Review: A08 - Waiting For Zion (Compost Records)

We've already had a taste of the 'new' A08 (formerly known as AFRICAINE 808) with the single 'Life' and 'Sunset' on Compost Records, but wait 'til you here the rest of the album!

As mentioned previously, (see review HERE) that since they were releasing albums/12" on the seminal New York label Golf Channel there been a sideways step more to a Afro-tech-Carrib-dancehall-dub as the two Berliners,  Dirk Leyers and DJ Nomad bring us twelve tracks on the album called 'Waiting For Zion'.

Whilst the title sounds like it it should be all roots-reggae-dub, the album that features artists from Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Trinidad as well as Germany, is electronic,jazzy and world: just chcek out the title track to get you hooked.

'Yamahaica' and 'Sunset' are more reggae dub and at the other extreme, 'Kisumu Bound Bus (Nyatiti Mix) and  'Water' twist into electronic West African Hi-Life a little lik the Afro-percussive 'Life'.  

You get this idea that there's no over-ridding genre to put this album in.   At times it reminds me of version of David Walters' 'Soul Tropical' (see review HERE) crossed with the Best Seven Records (the old Berlin-based sub-label of Sonar Kollektiv run by DJ Daniel W. Best), and others, something I could DJ, put in mixtapes, dance to or just listen at home with. 

Another two tracks that also stand out, dancehall-esque, 'I Want More' and 'Big City Blues' that's one's big band funky Afro-rock-rap more than blues. Jazzdance you say? I say too, along with some Italo/Jap house with the incredible, 'Pomolemouse' (just when i was thinking, "how can you pick a favourite track!") along with a 808 style Miami Vice style dub with 'Nineoneone'.

It's stunning stuff and definitely the best double album of the year and just to repeat, A08 perform live either as a Soundsystem as Dirk Leyers and DJ Nomad or as a live act with live percussion: I'd book 'em now as they are going to be very busy.

Artist: A08

Title: Waiting For Zion

Release date: 17th November, 2023

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number :  CPT 620 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp   . 

Review: Sababa 5 - Aspan (Batov Records)

Apparently, mod-culture is back, but how mod are you without Sababa 5's new album 'Aspan', out on Batov Records?

Filled with 60s inspired instrumental psychedelic funk rock and Middle Eastern grooves, this is another winner you can't do without.

Opening up with 'Wembley' (no hint of a football chant but 1966 and all that; RIP Sir Bobby Charlton) and the 'Tri Li Li' isn't nursery rhyme influenced like the title hints at but comes with some dub vibes!

The cover looks like something from a Joe 90 annual but as a follow-up to last years' self-titled debut album, (see review HERE) I think they've gone deeper and more mainstream all at the same time.

The single, 'Fa Sol La' is the high speed version of the Med coastline Joe Meek (very popular this one) that's matched by the equally fast title track.

If there's more dreamy beach scenes with 'Carmel', 'Aeolus' and the closing track, 'Indra'.  And in constrast, 'Barabara' does her thing; possibly on a TV theme/opening credits with some proggy organ at the end and then, going off script, 'Alpis' is like an instrumental version by The Stranglers/Brian Auger.

With such well crafted tracks, it's hard to believe that the band consist of Ilan Smilan (guitar), Amir Sadot (bass), Raz Man (Drums) and Eitan Drabkin (keys/synths).

Trendies like BBC 6 Music's Cerys Matthews, Deb Grant/Tom Ravenscroft, Gilles Peterson are big fans and yes Abigail, "I'm a mod" and so are Sababa 5; middle eastern jazz-mods but definitely now!

Artist: Sababa 5 

Title: Aspan

Release date: 17th Novmember, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR086

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: BCUC - Thonga Lami (Gaudi Remix) (On The Corner Records)

I don't think anyone will be surprised that Gaudi is a fan of BCUC, but they'd be really excited to hear that One The Corner have got the two together to remix a track called, 'Thonga Lami'!

