Review: Charles Petersohn - Children Of Zu Zu EP (Compost Records)

'Children of Zu Zu' featuring Roberto Di Giola and the People of Tla'aga Samoa was released as a 'Short Version' single and everyone in the YATM office was saying, "where's the long version?"

Producer/DJ/Singer Charles Petersohn told me, "I am really excited, to be released at one of my favourite Labels" and that's not surprising as you'll recall the single was his first release in 18 years (see review HERE).

So 'Children Of Zu Zu (Long Version)' at nearly 7 minutes long is even more perfect than the short versions' "echoes of Lonnie Liston Smith's 'Space Princess' on a visit to Jimi Tenor's Philophon studios with a touch of ragas going on, it's almost transglobal; but in a 'Compost Records' underground way.."

Di Giola is also featured on 'Schmettrlinge Im Bauch' that really covers the inspiration of, "Smooth deep house, different kinds of jazz and jazznotjazz, African rhythms, Brasil batucada, psychedelic funk poetry, inspired by Dr. John and most of all the space music and afrofuturist philosophy of Sun Ra and his Arkestra" and it's a springtime classic already.

With two perfect tracks, he does it again with 'Love In Space' (Part 1 ft. Jana) and 'Love In Space' (Part 2 ft. Harold Pop & Lu).  And there's an alternative version of  'Schmettrlinge Im Bauch' plus, can you believe it? 'Myth Versus Reality' actually features the Sun Ra Arkestra (couldn't have been better timed with the Marshall Allen debut album, 'New Birth' recently being released - see review HERE).

But hang on, what is Zu Zu Music?  We'll, 'Zu Zu Music' that features Mickey Nether, AdaSoul and Narjara Thamiz tells us.

This album is like the equilavent of Kahil El'Zabar's remix project of 20 years ago where he got some of the Art Ensemble of Chicago with remix/edits by Afro/Jazz/house luminaries Henrik Swartz and Osunlade to give the dancefloor touch.

This is just perfect and there's bonus digital tracks but you'll really want the vinyl. 

BUY LINK: https://CompostRecords.lnk.to/CharlesPetersohn-ChildrenOfZuZuEP

Artist: Charles Petersohn

Title: Children Of Zu Zu EP

Release date: 14th March, 2025

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT648-1/-3

Format:  Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Joy Denalane - WILLPOWER (Four Music)

Who would believe that Joy Denalane has released her best album to date?  I guess that's the strength of 'WILLPOWER'.

One of the reasons I have been taken a-back by 'WILLPOWER' is that Joy's previous best album was as a featured vocalist with [re:jazz] back in 2003 with the classic jazzdance-dub hybrid, 'Torch Of Freedom'. On the back of that, I always would keep an eye opend for her name and then, out of the blue, she released 'Born & Raised' on the Four Music sub-label that she ran with husband Max Herre.

So all these years on her voice is just as soulful and she's written an album that's deeply personal and emotional; that's often the cue to run to the hills but don't.  Teaming up with now ex-husband Max Herre (as recently seen on top form with jazz group Web Web and Carlos Niño making a guest appearance - see review HERE) and mates with everyone, Roberto Di Gioia (see review HERE), these are a dozen tracks that covers the loss of her father and her children leaving home; i.e. growing up.

Luckily, it sounds reflective and up all at the same time, like 'Happy' (in two versions, one featuring Ghostface Killah - yes, he of Wu-Tang) and one not that captures the gospel feel.  If 'Happy' has passed you by as a single, don't let is pass you on this album with the ten b-sides (so to speak).

'Can't We Cry' and 'Revolutions' sounds a bit cheesy on first listen but will definitinly grows on you and sets you up for 'True (Soweto)', 'Good Times Better' and the title track, 'WILLPOWER'. 

Goes without saying tht this seems a very grown up album but I'd like to think that the love and touching lyrics here will reach an all-age fanbase.  Lets hope that Joy brings so much Joy into lots of people's hearts with this release.

Artist: Joe Denalane 

Title: WILLPOWER

Release date: 24th November, 2023

Label: Four Music

Cat. No: Limited Edition vinyl - 19658842501 CD 19658842502

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp