Review: RAH & The Ruffcats - Wake Up (Yoruba Soul Mixes) (Sonar Kollektiv)

Back with our sun god RAH & The Ruffcats, the  party goes from 'Orile To Berlin' to Africa as always superb Osunlade gives us four Yoruba Soul mixes that'll bring heat way beyond this summer.

You'll recall Sonar Kollekitv released the album, 'Orile To Berlin' last year (see review HERE) as RAH is originally from Orile, Lagos who had joined up with supergroup backing band, The Ruffcats (from Berlin).

More recently there was the Kid Fonque 'Refix' remix of the track 'Rodeo' (as selected for last months' Colour & Pitch Session mix - see below) but the label has gone the extra mile, something Osunlade has done regularly throughout his career) with 'Wake Up' in instrumental and vocals versons of 'Wake Up (They Are The People Of The Myths)' featuring the Afro-space futurism poety King Khan as Yoruba Soul and Club Mixes.

If you know King Khan, "Berlin's garage rock legend", don't worry as we are firmly in the Afrobeat world of dancefloor funk with the warning to 'Wake Up' and if I was pushed, I think I prefer the pecussive heavy mellowed out ruff(cat)ness, if that's not a contradiction, of the Yoruba Soul Instrumental but all three tracks are powerful.

So different to the label's Jono McCleery album 'Reconcile' (see review HERE) or Leon Raum's album (see review HERE) but that's why we love 'em as you never know what they are going to do next.

P.S. A little birdy tells me 'next' will be something very special from Jazzanova - Can't wait! 

 

Title: RAH & The Ruffcats 

Title: Wake Up (Yoruba Soul Mixes)

Release date: 27th February, 2025

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK510D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Leon Raum - Basement Meditation EP (Sonar Kollektiv)

Leon Raum is a producer, drummer and multi-instrumentalist who has managed to interupt his busy schedule to produce this 4-track 'Basement Meditation EP'.

As ever, Sonar Kollektiv are first to get in the basement with Mr. Raum as he gets into his musical savasana with 'Cascade', 'For QnD', 'Champloo' and 'All Night'.

Very different to other recent releases on the label like Mieke Miami's 'Birdland' (see review HERE) or Jono McCleery (see review HERE) but then there's clear links to hip-hop beats via Madlib/Dilla so in some ways, you can see the lineage; especially from a drummers perspective.

So the constant gripe is these tracks are too short, especially 'Champloo' and 'All Night' - the latter destined to be a house hit with a bit of an extension edit a la Theo Parrish.

It's impressive to find out this whole project is just Leon Raum sorting out his beats and loops in the basement and we're always keen to hear jazzy beats and he's definitely found a groove that's got more movement to it than pure meditation.

P.S. Artwork by Penelope (Leon's sister)

Artist: Leon Raum 

Title: Basement Meditation EP 

Release date: 13th December, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number: SK508

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Jono McCleery - Reconcile (Sonar Kollektiv)

Will we ever be able to reconcile that Jono McCleery's debut album on Sonar Kollektiv is his best todate? 

I say that as Mr. McCleery has been lucky enough after his debut in 2008 to worked with lots of folks that we love to follow like his work on Ninja Tune (with Fink and Portico Quartet), 'Realise' with Part-Time Hereos (which was included on Wah Wah 45's 15th Birthday release, and now they are 25!) and also with lots of 'dance' artists, like the diverse range of  Maceo Plex, Catz N' Dogz, Karol XVII & MB Valence and Laura Vane!

This might sound a bit odd for the "Nick Drake" we've been waiting for but 'Reconcile' is a distinct change of direction as it was mostly recorded as an instrumental, in a log cabin of all places.  That might sound a bit dull and flat to most of our readers but the production kind of creeps up on your here with added strings/keys/electronics that's makes in far from a campfire recording.

The singles, 'To See You Again' and 'So Messed Up' (see review HERE) are indicative of a more laid-back approach and you can easily see why Sonar Kollektiv were impressed with a downtempo soul chill sound.  And you can tell form the titles that there's a bit theme of introspection ('The One', 'Only You'. 'Like I Do', 'I Try To Remember' etc) and there's a bit of Thom Yorke-ism to this (we're told Radiohead's Phil Selway is a fan of Jono) and Jamie Woon (Ed. I met him once at Cargo years ago).

