Brokenbeat / Nu Jazz Recommendations April 2010

Review: After dropping an album of drop-dead classic jazz, rock and latin fusion with the self-titled The Fusion Experience, this single brings the remixes to the fore with some great versions of album tracks plus an edit too. Ray Harris' original of Scaramunga sounds like a long lost relic from an undiscovered vault of jazz and freakbeat classics, like a fusion between Charles Mingus, The Doors and Tito Puente. The basic piano pattern stays the same while the rest of the band vamp around it, with Harris laying down some sick organ sounds over the top combined with layers of percussion. Lack of Afro's remix however strips everything down to the essentials, making the guitar and bass carry the riffs while more robust beats are craftily laid on top. His mix of Freedom is even more drastic, as he incorporates a more 4/4 disco swing to the drums, adds a cool breakdown similar to Dennis Coffey's Scorpio and then takes the tune into a cover of SOUL's Burning Spear!
Unexpected, but thoroughly cool.

With a further tune from Harris's album included here, the breezy Rotary Connection-influenced Tokyo Blue, this whole release is a great fusion of influences coming together. See how many you can spot?

Review: Karizma heads R2 Records' latest release with "Good Morning" which comes complete with heavy remix package featuring the likes of O Osunlade, Atjazz, Deep Order and Karizma himself. Standout tracks are Yoruba Soul legend, Osunlade's delightfully jazzy rework of "Good Morning" and Atjazz’s tech house remix of B side "Groove A 'K' Ordingly."

Review: A side-project from some of the members of excellent Spanish funk band Speak Low, the Gigoletto Brass Band have come together to release two vibrant and lush songs on this excellent single. "Boogalow" is a delight, a live and organic sway through some classic mamba and boogaloo rhythms with a healthy helping of brass on top. "Africa Con Bajo" has a more 70s funk feel, with some riveting key changes and a quirky rhythm to really make it stand out.

Review: As vocalist with funky sensations The Dynamics (famous for their awesome covers of "Seven Nation Army" and "Move On Up" amongst others) Cameroon-born Mounam has already delighted legions of fans with her unique and soulful tones. Now she steps out on a solo mission, backed up by Parisian band Trevor and Lisa, and it's a resounding success. Tight brass and afro-beat drums give Mounam the perfect backing for her sharp and powerful vocals, as does the slower Dwilt Sharp mix that accompanies the single.