Review: New King - Summer Sun EP (Stefano De Santis Remix) (Ramrock Red Records)

Sun King's beware, there's a New King in town and about to be crowned!

Of course, a week is a long time in the reign of a New King because, just last week we were introduced to New King and their Summer Sun EP (Original Vocal + D.Foe Remix - see review HERE) and then we've got a Stefano De Santis take as vocal and instrumental versions.

You'll recall fellow "Ramrocker" Stefano from his 'Stick With Rhyme' and 'Unreachable Galaxy' releases (see review HERE) and he adds a layer of low down Latin jazz-funk shuffle and you get a vocal and instrumental version that's ready for a dancefloor warm-up.  

DJ Colin Curtis is a big fan of Stefano and he's worked with WheelUp too - Curtis and WheelUp where Djing in spiting distance of each other the other week at WeOutHere Festival so all of tthem know what get gets us on our feet.  

As you'll know, New King are Rob Clydesdale and Mark Daniels from D.Foe, featuring the amazingly ethereal vocalist, Noah and Ruben Campos.

So this is the 'middle' release of this 'Summer Sun' triptych so equally excited to hear the final installment..

Artist: New King

Title: Summer Sun EP (Stefano De Santis Remix) 

Release date: 30th August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR068

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Natasha Kitty Katt - Synaptic Juice ft. Suki Soul (F*CLR Music)

Followers of Franko-Dracula dungeon house will have Natasha Kitty Katt's 'Synaptic Juice' on 24-hour syringe pumps from today as 'Synaptic Juice' featuring Suki Soul is released on F*CLR Music.

With both NKK and Suki drenched in disco/house/boogie, that juice is more than synapated on the dancefloor on both vocal and instrumental versions.

This week, "the Intergalactic Disco Vampire", herself was the featured Guestmix (#438) on SlothBoogie (see below) and this first since the 'Batt Danse EP' come out with Billy Wirth (see review HERE).

Natasha is more and more demand as a DJ too so expect more than just "beam me up, Scotty" reference when you see her out at Glitterbox, Ibiza etc [NB.‘Synaptic Juice’ is taken from an episode of ‘Star Trek – Voyager'] 

SlothBoogie · SlothBoogie Guestmix #438 - Natasha Kitty Katt

Artist:Natasha Kitty Katt ft. Suki Soul

Title: Synaptic Juice  

Release date: 30th August, 2024

Label: F*CLR Music

Cat. No: FCLR034

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: South London Samba - Tempo! (Biodiversity)

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South London Samba's five track EP, 'Tempo!' has all the umph of MDO in a super samba school south of the river.

There used to be a local samba band that used to play pre-match at Dean Court many years ago and at local events and they were always perfect to raise the sunshine spirits at the start and end of the season.   And as this new footie season starts, here's a project that'll get your feet a-movin'.

Some folks might think that there should be more cuíca in the band (apparently, it's harder to play than it looks) but this is south bank samba that's as much African influences and Brazilian.

They has been doing the festivals and led by Adam Ouissellat, they celebrate over 10 years since they formed.

This is hard school drumming; shame we can't organise a South London Samba vs. Magic Drum Orchestra drum off!  Or can we?

Artist: South London Samba  

Title:  Tempo! 
Release date: 30th August, 2024
Label : Biodiversity
Catalog Number : -

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Pauli Lyytinen - Lehto / Korpi (We Jazz Records)

We Jazz Records never cease to promote exceptional jazz and in the case of Pauli Lyytinen's 'Lehto / Korpi' it so happens to feature the natural environment of Finland.

There's a strong yin and yang going on here musically with 'Letho' Parts I-V and 'Korpi' Parts I-IV except the solo sax piece, 'Letho IV'.

It's said that this album is heavily influenced by 'free jazzer', Evan Parker's 'With Birds' album and there's a great 'connection' with birds (electronic or real) on 'Letho II' and 'Korpi III' but 'Letho V' is a great match of sax and ENO-esque electronics.

Other tracks have more for a choral backing reminiscent of Jan Garbarek's project improvising with the Hilliard Ensemble and then at other times, there's the controlled 'honk' of a Peter Brötzmann (al la Canadian geese).

For those into Nordic Noir, 'Korpi IV' is proper light and (dark)shade drama that the cover artwork represents.

