International Recommendations August 2014

Review: A special summer-tuned dedication to two of Africa's most creative contributors who both passed away at the birth of the New Year. First up, South Africa's Shaluza Max's 2002 classic gets the revisitation it deserves; big accordions, honeyed Zulu vocals and a chugging groove that could plough into any dancefloor under the sun, it struts with a timeless sense of universal groove science. Flip for a rewind to the mid 80s as Soundway pays tribute to the hugely prolific Tabu Lay Rochereau. Complete with smooth, soothing synths, show-stopping harmonies and slinky bassline that won't quit, it's as heart-rending now as it was 30 years ago.

Review: Que sonzeira! This is Gilles Peterson's most ambitious project to date... Last year he shipped himself and various key creative producers to Rio to build a document that celebrates every quarter of Brazil's broad sound by way of 18 original productions. Working the likes of Floating Points, members of 2 Banks Of 4 and local maestro Kassin, they sourced some the country's most authentic, exciting imaginative performers to create unique compositions that transcend any idea of homage to become their own entities that speak a universal groove language. The other-worldly rain forest flute-wheezing mists of "The Plum Blossom", the star-gazing lullaby harmonies of "Estrelar", the weeping chord phrases and soft whispers "City Saints", the scruffy dubby loops and percussive insistency of "Where Nana Hides"... While most Brazilian collections rehash or reboot the original source, this has created its very own. The fact it's the first release on Talkin Loud in over 10 years makes it even more special.

Review: Great compilation of Calypso classics from Trinidad recorded between 1928 and 1947 by well known masters of the form such as The Growler, The Lion, Lord Executor and Lionel Belasco, as well as by some lesser-known but great artists.

Heavy topical songs, minor chord meditations on death and beautiful instrumentals. Songs include "When You Hear I Die", "In The Dew And The Rain", "Hojoe", "Jimby's Ingratitude", "Ba Boo La La" and more, all true masterpieces. Old school "tip on" cover.

Review: "Ancient Sufi Invocations And Forgotten Songs from Aleppo" is a beautiful album of sacred chanting and haunting melodies. It was recorded by Jason Hamacher in the courtyard of a 500-year-old-house in Aleppo, one of the world's oldest cities. These recordings, captured just before the demolition of Aleppo, are an ominous statement from one of its most sacred and ancient vocal traditions." - Hisham Mayet (Sublime Frequencies).

LP pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged in metallic gatefold jackets with download included.