Tags: Afro Funk

Review: The first release from the Ethiopian Brothers, 2019's 'Ashadwa', was a brilliant slab of Afro-funk that many erroneously believed to be a long-lost classic. In fact, it was the work of a contemporary producer associated with Jalepeno Records. Regardless, the record sounded authentically old and dusty, as does this equally as inspired sequel. 'Selassie (Part 1)' sets the tone, with the producer and his session musicians serving up a righteous Afro-funk workout rich in Tony Allen influenced drum-breaks, flanged guitars, raw tenor sax lines and killer bass guitar. Even more righteous is the flipside 'Part 2' version that showcases more snaking sax lines and some seriously infectious, chant-like vocals.

Review: The Sorcerers have been a mainstay of the ATA Records imprint since it was founded in their home city of Leeds back in 2015. Here, the Yorkshire combo, whose primary influences have always been Ethopian "Ethio-jazz" and obscure European horror soundtracks, return to action with a heavyweight dancefloor workout. In truth "In Search of Sha Hulud" is a far more funk-fuelled affair than you might expect, with exoitic Middle Eastern melodies and fluttering flute solos rising above killer drum breaks and a seriously heavy bassline. Turn to the flipside for "The Anderson Spectrum", a pitched-down, 1960s style library funk jam credited to The Yorkshire Film and Television Orchestra, which appears to be another project helmed by leading members of the Sorcerers.

Review: The Invisible Sessions new album Echoes of Africa is the first on the newly launched Space Echo label out of Italy and is richly rooted in black music. It's been 15 years since a breakout release put this group on the map and now trombonist and multi-instrumentalist Gianluca Petrella and poet, rapper and MC Martin Thomas Paavilainen (aka Benjamin "Bentality" Paavilainen) link once more to great effect as they use jazz as a vehicle to convey their messages of cultural synergy, unity and love. Afro-beat and Ethio-jazz, funk, psychedelia, and modal music all colour the most compelling grooves.