The title track is particulary stripped back and you can feel some real blues porch heritage to McCleery's vocals and acoustic guitar style and then, at the other extreme, is the 'Let's Get Back To It' that's the most elegantly produced track.

With the help of co-producers Matt Kelly, Greg Haynes (aka Fybe One) and Jesse Koolhaas this album (eight tracks) has a beautiful longevity to it and you never know, if Florence and The Machine can have it at the Proms, the full Jules Buckley experience at the Royal Albert Hall - now wouldn't that be something of a reconcilation?

Artist: Jono McCleery 

Title: Reconcile

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number: SK499

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Magro - Tokyo Tree EP (Sonar Kollektiv)

It's fair to say that Magro grew up emersed in music and after a move from Stugartt to Berlin nearly 10 years ago, he got his hip-hop 'Golden Era' beats tuned-in and 'Tokyo Tree EP' is a 8 track that's for today. 

Sonar Kollektiv are as equally emersed as Magro as the mulit-aspect hip hop and the EP is improved with the soulful vocals of Jess Reis ('Pursuit') and other tracks with vocals/rap; 'Beauty' featuring Oswin Benjamin 'Grief' featuring Moses Yoofee and 'Need A Friend' with Rapturous.

All three are highlights of the EP whilst the rest will more than satisfy fans of old skool Dublab/Flying Lotus jazz fusion beats especially the title track.

Artist: Magro

Title: Tokyo Tree EP

Release date: 8th November, 2024

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK497D 

Format: 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: Mieke Miami - Birdland (Sonar Kollektiv)

The word 'Birdland' means a lot to many shades of jazz fans so you have to have a great self-belief in your craft as Mieke Miami releases her new album on Sonar Kollektiv. 

The German singer Mieke is on her third album and has gone the extra mile on these twelve tracks as not only as the vocalist, co-producer and composer, she performs on bass clarint, flute sax, keys and programming.

A big change from her folky debut on Sonar Kollektiv back in 2016 ('In The Old Forest') but then the gentle instrumental 'Pharaohs Sand' and the jazz-funkier 'Mahady O'Mahony' is an indication of how jazz this album is. 

Whilst Mieke's contribution is considerable, it certainly sounds like a 'live' band and the cover of 'Son Of A Preacher Man' (as made famous by Dusty Springfield) is going to get some attention; but don't overlook the psych-folky jazz of 'The Tiger And The Snake', the Afro-beats of 'The Light' and the contasting 'Fire' and 'Very High'.

A couple of months ago, RAH & The Ruffcats released 'Orile To Berlin' (see review HERE) on the label and it's an indication of the quality of their artists; those with memories of those multi-genre Sonar Kollektiv compilations 'Secret Love', will love this as it's so varied whilst beig superb throughout.

Title: Mieke Miami  

Title: Birdland

Release date: 27th September, 2024

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK494D 

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: RAH & The Ruffcats - Orile To Berlin (Sonar Kollektiv)

As if to celebrate the Euro 2024, RAH & The Ruffcats party from 'Orile To Berlin' this summer.

Wah Wah 45s' championed 'From London To Lagos' (see review HERE) and Fela Kuti's own right hand man, Dele Sosimi (see HERE) and now Sonar Kollekitv have gone all Afrobeat as RAH (original from Orile, Lagos) and joined up with supergroup backing band The Ruffcats (Berlin).

The vocals are in a combination of English and Nigerian and cross between soul, funk and Afrobeat with the added 'seal' of approval as the nine tracks have been produced by Jochen Ströh (he of Ebo Taylor's classic 'Love & Death').

There's certainly some Ebo in RAH's vocals ('Agidi') and the band are just as tight as Afrobeat versions of Timmion's Cold Diamond & Mink or Daptones Menahan Street Band. 

There's a couple more with guests, the slightly dubbed 'Wake Up (They Are The People Of The Myths) featuring the Afro-space futurism poety King Khan (in an Anthony Joseph way) and the sultry jazz sax of 'Inside Out' featuring Melane on vocals.

