Review: Florian Gasperini - Âme (Be Adult Music)

More beauty from Be Adult Music as Florian Gasperini's 'Âme' is true.

We're still in love with David Manso's 'Like An Oven' with Kanedo and Deephope Remixes (see review HERE) and here's some more goodness.

This 3 track EP is as deep and spellbinding as the artwork - infact, they should have called it 'Âme' / 'Mariana' / 'Japa Mala' as they all stand-out and a perfect follow up to Gasperini's  'Hijos Del Sol' release (see review HERE).

There's some great Balearic-styles about at the moment so stay tuned.

Artist: Florian Gasperini 

Title:  Âme

Release date: 31st October, 2024

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM386

Format: Digital / Bandcamp.

Review: Will & James Ragar - The Baton Rouge EP (BBE Music)

If you can remember back to the start of 2023, BBE introduced us to the brothers Will and James Ragar with their Southern Louisiana folk/jazz/blue eyed soul that was totally ignored in 1981 when orginally released: well they're back! 

Well, sort of, because if their 'Forever' / 'Bayou Paradise' (see review HERE) these earlier tracks were even more ignored.  Which was a shame for them but great for us now after nearly 50 years since they were written/produced.

You'll recall these sessions were recorded in Baton Rouge with an engineer who had worked with in the Allman Brothers, these tracks are like a 'deep' southern folky Supertramp/Little Feat' particularly 'Spill The Beans'.

Definitley one for fans of Paul Hillery's 'Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours' and 'Children Of The Setting Sun' series (see review HERE).  

Artist: Will & James Ragar 

Title: The Baton Rouge EP

Release date: 1st November, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE730EDG / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Joi N' Juno - Samemala (The Album) (Canopy Records)

The Joi N' Juno single 'Samemala' got folks excited so you can only imagine how excited we are to hear 'Samemala (The Album)' that's out on Portufal's Canopy Records.

This looks feels and sounds like a Afrobeat release in the Paris DJs Soundsystem/Grant Phabao's Afrofunk Arkestra ballpark so perhaps no surprise the multi-instrumentalist, composer and full-time studio engineer to boot David Baluteau (aka Joi N’Juno) originally made a name for himself as the lead singer in the French band 'La Phaze'. 

Now he's 'grown up' he's found time produce his debut album as Joi N' Juno (is that an original Roland Juno keyboard on the cover?) but this ain't no 70s whiz keyboard music, it's rooted in the original 70s/80s disco/funk groove a là Rogers de la Niles (recommend his BBC Radio 4 chat with John Wilson aired this week - check it out HERE) with Ghanaian Hi-Life and Fela's Afrobeat and that soul-pop edge; Osibisa seems a big influence on tracks like 'Endialo' and 'Muzik' and 'Moky Danza'.   

You can also say their fantastic synths and horns on the album which makes it sound really of its time (Ed. that's "now" too!) - could it be The Ibibio horns on here that make it sound as good as the Sol Power All-Stars (see review HERE).

There's some really radio friendly tracks like 'Sond'eyamone', 'Don't Give Up' and 'Wake Up Song' but all the eight tracks are dancefloor/club ready so you know leading DJ's like Laurnet Garnier, Kiko Navarro (he of Afroterraneo - see review HERE) and Jimpster (by the way, did you know one of Jimpster's other projects was Loxodrome's 'Drop Out EP' (review coming HERE soon) are going to be ontop of this album; and you should be too!

Artist: Joi N' Juno
Title:  Samemala (The Album)
Release date: 1st November, 2024
Label : Canopy Records
Catalog Number : CNPY012
Format:  LP and all the Digitals - Samemala - Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music - Linktree / Bandcamp 

Review: The Secret Garden - Names In The Sky feat. Jo Wallace (Ramrock Red Records)

Whether it's the Garden of Eden, The Garden of Earthly Delights or indeed, The Secret Garden, here's the flowering of Mrs Ramrock on vocals for 'Names In The Sky'.

Jo Wallace, the boss at Ramrock HQ, has made an appearance previously on the label (see review HERE) was introduced by Dan The Drum (he of 'Jazzcazz - see review HERE) to Alex of The Secret Garden and the result is this great track, 'Names In The Sky'.

Whilst older readers may imagine a John Gordon Sinclair /  Clare Grogan moment on the "End Of Summer" headland/beach but this is always going to be "current" which is kind of ironic as Alex's inspiration and the title was inspired by a Nancy Wilson track from 1968.

But don't get the impression that this is all dreamy stuff as the track (with the instrumental) is serious disco-boogie-funk ready for the spaceship dancefloor (and possibly a dubby remix from the Morris & Wallace team?)

Another winner from Ramrock and perfect timing as ever. 

Artist: The Secret Garden

Title: Names In The Sky feat. Jo Wallace

Release date: 28th October, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR070

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Natasha Kitty Katt - Intergalatic Vampire (F*CLR Music)

Natasha Kitty Katt (aka Intergalatic Vampire) has created a track that envisages what a space boogie comic artist would take to the dancefloor - without any cheesy efx: Natasha is a serious Marvel/DC. 

Natasha Kitty Katt follows up the 'Synaptic Juice' (featuring Suki Soul) release (see review HERE) with the equally impressive (and seasonal) 'Intergalatic Vampire'. 

This track is taken from the forthcoming album  'Synaptic Juice' that's earmarked for vinyl and digital release Q1 of next year.

Natasha Kitty Katt continues to DJ internationally so keep an eye open for when she's near you; but watch ya neck!

Don't forget last years' 'Batt Dance' (see review HERE) featuring 'Lost Boy' Billy Wirth and there's a 𝕹𝖆𝖙𝖆𝖘𝖍𝖆 𝕶𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖞 𝕶𝖆𝖙𝖙  USA Oct Tour 24 (see dates below) with a Halloween Special in Miami!

Artist:Natasha Kitty Katt
Title: Intergalatic Vampire
Release date: 1st November, 2024
Label: F*CLR Music
Cat. No: FCLR035
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Fabio Tullio - Entanglements (A.MA Records)

Bandcamp Friday means you can pre-order Fabio Tullio's 'Entanglements' from A.MA Records for it's 1st of November release date.

When I first heard the opening and closing track of Fabio Tullio's album 'Entanglements', I was immediately reminded of in Norma Winstones' set at We Out Here Festival back in August; not only for Marta Capponi's vocals, but with Norma's backing band was Sam 'Floating Points' Shepherd!

And what Fabio has done here has gone his 70s jazz-fusion influences tuned into a larger band/arrangement that feel quite effortless; especially the 7 minutes of 'Untitled Spirtual (Intro - Journey - Dilemma).  

There's also the impressive 'The Balance' the grows into a bit of a blow out vs. Gwis' piano that'll work for fusion fans especially with the guitar comes in whilst the track 'The Return Of Mr. Crohn' is the obvious choice for fusion noodling - a tad Sonny Fortune vs. Mahavishnu circa Jean-Luc Ponty?  

Italy's A.MA Records are pretty jazz eclectic so this another one not to miss out on as I'm sure that there's more entanglements on the horizon.

Fabio Tullio: Tenor / Alto / Soprano Saxophones / Synth 

Alessandro Gwis: Piano / Electric Piano / Keyboards 

Andrea Colella: Double Bass / Electric Bass 

Massimiliano De Lucia: Drums

Andrea Gomellini: Guitar 

Marta Capponi: Vocals 

Valerio Vantaggio: Drums 

Claudio Corvini: Trumpet / Fluglehorn

Artist: Fabio Tullio

Title: Entanglements

Release date: 1st of November, 2024 (Pre-Order on Bandcamp Friday, 25th October)

Label : A.MA Records

Catalog Number : CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

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Review: Raz & Afla - Echoes Of Resistance (Wah Wah 45s)

It's worth repeating, the label that is WAH WAH 45s is in its 25th year and the anniversary celebrations are ongoing and one such highlight is the full album release of Raz & Afla's 'Echoes Of Resistance'.

We're long term fans of the label and the singles previously released, 'What's Going On' (the Hectic extension being very exclusive at the moment), 'Ebo Be Me' and 'Shikor Shikor' (see review HERE).

Of course, the worry would be that is there any more gems left on the album?  Well, in short there is!

Raz Olsher (electronics) and Afla Sackey (percussion and vocals) have produced an even better album than Dom Servini was telling me at We Out Here Festival early in the year; Mr. Servini being the head honcho who has been almost everywhere for the past 25 years promoting the label.

Even a track with a multiple repeated chant of 'On Da Fone' sounds like a run-a-way double headed freight train - going down hill with a great wobble to it. And just when you think there's a rest on its way, 'Stefana' and 'We Taya' get busy - as we've just had Fela Kuti's birthday, 'We Taya' is a reminder of his influence and legacy.

It's been said, "There are moments of pure euphoria and unadulterated joy too though, as tracks like 'Mon Ni Fere', 'Voodoo Zeezee' and 'Baby Moo' inspire elated, tribal dance floor pleasure" and I'm not going to argue against that (especially 'Voodoo Zeezee') but when they really get down, 'Ano Be Mumu' is like a dirty dubstep verson of their sound and I can't wait to hear that on a proper sound system - I'm betting 'friend of Dele Sosimi' Medlar's already had the call! 'Voodoo Zeezee' too! 

Their debut album from 2022, 'The Cycle' was great but 'Echoes Of Resistance' is even better, [I can't overstate how good it is] and it's going to be the icing on Wah Wah 45s birthday cake this year.

Artist: Raz & Afla

Release:  Echoes Of Resistance 
Release Date: 25th October, 2024
Label: Wah Wah 45s
Catalog Number: WAHLP031
Format: Digital / BANDCAMP

Review: Transmission Towers - Crooked Transmissions (É Soul Cultura)

This album starts with the chant of "Well I'm back" and never a truer word said for this "new" album on Luke Una's transmissive label, É Soul Cultura.

So we've had the original album (see review HERE) and then the single 'My Shadow' (Crooked Shade) / 'Mega' (Crooked) (see review HERE) and here's the full album version by Crooked!

The album starts with 'Mega' but it's 'Up' that gets us engrossed with its dub/version/remix style of 'Part 2'.  

Crooked Man (aka Richard Barratt) has got some Perry/Sherwood/Weatherall influences to draw upon and much more as his credits range from Róisín Murphy's 'Róisín Machine' (and 'Crooked Machine') to remixing Escort's 'Cocaine Blues' and working with the late Richard H. Kirk.

So Crooked Man has got form in this type of mutation and 'Crooked Transmissions' is a pretty diverse album, such as 'Up' gets transmitted to a higher plain of Sheffield synth pop heritage and with this "out-there" adventurism, most of the tracks are quite lenghty which is great for the dancefloor; particularly like 'Everything (Gone Crooked)' that's got a bit of PIL's 'Metal Box' to it and the warped 'Planetary Alignment (Bent Crooked)' where the lazer beams have been deflected (in fact, this need to be longer).

Talking of warped, what the George Clinton is 'One (2 Crooked)' about? It's like Talking Heads have had an electro shock lobotomy - brilliant.

It's not all experimental, 'My Shadow' has a dnb vibe, there's the chill-out dub 'Go Slow Heart' and 'Sparse' goes a bit trip-hop-pop. But is it all a build-up to prepare us for 10 minutes of 'Roller Skater (Crooked Wheels)'?

In fact, this is one of those albums that's so well produced and deep on every level, it's really hard to say what your favourite track is (so i won't) but if you had any thoughts that this was some hurriedly put together 10 track remix 'throw away' release, you'd be miles of the mark - I predict this is going to be 'Album Of The Year' on many a chart. 

In some ways the original album and this, lets call it a follow-up, is very much Luke Una, (check his Luke Una presents É Soul Cultura compilations on Mr Bongo, see review HERE) as he's not a man to get tied down musically and I wonder what the future plans for Transmission Towers (Mark Kyriacou and Eleanor Mante) could possibly be?

Artist: Transmission Towers

Title: Crooked Transmissions

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label: É Soul Cultura

Cat. No: ESOULDIGI01

Format: All the Digitals / Bandcamp

Review: The Cromagnon Band - Mode (BBE Music)

BBE Music's had to wait a while to get The Cromagnon Band's second album, 'Mode' on the shelves but this is going to be a surprise hit as its such a classy release - and apparently they do live gigs too!

You couldn't get further away from BBEs last release, the brilliant album from Waaju, 'Alouane' featuring Majid Bekkas (see review HERE) but then there is a trippy, psych rock, jazz funk underbelly to both so perhaps they aren't that far away!

That said, I don't think Mr. Bekkas will be joining them any time soon as the trio, Bert Page (keys, sax, clarinet), Lenny Walker (bass) and Tom Watt (drums) are more in a jazzy-OST-library groove.

