Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
Review: Berlin's master beat specialist, electronic dub pioneer, African music enthusiast, Basic Channel and Rhythm & Sound member, and Hardwax co-founder, Mark Ernestus, is back with a new Ndagga bullet - and yes, that list was exhaustive on purpose. The myth of a man has turned his attentions from techno to African beat music over the last few years, and the releases have been amongst our favourites within the 'outernational' scene. "Lamb Ji" is as electric and magnetic as you'd expect, full of life and mystique thanks to its complex percussive patterns, hazy production, and lamenting tribal vocals - a super charger on the system. "Lamb Rhythm" is basically a version of the original; more dubby, more stripped-back and with no vocals. Powerful stuff, as always.
Flamenco Sketches (DJ Mitsu The beats remix) (4:25)
Flamenco Sketches (4:44)
Review: The third volume of the Incense Music compilation series, Incense Music For Dining Room, curated by Toru Hashimoto (Suburbia), comes new iterated on a split 7". Carrying over its themes of fragrance and music, 'Flamenco Sketches', named and remixed after Miles Davis' classic jazz bit, brings an exquisite reed diffusion of live-feel beats and scooped-out bliss-sound. With cover art by Jiro Fujita (FJD) and mastering by Calm, a key figure in the Japanese jazz, chill-out, and Balearic scenes, the record promises serenity: DJ Mitsu the Beats ensures a quietly contented DJ's touch. Side B offers another lo-fi cover of 'Flamenco Sketches' by Nobuyuki Nakajima, lowering the pace to an unassuming, dozy, guitar-blessed tread.
Review: This is a second new and standalone 7" that is taken from Incense Music for Bed Room, a new compilation series from Incense Music that was curated by Toru Hashimoto and legendary Japanese downtempo and Balearic master Calm. On the A-side, we delve into Haruka Nakamura's beautiful tribute to Bill Evans' timeless piece 'Soiree'. On the flip, 'Valsa de Euridice' is a rendition of Vinicius de Moraes' classic from Etepalma, the inaugural 2006 album by Nobuyuki Nakajima. Renowned as a composer and pianist, Nakajima presents a captivating interpretation that captures the essence of the original piece. Together, these tracks offer a harmonious blend of homage and reinterpretation.
What You Won't Do For Love (feat Ryuto Kasahara - Muro re-edit) (4:44)
Love Theme From Sparticus (Kenichiro Nishihara remix) (3:07)
Review: Japanese jazz, funk and rare groove sensations Nautilus share their latest cover version, this time of Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love'. This version stars Toshiyuki Saki on guest drums and vocalist Ruto Kasahara on vocals, bringing a digressional arc to Nautilus' usual sound. On the flip comes another rerub, this time of Nautilus' own 'Love Theme From Spartacus', from their latest album, remixed by producer Kenichiro Nishihara, which incorporates a light-hearted and feathery jazz-hop verve.
Review: New-gen rare groove band Nautilus, operating out of Japan, deliver their latest 7" record, 'Life'. Just two crisp, piquant, fresh, and bubbly uncorkings in sound - 'Life', featuring vocalist Emi Tawata, and the instrumental 'Master Blaster'- are here heard sprayed like buckshot across the stereo system. The former is a candid admission by Tawata of her fear of the dark and ghosts, one which compels the listener to ponder the song's spiritual metaphor - "I'd rather have a piece of toast, watch the evening news" being the lyric of note - while the latter is a comparatively muted four-to-the-floor funk inflammation, held together by a phat but tricksy drum line and overgirding Rhodes.
Review: With an irresistible blend of broken beat and nu-jazz grooves, 'Chameleon' is a enjoyable smooth jazz gem driven by funky basslines, strings, lively percussive and catchy keys. The arrangement flows effortlessly, creating a sound both sophisticated and danceableia perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. Flipping to the B-side, 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' takes a more laid-back approach. Led by a warm, soulful organ, the track exudes chill vibes with its subtle funk underpinnings and jazzy finesse. The addition of a vocoder adds a playful, retro-futuristic charm, rounding out a composition that's as soothing as it is engaging.
Review: Prolific Japanese jazzers Nautilus - made up of drummer Toshiyuki Sasaki, keyboardist Daisuke Takeuchi, and bassist Shigeki Umezawa - present their latest 7" release 'A Story About You'. It's an emotive A-and-B-sider of mournful mood, with the A-side cemented by rolling pianos and a central lyric-melody performed by Mariko's talkbox, and B-sider 'Sweet Power Your Embrace' coming as a cover of the 1977 classic by James Mason. Signaling news of a full-length album to come - you'd better fasten your seatbelts.
Review: Hey everybody, here's... Nautilus! This prolific contemporary jazz trio are at the top of their game. Regular contributors to their patrons Urban Discos and Oonops Drops, their repertoire extends to everything from full-length EPs' and albums' worths of original material to one-off guilty pleasure covers. This new rendition of Oasis' 'Wonderwall' definitely falls into the latter category. This slick new version abounds in gut-grasping major chords and spine-tingling drum brush caresses, and features passionately candid yet no less elegant vocals by Ray Yamaoda. On the B comes the comparatively funky knockout and jazz original, 'Through The Night'.
