends with opera singers working on the same campus. So unlike some of his US peers Tumi's beliefs are not 'religious'.

Badbadnotgood - III (2014)

The best work so far from this ultra-hip trio – an amazing combination of keyboards, bass, and drums – served up in styles that are rooted in funk and jazz, but go to so many other places as well! The drums crackle with a quality schooled in 70s breaks and beats, stripped down to their core – and the mix of keyboards echo a range of innovators from CTI to Money Mark, with a spacious flow that leaves plenty of room for the basslines to drive the tunes! Other instrumentation includes bits of guitar and percussion from the group, plus some guest tenor and strings as well.

Toco - Memoria (2014)

Memory doesnʼt age, it always remains the same.

 

“Memoria” is an album about my memories, my hometown, the scent and flavours of my childhood, things Iʼve read, movies Iʼve watched at the cinema and my love for music. Itʼs about going back home, re-establishing a link with the past and recalling cheerful and happy memories.

“Memoria” refers specifically to the regions of Minais Gerais and the Brazilian northeast, its hot climate, the religiousness of the people and its faith in miracles, calling to mind images of mysterious and surreal popular tales, where time flows slowly in an intimate dimension.

 

                                                                                                                                          Toco

Jah Wobble presents PJ Higgins - Inspiration (2014)

 During a long and varied career spanning five decades, Jah Wobble has recorded more than thirty solo albums and contributed to innumerable projects. On the route from the post punk of Public Image Limited (PiL) via dubby dance music (epitomised by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart) to world music and ambient in all its facets, the exceptionally gifted bass player hasn't left out any genre of note in modern music.  

With "Inspiration", Jah Wobble returns to his roots, the love of his youth: reggae music. With the singer PJ Higgins, he found the perfect companion, voice and songwriter to accomplish this endeavour with flying colours – a match made in heaven. Higgins has collaborated with a host of artists over the years, lending her quirky and distinct anecdotes to many a project and recordings. Currently, she co-fronts the critically acclaimed Dub Colossus, who were winners of the Songlines Cross Cultural Collaboration 2013. The album was co-written and co-produced with Alex McGowan at his London-based Space Eko Recording Studio.  His previous collaborations include Tricky, Martina Topley Bird, Wilko Johnson and many more...  

Shandy, Will & Grruff - Island Time (2014)

New Mastersounds bassist and veteran independent music producer Pete Shand finds an outlet for his Jamaican roots with this sun-drenched pop-reggae album, a collaborative studio project recorded between Menorca (where he is now based), Yorkshire (where he hails from) and New York City (where he regularly records & performs) - an international collaboration featuring vocal performances from Brian J (Pimps of Joytime, Brooklyn), Aoife Hearty (Rodina, UK) and Kirsty Rock (Easy-Star All Stars, NYC). Perfect laid-back summer sunshine music.

Nicola Conte - Free Souls (2014)

An accomplished juggler when it comes to play with styles, capable to invent modern structures, Nicola got us used to his ability to blend harmonically different musical worlds and create cooperation between great musicians. Deepness is the added value of his new album, something in between consciousness and spirituality. Nothing to share with futile trends, this record is a result of an urgent need to research in the depth of the soul and his musical influences.

The album features the talents of José James, Marvin Parks, Heidi Vogel, Melanie Charles, Tasha’s World and Bridgette Amofah, accompanied by a team of incredible jazzmen like Teppo Makynen, Magnus Lindgren, Greg Osby, Timo Lassy, Francesco Lento, Logan Richardson and Fabrizio Bosso.

Incognito - Amplified Soul (2014)

“Amplified Soul”, the 16th studio album from Incognito, consists of 16 new recordings soaked in soul, coated in jazz with more than a twist of funk and dance. Or as Bluey puts it: “This is a labour of love, a gift to those who have supported us over the years”.
Recorded and mixed at the legendary Livingston Studio in North London where The Buena Vista Social Club‘s eponymous multimillion selling first album was mixed and also Björk‘s 1993 debut album recorded and mixed, this album features singers Tony Momrelle, Vanessa Haynes and new addition Katie Leone who provide some of the best vocal performances ever recorded by the band. They are joined by legendary singer songwriter Carleen Anderson and Connecticut born funkstress Deborah Bond and the return one of the Incognito fans favourite Imaani, with the addition of a totally fresh voice on the scene in the form of the soulful 22 year old Australian debutant Chiara Hunter.

