Review: Jewel Ackrah - Electric Hi-Life (Asona / BBE Music)

Jewel Ackrah was already a star of the Hi-Life when he recorded this album, 'Electric Hi-Life' in the 'new' style of Electric Hi-Life but this guys is band wagon jumper. 

Release on Asona in London, this is another in BBE's re-issue series that have so far included Sam Yeboah's 'Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home' (see review HERE) and Nana Budjei's 'Afrikaman' and this joins them in a celebration of Ghanain Hi-Life.

And perhaps it was recorded in Accra (the capital and largest city in Ghana) perhaps Jewel thought it was more 'electric' than his previous recordings as they had some synth keyboards in the studio (paricular 'Maame') which were particularly hard to come by at the time due to the import duties imposed by a near finanially backrupt regime being in power.

Jewel has a great voice and there's some great electric guitar here (perhaps, the effects peddels were in short supply too?), particularly on the openers 'Onipa Dasa Ni' and 'Eko Awar A Bisa' with some US. cop show theme sounding horns; "Rev" Jewel certianly had a 80s Hip-Hop/James Brown dress sense judging by the cover photo.  But is that a bit of Joe Walsh in the guitar on 'Awar So' and Kenny G on sax as they slip in a few chords of the wedding march theme? One for Saturday morning radio that one I thinks.

'Maame' is the longest of the five tracks on the album but it's a fitting climax to yet another joyful release in this series.  Even though there's no 'reggae' track on this album, it's the most electric for me and a must have to prolong this late summer / welcome Halloween season.

Artist: Jewel Ackrah 

Title:  Electric Hi-Life 

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE751 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Antonio Trinchera - Bug Night (Elbert Phillips "Tryppy Tribute Remix") (A.MA Reforged)

We'll, you might say, "Hello, here's two things of gold" when it comes to the lastest release by Antonio Trichera on A.MA Records.

But don't confuse the current 'Most Popular' review of the label's album by Two Things Of Gold (see review HERE) which this re-visit to one of the most popular tracks on Trinchera's 'Fauves' album that came out in just over a year ago.

Chicago's Elbert certainly has his finger on the jazz-funk dancefloor as 'Bug Night' has a Lonnie Liston Liston Smith/Deodato-esque groove infused into it with additonal percussion (Tom Laroye), synth and bass boogie (Terrence 'Slim' Holmes) to go the extra "Tryppy" space princess mile; just compare it with the equally jazz-funky orginal that's included with the release.

Don't you just love the artwork and don't forget, this is the second of Elbert's remixes from the album following the superb 'The Tractor And The Child' (see review HERE). 

Many thanks to once more to DJ Bob Hill (BBE, TWR, ReddSugarBlack Creative) for championing these releases.

Artist: Antonio Trinchera

Title: Bug Night (Elbert Phillips "Tryppy Tribute Remix") 

Release date: 26th October, 2023

Label : A.MA Reforged / A.MA Records

Catalog Number : A.MA Reforged 003 / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Sam Yeboah - Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home (Asona / BBE Music)

Footie fans will recognise the name Yeboah (especially, in Leeds) as the Ghanian international striker Tony who has his own Hi-Life Sensation!

No, this is Sam Yeboah with BBE's re-issue of his 1980s "Burger" / "Electric Higlife" (kinda the Hi-Life equivalent of reggae to dancehall).

BBE are no strangers to this kind of re-issue but this series came to light after DJ Jerry Frempong's wife found some records in the  shed, Anthony Roberts-Frempong (who passed in 2011) having run Asona Records in the mid-80s to 90s.

Kicking off with 'Maame' bearing in mind this is around the time of Paul Simon's ' Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes' Afro-pop-rock and the Ghanian dispora of Hamburg / London and further afield.  And looking at commercial success, lets have some Ghanian 'Marley' reggae with 'Mempa Aba' which is a winner.

'Daben Da' sounds out as it's sweet guitar and vocals evoke Ebo Taylor whilst 'Odo Mewu' is more urgent and pre-Afro-bruk and then 'Biribi Aye Me' sounds like "double" Burger to me.

With this album, BBE's catalogue no. has reached 750 and there's many more to come as 'Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home' is the first in a series of re-issues of Asona recordings; if they're all as good as this, we'll have to make some room on the vinyl shelvs back home.

Artist: Sam Yeboah

Title: Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE750 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: A08 – Life / Sunset (Compost Records)

A08 (formerly known as AFRICAINE 808) have a new album coming out on Compost Records later in the year and to get you excited, here's a double A-side single.

As mentioned in the review of the sinlge (see HERE),  Their previous album/12"s were on everyone's favourite white label outta New York (well, in my part of London anyway) Golf Channel with artists like Heroes Of The Galleon Trade, Justin Vandervolgen and DJ Nature to name just three: well, me and Tim Goldsworthy at least were fans (for more on me and Tim - see HERE) 

That was about 10 years ago and A08 seem to have stepped sideways from the previous African/House/Nu-Disco styling to a more of a  Afro-tech-Carrib-dancehall-dub - their album is called 'Waiting For Zion' which gives us a clue and it features artists from Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Trinidad as well as Germany.