It's pretty dramatic at times ('Bad Night') and I like that they can 'slip into psuedo prog-rock a la Deep Purple meets Black Sabbath at the gates of DJ Shadow's film noir soundtrack collection 'Contrary  Motion' and 'Phrygia') and there's even some Ethio-synth Kasbah flute gang wierdness to 'Crooked Usage'.

Any fans of 70s Hancock/Schifrin/Barry soundtracks and instrumental hip-hop will love this especially when it really comes together on the last 3 tracks; 'Hadley's Hope', 'Not Nothing' and the monster prog-ish 'Mandelbrot'

Their debut album clearly caught the attention of BBE and if you're after some obscure Jonny Trunk style release, save your dosh instead and get 'Mode', the not so difficult second album by The Cromagnon Band - you'll be so much better off in all sorts of ways.

Artist: The Cromagnon Band

Title: Mode

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number:BBE787

Format: LP, Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: 808 BEACH & Amy Douglas - WHATEVER DADDY SAYS (toucan sounds)

When you've loved everything on Toucan Sounds, you've got to be a little concerned by a release entitled 'WHATEVER DADDY SAYS', right?  No need to worry, it's Amy Douglas leading the 808 Beach duo of hit makers and it bangs NYC!

We loved 'You' for obvious reasons (that's was Toucan Sounds' release by Anthony Nicholson featuring Brandon Markell Holmes & Chris Rob - see review HERE) and indeed everything else they've done so big hands in the air bangin' house by 808 Beach (aka John 'J-C' Carr & Bill Coleman, who as a duo and individually seem to have worked with anyone that's had a major commercial release).

And whilst there's eight versions (a combination of JC and 808 remixes), you'll want to pre-fix any of them with 55secs of Amy's acapela version for it's depth of deep vocals. 

So whilst Amy is belting it out on the original an extended nu-disco versions, there's a angular 808 Beach Ol' Brat Mix, a modified Ol' Brat Club version and an even more up at it Glitterbox, "J-C" Carr Glitter Mix: Brilliant stuff, but it stands out even more with the 808 Beach Sub Soul club version!

This release is as good as a Pete Tong Friday Night Essential Selection all on one and that's not just Daddy saying it.

Artist: 808 BEACH & Amy Douglas 
Title: WHATEVER DADDY SAYS
Release date: 25th October, 2024
Label: Toucan Sounds
Cat. No: YTCW132
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Raf Reza - Why You Gotta? / Pineapple Island (Star Creature)

I'm often asked, "Why do you have to keep up with all the new records?" I have to own up, it's new productions like, "Why You Gotta?' and 'Pineapple Island' on Star Creature that make me do it.

 

Available on 7" and digital, Toronto's Raf Reza had his finger on the synth funk that'll give the Commodores' 'Machine Gun' a run for its money in terms of instrumentals as 'Why You Gotta?' takes some proto jazz-funk house to the limits.

On the flip, there's some slow jam groove with some Azymuth / Roy Ayers inspired bass and Balearic shoreline boogie from 'Pineapple Island' - book you flights for now.

And whilst it's always a good idea to get the physical vinyl version there's a digital bonus track 'Space Strut' that sounds like it could go back as far as Sun Palace's 'Raw Movements' from the mid-80s. 

In fact, it turns out that this session was originally recorded in a attic bedroom over 8 years ago so it's even more impressive that Star Creature are around to give it a worldwide release and I'd adivise not to hang about with this one.

Artist: Raf Reza

Title: Why You Gotta? / Pineapple Island (Space Strut)

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label : Star Creature

Catalog Number : SC7067

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Maurizio Ravalico - A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms (Not Applicable)

I don't suppose many folks' thoughts are flitting between Candido's monster worldwide hit 'Thousand Finger Man' and Key Stage 3 African Drumming lesson plans, but if they are, Maurizio Ravalico's 'A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms' album is one for you.

When it comes to a conguero, we often refer the Essex's own Snowboy (aka DJ Mark, Cotgrove - as in review HERE) but Maurizio has taken the art of 'new music for congas' to the next level.