Cookin' on 3 Burners - Blind Bet (2014)

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since Cookin On 3 Burners released 'Soul Messin' the incredible album that included their massive crossover smash single 'This Girl', of which the vinyl 45 ended up being one of those records that was changing hands for crazy prices among the record collecting cognoscenti.

The long wait has certainly been worth it, as Blind Bet not only ticks all the boxes you would expect from the band (the best in contemporary soul-jazz, funk and amazing production) but the musical textures they create are more varied and eclectic than ever before. The album opens with the minimalist, crisp funk of Skeletor, which is promptly followed by Flat On My Back featuring Tex Perkins on vocals, which is an excursion into swampy blues territory with more than a hint of Tom Waits' gritty delivery.

The Impellers - My Certainty (2014)

“My Certainty” is the third album by The Impellers. With their previous releases “Robot Legs /Freestyle) and “This Is Not A Drill” /Légère/Mocambo) the band from Brighton have established themselves as a tight and authentic raw funk unit. With “My Certainty” the band - featuring vocalist Clair Witcher and composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Glenn Fallows - explore fresh territory. “We wanted this album to be different to other material we’ve produced, but still keeping the big and heavy sound which people have liked about us. There’s a couple of reasons why we hope this album will surprise people,” Clair Witcher explains.

Sorceress - Dose (2014)

 SORCERESS (formerly known as Funkommunity) is a 5-piece band from New Zealand. Their 2011 debut album Chequered Thoughts received worldwide acclaim and saw the band tour Europe and Japan the following year. Fast forward to 2014, and the band announced a new name: SORCERESS and a new studio album: DOSE.

While previous works were influenced by J Dilla-inspired future soul and R&B, the new album sees their sound evolve, fusing elements of Deep Electronic Soul, Afrobeat, and Dance Music. DOSE retains their distinctive sonic texture, but also projects more movement while going deeper into the source of the music. Experienced in headphones or a club/festival context, Sorceress traverses the boundaries between audio intimacy and the bass driven rhythms of the dancefloor.

Third Coast Kings - West Grand Boulevard (2014)

Recorded in Ann Arbour with the full band in one room, a minimum amount of effects, processing and microphones and mixed by much respected funk producer Nate Goldentone (Dojo Cuts, The Liberators), West Grand Boulevard is the awaited new album by Detroit finest deep funk combo Third Coast Kings. Their 2012 self titled debut album made a global impression upon its release, the Kings were invited to Japan to perform at Fuji Rock Festival and gained fans all over the world such as Charles Bradley, Craig Charles (BBC), Kenny Dope and Dj Muro. Now the guys are back with a mission: to carry the torch of Deep Funk heritage across the planet.

Kelis - Food (2014)

Kelis describes her sixth album as “a kind of unspoken lovefest”, involving two unlikely partners.

On the one hand, there is Kelis Rogers, who first came to prominence singing the hook of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s 1999 hit "Got Your Money". This was the visually and sonically compelling 20 year-old whose debut album Kaleidoscope helped usher in the wave of sharp, thrillingly futuristic R&B that dominated the charts in the early Noughties, as exemplified by her global hit, "Milkshake".

On the other there is Dave Sitek, guitarist in acclaimed Brooklyn experimentalists TV On The Radio and producer to a certain kind of smart, indie band (the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Foals and Liars to name a few). 

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.

VA - Footprints ep (2014)

Jazz & Milk is back with a brand new compilation series featuring previously unreleased tracks by international label artists, friends & family!

