Review: Astrud Gilberto - Now (BBE Music)

Wow, the world's first lady of Brazilian music, Astrid Gilberto with an album featuring Eumar Deodato, Airto Moreira, Patrick Adams, Bob Cranshaw, Ron Carter, Mike Longo and Billy Cobham!  With a line-up like that, the ten track album originally released in 1972 sells itself.  

Songs sung in both Portuguese and English are trade-mark Gilberto and includes the much loved 'Take It Easy My Brother Charlie' (previously released on BBE as part of 'The Best Of Perception & Today Records' over 10 years ago).

There's a certain amount of 'easy listening' at face value, but considering what was going on in Brazil then and repeating itself today, 'Bridges' and 'Daybreak' have more than just poignancy.  In comparision, this version of 'Gingele'  and 'General da Banda' are great warm-ups for swaying samba/bossa dancing whist 'Baião' is even better.

The opening two tracks are the extremes with the sickly 'Make Love To Me' (that you could only think had the touch of class cheap 70s porn movie soundtrack) and the 'commercial' hit, 'Zigy Zigy Za' that's very future Deodato (where's the longer 12" version?.

Clearly there was more to 'The Girl from Ipanema' than just the one song and from the cover photo she'd certainly grown up from the 'girl' photo of at the airport in the early 60s (bearing in mind, the year before CTI released the 'Gilberto With Turrentine' - Stanley, of course - and similar line-up to this album).  'Now' is a social document of the time that's unexpected found 2023 as another now too!

P.S. You'd also be needing today's 1972 re-issue of Rubinho E Mauro Assumpção – Perfeitamente, Justamente Quando Cheguei (see review HERE).

 

Artist: Astrud Gilberto

Title: NOW

Release date: 17th February, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE699 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Rubinho E Mauro Assumpção – Perfeitamente, Justamente Quando Cheguei (Mr Bongo)

It may have taken 50 years to 'arrive' but Rubinho E Mauro Assumpção's 'Perfeitamente, Justamente Quando Cheguei' has lost none of it's original 1972 brilliance of Brazilian-psych-folk-MPB. 

Originally released on Tapecar Records iyou won't find an orginal copy) you'll find these 11 tracks taking inspriation from all over the globe including British 60s pop ('Bloco Da Visão', 'Sozinho Não Estou', 'Qualé A Sua'), US. West Coast psychadelia/prog rock/Country/olk rock (Grateful Dead/CSN[&Y]/Doors, etc.) ('Dobra A Esquina P/ Ver O Sol', 'No Mundo da Lua'), Samba/Bossa ('Os Olhos), Tropicália.and a mixture of all. 

The sound/mastering is of high quality and the only slight moan, the tracks are 'punk length' short so there's no extended version - love to know what would have happened if the guitar (Rick Ferreira) pheak out at the end of 'Quero Companheira' would have gone or the funky horns on 'Qualé A Sua'.

If your a fans of Nara Leão, Milton Nascimento, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil or Astrid Gilberto (her 'Now' album that was also released in 1972 is re-release today too, review HERE), this album has a lot for you and it's easy to see why this record has demanded such high prices over the years so many thanks to Mr Bongo for sourcing an official re-release.

Artist: Rubinho E Mauro Assumpção
Title: Perfeitamente, Justamente Quando Cheguei
Release date : 17th February, 2023
Label : Mr Bongo
Catalog Number : MRBCDLP276
Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Pedro Ricardo - Soprem Bons Ventos (Soundway Records)

At YATM, we love a debut album and it looks like our regular readers do also as the single, 'Déhéba (see review HERE) was one of the most popular last month. 

The follow-up single, 'A Marcha Que O Monte Parou' wsa equally emerced in the mix of Brazil / Spain / Portugal / Cape Verde (as reflected in the fantastic artwork by Gosia Machon) along with some Cinematic Orchestra vibe; such a shame its got such a sharp ending.

Both tracks are included on the debut album by the multi-instrumentalist as he gives us his take of a modern dance of Hermeto Pascoal flamenco jazz-folk-house.

The other 7 seven are equally as intriguing as the title track goes a bit spacey, a bit like a theme to a kids TV show that then comes back to some trip-hoppy DJ Shadow influence (drums provided by Luis Neto who is also on 'Ode ao Gato - a tribute to jazz legend, Gato 'The Cat' Barbieri).

'Entre O Vale E O Eco' sounds a little like a leftfield Azymuth track (real shame that this isn't full jazzdance length - perhaps on a future 12"?) and then we go to the foothills of  the Andes with 'Cantar Das Kandakinhas' and 'Tema 3' is more OST.

Pedro is definitely a 'fusionist', (like DJ Shadow was when he emerged from the ...) and this album is 'out there' in a similar way to Insólito UniVerso - Ese Puerto Existe (review HERE) or even Rubinho E Mauro Assumpção's 'Perfeitamente, Justamente Quando Cheguei' (review HERE)  [what are the chances of two albums and Ricardo's all being released in the same month?]

So, this album falls between popular genre definitions but Soundway is a name you can trust when it comes to quality, and this is definitely that; quality!

Artist: Pedro Ricardo

Title: Soprem Bons Ventos

Release date: 17th February, 2023

Label : Soundway Records

Catalog Number : SNDWLP159

Format:  Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Insólito UniVerso - Ese Puerto Existe (Olindo Records)

Si Tew's forthcoming album, 'Quietude' (Atjazz Records) was 'conceived' in Venezuela but this release is by a Paris-based Venezuelan folk trio Isólito UniVerso and is the real thing!

By 'real thing', I mean it's almost beyond words as folk, meets electronica that Delia Derbyshire would be proud of and then 'out-there' South Americian tango reminicent of Pedro Ricardo's new album 'Soprem Bons Ventos'.

Folk Rock, Post Rock, Joropo, Psychedelic Rock, Folk, Música Criolla; its all in. And whilst the whole album is fantastic, there's a massive stand-out Hermeto Pascoal meets Sun Ra at the Swingle Singers' left bank cafe as Stereolabs very own Laetitia Sadier joins them (and the sheep!) on 'El chivo' - I'm guessing this one will be all the 'big DJs' favourite track from Gilles Peterson to Jonny Trunk (both Stereolab fans) as it's a real 'find'.

'Goyo Tuyero' is pure circus, 'Fulia del Cacatal' is near Spanish nyabinghi folk and 'Tonada del Bip Bip' is like old world rain forest Mia Doi Todd with Carlos Niño.  And whilst all this is going on, there is a light heartedness to this project (like 'Ventana Honda') which is surprising.

Ra fan and Heliocentrics' Malcolm Catto (check out what he was up to when I interviewed him in 2005 HERE), mixed their first album, 'La Candela del Río', (to be re-issued soon I hear due to the response to their latest) and now this second album 'Ese Puerto Existe' as he's clearly in-tune with their world musical view; we definitely need this album.  

Thank you Olindo Records. 

 

Artist: Insólito UniVerso 

Title: Ese Puerto Existe

Release date: 8th February, 2023

Label : Olindo Records

Catalog Number : Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Thakzin & Ray T – Don’t Let Me See (Foliage)

For fans of the Foliage label, they'll recognize the cover to this one instantly which means it's a must have.

This label has seen all the big names like Atjazz, Jimpster, Rich Medina, DJ Spinna,  Glass Slipper (their new single on Colour & Pitch, review HERE) and many more.

'Don't Let Me See' is Thakzin's debut on the label with the sultry vocals of Ray T (also South African) over the deep synth bump groover so that the instrumental is just as good as the vocal version: totally mesmerising as it comes out of the darkness.

This release follows his hit last year with Themba, 'Sound Of Freedom' as 'names' of a new sound for modern Africa.

One of many DJ's that has supported the new wave of South African house over many years as its evolved is Delectabeat's Andy Garvey (see Afro*Disiac Live 12/02/23 with special guest, Gerry Hectic HERE) and he played 'Don't Let Me See' and 'Reciprocity' by Moon Rocket featuring Paula that's got a similar feel to it (from the forthcoming Foliage Sampler Vol. 1).

Expect another big year for this label as they don't seem to stop finding great new acts.

PS. For a more of a jazz take of South African music, don't miss Nostalgia 77's new album (Review HERE)

Artist: Thakzin & Ray T

Title: Don’t Let Me See (Original/Radio/Instrumental)

Release date: 17th February, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN088

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Cinephonic – Visions (Marlow Records)

Fans of the Souljazz Orchestra may recognise the name Pierre Chrétien as he was the driving force/multi-instrumentalist (Piano, Vibraphone, Marimba, Harp, Accordion, Percussion, Vocals) behind the Canadian group who released a great series of albums on Strut and Do Right! Music!