Introduced as "London-based percussionist, Maurizio Ravalico is a multifaceted artist and experimentalist, a versatile character with a restless appetite for cross-pollination between disciplines and genres".  The album if definitely proof of that but don't let that put you off as there's some out-there tracks, like a minimal NYC Fania street scene via London Underground/DLR security check of 'No Comparsa Today', the sound check of 'Interlude 3 - Tap' and a cover version of The Beatles 'Norwegian Wood' (nice whistle of 'This Bird Has Flown).

The album finishes with the 11 minute track 'Drag Spin Swing Read Pluch Clash Read' that sounds minimal/electronic/techno at times and then fully organic as the whole album is an ode on congas (apart from the vocals/whistle on 'Norwegin Wood').

The opening track, 'A Cheaper Love Letter (for Egberto Gismonti)' is like a distant steam train creeping up on you - in Cuba - def one for the festivals next year and as this is such an adventurous album and far more than you'd expect; buddy Peels, Peterson and Wetheralls - this is one to investigate.

Artist: Maurizio Ravalico 

Title: A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label: Not Applicable

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Peter Evans - Extra (We Jazz Records)

Acclaimed trumpet player, improvisor, and composer based in New York City Peter Evans makes his We Jazz Records debut with 'Extra'.

The band formation includes Evans on trumpet, Petter Eldh (Koma Saxo / Post Koma) on bass and Jim Black on drums

The Amercican trumpeter is very well know in the world of free jazz improvisations but he's nothing less than full of surprises on 'Extra' as this "gutsy new band that gets right to work with his eight new compositions". Recorded at the Namouche Studio in Lisbon all the tracks have an ingrained feeling "where all musicians are pushing for the new together with great excitement".

And you'd expect nothing less from We Jazz, but hang on, the opener 'Freaks' has a genuine 100 mph jazzdance vibe with the bass running away with the drums and Evans on blistering form. Take a breather and rewind.  And go again with 'In See' as they're still at it with Evans sounding like Don Cherry playing Albert Ayler; love the touch of echo that's reflected in the album artwork - not sure about the oranges.

'Boom' is a start towards more experimental,'Nova' is a haunting gamelan-esque (with Evans adding sparing piano') and by the time you get to 'Movement 56' this trio is out-there Ra-synthical (stick with it, it's a grower of some apocalytical proportion).

Normal service is resumed with 'Underworld', 'Fully Born' with a jazz-BRUK drum style and Evans' flamboyance and ending with a minimal track, 'The Lighthouse'.

Evans' style has previously been compared to Miles Davis' fusion of controlled abandom and he's got that hear in buckets so no surprise that there's early support has been recieved from BBC 6 Music New Music Fix, Bandcamp Weekly, Jazz FM, New York City Jazz Record and Peter Margasak's Nowhere Street amongst others.

So if you want fireworks, it's 'Freaks', it it's freaks, its 'Movement 56' and there's loads inbetween -  another great album on We Jazz Records.

Artist: Pete Evans

Title: Extra

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label : We Jazz Records

Catalog Number : WJLP73 

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Jono McCleery - To See You Again / So Messed Up (Sonar Kollektiv)

You get the feeling that it was only a matter of time for Jono McCleery to make his name and now he's on Sonar Kollektiv, it's great 'To See You Again'.

Jono McCleery is British singer/songwriter, musician and artist based in London.  In the past he's based in London, he has supported Fink (Ninja Tune) on tour, and collaborated with loads more since

However, this first single from the forthcoming album is best we've heard Jono since his collaborations with Part-Time Hereos in 2019 on Wah Wah 45's - the "Nick Drake" we've been waiting for as the source of 'To See You Again' comes from the passing of his brother.

It's the opening track featured on Colour & Pitch sessions, October 2024 with Will Sumsuch (see below).

And having made a star of Stee Downes, Sonar Kollektiv have filled the space in between with their next star, Jono McCleery is so [un]messed up.

The album 'Reconcile' will be released on November 29th.

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

Artist: Jono McCleery 

Title: To See You Again / So Messed Up

Release date: 24th October, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv)

Catalog Number: SK504D,SK505D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: LEDJ - Circuit Breaker (Bridge The Gap)

Hard to imagine how the Musical Director for Mulatu Astake (James Arben) and a Heliocentric mate (Danny Keane) plus a couple of member of the Hackney Colleiry Band could re-invent the New Orleans brass band format - but they have and it's all to the good.

It might take a couple of listens, but this quartet, Arben (horns), Keane (keys), Luke Christie (drums) and Ed Ashby (tuba) have crammed a lot into their debut 5 track EP.