Everyone familiar with Jazz & Milk probably knows about the importance of musical diversity to the label's spirit. However, once you listen closer you will definitely hear the connecting force, a rhythmic and soulful foundation of these 15 tracks. The sum of the album's musical influences lead back to Africa and its long lasting impact on numerous modern music genres throughout the world. A good many times such musical footprints are shining through on this record ranging from Jazz, Funk, Afrobeat, Cumbia, Ethio-Jazz to Hip Hop, deep House and Bass music. While each style is unique, they have a strong rhythmic element in common.

The Spandettes - Spandex Effect (2014)

The Spandettes are a fiercely energetic disco band hailing from Toronto, Canada. Drawing inspiration from jazz-funk, soul and rock-steady, their original music combines a classic 70's disco approach with a fresh and contemporary edge. The band's leading ladies, Alex Tait (co-producer of the album), Maggie Hopkins and Lizzy Clarke lead this dynamic 10-piece outfit through musical terrain that balances sugary sweet vocal stylings, air-tight horn passages and hard hitting grooves from their stellar rhythm section.

The Cookers Quintet - Volume One (2014)

The Cookers Quintet are a Toronto-based jazz combo, with a sound firmly rooted in the ‘50s and ‘60s hard bop movement. 

The Cookers core members each bring their own unique qualities to the band’s sound. Saxophonist Ryan Oliver’s fat, full tenor tone might bring to mind heavyweight Dexter Gordon, but it’s blended with sophistication and subtlety. Oliver shares the front line with Tim Hamel, a trumpet player that can bring a hot, uptempo number to a boil and then carry a ballad with lyricism and beauty minutes later. The rock solid foundation of all this is bassist Alex Coleman, who’s clearly grounded in the Ray Brown/Paul Chambers school of keeping the bass steady and swinging. Rounding out the group is pianist Richard Whiteman, a veteran of the Toronto music scene, and Vancouver native Morgan Childs on drums.

The Eminent Stars - Sittin' In (2014)

Music is the depth of the soul and we ain't talking about some figurative spirit that escapes to heaven when we kiss our last breath goodbye. Nah man, this the deep soul of music that triggers the feet to keep moving. It is the soul that swings survival, get down boogie good times, cause these times, keep getting heavy!

The Eminent Stars, founders saxophonist Ben Mendes and drummer Toon Oomen love the feel of Dr. John, Freddie King and The Meters. The musical energy that emerged like lightening from cities like New Orleans during the 60's/70's. After various get downs and musical happenings, the two planned to record a session with some great musician friends. Tracks were layed out and etched in, live. All in one dusty old room with some vintage equipment to capture the sounds of an old but not forgotten groove. Joined by American singer-songwriter Bruce James and vocalists such as Imelda, Lana Gordon and Steffen Morrison make the Eminent Stars complete.

Ambrose Akinmusire - The imagined savior is far easier to paint (2014)

After the stunning modern jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire delivered on the acclaimed When the Heart Emerges Glistening in 2011, he plays it anything but safe on the imagined savior is far easier to paint. With his working quintet — tenor saxophonist Walter Smith, drummer Justin Brown, bassist Harish Raghavan, and pianist Sam Harris — he expands the frame to include guitarist Charles Altura in a sextet or alternating with Smith. In addition, vocalists Becca Stevens, Cold Specks, and Theo Bleckman (all of whom contribute lyrics) appear, as do the Osso String Quartet and flutist Elena Penderhughes. Akinmusire self-produced this set and showcases a diverse range of carefully scripted, genre-blurring compositions — modern classical, vanguard pop, spoken word — in addition to jazz. the imagined savior is far easier to paint is provocative: its moodiness, myriad musical directions, and 79-minute length may be initially off-putting. What is revealed with repeated listening, however, is that this set's achievement is commensurate with its ambition.

Citrus Sun - People of Tomorrow (2014)

Incognito founder Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick presents his alter ego – eight-piece band Citrus Sun featuring acclaimed UK guitarist Jim Mullen.

Says Bluey: “Citrus Sun is a project born of my love for Jim’s playing and the desire to be part of a band with him.  We are now good friends and I have collaborated with him on several projects, including Terry Callier and Mario Biondi, but as a teenager in the Seventies I was just a fan. He is an amazing musician.”