As it's a double album it's likely to have many a focus; 'Life' feature African percussion and 'Sunset' is more reggae dub that reminds me of Paul Fox/Dubheart and it's great to hear that they perform live either as a Soundsystem as Dirk Leyers and DJ Nomad or as a live act with live percussion. (Ed. lets get 'em to Wilkswood/Hastings/Falmouth Reggae Festivals next year) 

Artist: A08

Title: Life / Sunset

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number :  CPT 620-5 LP / Digital / Bandcamp   . 

Review: The Other Others - The Other Others ft. Jasmine Tutum (Jahtari)

To misquote a well known film, "You had me at, 'Coming on vinyl LP and as limited glow-in-the-dark tapes edition'"!

But what kind of psychadelic madness is this?  Well it's the the kind you get when Jasmine Tutum (aka Jazz'min Tutum and best know in these parts for her collaborations with the best "electronic transmitter" around, Madtone) and OG Jahtari's disrupt and Rootah who call themselves The Other Others.

Jasmin's dub poetry elevates the Afro-futurism deep house that's as much influenced by Lee Scratch Perry and The Pop Group as Anthony Joseph, Roger Robinson, Theo Parrish, ENO or Grace Jones.

For undeground Berlin styled clubs, go straight to 'We Vibrate' that's spooky enough for Halloween and dry ice machines; I wonder if there's going to be a 'Weeds Up To Me Needs' remix?

Talking of which, 'Daze Days' is like a speeded up Jazz'min/Madtone track that's gone a bit Kraftwerk and talking of influences, there a mutation of Yello's 'The Race' for 'The Race', 'Outside Lastnight' (where we get a bit of Jazz'min scatting style) and my current favourite of the 8 tracks, the arcade disco dirty edit that's 'Our Daily Bread Battle'.

Ms. Tutum has got a way with words and a great delivery that's quite unique and as we have recently seen with the recent single from A08, 'Life' / 'Sunset' (just out on Compost Records - see review HERE), the 'electronic dub force' is a strong as ever whether it's at home or in the clubs or anywhere where the other others gather.

Always great to hear Jasmine and worth checking out all her releases.

P.S. Cover artwork by David Farris - could be a scary cushion cover?

Artist: The Other Others 

Title: The Other Others 

Release date: 19th October, 2023

Label : Jahtari Records

Catalog Number :  LP / Cassette / Digital / Bandcamp   . 

Review: Soulnaturals - Parlo Discoteca? (British Soul Standard)

Here is the new British Standard for Soul and us naturals are fluent in the native language of Discoteca, turn it up Soulnaturals!

If you were a regular Friday and Saturday nite cluber in the 70s at the like of  Maison Royale, Bumbles, The Outlook or many thousands of other shady dancing establishments with an extended drinks licence 50 odd years ago, here's the modern equivalent of what would have been "the hottest sounds around"!

In the main room we'd have had the massive hit, 'I Found Love In A Discoteque' (see reveiw HERE) but all of the other seven tracks here would have either made the the main or backrooms as Soulnaturals parlo discoteca with ultimate fluency.

'I Found Love In A Discoteque' features the vocals of Ceci Munette as well as 'Rise Sister Rise' which is a bit funkier al la Donna Summer/Sister Sledge etc along with some big strings.  Tony Cannam sings on two 'modern' gems 'Baby I Got Your Back' which has some 70s Blackpool funk-mod-ish touches and a strong organ whilst 'Ain't Nobody Free (Until Eerybody's Free)' closes the album on a high class arrangement with celestial harp and gospel vocals; stand on the word vs. Soul II Soul.

Rosa Levv gets the title track and the reggae-ish 'I Chose Me' with huge backing vocals whilst Emma May Osei-Lah get vocally high on 'My Love Is Stronger' (one for the ladies) and a funky tale for Chalibrann who says, 'I Signed A Contract (With My Higher Self)' - a bit Edwin Starr vs James Brown - love it.

Rumours a foot about who is fighting to do remixes of this album already: let 'em fight I say as this is already brilliant throughout whether you remember the 70s or 70 minutes ago but never say lo non parlo discoteca!

Artist: Soulnaturals 

Title: Parlo Discoteca? 

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label : British Soul Standard

Catalog Number : BSS0024

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Buika & Kiko Navarro - El Silencio (Afroterraneo)

Looks like 2023 just gets better for Afroterraneo with every release as we now get a rather loud 'El Silencio' from Buika and Kiko Navarro.

Following on from the Kiko Navarro/DJ Pippi/ Willie Graff EP, ;Tempistica Mistica' (see review HERE), 'El Silencio' is anything but in long and short versions with club and original edits.  More Latin/Flamenco-ish than Afro-House these guys know how to mix house and beach.