Fans of Fela, Taylor, Pat Thomas, Sosimi, BBE Africa and similar will love this and it is setting a high crossbar this summer.  Prepare to have; 'MoonSun', 'Ide Osun (Mantra)', 'Sorry' and 'Kaya' on repeat

So different to the label's last release, Feiertag's EP. 'ON/OFF' (see review HERE) but you can tell from the cover artwork the Sun Ra connection with the planets - Rapturous Apollo Helios is about to move your world.

Title: RAH & The Ruffcats 

Title: Orile To Berlin

Release date: 12th July, 2024

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK487D 

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Feiertag - ON/OFF EP (Sonar Kollektiv)

This EP ain't binary, it's totally ON.

We know from the release of 'Roots' (see review HERE) late last year and 'Feel Me' (featuring Nego True) / 'Law Of Attraction' (featuring OSHUN) (see review HERE) that Feiertag is nothing but prolific, diverse and quality. 

And he's at it again with this 4 track EP, 'ON/OFF' that ranges from the atmospheric opener 'CJ1108' to the bouncey electronic 'Colourball' which will liven up any dancefloor.

'DEKY' harks back to a music box vs. UKG shuffle which features the vocals of Rei Brown in a repetitive "Don't even know ya" phrase: familiar and new all at the same time. And then the best of the lot, the synthed out warp speed title track.

Did someone say prolific?  As well as releasing this EP on Sonar Kollektiv, there's also releases due on the equally iconic and foward thinking R&S Records and Anjunadeep so there's no escaping Feiertag this summer

Title: Feiertag

Title: ON/OFF EP

Release date: 21st June, 2024

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK489D 

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Janek van Laak – Circle Of Madness (Sonar Kollektiv)

One of the many sayings usually attributed to Einstein, is that the definiton of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result; Janek van Laak's 'Circle Of Madness' is a musical merry-go-round that is so packed with ideas, it'll seem like a diffent result on every listen.

Sonar Kollektiv have always had more than a eye on the future and Janek van Laak's background of "punk loving father and cabaret/comedy performing mother" is a perfect grounding for this Berlin based drummer. composer and producer.

Having been a member of Liquid Brain Orchestra and 50% of Tutu Amuse (with Rosa Landers), 'Circle Of Madness' is the debut album that the single, 'The Killa Gorilla' (see review HERE) promised: like an unleashed cage fighter in a circus; and more!

There's diffinitely a lot of theatre here, even in the spacey funk of 'Left 4 Dead' there's a jazz big/marching band to be found.  Perhaps it's the German element where the legacy of Berlin Cabaret has dropped in on the fusion of Gong/Magma/Peter Brotzmann.  And then goes surfing? I think he recognises this throughout the 11 tracks with 'The Last Stylebender' (Ed. I wonder what that is in German), a sideways look at Can on 'Daiamondo' featuring Shiomi Kawaguchi on vocals (RIP Damo Suzuki) and an odd Avante-Afro-dub 'Sloppy Dreams' that's almost ideal for late-night radio (as played by Dom Servini on his new Jazz FM show).

I suspect 'Above Your Head' will get picked up for some TV crime soundtrack/bed for the vocal "Strange" in itself.  There's also a guest  vocals appearance by Australian Madeleine Rose on the jazz-creepy twang of 'Here To Slay' but the rest is instrumental and for there's the proper beach-jazzy 10 minute opus of 'OCTAPUSSY', the 70s Miles-esque 'Saints Blow' and the leftfield-fusion of 'Garlic Brown Junior' (Ed. don't tell me he's UFC too!).

I'm some folks would have prefered a whole album in one style of 'madness' but the mix of styles makes the squaring of the circle makig this is a great album with a great line-up of Janek (drums), Richard Maegraith (alto sax, flutes, bass clarinet), Gabriel Garcia (trumpet and flügelhorn), Isabel Rößler (bass) and Tim Foley on percussion.

So whilst this isn't totally mad, to mis-quote a well known space traveller, "It's Kraut Jim; but not as we know it" - one for the now and the future.

Artist: Janek van Laak
Title: Circle Of Madness
Release date: 15th March, 2024
Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK480 LP (Limited Edition Kistal-Violett splatter vinyl) / Digital / Bandcamp 

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Review: Janek van Laak – The Killah Gorilla (Sonar Kollektiv)

Sonar Kollektiv's sense of the dancefloor is as diverse as the collective that makes the label so strong and inovative as they've found a nu-jazz of Janek van Laak with a single, 'The Killah Gorilla'.