Mullen’s credits in a 40-year career include Brian Auger, Average White Band, Kokomo, Jimmy Witherspoon and the pioneering British jazz funk band Morrissey-Mullen.

The obvious difference from Incognito is that Citrus Sun is largely instrumental,  with vocals from Valerie Etienne (of Galliano and Jamiroquai) on “What’s Going On” and Terry Callier’s “What Color Is Love”.    There was an earlier Citrus Sun album released back in 2000, which also featured Jim Mullen in the line-up, and the new album “People of Tomorrow” is a renewal of that relationship.

Christine Tobin - A Thousand Kisses Deep (2014)

‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’ is a beautiful re-working of eleven Leonard Cohen songs and is Tobin’s 2014 salute to the legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and poet in the year of his 80th birthday. In her own songwriting, Christine Tobin specializes in idiosyncratic, highly musical poetic vignettes with a strong sense of story, so it's no surprise she weaves such magic with the profound, sensual and mysterious songs of Cohen. She has been a lifelong fan and has always included one of his songs in her live programme since the mid-90s.

The SoulJazz Orchestra - Inner Fire (2014)

Inner Fire, the latest from Pierre Chrétien & co. sees The Souljazz Orchestra perfecting their global music fusion, and treading some extremely funky territory while they’re at it.

Recorded using the Orchestra’s signature analogue techniques at their studio HQ  in their home city of Ottawa, the new set continues the band’s expansive musical journey as they effortlessly fuse intricate Eastern influences, Afro beats, Egyptian jazz, Latin styles and spiritual elements into their unique musical melting pot.

The secret to the band’s sound remains a true openness to global music of all kinds and the individual experiences of the Orchestra’s band members. “We all have very wide tastes, we’re always digging for new sounds, and we’ve had the chance to work with master musicians from all over, from Nigeria to Rwanda, from Cuba to Haiti, so each band member ends up bringing different vibes and ideas to each of our albums,” explains keyboardist Chrétien.

The New Mastersounds - Therapy (2014)

“Therapy” is the ninth studio album by The New Mastersounds, the now multi-national funk band originally from Leeds/England. With a new perspective in sound and vision, Eddie Roberts (Guitar), Simon Allen (Drums), Joe Tatton (Keyboards) and Pete Shand (Bass) recorded 12 fresh tracks in Denver/Colorado USA, aiming for a forward thinking sound mixing vintage funk with raw soul, smart jazz and original disco.

“Music and the creation of music has always been my therapy,” says Eddie Roberts. “It has been a way of working through ideas, feelings, frustrations. In creating music, especially instrumental music, it is an incredible outlet for pent-up emotions. People often tell me how much energy they draw from our music, often in a therapeutic way. I find the idea incredible that from my feelings, turned into music, that same music then generates feelings in the listener. It is an exchange much like the physics of music itself: from a string vibration into an electrical signal, and back from electrical signal into vibrating sound waves. I hope that this album will be as therapeutic and valuable to the listener as it was to me creating it.”

Lady Daisey - In My Headphones (2014)

Lady Daisey (Daisey Traynham - Brooklyn, NY) is a soul/funk singer who spent her childhood touring the U.S. with her parent’s band. Raised on the road, home-schooled and surrounded by music, it was natural for her to blossom into the artist that she is. Since then, she’s been following her musical path and developed her own playful style, ranging from sultry love songs to powerhouse feel-good old-school soul. Lady Daisey has played venues and festivals around the globe, spreading her message of love and positivity, soulfully presented over head noddin' Batsauce beats. A small woman with a huge voice, Lady Daisey is sure to grab the attention and steal the hearts of everyone within ear's reach.

Antony Joseph - Time (2014)

 Few contemporary poets teach creative writing at the University of London while, at the same time, bowling over large audiences at festivals around the world. Anthony Joseph has also published four volumes of poetry and a novel, and is currently working towards a doctorate. As if all this weren’t enough, he is releasing his fifth album, the result of a true meeting of artistic minds, with the New York based bassist and singer Meshell Ndegeocello.

“Time” should go a long way towards engraving Anthony Joseph’s name in the history books of great black music.