So with a background of over ten years in a top-rated soul-jazz-afrobeat band, who'd have thought he would have time to link up with fellow Canadian based musician/educator/trumpeter, Ed Lister to form Cinephonic to explored their mutual love of jazz-funk themes and cinema.

Their first album came out in 2020 on Marlow Records, 'Les Paradis Artificiels' and was very 60s OST meets beats.

The follow up, also on Marlow Records, 'Visions' is still in the same film ball park but also a bit prog/psychedelic; and even baraque - if you can imagine a organ happy 60s Procol Harum/Deep Purple (both did albums with orchestras) vs. 'Ascenseur pout l'echafaud'.

And what a vision it is!  Ten tracks with pretty much a 13-piece big band/orchestra that goes from the 'Apache'/'Peter Gunn' themes with "Hank Marvin" on track's like 'Le Combat' that's 'Good, Bad & The Ugly' awesome, the big orchestration on 'L'Exil' and more beat/Axelrod 'Pénombre' and the longest track, 'Le Feu' (check the sax on this one).

The addition of a bit of harpsichord and some Victor Feldman quality vibes are reminiscent of the film noir and there's alos some tracks that remind me of Glyn 'Bigga' Bush's 'The black Albumen' project of last year.

Lister and Pierre star on 'Tribulations' and there's like some echoes of Lalo Schifrin too on 'Les Souterrains' and 'Douleur' but my favourite track where it all comes together is the  glorious light that is, 'L'Étoile'.

This album is what the Resonant FM's OST Show used to be about and if we were still in the good ol' days, Jonny Trunk would have got these guys in for the full 2 hour show as it's the Cinematic Orchestra meets DJ Shadow and with Ennio Morricone!

There's a ever increasing interest in music design for film and films that haven't been made yet) and if this is anything to go by, we'll be back for much more.

P.S. thanks to Benjamin 'From France' for recommending this album to YATM for Valentine's Day - better than going to the cinema!

Artisit: Cinephonic

Title: Visions

Label: Marlow Records

Catalog No./Format: MRLP067 Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Release date: 3rd February, 2023

Personnel:
Zakari Frantz - Flute
Petr Cancura - Tenor Sax
Ed Lister - Trumpet
Ajo Elias - Flugelhorn
Mark Ferguson - Trombone
Mike Schultz - Trombone
Keith Hartshorn-Walton - Tuba
Cendrine Despax - Violin
Jean Despax - Violin
Olivier Philippe-Auguste - Viola
Valérie Despax - Cello
Pierre Chrétien - Piano, Organ, Clavinet, Vibraphone, Guitar, Percussion
Thibeaux Toussaint - Bass
Mike Essoudry - Drums

Review: The Degrees - The Day Out Of Time (Fallen Tree 1Hundred)

A comment I recently read on social media asked “Do people still make albums? What’s the point?” I wish that I could have played them The Day Out Of Time by The Degrees as an answer.

Some great singles have been pulled from the collection, such as “Nothing Else” and “Need You,” yet there’s still more precious stones to be found in the quarry of the album such as “Between The Rain,” “Faith And Belief” and “Follow Me Down.” As with any well-curated album, the whole is more than the sum of its parts—it feels like an audio vacation to some place far off in one’s imagination, not merely a compilation of good tracks. For some of us, that place might be an updated version of beloved 90s memories.



It should come as no surprise when listening to their music that they are Bristol-based. There are nods both obvious and subtle to their forbears in the city’s music history, for example Smith & Mighty, Massive Attack and Portishead. Fortunately, these come off more like re-exploration of certain concepts rather than a cheap exploitation of something familiar.

Getting an accurate impression of artists is another thing that (at least for some) works better in an album context. A variety of mood and energy can make sense over more time, contrasted with singles—where that sort of diversity can seem chaotic. Sound design in the context of an album often adds to the experience in a way that can make listening to the whole quite gratifying.


Treat yourself to the soul-meets-trip-hop sonic resort of The Day Out Of Time by The Degrees—you and your ears deserve something lush.



Artist: The Degrees
Title: The Day Out Of Time
Release Date: 10th February 2023
Label: Fallen Tree 1Hundred
Catalog Number: FT1HLP004

Review: Lady Alma, Joey Crawford, Rob Paine - Love Right Now (Worship Recordings)

How'd you know you're in Philly?  Well, the 'LOVE' on the cover is an obvious give away but more than that, Lady Alma has been provided house music love for over 20 years all around the globe with some of the biggest artists you can name.