As many of us are still trying to come to terms with the magnificent album from last year, 'Millions Of Us' (see review HERE), On The Corner Records share Gaudi’s remix of BCUC’s ‘Thonga Lami’ - it’s the first track from the Pete OtC’s ‘Door to the Cosmos’ compilation series 

Gaudi is one of the most prolific producers on the electronica, reggae, world and dub scene for many a year now, he's credited with over 20 albums and countless remixes.  So, if you're after some South African Township space dub punk funk Pig Bag to Sigue Sigue Sputnik this is the single of the year for you.

Shame it's just missed Halloween as the Zombies will Batt Danse (these guys - see review HERE) to both original and radio versions but if you're anything like me, you'd want to play 'em back to back for the the full eight minutes.

What an excelled release to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the label's first white label release (Pete, where's the Emanative remix?) and if you're lucky enough to be in the US anywhere near a BCUC Novermber tour date, you must go and see them.

Artist: BCUC

Title: Thonga Lami (Gaudi Remix)

Release Date : 15th November, 2023

Catalog Number : OtCRDIGI2023

Label : On The Corner Records

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

EU / US Autumn/Fall Tour 2023 Dates

Oct. 26 - Le Rockstore, Montpellier, France

Oct. 29 - Womex, A Coruña, Spain

Nov. 4 - Holyoke, US @ Race Street Live

Nov. 5 - Somerville, US @ Crystal Ballroom

Nov. 9 - Chicago, US @ Logan Center For The Arts at Uchicago

Nov. 14 - San Diego, US @ Artpower! At UC San Diego

Nov. 15 - Albuquerque, US @ The Dirty Bourbon

Nov. 17 - Santa FE, US @ Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery

Nov. 18 - Taos, US @ Daleee at The Solar Center

 

Review: Natasha Watts - Music Is My Life (NWM)

Feel the soul energy of Natasha Watts' 'Music Is My Life' as she re-affirms that she is she and more!

First things first; we know that you can't judge a book by its cover and this is NOT the music to either a perfume advert or some Balearic wild swimming so with that out of the way.

Natasha Watt music have been living 'Music Is My Life' as she's been getting praise for over 10 years for her previous 3 albums but this has to be the pinnacle to date.

Eleven tracks that groove like a Reel People release will be the tops for fans of full on soul/R&B/jazz-funk like BBC 6 Music, Mi Soul,Solar FM, 1BTN; Jazz FM and the rest.

The 'middle' part of the album really warms up like 'I Do, I Did, I'm Done', 'Heaven Sent' and 'Part Of My Life' and the post-80s boogie 'Right The Wrong'.

Did someone say, "Reel People?" We'll you won't be surprised to hear that tracks were produced by  Toni Economides, Mike Patto (see their last album, 'Love 2' - see review HERE),  Ziggy Funk and Dave Doyle.

'Brighter Days' was a single earlier this year (pop/funky 70s Stevie/Shalamar) which was followed by 'I Am Me' that Tony Blackburn played on his BBC Radio 2 show' great to know that a young Tony got a sports scollarship to Milfield School from Poole (he's got a new book out you know and that was his 'shoe-in' to an interview on TalkSport last week); his 'soul' days on BBC Radio London would have been more interesting me thinks.

The album also finishes on a high with another three great tracks, 'R U Ready' (a little more gospel this one with some very pertinent lyrics for these troubled times), 'Feels Like Sunshine' (even more funky 70s Stevie than 'Brighter Days' with a touch of go-go/Canned Heat) and then inevitable ballad, 'Say Goodbye' that'll make you reach for the tissues (in a good way).

With such album, you can bet all the usual suspects will be queing up for the remix action that's bound to follow on from what is a real grower - her life in this music will make you feel like sunshine; burnin' hot!  You'll want to take a dip in that sea after all.

Artist: Natasha Watts

Title: Music Is My Life 

Release date: 17th November, 2023

Label : Natasha Watts Music

Catalog Number : LS001ADG, Digital / Bandcamp 

 

Review: Finest Wear - The Obsidian EP (Closer To Truth)

Here's something that's going to be on the Colour & Pitch Sessions for the rest of the year, the brilliant Finest Wear in all his musical finery.

So we know Finest Wear from a series of great deep house tracks, including 'The Night Tales EP (see review HERE) and 'Distant Memories EP (see review HERE) and his remixes but this new EP is out on the equally classy Closer To Truth label, but, truth, I had to search for what 'Obisdian' is: a hard, dark, glasslike volcanic rock formed by the rapid solidification of lava without crystallization!

Why the London based Italian Cenzo Scoglio would call the lead track, 'Black Obsidian' is hard to gather as it's only hard in its club bangin' tempo topped with some smooth synths with a Detroit alarm going on; "Hhurrra, Hhurra ... give it to me baby" you might say.

'Lost In Paradise' is a like an urgent dreamy version with a manic church organ and which is followed, by coincidence, by 'Talk To My Lord' (well, the festive season is nearly upon us) and the softer 'Ocean Sounds'; has he been hanging out at Sea Road in Boscombe by any chance?

For those that don't really get Pre-Orders, The Obsidian EP is out now and I also love the look of the labels on all Closer To Truth releases (it's a bit like a worn 'Nervous Records' without the cartoon) and if you're new to the label, I'd also recommend recent releases by Sven Wegner, Tiptoes and Nic Soule to keep you Closer To Truth.

FinestWear · Finest Wear - 'The Obsidian Ep' ***Snippets***

Artist: Finest Wear 

Title: The Obsidian EP

Release date: 10th November, 2022

Label : Closer To Truth

Catalog Number : CTT114

Format: Download / Beatport / My Obsidian Chart - Top 10 Chart Traxscource

Review: A.K. Yeboah - Nde Yen Da (Asona / BBE Music)

Don't be put off by the artwork which looks like some African version of a 80s New Forest National Park callender [Ed. that's mean].

Antony ‘King’ Yeboah started out in the 1950s playing Highlife.  By the time of the 80s and the ever present upheaval in the area and the introduction of the nu-Burger digital sounds, how can you stand out from the crowd?

What about writing songs in Pidgin to attract a much wider listenership?  Good idea as this would then cross from Ghana into Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.  A few decades on, pretty meaningless over here but what you can hear is Yeboah's pan-African guitar style (twangy to you and me) that could equally have been on Malcolm McLaren's South African "disovery".

Like that 'township' sound, it's fast, energenic and sing-a-long, 'Nde Yen Da', 'Moma Yen Hwe Yie' and 'People Talk Of You' all gets you going. 

Meanwhile, back in the synth shot disco, 'Make Me Know My Position' would make Anita Ward ring her bell - big summer hit takes been released in November!  No problem as this is the fun track of the year; ha! har! as the King would say. 

A mere four tracks but the legacy is clear as to why "King" is still an inspiration to this date in the area.

Artist: A.K Yeboah

Title:  Nde Yen Da

Release date: 10th November, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Mr Cee - Nye Wonko (Asona / BBE Music)

Singer/songwriter Charles Kwadwo Kwarteng aka Mr Cee is off to a party and we're all invited.

'Nye Wonko', unlikely to be New Year's Eve Wonko - but if there is such a thing and they're playing Mr. Cee's album, make sure you can go.

The story goes that there was a low-budget digital version of this album which was clearly in need of a Highlife big band upgrade and thanks to the recording at Ghana Films Studios / Asona records, this is it.  Now even more enhanced with the BBE re-issue it sounds super funky and super dancey.

As ever, Mr Cee tells a storey with these songs, even thought I've no idea what he's saying, whatever trouble he's found - like 'Bribiara Wone Mmre' and 'Nanna', those horns (especially, Sammy lartey on tenor sax) and jangley guitars are going to see him get to a brighter place (and dancehall). 

'Joyce' is the almost obligatory track on the album that we can tag as "reggae" and it's definitely one of the better ones on this Asona re-issue series that you might be thinking is getting a bit overwhelming; and perhaps it is at BBE HQ as oddly, this seems to be a digital release at the moment but I hope there's going to be a vinyl version coming soon.