This is taken form the forthcoming album, 'Circle Of Madness', the single is named after UFC's cage fighter, Jared 'The Killa Gorilla' Cannioner - I'm scared already. Somewhat of an odd choice for an Afro-jazz infused rocker.

Janek (drums) is joined by Richard Maegraith (alto sax, flutes, bass clarinet), Gabriel Garcia (trumpet and flügelhorn), Isabel Rößler’ (bass) and Tim Foley on percussion and they really come together on the track 'OCTAPUSSY' that you can check out on Bandcamp (see link below).

It looks like Sonar Kollektiv have the same artwork on this as TTeo's 'Loveexpress77' (see review HERE) and i wonder if a remix is on the cards?

Title: Janek van Laak
Title: The Killah Gorilla
Release date: 15th February, 2024
Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK479D / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Shirley Turner / The KBCS feat. Nora Becker - I Wish You A World Of Happiness (Sonar Kollektiv)

Even old hacks occasionally wake up at the sound of something special and drop their electronic shcedules and dance - and that's what 'I Wish You A World Of Happiness' will do to you whether it's the originnal Shirley Turner or this cover by Berlin's The KBCS (instrumental) or vocal featuring the fantastic Nora Becker.

Just love the original version as you really do expect a 'Wigan style' round of appaulse at the end of it as it's just one of those tracks that raises spirits along with the lyrics where we believe that everybody is wishing everyone elese a world of happiness to live in; timely you might say.

So whilst current Northern Soul hotspots Manchester, Bristol and Deptford (it's true!) will be spinning their talc power to this one, can you believe the deep soul of the cover version?  Of a quality of a Daptone but too slow for Northern Soul with a great vocal with 'sharper' modern day production; the instrumental version could have funked up to a Curtis Mayfield given half a chance.

If you see the vinyl, get two copies as you will get greedy; if not three (well it is coming up to Xmas prezzie time) and I wish you a world of happiness now.

Title: Shirley Turner / The KBCS feat. Nora Becker 
Title: I Wish You A World Of Happiness
Release date: 24th November, 2023
Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK454 7" / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: TTeo - Lovexpress77 (Sonar Kollektiv)

Is this a re-issue from 1977? Is it a disco sample project? Is it something now? Well, it's all three and "the story of my Dad" says TTeo on the track 'Love Circus' from the brand new album, 'Lovexpress77'.

We know how good the single from a few months ago, '42H' (see review HERE), but TTeo's strange timewarp concept starts in 1970 when Fernando Antonio Capreoli, his Dad, left southern Italy to make his fortune; which took the first steps with being a drummer in the disco-funk-rock band 'Lovexpress' which led to tours of Scandanavia (1974-1979) as the the band was a mix of Italians and Scandinavians.

But this is no 'beyond the grave' story as his Dad found some tape recordings of these gigs and the quality was excellent so TTeo (aka Mattei Caoreli) was so inspired by this find, by sampling and reworking the original 'Lovexpress' he's produced a 12 track album for Sonar Kollektiv.

So with the back story to 'Lovexpress77' being almost as mad as Larry Levan's Joubert Singers’ “Stand On The Word" Remix, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by the gospel-funk-house dance quality of 'Follow Me'; and then you've got that salsa boogie of 'Troppo Sexy' and the disco thrust of the title track - 3 great reasons to get the album in itself.

It's hard to believe that the band wasn't a huge group nearly 50 years ago if they were making tracks like 'Figli Delle Stelle' and 'Mi Fa Sofrire' as versions in English would have likely have made UK charts; actually, they'd probably been too good for that; thankfully the nu-disco/70s  revival means we're able to dance to this music today: 'Mi Fa Sofrire' is just great lounge-pop-boogie.

'Sometimes' features the vocals of Dalila Cabalera and is more in a off-Latin-house groove (bit of a grower as Slim Shady might say) and then again, there's an undercurrent throughout the album of DJ Shadow's 'Endtroducing......; that comes to the fore with the jazzy beats on 'Pantera'  and the closing track, 'A Bronx Tale' sounds like something Pink Floyd could have closed one of their albums with.