Review: Last year, Kiko Navarro unveiled a regularly updated Spotify playlist, entitled TwentyFour, which he uses to showcase his favourote productions, reworks of other artists, an d remixes if his work. That playlist has now spawned the first of what we believe will be an ongoing series of EPs. The long-serving Spanish artist (and Afroterraneo Music founder) begins by showcasing his fine, pleasingly rolling re-edit of Blaze's hybrid soulful house/Earth Wind & Fire style disco classic, 'Breathe', before treating us to a superb, sample-heavy and piano-rich Tucillo remix of his own 'The First Time'. Over on side B, he serves up some bouncy disco-house action ('Jammin' All Night Long', with its female spoken word vocals, jazzy pianos and killer groove) and an authentic-sounding Afrobeat re-make of 'Isao' by DJ Fudge.
Review: New Digital Fidelity has been making sweet moves recently with a debut on the lauded Moods & Grovers label out of Detroit followed up by a single on his own Scopic Records. Now he brings his class to Crush On The Beachside and again shows off his love of Detroit house vibes. Opener 'Crush On The Beachside' is raw and intense with humid chords and jacked-up drums, then 'Shattered' brings more loose and jumbled beatdown grooves and 'Crush On The Beachside' (K15 remix) is then bubbly, jazzy and cuddly. 'Cracking' rounds out with more rich chord work and bristling drum funk.
Love Take Over In Deep Dark Space (vocal mix) (11:22)
Love Take Over In Deep Dark Space (instrumental dub mix) (11:23)
Review: Former Dope Jams record store legend and deep house devotee Anthony Nicholson has linked up with Swaylo for this new outing on the Bak Muzik label out of the US of A. It features two versions of the same tune, 'Love Take Over In Deep Dark Space,' starting with a vocal. It's a track that locks you into a deep mental state with its spiritual pads and open word musings, wispy chords and deft, airy drums. The instrumental dub mix is even more focused on the lushness of the rhythms and melodies. Sublime.
Review: Few labels are better at saving up big cut-and-paste tunes from the world of hip-hop, r&b, funk and breaks than Heat Rock. Here they come again with more of the goodness, firstly with Nick Nack. His 'And Ya Say' roll deep, with smooth bars flowing freely over the leggy drums. On the reverse, Chicago's Altered Tapes crew offer up their own unique take of hip hop classic 'Still Running' in the form of a shuffling Bossa B-boy flip which has Latin percussion and ass-wigging drums. Both of these are floor-friendly cuts that pack in plenty of heritage.
Antonis Antonio - "Yiorti" (feat Efthymia Alphas) (5:42)
Balkan Bump - "Cocek Amerika" (4:13)
Lagartijeando - "Cumbia De La Muerte" (4:33)
Review: Last year, Wonderwheel Recordings founder returned to Turntables on the Hudson with The Remix Machine, a vast digital compilation (and eight-track vinyl sampler) featuring some of the countless reworks he's completed since the 1990s. This second 12" expands on that set, serving up six more of the New York-based producer's favourite re-rubs. There's plenty to set the pulse racing throughout, from the rolling Cuban house business of his Megablast tweak ('La Isla'), and a low-slung, d&b-influenced Latin breaks take on OVEOUS & QVLN, to a suspenseful slab of psych-funk-goes house (the New Yorker's tweak of 'Yiorti' by Antois Antonio), and even some bouncy, low-tempo Balkan beats (Balkan Bump's 'Codek America'). Hot global fusion business!
Mr Doris - "Want Some More" (feat Much Maligned) (3:54)
Review: Heavyweight sonic Afro-botics from Nikodemus, Barzo and Mr Doris on 7" wax. The trio team up here with Dinked Records for a double-bill 7" in veins of amapiano and broken beat, primed for crate sifters and floor ambulants alike. On the A, 'Want Some More' delivers Mr. Doris' signature blend of rhythmic muscle and Afro-Latin swang, while the flip flops Nickodemus with Barzo and Zongo Abongo for 'Show Your Power': a bold, percussive cut straddling broken beat, house, and ska. Somewhere between 126 and 128 BPM, both are utter floor finishers and could easily intro your next Afro-house set as they could provide it a sense of continuous, mid-set body.
Review: Mr. Bongo credit themselves with taking a selection of the most in-demand and asked-for titles in their Brazil '45s catalogue, lending them all a loving repress in due homage to the music of the nation. This time, they focus their energies on the synergy shared between the late composer and record producer Nonato Buzar and drummer Jose Roberto, both of whose contributions to the MPB canon are unmissable, referent sonic studs. Nonato's 'Cafua' is a powerful eurythmic, its strigiform vocals proving a suitable narcotic to offset to the track's otherwise restless horns and post-bossa-nova drum clacks, which hit like quick patterings against soft cartilage. Roberto's 'Crioula Multicolorida' is a more vintage recording, erstwhile bringing rare "samba rock" grooviness and reflective, call and response lyricisms to a redolent rhythm.