The opener, 'Circuit Breaker' is their in ya face HCB style Ethio-Jazz but then the jazzy Fender Rhodes really shines on 'One Last One' that if had lyrics, could be a cross-over hit.

'5 Days Of Freedom' builds into a jazzy-funk groover and it's possibly the most jazz dancey of the set - more Chick Corea than Herbie say and the Ed's tuba give it some serious depth (and thoughout).  As a quick aside, good to see Oren 'Tuba Explorer' Marshall in Norma Winstones' backing band (along with Sam 'Floating Points' Shepherd!) at WeOutHere Festival this year - the tuba is back?

'Hailstorm' get punk-jazz Ezra Collective'd dub trance - these guys must be awesome live like Acoustic Ladyland back in the day.  A big change to the haunting ballady 'Monday 6th March' closer.

So you think the New Orleans' comparison was a bit far fetched?  I suppose Professor Longhair might not have recognised much here but he'd certainly love and dance to it. 

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Artist: LEDJ
Title: Circuit Breaker
Release date: 24th October, 2024
Label : Bridge The Gap
Catalog Number : -
Format: LP / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers - African Party (Deluxe Edition) (Impressive Collective)

Back in 2015, Freestyle Records reissued a remastered version of this 1967 classic ten track album by Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers but this is the 12 track Deluxe Edition as the first on the Impressive Collective label.

You may know Mr. Boraman from his connections with Brian Auger (see review HERE) so it's no surprise that he loves this seminal album from that late sixties when Ginger Johnson was not only opening the London/UK ears to Afro-jazz percussion, he was also a mentor to then London resident, Fela Kuti as well having work with British jazz greats as Ronnie Scott, drummers Phil Seaman, pianist Victor Feldman, Kenny Graham (in his Afro-Cubists band) as well as percussionist in Edmundo Ros' popular dance band in the 50s (always check the credits his album).

This album is full of Yoruba vocals/chants, heavy percussion and Brit-jazz horns and flute; 'Hi-Life' being particularly good but it's all excellent and often mentioned as the start of Afrobeat. 

Johnson's band also went on to include future members of Cymande and Osibissa and you can hear elements of calypso/Carribean on 'African Party' and even Zamrock meets jazz ('Witch Doctor' (Afro Rock)'.

A truley amazing album and especially in this expanded form (the extra two tracks having been taken from a long lost 45 that's been a 'Repair Shop' restoration so as to match the rest of the album).

When Tony Allen (RIP - albeit mentioned this week - see review HERE) said, Ginger "was a pioneer, the trailblazer for all of us", he really should be better known and this 'African Party' will definitely make that happen.

Artist: Ginger Johnson And His African Messenger

Title: African Party

Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label :  Impressive Collective (an imprint of BBE Music)

Catalog Number:BBE771

Format: Vinyl 2xLP (early 2025), Digital / Bandcamp  

Review - Dora Morelenbaum - Pique (Mr Bongo)

Dora Morelenbaum is the superstar from Brazil with a debut album on Mr Bongo - you must here it.

How do we know she's a superstar? Well, she part of Bala Desejo (see review HERE) along with her bestie, Ana Frango Elétrico who had her album out last year (se review HERE) we've been getting itchy for more Dora Morelenbaum since the 'Vento De Beirada EP' last year as her debut album has 11 new tracks.

And who can not love the sunny feel-good of this album, especially 'Venha Comigo', the jazz-funky 'Sim, Não' and the odd-ball kooky extremees  of 'Caco' and 'VW Blue'.

But not only that, there's a string drenched ballad 'Essa Confusão' that'll knock you out with its understated jazz ballady along with the jazz pop of 'Petricor' and the thrilling 'Nem te procurar' that ties all these various strings together that makes this album so good?  

Dora has said, “'Pique' was an album made in motion and ended up being about just that. From the beginning, it was an album that sought to build new textures that are part of the sound landscape I envision ahead. And from these colours and textures, it builds bridges between a more traditional universe, sonically and poetically speaking, and a new perspective on songs.”

And you can't argue with that.  Any fans of Brazillian culture and its musical heritage from MPB, bossa nova, samba to tropicália will love this.

Artist: Dora Morelenbaum
Title: Pique 
Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRBCDLP275,

Format :  Digital / Bandcamp