Of course, the cyncs with cynical eye might be thinking this is just a rouse to "get the band back together"/Sugarman bio-pic a la Sixto Rodriquez (RIP 8th August 2023) but that's because it's what cynics would think.  I'm more that convinced this is a young musician that was inspired by his Dad's musical past and wanted to celebrate it by using it as the inspiration to produce the best he could; and it's a ticket you'll want to get to jump onboard the Lovexpress77; next stop, the turntable? DJ booth?

Title: TTeo

Title: Lovexpress77

Release date: 24th November, 2023

Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK477D Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Feiertag - Roots (Sonar Kollektiv)

If you'd mention Utrecht to me a couple of weeks ago I'd immediately associated it with the forthcoming 'Biggest Record Fair in the World' but now, I'll correct that with the knowledge that producer/drummer Joris Feiertag is from the Dutch city.

It also happens that the Record Fair is 30 miles from Utrecht but that's a mere detail as 'Roots' is his second album on Sonar Kollektiv and a change from his first as he's got a hoard of vocalist to help out to produce this 14 track album of soulful electronica with loads of different influences from world, to BRUK to jazz to ... anything Jazzanova would be into.

The single, 'Feel Me' featuring Nego True with 'Law Of Attraction' featuring OSHUN (see review HERE) is a good introduction; Nego True's clever lyrics are also a feature of the other track he's on, the jazzer 'Love Hills' that has a bit of a TY (RIP) vibe to it.  So totally different to the opener 'Nostalgia' (that features label mates WAAN, they of 'Echo Echo' - see review HERE) that's got the addition of some spiritual harp - also check 'Waiting For Tomorrow' featuring Leonard Luka. 

The most radio friendly track in the funkee soul of 'Keep Your Head Up' (featuring the vocals of Noah Slee) and 'Don't Know Why (You Lost Your Soul)' along with the Afro-bass of 'Ballon Sogni' featuring Falle Nioke, the trip-hoppy 'Re:soloution' and the housey 'Come Back' you get the idea how varied this album is.

For fans of Rhi (Tru-thoughts) she makes an appearance on 'Queen & King' in the mode of 'The Pale Queen' (although this would have made a great single too) and by concidence, there's a track of the same name as Rhi's debut album, 'Reverie' here (but unconnected) featuring Robin Kester.

The flute squad are covered by 'Violet (You & Me)' featuring Oli Hannaford and the 14 track set ends on a soulful high note of Pete Josef 'Give A Little'.

Well, it's more than a little you need to give this labour of love as there's so much to take in but if you're a fan of Jazzanova (and who isn't) you've got a head start and your all set to find a new favourite album and producer in Feiertag's (many), 'Roots'.

And just in case your in the area: The 57th Mega Record & CD Fair

November 11 & 12, 2023 Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch

Title: Feiertag

Title: Roots

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK460D Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: WAAN - KinK / Open (Sonar Kollektiv)

As jazz becomes more and more influenced with electronic instrumentals, there is an industry search for a new catchy post nu-jazz named genre.

Well, whatever the boffin's come up with, WAAN can safely be in it as Dutch duo Bart Wirtz (sax) and Emiel van Rijthoven (keyboard/electronics) meet up on this new release on the ever future forward German label, Sonar Kollektiv. 

The single is the start of the build up to the release of an album called 'Echo Echo'.  Joinded by Kasper Kalf (double bass), Jimmi Hueting (drums), Oscar de Jong and Lucas Meijers (both percussion), 'KinK' sounds familiar as Bart weaves his sax with the others.

'Open' has more 'jazz' in it as the Jazzanova thirst for 'The Space In Between' continues, this track being the opener on the new compilation, 'Sonar Kollektiv presents Neujazz Vol. 2' (did you see what they did there?)

It's an area that harks back to Eddie Harris' electrified sax to ENO to WeJazz to fee jazz experimentalists that is overseen here by co-producer de Jong (half of Kraak & Smaak) for a dance "jazztronica" [Ed. not sure about that one].

Artist: WAAN

Title: KinK / Open EP

Release date: 6th December, 2022

Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK447D Digital / Bandcamp