Review: Two years on from his last vinyl outing, the Feelings Worldwide released Rough Culture EP, Apricot Ballroom co-founder Nonna Fab pops up on I Travel To You, a Norwich-based imprint previously known for its on-point re-edits. 'We Still Out Here' is an original production, albeit one that seemingly makes extensive use of some rather tasty samples. Underpinned by a cowbell-heavy, Latin-tinged disco-meets-house beat, the track is funky as hell (thanks in part to the Sheffield producer's use of crunchy Clavinet licks and rubbery disco bass) and comes complete with some deliciously jazzy keys solos. It comes backed by two similarly superb remixes: a more loose-limbed, disco-focused revision by Bristol scene stalwart Admin and a stomping, synth bass-propelled revision by I Travel To You founder Comb.
Review: Considering this track originally surfaced back in 1993, it's staggering how up to the minute it still sounds, not to mention setting the tone for the swathes of downtempo and broken beat that would flood out from the 90s and beyond into the 21st century. You simply can't measure the influence of "The Nervous Track" with its horn blasts and limber drum roll, and it proves that MAW were never just about tough New York house bump. Take your pick from any of the mixes, they're all classics in their own individual ways, and they'll set any listener adrift on a summery haze of soulful tones and magical drum patterns.
Review: Thievery Corporation veteran Eric Hilton is on a roll with his Montserrat House label, operating out of DC and adding new layers to his considerable legacy in downtempo sounds. As was teased by the 'Amor Astral' single from 2023, this new album finds Hilton working closely with long time Thievery collaborator, Argentinian singer Natalia Clavier. Her coolly soulful tone hovers over the buttery funk jams Hilton lays down, where the drums are tight and crisp and the basslines wrap themselves around the groove with snake-like grip, all the better to sink into when you need a little chill-out time from a certified master of the art.
Review: For sensitivity and naturalism in experimental music, Gosha Martynov & Natasha Sinyakova seize the crown with their new album Imena Rek. On their first foray into the physical, the duo expand the spectral ambience and medicated breaks of their earlier work with lithe touches of organic jazz and Cafe Del Mar cool, creating a complex assemblage of dreamy downbeat and emotive electronica that's entirely easy on the ears. The record is an ever-evolving, life-giving slough; we wade through many restorative swamps, each bearing its own sonic, ecosystemic character. The fen's mouth stretches open wide on 'Pozhaluysta', tempting the listener with an open-skied siren song set to skittish drum pats, while things grow hazier from 'Osvobodi Menia' and thereafter; the trip-hop influence is almost entirely naturalised, shedding the genre's usual rough-edged clicks and pops for a preferential sawn-off, willowy sound, that retains its smoothness even in moments of irresolution and tension, as on 'Rany'. And the slow mangrove whirl 'Iskra' really flaunts the pair's talents, with beautifully played pan flutes, and resonant silicate rustles, convoking a new hallowed ground; we wind up mentally clutching at damp mosses, imagining ourselves laid arrest in a sodden but warm bayou, as we're serenaded by two Armenian-American master musicians.
Review: Shapes and Colours is the first album to have been produced at Jazzaggression's Pelto Studio in Siuntio, Finland and is exactly what a proper album should be - a real journey. It is a mix of funky synthesized jazz with gorgeous melodies and life-affirming musical moods that mange to sound as full of hope and optimism as the dawn of a new spring day. Behind it all is the highly acclaimed Estonian composer and musician Tonu Naissoo who has a worldwide reputation for his composition and performance skills and he shows them all off here. Various classic synths and a Rhodes MK2 form the foundation of these sounds with an in house studio group providing drums, bass, reeds and flutes.
Review: Even many years after his sad death, the global audience for Nujabes' music continues to grow. To honour the tenth anniversary of his passing, Hydeout Productions asked Haruka Nakamura to create a tribute album and encouraged him to move forward while preserving Nujabes' timeless essence. The project began with the release of the music video and 7" vinyl of 'Reflection Eternal' and now the full album Nujabes PRAY Reflections arrived featuring Nakamura's reinterpretation of Nujabes' melodies through piano and guitar. This is not a traditional cover album, but new music inspired by Nujabes with artwork by Cheryl D. McClure that blends both artists' creative worlds.
Review: Japanese jazz-funk trio Nautilus's Sunrise is a vibrant album packed with their signature blend of tight grooves, lush melodies and soulful synths. Drawing inspiration from classic 70s jazz-funk while infusing modern sensibilities, this record delivers a signature dynamic sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. Intricate instrumentation defines it with leader Toshiyuki Sasaki's precise drumming, Shunsuke Umino's fluid basslines and Daisuke Takeuchi's expressive keys driving each track. Highlights include shimmering originals and inventive reinterpretations that once again cement Nautilus as a cornerstone of contemporary jazz-funk innovation.