Just as good as the Thomas Frempong album, 'Anansi Shuttle' (see review HERE) and they saved the best 'til last, 'Yeda Mo Ase' - perfect highlife party.

Artist: Mr Cee

Title:  Nye Wonko

Release date: 10th November, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Brandon Markell Holmes - Fuller (Toucan Sounds)

Well, I didn't think we'd only have to wait a couple of months since Brandon Markell Holmes' last single but now we've got the 'Fuller' sounds of a brand new single.

Brandon moved from Chicago to NYC where he's attracted attension from the likes of Derrick Carter, Dee Diggs, musclecars and more to do a remix of his songs after he appeared on Gorillaz album ,‘Humanz'.

No surprise as, once again, the latest single 'Fuller' features his deep soulful vocal (and a odd 'telephone' rap) but i would prefer the extended edit by label boss, Robert PM as it's longer and almost seems like an instrumental version; nice horns too! is is a vinyl release so there is a real B-side; 'I Bet' featuring Liam Berkeley is more R&B.

Toucan Sounds has been one of our favourite labels this year, not only did we love Bradon's 'Go Ahead' (see review HERE), I'm still tossing Dee Diggs' 'Toss It' and 'Brolorizo's 'Agua Bensita' (see review HERE).

That's a strong image for the artwork and if you're in NYC, and the final night of his 3-show residency on November 8-10th at  at Brooklyn’s Sleepwalk to celebrate the launch plus his second album early next year.

Artist: Brandon Markell Holmes  

Title: Fuller

Release date: 10th November, 2023

Label: Toucan Sounds

Cat. No: YTCW114

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Thomas Frempong - Aye Yi (Asona / BBE Music)

More from the star of the Asona re-issues, Thomas Frempong is back with a 'new' album, 'Aye Yi' - and he's not from Yorkshire!

Mr Frempong looks great on the cover of this album, as part of BBE's Asona re-issue series and already a challenge to his other album as the 'Best in Series', 'Anansi Shuttle' (see reveiw HERE) 

The title track stands out not only for it's near eleven minutes but for a dubby trumpet section that shines on the Ghanian Highlife backing.

Orignally released/recorded in 1985, unlike some of these re-issues, the 'Dutch' influence,.doesn't deminish the highlift groove, particuarly on 'Mada Meho So' and 'Okwan Bi' (featuring that trumpet again) that swing so beautifully.

Frempong's a big star on the label and one can only hope that somewhere at the back of the shed are some unreleased tapes from a forgotten Agyemang / Frempong recording session; we can only dream.

Artist: Thomas Frempong 

Title:  Aye Yi

Release date: 10th November, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE747 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Andrew Sant - Love Honor Respect ft. Kameelah Waheed (F*CLR Music)

Acid meets Philly CRT poetry that champions, 'Love, Honor, Respect'; we say, choose this for the dancefloor.

We know that Kameelah Waheed is much sort after from appearances on Sumsuch & Will Brock's last release, 'Don't Know Where I'm Going' (with Gavin Boyce Remix - see review HERE) and cropping up and most surpristingly on Joseph Malik's massive album on Ramrock Records (see review HERE).  Even so, the Ramrock/F*CLR HR Department must have worked overtime to get Andrew Sant (Mancunian now living in Oz) and Kameelah together.

But here's a label that can spot a dancefloor anthem after Darren Price's 'The Real House Music EP' (see review HERE) or the drac-tech-house of Natasha Kitty Katt's 'Batt Danse EP' featuring Billy Wirth (that came out for Halloween - see review HERE) but you get an additional scary-synth edged "choose life" accapella and an equally squelchy instrumental version.

Don't forget, we saw Andrew on the 'High Power 2023 Rework' release (see review HERE) so we know he's got a thing for an acid knob twiddle (Ed. Haven't we all!)

Artist: Andrew Sant

Title:  Love Honor Respect ft. Kameelah Waheed

Release date: 10th November, 2023

Label : F*CLR Music .

Catalog Number : FCLR029

Format :  Digital / Bandcamp