And talking of the former Roxy Music keyboards/synth man, it's great to see/hear that it's not only ambient 'founder' ENO (with his 'EarthPercent' charity) is flying the flag, there's jazz ambient projects as far as Okinawa, Japan (as present by former BBC Radio 3 jazzman, Nic Luscombe, see introduction HERE) 

After a long weekend at the WeOutHere Festival, in the middle of nowhere in the very large grounds of a country house, 'Lehto / Korpi' is the back-to-natural that you now get at home.

Artist: Pauli Lyytinen 
Title:  Lehto / Korpi 
Release date: 30th August, 2024
Label : We Jazz Records
Catalog Number : WJLP59

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Katrin-Merili - Beautiful Things EP (Independent)

'Beautiful Things' is not the obvious nu-sou-jazz pop release from Paris based Estonian, Katrin-Merili.

One for fans old soul, your Moonchild's of late, possibly Allysha Joy (see review HERE) or even Kyra (see review HERE).

The 5 track EP which she co-produced with Sacha Arnaud which has found her touching some personal events in her life including her Mum's cancer diagnosis and long distance love ('Hold My Body') but don't get the impression that this is dark Nordic-noir soul; if anything, quite the opposite.

'Beautiful Things' and 'Girl In The Mirror' are reflective with a positive outlook that reminded me of Corrine Baby Rae who I recently saw at the WeOutHere Festival (Corrine is 45 now you know!)

'Overjoyed' jets a little more jazz keys (Katrin-Merili has worked with Roy Ayers) and the radio plays will come from 'Hold My Body' and my favourite 'Dangerous'.

Definitely one to look out for.   And by coincidence, talking WeOutHere, there was a lot of talk about Gilles Peterson's interview with Chris 'The Rhythm Doctor' Long (currently resident in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn), Jerry Dammers (caught watching Johnny 'reggae legend' Clarke the day after his brilliant set) and the 'LP Livicate EP' (see review HERE) - now that's pretty "Worldwide" so why not Katrin-Merili at next years' festival?

Artist: Katrin-Merili

Title: Beautiful Things EP

Release date: 30th August, 2024

Label: Independent

Cat. No: -

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Erdi Irmak - Roshomon / The Sun (Be Adult Music)

Hot after their 8th Birthday Party, Be Adult Music is growing up fast with Erdi Irmak's 'Roshomon' EP with remixes by Serious Dancers and MRSFLV.

In fact, Erdi's track 'Easy Now' was undated for the 8th Anniversary compilation (see review HERE) but there's original of 'Roshomon' (with MRSFLV remix) and 'The Sun' (with Serious Dancers remix).

But can these Serious Dancers be serious and both versions are as kaleidoscopic as the artwork and dancefloor heat guaranteed.

We know MRSFLV from 'Beatiful Others' (see review HERE) and the sounds of the Far East get speeded up for this beautiful 'I Can't Stand The Rain' temple of a track.

What a month it has been for BAM fans, as it started with  Midnight Workouts' 'Losing Me' (original with remixes Nikos Diamantopoulos, Mauro B, St.Ego) (see review HERE) and ending with this one.

'The Sun' is definitely shining on these guys.

Artist: Erdi Irmak

Title: Roshomon (Original with remixes by Serious Dancers & MRSFLV)

Release date: 29th August, 2024

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM376

Format: Digital / Bandcamp.

Review: New King - Summer Sun EP (Original Vocal + D.Foe Remix) (Ramrock Red Records)

Any sun kings out there beware, there's a New King in town and about to be crowned!

Of course, a summer season can't pass without a summer sound coming out of Ramrock's HQ and 'Summer Sun' is it.

Dreamy and hot, the original is the one for the airwaves whilst the D.Foe takes it all the way to a Balearic dub pillow for some late nite swaying .

New King are Rob Clydesdale and Mark Daniels from D.Foe, featuring the "amazingly ethereal vocalist" Noah and guitarist Ruben Campos.

And this is just the start for New King as I'm told there's another two EPs to follow shortly.

Artist: New King

Title: Summer Sun EP  ( Original Vocal + D.Foe Remix ) 

Release date: 23rd August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR065

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Babon - Desert Rose / TNT (Batov Records)

Batov Records continues to release excellent nuggets on 7" and here's another one,  Desert Rose' / 'TNT' by Babon.

Slipping from the Middle East heartland, Babon are a duo based in Indonesia with Wahyudi T. Raupp (drums) and multi-instrumentalist Rayi Raditia.