What You Wont Do For Love (feat Ryuto Kasahara) (4:21)
Lihue (3:48)
52nd Street (4:23)
Review: Tokyo-based jazz fusion trio Nautilus have presented their brand new album, Pacific Voyage in various formats and the is s a nice yellow wax version. It's a breezy summertime soundtrack that blends sunny Yacht Rock with a hint of cool 80s City Pop as the trio reinterprets classic hits from this era and add fresh spins to songs like Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love' and Toto's 'Georgy Porgy.' The album also features tracks from artists like Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Shuggie Otis, Nohelani Cypriano, and Toshiki Kadomatsu, all given the special Nautilus treatment. Guest appearances include UK soul singer John Turrell, German rap legend Toni-L, and Japanese soul artist Ryuto Kasahara.
Review: Nautilus are one of the most prominent outfits out right now to embody the rare groove scene. Here the three-piece demonstrate their lesser-spotted musical spectacularity with a sun-soaked, serotonin-packed new record. A perfect introduction to the band's craft, which spans both covers and originals, we've first Oasis with a version of 'Wonderwall', followed by honourable takes on Thelonious Monk and Yusef Lateef, and then the Nautilus originals 'Overflowing' and 'Cosmic Maze'. All tracks feature the spangling voices of Emi Tawata and Rayamada, each of whom compliment the keyed, vocoder-steeped, and abundant playing of Toshiyuki Sasaki, Shigeki Umezawa and Daisuke Takeuchi.
Review: During their first European tour in May 2023, Tokyo-based Jazz trio Nautilus received a raucous response from concert visitors. In response, Japanese label Oonops Drops decided to press their last gig of the tour at the legendary King Georg in Cologne, Germany on limited mixed media. This one's for all the concert-goers, who'll now get to soak up the very same vibes heard back in May. This cross-section of songs spans the old to the new, though all originate from a fresh multitrack recording session; going so far as to recapture the mood of the event with canned clapping and whistles, the vibe of "being there" is emulated to a T, with 'Stone Ground Seven' and 'Expansions' coming as exemplary bottlings of Nautilus' joie de vivre.
Clear Water (feat Deantoni Parks, Jeff Parker, Sanford Biggers) (4:31)
ASR (feat Jeff Parker) (7:33)
Gatsby (feat Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman) (4:18)
Towers (feat Joel Ross) (3:34)
Perceptions (feat Jason Moran) (2:16)
THA KING (feat Thandiswa) (6:17)
Virgo (feat Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez) (2:41)
Burn Progression (feat Hanna Benn, Ambrose Akinmusire) (4:02)
Onelevensixteen (2:41)
Vuma (feat Thandiswa, Joel Ross) (3:20)
The 5th Dimension (feat The Hawtplates) (5:29)
Hole In The Bucket (feat The Hawtplates) (5:31)
Virgo 3 (feat Oliver Lake (Arr), Mark Guiliana, Brandee Younger, Josh Johnson) (6:52)
Review: "It's a little bit of all of me, my travels, my life," says Meshell Ndgeocello, speaking of her latest album The Omnichord Real Book. Referring to the 'first real book' she ever read - the experience of life after her father's passing - the album is a testament to free-flowing, lived sensoriality in time. An antistatic rip-roar through memory and decay in blue, this is a stunning two-sided jazz-esque album packed with features and far-flung stylisms. In the artist's words, the LP slippily rails against the confines of the word 'jazz' itself. And if you can pull that off, well...
Review: Meshell Ndegeocello's album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, is a powerful tribute to the renowned writer and activist, released on his centennial. This visionary work is a blend of musical genres, serving as both a musical experience and a platform for social change. Co-produced by Meshell and guitarist Chris Bruce, the album features collaborations with talented artists like Justin Hicks, Kenita Miller, and Abe Rounds. Additionally, spoken word performances by Staceyann Chin and Hilton Als add depth and meaning to the album. No More Water is a compelling and transformative listening experience that honors Baldwin's legacy and inspires reflection and action. A project that was nearly ten years in the making, all the ingredients are here to make this landmark release that is sure to go down in music history.
Review: After years spent working alongside a talented pool of jazz musicians as the Neue Grafik Ensemble, Fred N'Thepe has decided to go solo for the first time this decade. Dalston Tapes Vol 1 is, according to Rhythm Section International, a conscious attempt by the artists to return to his beat-making roots. It's an album, then, rooted in hip-hop mixtape culture, where vocal numbers featuring guest MCs sit side by side with rap-free "beats" - lusciously and impeccably crafted instrumentals in which warming bass guitar lines, deep electronic sub-bass, sparkling electronic motifs and choice samples cluster around loosely swung, MPC-driven beat patterns. It's a great collection all told, with nods towards club-ready broken beat and deep house sitting side by side with Dilla-esque workouts and references towards London's vibrant hip-hop and grime underground.