This time, the 'Love Right Now' is with Joey Crawford and Rob Paine and it's a message that you can hear from a disperate range of 'Bank Of Dave' (Netflix) to the 'Chasing M's Foundation' (Damar Hamlin).

The original mix is pure Philly house with that ingrained soul but what out for the 'Tech Dub' which is more space age synth dub than tech.

Last up, just to steel my thunder, it's Philadelphia-based DJ, label boss and deep and tech house producer Pete Moss who has melded the two together on a 7 minute love out.

I think we'll be hearing more of this in the future for sure as there even better love to come; especially if the Eagles win the Superbowl on the 12th?

Artist: Lady Alma, Joey Crawford, Rob Paine
Title: Love Right Now (inc. Pete Moss Remix)
Release date: 10^th February, 2023
Label : Worship Recordings
Catalog Number : WOR056 / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: James Alexander Bright - Tigers Roar (Flying Mojito Bros Refrito) (!K7 Music)

There's lots of great music about at the moment, but this is right up there if you're into the leftfield jazz-funk synth pop nu-disco Baleraic house of multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist James Alexander Bright.

He first came to light with an album on Athens Of The North with half of Groove Armada, Tom Findlay (not the half that wants to re-green farming up the road from me).  And the James' released his own solo album, 'Headroom' (playing all the instruments of course) on !K7 a couple of years ago.

I saw him live towards the end of last year (as part of a WARM/RE:WARM all dayer - having DJ'd myself a couple of hours before James turned up, does that count as a warm up set?) and he warned us then that there was some 'out there stuff' he was going to play.

Of course, some people's 'out there' is another person's brilliant.  And getting back to the latest release on !K7, you may have heard the original version of 'Tigers Roar with it's jazzy bass wobble with nu-soul voice of angst, possibly with the Tiger King doc fresh in his mind.

As good as that is, how can't that be bettered?  I know! Lets get his super fans, The Flying Mojito Bros. who are known for their Refritos, and get them a country rock slide guitar and take 'em out on a camel train into the Mojave Desert with some yacht rock and a touch of dub; the cover is illustration was quicly done by Ben and Jack as the sun was setting after they recorded the vocal and instrumental versions.

This is as hot as Chi-Chi's Mexican Mudslide at Hank Wangford's clinic - Gram Parson's would have approved.

P.S. Update, in truth, James did the artwork! - see @fuzzyandmagic

Artist: James Alexander Bright

Title: Tigers Roar (Flying Mojito Bros Refrito) 

Release date: 8th February, 2023

Label: !K7 Music 

Cat. No: 

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Glass Slipper - Am I Alone EP (Colour and Pitch)

Glass Slipper back again on Colour & Pitch, this month we've got the release of their  'Am I Alone' in various versions.

After listening to this track, everyone will flock to the dancefloor with some synthy jabs and the powerful vocals of Lisa Cork-Twiss (ex-Real McCoy) with a tale of sleepness nights, this is a perfect follow up 'Love Is Feeling'. 

Glass Slipper's 'Love Is A Feeling' came out on Colour & Pitch at the beginning of last year and the Hectic/Sumsuch Extension Edit was earmarked for airing on this month's TWR Cover Show with Jo Wallace.  But as TWR unexpectedly when 'off air' the remake of the Eloise Laws' original [she of the mighty Laws 'jazz' family from Texas] will have to wait as the Glass Slipper duo of Lisa Cork-Twis and Brad Eller [also Texas, Austin to be precise] have produced their own classic.

The 'Am I Alone' question theme works well in all versions; 'Dark','Light', 'Dark Dub' and 'Light Radio Edit' [Ed: where's the Sumsuch mix?] and this is main room bizz, the light mix is almost gospel house (in my 'house' at least - she's got such a great voice). 

Whilst I'm sure that Lisa and Brad weren't going for a "CAMRA convention" vibe with the combination of Dark, Light, Dark Dub and Light Radio mixes; drink yourself silly with this one as you won't be alone for long.

Glass Slipper · Am I Alone

Artist: Glass Slipper

Title: Am I Alone EP

Am I Alone (Dark Mix)
Am I Alone (Light Mix)
Am I Alone (Dark Dub Mix)
Am I Alone (Light Mix Radio Edit)

Release date: 10^th February, 2023

Label Colour and Pitch

Catalog Number CAP086