'Desert Rose' is a great oasis of twisted Afro-funk-reggae and 'TNT' is the explosive B side which they call "Tropical Desert Music'.

Very different to Bolbec's 'Victime De l'aube' Eastern Grooves base (see review HERE) or is it?

Artist: Babon

Title:  Desert Rose / TNT 

Release date: 23th August, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR101

Format:  7" Vinyl [500 copies only] / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Midnight Workouts, Nash La Musica - Losing Me feat. Eva Essa (Be Adult Roots)

This comes as a little unexpected as Nash La Musica gets to mix Midnight Workouts' 'Losing Me' that features Eva Essa.

This comes out after Be Adult Music started with Midnight Workouts' 'Losing Me' (original with remixes Nikos Diamantopoulos, Mauro B,St.Ego (see review HERE) and now it's been supplemented with sister label, Be Adult Roots delivering this 3-track alternative.

Nash La Musica have  done Afro and a 3-step remixes with the bonus of Ms. Essa's acapella.

Trust me this release is a cool and dignified as the cover artwork and if you're in the business of warming up, this is class above and must have.

Note: As chosen by Will Sumsuch to start his months' Colour & Pitch Sessions mix (see below)

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - August 2024

Artist: Midnight Workouts

Title: Losing Me feat. Eva Essa ( Nash La Musica mixes )

Release date: 21st August, 2024

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAR016

Format: Digital / Bandcamp.

Review: The Jennifer Ewan Band - Space Girl (Ramrock Red Records)

On the space ship we find the high flyin' The Jennifer Ewan Band who has us in orbit with 'Space Girl'.

Nearly a year to the day that we found out 'Something Ain’t Right' on the EP by The Jennifer Ewan Band as it was our introduction to Celtic Cajun on the Clyde estuary banked by the Louisana bayou (see review HERE).

With an accent as strong as Susan Calman/Val Mcdermid (for the avoidance of doubt, that's a good thing), Ms. Ewan gives this tremendous swagger as we get the blast off.  

Be prepared for the instrument too with full accordion swing-a-long for Cajun and Zydeco types.

If you're in the Highlands for some golf or holidays, the band have been supporting Bill Bailey this summer and can be regularly seen at Edinburgh's Jazz Bar with their 'Bonnie Bayou' show and as part of the Fringe Festival.

Wonder if these guys could do a cover of 'Sea Cruise'?

Artist: The Jennifer Ewan Band 

Title: Space Girl

Release date: 19th August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR064

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Halo feat. Maiya – Glory (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remixes) (Foliage)

As it's summer, I've found myself enticed into watching 'The Hundred' but thankfully the good guys at Foliage are still on the ball with their 99th release, 'Glory'!

With a deep dreamy house mix by the Aartist Atjazz, we're bouncing and looking up to the celestial galaxy.  The repeated dramatic piano chord and vocal give the feeling that there's danger in them dark skies and redemption all at the same time.

And as good as the original vocal is, you're going to love the instrumental version as that'll keep you on your toes too!

Great news for DJs as there's also a radio edit included - go for glory and play 'em all.

Artist: Halo feat. Maiya 

Title:  Glory (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remixes)

Release date: 16th August, 2024

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN099

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Cee ElAssaad feat. QVLN - Ore Yeye O (Ensouled)

Ensouled, the label run by Cee ELAssaad, has got themselves a worldwide hit with 'Ore Yeyo O'.

It's only been a couple of months' since the  release of Cee's 'TRIBE' featuring Masaki Morii (see review HERE) and this is another monster tune.

We know the Cee is albout Afro-House Yoruba style but what do you expect from a "genre-defying" QLVN?  Well, the vocals have the peace and love of a Bob Marley, a world/Mali/rock guitar solo, massive jazz organ, prog. electric violin/synth and more.

In thre forms, orginal, reprise mix and a very short vocal only, there's only going to be positive vibes about this one baby.

Next years' WOMAD set already guaranteed.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - September 2024

Artist: Cee ElAssaad ft. QVLM

Title: Ore Yeye O
Release date: 16th August, 2024
Label : Ensouled

Catalog Number : ENSLD005

Format: Digital  

Review: Arrumar - Handwork EP (Ostowana)

Dubbed out Indo-House fusion, you've got it with Arrumar's handywork on a new EP out on Ostowana.

A bit different for the label as Arrumar's Balearic is closer to the Goa shoreline on the eight minute lead track, 'Matsena' with Henrikraabe.