Review: Japanese maverick Kohei Matsunaga, aka NHK yx Koyxen explores far and wide on this new album Climb Downhill 2. It comes after many years of unusual but ultimately excellent sounds on the likes of Diagonal, DFA, Pan, L.I.E.S. and right back to Mille Plateaux and WordSound. Across 13 cuts he truly gets loose and abstract, mishmashing endless genres and sub-genres into lively cuts that are both dance yet cerebral. His sketch-pad style approach to building sonics makes each tune a live and restless collision of freaky frequencies and squealing synths, busted bass and broken beats.
Plastic (A Bigger Name) (feat The Illustrious Blacks) (4:06)
Mamaciterranea (feat Captures, Mauro Durante & Huaira) (6:23)
Soul & Science (feat The Real live Show & Indigo Prodigy) (4:01)
The Shadow Thief (feat Alsarah) (4:14)
Knockin (feat The Illustrious Blacks & Bad Colours) (4:17)
Race To Robotics (feat MC Saturn 6 & Internet Provider) (3:22)
No Puedo Parar (feat Troy Simms, Jungle Fire Horns & Barzo) (3:47)
Review: American DJ and producer Nickodemus commands an eclectic and global sound, mixing EDM with organic instrumentation and vocals through a cross-cultural musical lens. Coming to his very own Wonderwheel Recordings, Soul & Science is a befitting name thanks to the seeming fusion of electronically-programmed dance beats and regional organics, but this is also one of those albums that could also potentially shatter the hard border between the two connotations. Vocal contributors and instrumentalists from Sudan (Alsarah), Cameroon (Pat Kalla), the Caribbean (Hector "Tempo" Alomar) and Cuba (Quantic) make for a floor-shakingly diverse and humanist appreciation of the collective dance-spirit.
The Love Feeling (feat Brian J Of The Pimps Of Joytime) (6:11)
2 Sips & Magic (4:02)
Just Move (feat MC Kwasi - Zeb edit) (4:37)
Brookarest (feat Costel & Robert Of The Taraf De Haidouks) (4:28)
Didibina (feat Falu) (3:28)
Gira Do Sol (feat Liliana) (3:52)
Calle Sol (feat Tempo & The Candela Allstars) (2:37)
N'Dini (feat Ismael Kouyate) (4:16)
Review: This is the first pressing of Nickodemus' classic Sun People on translucent yellow vinyl and it comes from Wonderwheel. Originally released in 2009 by Thievery Corporation's Eighteenth Street Lounge label, the album features tracks inspired by Nickodemus' global travels and the people he met on the way. Known for his NYC summer soundtrack with Turntables On The Hudson and 20 years of worldwide tours, Nickodemus crafted songs for sun lovers and optimists here and as such listening toit leaves ou with a warming glow. Collaborators from Guinea, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Romania, India, Turkey, the UK and NYC contribute to this vibrant album and make it a truly cultural affair with hits like 'N'dini,' 'Sun Children,' and 'The Love Feeling' all sounding great.
Creator SOS (feat Haile Supreme & Wolfgang Haffner)
3D Warrior (feat Greentea Peng, Haile Supreme & Wolfgang Haffner)
Miami 80
GTP Call
Wikid Satellites (feat Greentea Peng)
Breathe In (feat Oshun)
To Freedom (interlude)
Wonder (feat Haile Supreme & Shabaka Hutchings)
Own Me (feat Haile Supreme)
Widyabad
Isolated (feat Pip Millett & Sabrina Mahfouz)
Trillion (feat Mara Tk)
Up To Us (feat Haile Supreme)
Review: Over the years, George 'E.A.S.E' Evelyn has made some very good downtempo music as Nightmares on Wax, as well as some killer club cuts. Even so, he's previously made little quite as musically refined as Shout Out To Freedom. Made in cahoots a giant cast-list of guest performers, the album's 15 tracks rarely surprise - we know by now that Evelyn will blend elements of soul, hip-hop, jazz, reggae and smooth grooves - but are still capable of genuinely taking your breath away. Basically, Evelyn is doing what he does best, only better than ever, with more extensive use of live instrumentation and some genuinely stirring orchestration. Highlights include the Balearic ambient jazz brilliance of 'Wonder', the low-slung, flash-friend soul shuffle of 'Own Me' and the sunrise-ready bliss of 'Imagineering'.
Now Is The Time (Ashley Beedle Warbox dubplate special)
You Wish
Mind Eye
Argha Noah
Calling
Dreddoverboard
Thinking Of Omara
Be There
Les Nuits
Morse
I Am You (live in Chicago)
Passion
Give Thx
195 lbs
70s 80s
Flip Ya Lid
Be, I Do
(Man) Tha Journey
Now Is The Time
Bless My Soul
Da Feelin
African Pirates
Mega Donutz
Mission Venice
Dextrous
Aftermath
I'm For Real
Set Me Free (Piano dub)
Nights Interlude
Review: Amazingly, it's 25 years since George 'E.A.S.E' Evelyn and then production partner Kevin 'Boy Wonder' Harper sat down and recorded "Dextrous", their monstrous, bleep-era classic on Warp. A quarter of a century later, Evelyn is still going strong, though the grooves have mellowed a lot in that time. Here, Warp celebrate the producer's epic career with a much-deserved retrospective. All the familiar favourites are present, from the rush-inducing thrill of early dancefloor smashers "I'm For Real" and "Aftermath", to the sinewy downtempo goodness of the decidedly Balearic "Les Nuits", the blazed hip-hop dub of "195 Llbs" and stoner soul of "70s 80s".