The Latin flava is of no surprise as Buika has won a Latin Grammy Award and has been described as having a "gritty" "voice of freedom" which suits the swirling synths on the club edit; the original version being more jazz-fun ky but just as club friendly.

Somewhat different to the other release this year, Beatkozina's 'Nusrat Passion' featuring Abirah Shah (with Kiko Navarro Afroterraneo Remix - see review HERE) but I'm guessing, like 'Nusrat Passon', 'El Silencio' will make the Sumsuch Colour & Pitch Session for this month and that recommendation is more than enough in my book!

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - October 2023

Artist: Buika & Kiko Navarro
Title: El Silencio 
Release Date : 20th October, 2023
Catalog Number : AFTNE058
Label : Afroterraneo Music
Format: Digital

Colour and Pitch founder Sumsuch with another live mix, stacked with gorgeous new soulful electronic sounds from across the planet and beyond...

Subscribe to the show via Apple Podcasts: geni.us/ColourAndPitch

Tracklist:
1. Late Man - No Alarm - Be Adult Music
2. Sound Quelle - Lastecostra - Monstercat Silk
3. At One & Atjazz - I Get Down - Atjazz Record Company
4. Electric Dada & Da Luka - Cadmium (Freedo Mosho & Marway Remix) - Electronic Groove
5. Sanoi - Zero Gravity - Loop
6. Sio X Atmos Blaq - Land Of The Dreamers - Stay True Sounds
7. Buika & Kiko Navarro - El Silencio (Club Version) - Afroterraneo
8. RCTL - The Condition - My Techno Weighs A Ton
9. Bensy - City Of Gold (Alex Twin Remix) - COYA MUSIC
10. Sumsuch & Will Brock - Free Born Man - Colour and Pitch
11. Sister Pearl - The Calling (Mannix House Remix) - Dafia Records

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: Ana Frango Elétrico - Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua (Mr Bongo)

The cover looks like a wild tiger climbing mountain, her name translates as "Ana Electric Chicken", and then music? Very Mr Bongo!

As you'll know from the single, 'Electric Fish' / 'Insista em Mim' (see review HERE) there's quite a difference between Ana (real name, Ana Faria Fainguelernt) and her Bala Desejo ('Sim, Sim, Sim' - see reveiw HERE) bandmate, Dora Morelenbaum (Vento De Beirada - see review HERE).

It's hard to concieve that the opening track 'Electric Fish' is followed by 'Dela' that's very much in the updated Deodato/Astrud Gilberto and then 'Camelo Azul' and label mate Joyce ('Nuvem Vermelha') ballpark that's partially due to the band that includes Alberto Continentino (who plays bass with Caetano Veloso), Sergio Machado (drummer of Negro Leo’s band) and Guilherme Lirio (who plays electric guitar in Gilberto Gil’s band).

One day, the equivalent of DJ Miche will bring out a compilation (a la 'With Love' - see review HERE) long after folks have forgotten 'Stranger Things' that includes 'Boy of Stranger Things' in the tracklist; sung in English as a big band crossover pop-disco 'n' Talc.  Or even, 'Let's Go Before Again' that's been compared to the sound of Stereolab.

Ana is proud (quite rightly) of the large amount of influencess that the ten tracks have absorbed and it really shows on 'De Baixo Do Pano' and the closer (and potential next single), 'Dr Sabe Tudo'.

'Me Chama de Garo Que Eu Sou Sua' is her third album and it's time that the electric lights up her name as a big star..erm, should that be a big fish?

Artist: Ana Frango Elétrico

Title: Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRB CDLP 273

Format :  LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Leo Pesci - Impolite (Ramrock Red Records)

Well, it'd be 'Impolite' not to! 

Yes, Team Ramrock have done it again with an excellent album of eight tracks inspired by the West Coast wave of 'new' hip-hop/soul/jazzers like Lamar, Glasper and Thundercat (sound like a firm of very suspect firm of Attorneys at Law?)

Leo Pesci's got that jazz heritage to his insightful hip hop a la Tribe Called Quest - if Roy Hargrove was around, he'd appreciate the opener 'Nuffin' Left But Crumbs' and the single, 'Power Clash'.

Jackson Mathod's trumpet on the single/album is a revelation and on an elevating positive outlook, we move onto 'Betta Now' that's more fully into the Dwele end of soul/R&B.

'Soprano's Theme' (Pesci, hey! Any relation?) and 'Evry1's Theory' lyrically point at the depressing world we've created; and then the music brings us hope of peace and love

Whilst this has echoes of the musical past, particularly Dwele / Hargrove/ RH Factor/ MC Solaar(en anglais), there's post-Thundercat / Flying Lotus / Kamasi Washington hints with the space-bruk of 'Dario's Pummarola' - supreme synth work and definitely one you're going to hear a lot of on the radio in the future - and the rally-cry of 'NU-ST8'.

Stay tuned and order the the vinyl; is it 'Impolite'? Take in 'Leo's MSG' and reflect on.

Artist: Leo Pesci

Title: Impolite

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRRLP011