Mocambo Vinilo y CD

Review: Carlton Jumel Smith earned himself the title Mr Soul, being one of NYC's foremost exponents of a faithful sound which keeps the Motown flame alive. Having released a couple of singles on Timmion last year as well as linking up with Dojo Cuts on Colemine, now Smith is stepping out on Mocambo with the riotous party starter 'Keep On Swinging', a heated affair with sassy brass, overdriven guitar licks and the man himself holding it down with a killer vocal turn. 'Hope' on the flip is a funkier number which calls to mind classic Curtis Mayfield, not least thanks to that sprightly percussion section. Great modern soul music which knows where it's coming from.

Review: Here's a rare soul and funk shindig; a collision of worlds between key players of the German scene. Singer-songwriter Mona, who recently moved from Ukraine to Germany with her production partner MC Fame, goes head-to-head with instrumental supergroup Hammerbrook Sound Machine (a five-member troupe boasting members of Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and the Mighty Mocambos plus MC Fame on Moog solo duties. There's even a jew's harp in it. A defiant single, 'Maya Vode' is a clear and crispy breakbeat-brimmer, perfect for segueing the ball into less mere-romantic, far sexier heights.