Back To Nature (feat Kuauhtli Vasquez & Wixarika Tribe)
Tell My Vision (feat Andrew Ashong)
Shape The Future
On It Maestro
Tomorrow (feat LSK)
Typical (feat Jordan Rakei)
Tenor Fly
Citizen Kane (feat Mozez)
Deep Shadows (feat Sadie Walker)
Gotta Smile
The Other Ship
Review: This year marks three decades since George Evelyn sat down with original Nightmares on Wax production partner Kevin Harper to make music for the first time. In those days, Evelyn was focused just as much on house and techno as reggae, soul, jazz and hip-hop. You'd forgive Evelyn if he got a little misty-eyed on Shape The Future, but bar the appearance of his old Leeds pal LSK (a rapper who rose up at the same time as the Yorkshire veteran), its really business as usual. With an impressive cast list of guest stars swinging by to lend soulful vocals, on-point raps and high quality musicianship, the album is as colourful, laidback and groovy as anything Evelyn has released. Given his longevity, that's remarkable.
Review: Over the years, George 'E.A.S.E' Evelyn has made some very good downtempo music as Nightmares on Wax, as well as some killer club cuts. Even so, he's previously made little quite as musically refined as Shout Out To Freedom. Made in cahoots a giant cast-list of guest performers, the album's 15 tracks rarely surprise - we know by now that Evelyn will blend elements of soul, hip-hop, jazz, reggae and smooth grooves - but are still capable of genuinely taking your breath away. Basically, Evelyn is doing what he does best, only better than ever, with more extensive use of live instrumentation and some genuinely stirring orchestration. Highlights include the Balearic ambient jazz brilliance of 'Wonder', the low-slung, flash-friend soul shuffle of 'Own Me' and the sunrise-ready bliss of 'Imagineering'.
Review: RONIN's latest album marks the band's ninth release since its inception in 2001 and the first to feature bassist Jeremias Keller, who joined in 2020. The group, led by Nik Bartsch and joined by founding drummer Kaspar Rast and longtime reeds player Sha, continues evolving its unique style here with an album recorded live in the studio. It sees SPIN blend new compositions like 'Modul 66' with reimagined classics such as 'Modul 14' and 'Modul 23'. Balancing intricate structures, groove-driven energy and improvisation in equal measure, these sounds are a reflection of RONIN's signature zen-funk style, now enriched with indie and post-rock influences.
Review: The already cult Chicago jazz label International Anthem is back with another essential long player, this time from Carlos Nino & Friends. NiNo like most artists on this label gigs often and plays live in Chicago to plenty of happy fans. Apparently they often ask if he is a shaman such are his magical musical skills. He calls his sound Energetic Space Music and it finds him getting the best out of his collaborators who whom he improvises without preconceived ideas of what might come out the other side. This superb album (I'm just) Chillin' captures some of the results and mixes up energetic drums equally indebted to jazz and electronic funk.
Review: Chicago jazz label International Anthem is serving up this superb new album from Carlos Nino & Friends on standard back wax but also as presented here on limited etheric pink vinyl. Whichever version you get though the music remains of unquestionably high standard. NiNo is a real musical shaman who calls his sound Energetic Space Music - a mix of star gazing jazz, lush broken beat, fresh funk and electronic goodness. It's the result of limitless improvisation with his friends and peers and is a record that will leave you spellbound,
Some Rest For The Midwives (feat Jamire Williams & Sam Dendel) (6:41)
Real Vital Organs (feat Jamael Dean) (3:46)
Surges, Expansions (feat Dexter Story & Nate Mercereau) (2:18)
In Appreciation Of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence On The West Coast Sound (feat Nate Mercereau) (2:37)
Birthworkers Magic, & How We Get Hear (feat Maia, Andre 3000 & Jesse Peterson) (7:14)
This "I" Was Not (feat Ariel Kalma, Surya Botofasina & Annelise) (2:33)
Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy (feat Haize Hawke, Surya Botofasina, Aaron Shaw, Devin Daniels, Tiffany De Leon, Michael Bolger, Michael Alvidrez, Jesse Peterson, Annelise & Moss) (8:48)
Carla's Beads (feat Iasos) (6:04)
Moonlight Watsu In Dub (feat Nate Mercereau & Photay) (4:22)
Generous Pelvis (feat Sam Gendel, Deantoni Parks, Nate Mercereau & Adam Rudolph) (5:01)
Bi-Location (feat Aaron Shaw, Andres Renteria & Nate Mercereau) (3:30)
Review: Carlos NiNo & Friends' Placenta represents a deeply conceptual and collaborative effort and serves as their fourth album release under International Anthem. Inspired by NiNo's recent experience of fatherhood, the album reveres the essence of family, birth, and the marvel of new life. Each track embarks on a sonic voyage, from the soulful 'Love to all Doulas!' to the ethereal 'Moonlight Watsu in Dub.' NiNo's eclectic approach traverses various sounds and textures, echoing his belief in the influential force of friendships in fostering creative endeavours. With an impressive lineup of collaborators, Placenta epitomises the resilience of community and the boundless scope of musical innovation.