Like I say, somewhat different to their last release, Mzala Wa Afrika's 'Resurrection EP' (see review HERE) but then 'Africa Dzonga' really does give it the full Afro-House Serengeti treatment.

Two huge tunes that'll get everyone excited about the forthcoming album which reflects on Arrumar's village life; what a night club of a village that must be! 

BBBBB

Artist:  Arrumar  

Title: Handwork EP, 

Release date: 16th August, 2024

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST068

Format: Digital

Review: Tamil Rogeon - Gift Of The Gab/Ascend It (BBE Music)

From the home of all things musically good downunder (that's Melbourne don't you know), yet another super talent, Tamil Rogeon!

It's not going to be often that you can find a guy and jazzy and funky as a Herbie that's playing a violinviola!  Not even Jean-luc-Ponty!

Equally Mr. Ponty had more strings to his bow [No pun etc..] and Tamil can turn his hans to modal and spiritual jazz, fusion and classical.  

'Ascend It' gets very 70s Miles/Herbie fusion and if you're into the 100mph jazzdance; this is definitely boiling up to it.

With fans as varied as Laurent Garnier, Rebecca Vasmant, Cerys Matthews and Gilles Peterson (expect Tamil at next years' We Out Here Festival).  That said, you don't need the gift of the gab of these DJs to be talking about this one. 

Artist: Tamil Rogeon 

Title: Gift Of The Gab/Ascend It 

Release date: 16th August, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number :BBE642SDG

Format: Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Silver Man - Don't Leave Me (Chamba Remix) (3 Bar Fire Records)

Always interested in some melancholic, downtempo so it's a good opportunity to check out a new track by Silver Man.

Not so keen on the vocals on this but if you DJ mix it into the mostly instrumental drum and bass remix, by Bristol-base Chamba, there's a real bounce up that echoes some of Bristol's trip-hop/dnb heritage.

This is the part of a "new batch" of released we've been promised from Silver Man as he returns to producing music after several years away.

Artist: Silver Man

Title: Don't Leave Me (Chamba Remix) 

Release date:16th August, 2024

Label : 3 Bar Fire Records

Catalog Number :   Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Be Adult Music 8th Anniversary (Be Adult Music)

It doesn't seem like a year since we were celebrating Be Adult Music 7th Anniversary but here's another compilation of all the best in a Be Adult Music world. 

In truth, it's been a little over a year since (see review HERE) but they've treated us to many a great release in the meantime that's emanated from the Ibizan beaches.

Typical of this is the dreamy opened, Hovak's 'The Day Before' and the ever present St. Ego (here with 'Stay') Also check out his Midnight Workouts remix of 'Losing Me', see review HERE) as the exclusive David Ol remix fits in so well here. 

 

Can't say I know the work of T.Picker, Erdi Imak, Viel and Death On The Balcony (their track, 'Follow The Beat' is a bit of a beachside Carrib steel pan-gospel grower) but it all has that Be Adult dancefloor quality.

Back to another artist we know, Julian Marazuela from the recent 'Seven Islands' release (see review HERE), and talking of the seaside, 'Atlantic Creatures' is a glorious multi-house genre firework of a track that wraps up this collection.

No surprise that there's much of a Balearics Island heat to all this and it's definitely one you should pack for your summer hols with the tan lotion and flip flops.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Be Adult Music 8th Anniversary 

Release date: 15th August, 2024

Label; Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM375

Review: Jasmine Tutum & Madtone - LP Livicate EP (Madtone / Blossoms Kitchen Records)

Regular readers will know that we got rather obsessed with Gilles Peterson's recent Worldwide FM interview with Chris 'The Rhythm Doctor' Long and Mr. Long's hour long europhile mix that included two unreleased tracks by Jasmine Tutum and Madtone.  

Luckily these tracks have now been released on the EP, 'LP Livicate'.   But it's not only Peterson and The Rhythm Doctor that are keen on this as a tribute to Lee 'Scratch' Perry as long-term fan Steve 'On The Wire' Barker has also championed these guys.  It's superb electronic dub that Madtone takes even further-out, when he addresses another of his favourite interests, short wave/Pirate Radio on 'Who'd Be A Pirate'.

Is anyone else at the Radio Acadamy Conference in 1990 in Glasgow?

And it's a funny coincidence that Long and Peterson first met in shed at the bottom of the Peterson's parents' garden as the HQ of his pirate radio 40ish years ago.  The campaign to get Chris, Jasmine and Madtone at WeOutHere Festival next year starts here! [We Out Here Festival 15-18 August 2024 - now Sold Out]

Also check out Jasmine on the The Other Others' release on Jahtari from last October (see reveiw HERE) and hear more details on that Chris Long mix via the ever excellent Weeds Up To Me Knees blog (see HERE with full track listing).

Artist: Jasmine Tutum & Madtone

Title: LP Livicate EP

Release date:14th August, 2024

Label : Albert's Favourites

Catalog Number :   Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Inês Loubet - Olha O Rio (Tahira Remix) (Albert's Favourites)

If you're in the UK, or most of the other parts of globe for that matter, it's as hot as a Rio Samba school, so what better than to get Inês Loubet's 'Olha O Rio' on Albert's Favourites?

One of the most active labels you're likely to find under the stewardship of Adam Scrimshire (formerly of Wah Wah 45s), they always attract some fantastic artists and here's a new one in I

The original 'Olha O Rio' has that heritage that goes all the way back to the 'originals' of 

Nara Leão, Gal Costa and the rest and introduces us to the flute of Ruta Spinola.

The Tahira remix takes the track up to full Flute Gang frequency and expecting to hear this all over the We Out Here Festival from tomorrow onwards.

Artist: Inês Loubet 

Title: Olha O Rio

Release date:14th August, 2024

Label : Albert's Favourites

Catalog Number :   Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Ishmael Ensemble - Ezekiel / Fever Dream (Severn Songs)

Severn Songs have 'Fever Dreams' over 'Ezekiel' as Ishmael Ensemble get ever closer to the release of thier third studio album.

It's been a little over a year since the double-A single, 'Madrid / Dust' was released by Ishmael Ensemble (see review HERE) but this release is even better.  

Split over 'Ezekiel' (original, instrumental, radio edit) and the rampant 'Fever Dream' (original, instrumental) it really is a fix as to the whether there's more bang, indie, Balearics, dreamscape in which; but I'll put my tuppence on the 'Fever Dream' instrumental version as it's a proper ear worm of a rave-up.

The album, 'Rituals' is due for release next month so keep your eyes peeled here.

P.S. love the artwork here.

Artist: Ishmael Ensemble

Title:  Ezekiel / Fever Dream

Release date: 13th August, 2024

Label: Severn Songs

Catalog Number: SEVS30C

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Fouk feat. Debórah Bond – Loving At First Sight (Reel People Music)

Needless to say, some folks will say "Fouk me!" when they first hear this, and they'd me right - its the equivalent of love at first sight.

Need to catch up with Reel People Music after 'Dance With Me', the Ezel Remixes of Mothers Favorite Child & Saeeda Wright's top track (see review HERE) and this a winner from those Fouk brothers (double Dutch you might say) who clearly are in love with the vocals of US R&B star Debórah Bond.

The instrumental version is a urgent UKG synth house shuffle that wants to make you fall in love with the vocal mix all over again.

Ready for all those big tune summer festival sets; you'll be lovin' this.

Artist: Fouk feat. Debórah Bond 

Title: Loving At First Sight 

Release date: 9th August, 2024

Label : Reel People Music

Catalog Number : RPM120

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Hardkandy - Yonder / Interflude (Full Length Version) (Wah Wah 45s)

By this time next week, Dom Servini will probably been on the main stage at We Out Here Festivial and done numerous DJ sets, so expect to here this new single from an old friend, Hardkandy.

Servini is, of course, head of Wah Wah 45s and now a regular must listen on Jazz FM so even more of a treat to welcome back Tim Bidwell to the label (remember my review of his album 'Second To None' back in 2008 (see link HERE).

These two, 'Yonder' is trippy, hoppy and classic Hardkandy whilst 'Interlude' is all out fuzzy organ from the church of funk, jittery guitar and even something of the flute gang at the end for the jazzy b-bouys.

If this really is a 'full lenght' 'Interlude', why only 3 minutes?!  

Totally different from the last releae on Wah Wah 45s (now in its 25 year you know) to Léa Mondo's 'Rising Woman EP' from earlier this year (see review HERE); but then again, that is Wah Wah 45s. 
 
 

Artist: Hardkandy
Release:  Yonder / Interflude (Full Length Version) 
Release Date: 9th August, 2024
Label: Wah Wah 45s
Catalog Number: -
Format: Digital / BANDCAMP