Review: Lorenzo Morresi e Le Isole - Pop Flop (Space Echo Records)

Following the acclaimed 'Cosmica Italiana', Lorenzo Morresi returns with the new project Lorenzo Morresi e Le Isole; musician/producer Luciano Cantone being 'Le Isole'.

The two of them found their love of golden age of Italian library music with blending contemporary styles and sounds. 

There's a couple of other collaborations on 'Pop Flop', the title track features 22a label boss Tenderlonious on flute and it sets the tone as it sits in between disco, jazz funk and library, all the electronic sound were made with the rare Italian vintage synth called Davoli 

And there's the fourth element to this album as in part, it has been produced at ‘Museo Del Synth Marchigiano & Italiano’ which is home to an incredible collection of rare Italian vintage synthesizers located in Le Marche region (where Lorenzo was born).

These synth are so old, rock mamoths like Led Zep, ELP and The Doors used these models and more recently(!), Jean-Michel Jarre.  

All the 10 tracks are like a diggers find / love letter to the Piero Umiliani's of this world with beats/breaks and twangy guitars of 60/70s OST with 80s synth pop and all things library.

There's some killer tunes like the funky 'Odeon' (also featuring Tenderlonious), 'Rio De Janeiro Filter' and 'Beta Erotica' are very Penthouse magazine/BBC2 TV theme from the early 70s and wasn't 'Allegro Funerario' a car by Austin?

It's all beautifully produced and if you like a vintage synth, this is even better as you know these are real analog knobs that are being twiddled and not some computer software; J-M Jarre nerds check out 'Track ID'! 

 

Artist: Lorenzo Morresi e Le Isole 

Title: Pop Flop

Release date: 24th March, 2023

Label : Space Echo Records

Catalog Number  LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Produced by Lorenzo Morresi
all tracks written by Lorenzo Morresi and Luciano Cantone

Lorenzo Morresi: Guitars, Bass, Crumar Composer, Davoli Synth, Elgam ES-200, Farfisa Polychrome, Roland Juno-60, Synket by Paolo Ketoff.
Luciano Cantone: Drums and Percussion
Archelao Macrillò: Drums on “Odeon”, “Allegro Funerario” and “Track ID”
Edward Cawthorne aka Tenderlonious: Flutes
Giovanni Guerretti: Electric Piano
Fabio Mina: Hulusi Flute on “Savana Urbana”
Alberto Napolioni: Electric Piano on “Savana Urbana”
Francesco Savoretti: Percussions on “Savana Urbana”
Agostino Maria Ticino: Synthesizers Supervisor at Museo Del Synth Marchigiano

Review: Reel People - Love2 (Reel People Music)

If you're thinking, Reel People, what happened to them?  Well don't because this new album is like nothing has happened to them over the 20 years since their debut album except that they are even better now!

Hard to believe I know but lets reel off who has joined the trio of soul/jazz/house legends Oli Lazarus, Mike Patto and Toni Economides on this ten track album; Raheem DeVaughn, Muhsinah, Chantae Cann, Michael Champion, Paula, Jill Rock Jones, Eric Roberson and Arrested Development’s Speech.

If we go back to Gilles Peterson's Golden era V1.0 (pre-BBC 6 Music, No iPlayer, very early Internet, Etc...), you'd see Reel People regularly on his Radio 1 late night show tracklisting and their 12s would be in all the trendy London records shops with the sleeves showing who all the 'guest' singers are like Vanessa Freeman, Angela Johnson and even flautist Nathan Haines.

So there's been a big buzz about this especially as the single, 'Everything’s So Crazy' featuring Jill Rock Jones is so good low slung beach beats with Jones proving orange is the new black.  But before that, Eric 'Erro' Roberson (who, back in 2004 shared a Gilles Peterson Worldwide Exclusives 10" with much missed TY - RIP) shows he's still serious soulful on 'Save A Lil Lov' which has enough synth bump to be the next single.

And you could say that of lots of the other tracks here, 'If I Was Your Man' (feat. Michael Champion), 'Deja Vu (featuring Raheeem DeVaughn; yep! that's Grammy nominated Raheeem) and 'Dance In Her Eyes' (feat. Chantae Cann & Dayne Jordan).  Sounding very Jazz FM / Solar Radio "bringing you soul, jazz, funk, soulful house, R&B and so much more". 

And on that subject, Speech gets out his inner Incognito / Brand New Heavies on 'I Never Knew' (massive at Southport Weekender I hear: that Peterson still gets all the best tunes early - be prepared for his We Out There Festival later this year) and you can match that with 'Something New' with Muhsinah on a bossa tip that's been beautifully produced (a favourtie of DJ Andy 'Delectabeats' Garvey).

Atlanta-based singer Paula gets on two tracks, the downtempo 'Vibe' and 'Fly' that are beyond love; "Love2" you might say.

There is no denying that this is fantastically crafted with great vocal performances and musicianship which will be playing on repeat.  I predict, this'll be massive worldwide as it feels like deja vu all over again.  

Artist: Reel People
Title: Love2
Release date: 24th March, 2023
Label : Reel People Music
Catalog Number : RPMCD008 / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

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Review: Various Artists - Stay True Sounds Vol.5 Compiled By Kid Fonque (Stay True Sounds)

It's increasingly hard to keep up with Kid Fonque but if you need just the one place to go, Stay True Sounds Vol.5 is the place  for 15 of the finest that have been selected here.

Chances are that you know the linch pins of the label of Kid Fonque / Jonny Miller so Vol. 5 is another opportunity to highlight the label’s creative agenda of finding and nurturing new talent, "a new generation" you might say. 

Tracks by Wapo Jije and SpheraQ stand out and there's a couple with vocal efx that I'm not too keen on but hey, when you get a dreamy track like 'Nothing' (TebzaLiquid featuring Cashboy) you can overlook that small gripe.

'1 Million Failed Attempts', 'Heart Of Spade' and 'Ubuntu (Unity)' are big tunes but there's nothing overtly South African sounding here; the warrior cries of 'My Mothers Wish' (Buddynice) is about as close as it gets along with Khulife's 'Another Problem' where there's crickets on the Serengeti but even then we're electronic/synth dominent. 

And don't forget the sub-label STY TRU BTS for more South African talent like EMAMKAY (see review HERE).

Whilst this compilation is released with the backing of Defected Records; but don't worry, this is not a Defected album, we're very much still same qualifty as normal that is, Stay True Sounds.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Stay True Sounds Vol.5 Compiled By Kid Fonque

Release date: 24th March, 2023

Label : Stay True Sounds

Catalog Number : STS156 

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Tudo Ben (Jorge Ben Covered) (Mr Bongo)

There's some massive names here from Latin/Bossa/Samba/MPB as you'd expect when dealing with a 26 track compilation of Jorge Ben cover versions. Jorge Ben you'll recognise as the guy who wrote two of the biggest tracks you'll ever likely to hear on two extremes of dancefloor culture, the 'original' of Rod Stewart’s ‘Do You Think I’m Sexy?’ and the go-to Latin track ‘Mas Que Nada’.

Originally released on only CD in 2009 when vinyl was a dying medium for LPs, Mr Bongo have now had the bright idea to release on a double vinyl set which features Elza Soares (the aforementioned 'Mas Que Nada'), Wilson Simonal (you gon't get much bigger than these guys) plus Osmar Milito, Sonia Santos ('Speed' is one of many top tracks), Doris Monteiro, Doris Monteiro, Os Originais do Samba and many more. 

Not surprised to have already seen Dom Servini with one of these in his record bag but you know all ya jazz dance guys will have it too; Peterson, Forge, Beadle (Kev) and I'd expect Ashley (Beedle) to have one too! Whistles Cuíca and dancing guaranteed, what ya waiting for?

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Tudo Ben (Jorge Ben Covered)

Release date : 24h March, 2023

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRBCDLP265

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Hunee - "powerful collection!"

Carlos Nino - "Excellent Concept & Collection!"

Coco Maria - "I love this, he is the best."

DJ Marky - "Pure classics."

Review: The Descendants ft. Mazen Bedwei - Telling Lies (The Remixes EP) (F*CLR Records)

Are you ready for more 'Telling Lies'?

You will be when I tell you that 'The Remixes EP' not only has the North Street West team (better known to their friends and family as Ashley Beedle, Darren Morris and Jo Wallace) but also a Dan Tenor-City and Laroye version as a NYC Dub!

For those that recall Dan Tenor City's 12" on BBE, 'Oba' it will come as no surprise this  remix partnership with Laroye (Freerange, Local Talk, If It Ain't Jazz and more) is deep house, jazz-funk, disco-boogie dub and "we can see what they've done to me".  The big strings, the atmospheric semi-Italo piano, hot organ and the vocals with that element of echo makes it just mesmersizing.

Fans of Ramrock Records and F*CLR will know that the North Street West remix pose can match that and they've done a vocal, a 'Step Up' Dub and included an instrumental version.  I defy you not to love 'em all but the instrumental really gets those strings in a Detroit position ready for the organ, synth and horn stabs. Brilliant!

I don't think that we went overboard with out review of the original release of this one (see review HERE) but the only way to get full satisfaction is to get both the original and the remix packages: they'll drive you crazy with love for all the tracks and you definitely won't be able to take 'em away from me.

Did someone say, "Hectic Extension"?

Artist: The Descendants ft. Mazen Bedwei 

Title: Telling Lies Remixes EP

Release date: 24th March, 2023

Label : F*CLR Music .

Catalog Number : FCLR Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Cinematic Orchestra - Every Day (Reissue) (Ninja Tune)

Regular readers will know that YATM is primarily an eye on new music but we can't overlook this Ninja Tune re-issue, the ground breaking 'Every Day' by The Cinematic Orchestra.

Released 20 years ago, this was/is the most 'Gilles Peterson' of albums.  With guest vocals from Fontella Bass on two tracks ('All That You Give' & 'Evoluton') and featuring Roots Manuva on 'All Things To All Men', these were the big tracks, nay, monster tracks.

A true collage of soul-jazz-conscious hip-hop and OST at a time when such things very new/rare, like the 'Man With The Movie Camera' (for media/art school geeks) was the foundation for what went onto become their next album of the same title released the following year.  

Safe to say, the J. Swinscoe's imagined soundtrack to the 1929 Russian silent film by Dziga Vertov didn't have the commercial success of 'Every Day'.  Thus creating huge excitement for when 'Ma Fleur' was released in 2007 (original review HERE) and then 'Live At The Royal Albert Hall' the following year supported by The Heritage Orchestra (before Pete Tong got his hand on 'em) with the vocals by queens of underground bruk/soul Eska and Heidi Vogel.

This reissue is on three LPs (translucent red vinyl apparently) and include bonus tracks from the original recording sessions, 'Oregon' and 'Horizon' featuring Niara Scarlett plus two tracks previously unreleased on vinyl in 'Semblance' and the unearthed 'Flite' (Original Version)
The release features new artwork from the original designer, Openmind, with "superfan" Gilles Peterson’s original liner notes.

You're not going to pick up one of these in a charity or pre-loved shop so indulge in some nostalgia or if you've never heard this before, prepared to be impressed every day.

PS. Fontella Bass  best known for the 1965 worldwide soul hit 'Rescue Me' and one time wife of Art Ensemble of Chicago member Lester Bowie, hence her jazz opus, 'Thème De Yoyo' from the "Paris set" OST ,'Les Stances À Sophie' reissued on Universal Sound/Soul Jazz back in 2000.

Artist: The Cinematic Orchestra 

Title: Every Day

Release date : 24th March, 2023

Label : Ninja Tune

Catalog Number : ZEN59XX

Format: LP / CD / Digital

Review: Tryangle Man - Voyages (Atjazz Record Company)

Atjazz is never far away from the studio or the DJ decks as he continues to find quality electronic music to move our heads and feet.

The latest album on his label is called 'Voayages' by Tryangle Man. And whilst he lead track, 'Rising Dew' sounds slightly early morning pan drum choral/Baleraic beach  party theres two tracks, 'Port Of Sorrow' and 'Lost Chronicles' that were inspired by the tragic explosion in the grain store in the centre of Beirut that caused such suffering and loss of life (and could have been avoided).

And whilst the rest of it came out of lockdown, it's generally upbeat.

There's quite a lot of piano going on here and there was a time that the mere mention of Robert 'Children' Miles would be derided; thankfully, that has now passed and he's more acknowledged as a founder of such dream themes.

'Sous le Soleil d Été' (featuring an un-named vocalist) sounds rather main room with a hint of 'O Superman' and 'Mir Amin' is even more so plus some Kraftwerk synth "Express". The stand out tracks for me are heavily orchestrated 'Lost Chronicles' and 'The Path' with the massive church organ; or is that Cathedral sized!

If you want to put this in holes, I suppose electronic, deep house to tech house PLUS; 'Mir Amin' is beautifully done and there will be loads of festival hands/arms in the air to this.

Following on from Si Tew's 'Quietude' (see review HERE) and South Beach Recycling (see reveiw HERE), 2023 is turning out to be a very big for the label and this artists. 

Artist: Tryangle Man

Title: Voyages 

Release date: 24th March, 2023

Label : Atjazz Record Company

Catalog Number : ARC2????AD Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Sababa 5 - Funk #1 / Funk #2 (Batov Records)

Been diggin' for some long lost funk on 45?  Dig not more and bring your own dust if you must as you won't find anything as good as this; and it's brand new!

The biggest psychedelic funk band in Tel Aviv, if not the world, are back with two slices of out-there middle-eastern funk on 7" vinyl.

Limited to 500 copies so be quick as this synth funk style doesn't hang around for long.

So much fun(k) and more than enough to get you into their previous release like last years' self-title album (review HERE) and thier other previous singles.

And this is one of a series of 7"s and whilst you want to get 'em all, check 'The Egyptian'/'On The Way To The Wedding' by Baharat. Not for MAFFSA - Bonkers!

Artist: Sababa 5 

Title: Funk #1 ' Funk #2

Release date: 24th March, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR076

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Soul Motivators feat. Shahi - Do It Together (Do Right! Music)

The cover might look like The Soul Motivators got lost on their way sarf of the river but don't let that put you off them or their vocal funk and soul 'tress, Shahi.

The 7", 'It Is What It Is' indidcated what was to come with the LP but in all honesty, it so(u)l(e)d the other seven tracks a little short. 

Shahi vocals have a blended range  somewhere between Chaka and Janis Joplin which is pretty special in our books.

If you like a long 'bone in ya funk, the title track and opener, 'Raise A Glass' will keep you more than happy. 

There's a big 60s influence like 'Power!' as an apocalyptic warning with a massive drum break at the end, then a flip to 70s space funk disco instrumental of 'Jim Nasty' and the fantastic, funk-psych/almost dub of 'One For The Heads' [Ed. I can see why it's called that]

This is the band's fouth album (the first was mixed by Pierre Chrétien who was recentlly seen HERE with his 'Visions' project) and Shahi Teruko's second with them.  It seems that she's taking more of a role with each album and you'll see why immediately when you hear 'Try (Just A Little Bit More)'.

Not so sure about the '"crowd pleaser", 'Everything's Going To Be Alright' but I'd bet these guys are great live and if you're missing the best of Daptone, this are the band for you.

Artist: The Soul Motivators feat. Shahi

Title: Do It Together 

Release date: 23rd March, 2023

Label : Do Right! Music

Catalog Number : LP / CD / Digital

Review: BCUC - The Woods / Pieces Of Ish (On The Corner Records)

As a warm-up for their forthcoming LP, 'Millions Of Us', On The Corner Records squeak out a digital single from the South African band BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness).

We've featured a variety of South Africa musicians of late like Felix Laband's album on Compost Records (see review HERE), the re-issue of Small's 'Don't Leave Me In The Rain' (see review HERE) and many more from EMAMKAY 'When The Sun Rises (review HERE) and deep house like one of the tracks of the year so far, Thakzin & Ray T's 'Don’t Let Me See' on Foliage (review HERE)

But this is closer to Bantu Spaceship (review HERE) but 'The Woods' is really rural gospel meets dancehall/hip hop with some great bass, vocals and rap in English and local dialect.

Then on 'Pieces Of Ish' has their tongue firmly in their cheeks as they take the ish out of us/themselves in a space chant that could be Art Ensemble Of Chicago inspired; taking it back to the motherland so to speak.

London's On The Corner Records have released material by Emanative, Colloutor, Penya in the past and in BCUC they have found a leftfield world jazz trance cross-over similar to Siti Muharam's 'Romance Revolution' but much harder so I expect this to be out of the woods this year.

Artist: BCUC

Title: The Woods / Pieces Of Ish

Release Date : 23rd March, 2023

Catalog Number : -

Label : On The Corner Records

Format: Digital