Review: Carlos NiNo & Friends' Placenta is a deeply conceptual and collaborative album, marking the fourth collection of their imaginative music released on International Anthem in recent years. Inspired by NiNo's experience of becoming a father again, the album is dedicated to the spirit of family, birth, and the experience of bringing new life into the world. Each track is a sonic exploration, from the soulful 'Love to all Doulas!' to the ethereal 'Moonlight Watsu in Dub.' NiNo's refusal to confine himself to genres is evident in the diverse sounds and textures woven throughout the album, reflecting his belief that friendships drive the greatest creative collaborations. With contributions from an impressive list of collaborators, Placenta is a prime example to the power of community and the boundless possibilities of musical experimentation. It's a heartfelt and visionary work that invites listeners on a transformative journey of sound and emotion.
Some Rest For The Midwives (feat Jamire Williams & Sam Gendel) (6:41)
Real Vital Organs (feat Jamael Dean) (3:46)
Surges, Expansions (feat Dexter Story & Nate Mercereau) (2:18)
In Appreciation Of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence On The West Coast Sound (feat Nate Mercereau) (2:37)
Birthworkers Magic, & How We Get Hear (feat Maia, Andre 3000 & Jesse Peterson) (7:14)
This "I" Was Not (feat Ariel Kalma, Surya Botofasina & Annelise) (2:33)
Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy (feat Haize Hawke, Surya Botofasina, Aaron Shaw, Devin Daniels, Tiffany De Leon, Michael Bolger, Michael Alvidrez, Jesse Peterson, Annelise & Moss) (8:48)
Carla's Beads (feat Iasos) (6:04)
Moonlight Watsu In Dub (feat Nate Mercereau & Photay) (4:22)
Generous Pelvis (feat Sam Gendel, Deantoni Parks, Nate Mercereau & Adam Rudolph) (5:01)
Bi-Location (feat Aaron Shaw, Andres Renteria & Nate Mercereau) (3:30)
Review: Carlos NiNo & Friends' album Placenta is available in several formats including CD, translucent purple barbed double vinyl and plain black wax, which is what we have here. The record is their fourth release on International Anthem and was inspired by NiNo's recent journey into fatherhood. It pays homage to family, birth, and the wonder of new life as each track embarks on a sonic odyssey, from the soulful 'Love to all Doulas!' to the ethereal 'Moonlight Watsu in Dub.' NiNo's diverse approach traverses a spectrum of sounds and textures, reflecting his belief in the influential power of friendships to nurture creative ventures.
Review: Japanese jazzist Kenichiro Nishihara drew much acclaim for his second LP Humming Jazz in 2008, which came a full five years after his debut in 2003, and heralded a stabler career thereafter. With its harmonious, benignant piano melodies and oblique drum palette - which hears the artist secure both live bossa nova performances and original hip house beats - Nishihara knew the inherent entertainment value in tender modal jazz, and sought to enmesh sophistication with pop breeziness. 'Rain Falls' is an especially round-bodied track, with glycemic vocal flavours from Kissey Asplund and richly EQ-ed drums, setting a soulful precedent for two key hip-hop gems to come: 'From Time To Time' and 'Consider My Love', featuring rappers Gregg Green and Pismo. 'Step Out' signals the record's close with bopping triplet gaiety.
Livin' The Life (feat Steph Pockets - remix) (3:18)
Weather Overtone (3:08)
Beautiful Things (feat Amanda Diva) (4:29)
Now I Know (feat Pismo) (3:57)
Mind Tourism (1:10)
Brazilinan Daydream (3:42)
Waltz For Jazz Things (feat Gregg Green) (3:47)
Moon Child (feat Nina Vidal) (3:41)
Dawn (3:17)
Life (feat Kissey Asplund) (3:50)
Review: Now available in long-awaited LP form, Kenichiro Nishihara's second LP Life is issued via Urban Discos. Aiming to capture the essence of life in 12 tracks, the record, originally released in January 2010, fuses the blissed-out, piano-drenched Tokyo hip-hop sound with an advanced jazztronica palette and deals in themes of blessings, personal philosophy and stoical musings on everyday hardship but ultimate satisfaction. The rap features from Substantial, Steph Pockets, Amanda Diva, Pismo, Nina Vidal, Kissey Asplund and Gregg Green occur alternately between solo instrumentals from Nishihara himself; all tracks in the first category almost all deal in themes of flourishing and authenticity in day-to-day life, while those in the latter box serve as felicitous personal soundtracks for those cathartic revelations that can only arise through experience and dialogue.
Review: Chicago-based composer and underground mainstay Rob Mazurek has teamed up with modular synth expert and light artist Alberto Novello for this new collaboration on Hive Mind. The music was recorded in a single afternoon at Dobialab, an experimental artist space in Northern Italy where they cooked up an immersive, improvised journey into uncharted musical dimensions. Across all the coherent pieces, Novello provides a rhythmic and timbral foundation while Mazurek weaves delicate trumpet harmonies, bells and samples to build an atmospheric soundscape. The results veer from new age to psychedelic and are truly mesmerising, like an intense space ritual that explores new realms.
Review: Italian duo Nu Guinea has previously proved adept at creating humid, sultry deep house and tropical-infused electronics. Here, they focus a little more on the latter with a concept album based around the distinctive Afrobeat rhythms of legendary drummer Tony Allen. With his blessing, and that of the Comet label on which he's been releasing since the 1980s, the Early Sounds Recordings pair has cut-up and re-constructed Allen's drums, combining them with their own steamy electronics, vintage synthesizer lines and classic drum machines. It's an intoxicating and hugely entertaining blend that sits somewhere between their previous outings, Danny Wolfers' material under the Nacho Patrol guise, and the dreamy late '80s/early '90s work of forgotten Italian producer Mr Marvin.
Review: Nubiyan Twist's album, Find Your Flame, heralds an electrifying fusion of genres, as evidenced by the vibrant single 'Lights Out,' featuring the legendary Nile Rodgers. Rodgers' distinctive guitar stylings infuse the track with an infectious blend of disco, jazz, and afrobeat, creating a dancefloor anthem brimming with energy and virtuosity. Fronted by new lead vocalist Aziza Jaye, 'Lights Out' shows the band's trademark big-band sound, characterised by anthemic horns and a catchy chorus that is sure to leave listeners exhilarated. The track epitomises the carefree spirit of Nubiyan Twist's music, inviting audiences to lose themselves in its infectious rhythms. Find Your Flame boasts a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Seun Kuti, Mamani Keita, Corto Alta, Ria Moran, KOG, and NEone the Wonderer, reflecting the band's commitment to global musical diversity. Hailing from Sheffield, Nubiyan Twist has garnered international recognition for their dynamic live performances and innovative sound. With a history of acclaimed releases, including their self-titled debut and the widely praised Jungle Run albums, the band continues to push boundaries in the contemporary jazz scene.
Pray For Me (part 1 - feat Neone The Wonderer) (3:58)
Pray For Me (part 2 - feat Kog) (3:37)
Reach My Soul (2:56)
Find Your Flame (3:34)
Slow Breath (feat Mamani Keita) (4:10)
Review: UK jazz megagroup Nubiyan Twist implore us to find our flames on their latest full-length album; it's a dubious but, for that very reason, intriguing command, and one which we're all the more inclined to see through, not least upon learning of the news that Nile Rodgers the master was involved with this record's making. 'Lights Out' cokes infused with Nile Rodgers' signature award -winning guitar style that seamlessly weaves between disco, jazz and Afrobeat, while mid-record intrigues like 'So Mi Stay' flaunt infectious dotted, broken beat rhythms and slick vocals from new group member and Sheffield vocalist Aziza Jaye.
Title Theme (from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island) (3:05)
Yoshi's Story (from Yoshi's Story) (3:20)
Ground Theme (from Super Mario World) (2:28)
Obstacle Course (from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island) (2:29)
Middle Boss (from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island) (2:47)
Title Theme (From New Super Mario Bros Wii) (2:07)
Flower Garden (from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island) (2:51)
Story Music Box (from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island) (2:48)
Yoshis On The Beach (from Yoshi's Story) (3:32)
Underground (from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island) (2:25)
Delfino Plaza (from Super Mario Sunshine) (3:05)
Review: Nokbient and Save Point's Video Game LoFi: Yoshi is a playful and charming electronic covers tribute to the classic video game character. A mix of chiptune-inspired synths and lo-fi beats, crafted delicately and softly for the modern listener, combine to create this lovely ode to everybody's favourite green, giant-nosed reptile. Yoshi's greatest character themes - including those from Mario Kart, Super Mario World, and Yoshi's Story - all combine in an unequivocally cute mood here.
Review: Joseph Shabason, Matthew Sage, and Nicholas Krgovich form a harmonious triangle, both musically and geographically. Hailing from Toronto, Colorado, and Vancouver respectively, they converged at Sage's barn studio nestled at the foot of the Rockies to explore their shared talent for finding beauty in life's mundane moments. Shabason, known for blending late 80s adult-contemporary and smooth jazz aesthetics into ethereal soundscapes, joins forces with Sage, who combines instrumental prowess with synthesis and field recordings to evoke the natural world's whimsy and profundity. Completing the trio is Krgovich, whose observational poetics add a relatable touch to their calm expressionism. Their collaborative album, warmly Shabason, Krgovich, Sage extends the wry and melancholic micro-miracles established in their previous works.
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