Review: Pascal Morais - 3 Steps Ahead (Batakari)

Lynyrd Skynyrd famously requested "Gimme Three Steps", John Coltrane had 'Giant Steps' and Pacal Morais cubic music rally call is, '3 Steps Ahead'.

Morais' vision is to produce a deeper mix of Amapiano (South Africa) and Afro Beats into an Afro Deep House as a "3 Step".

It's a bit like taking 'The Spirit Of Malombo' (see review HERE), merging with the vibe of Deep In Your Soul (see review HERE) and adding some 2-step+1 hype and you've got a 4 track EP that'll keep you guessing.

There's a radio edit and extended version of 'Talk Nerdie' that's a beautiful shuffle on a Afro beach under the buzzin' electronic fire flys with some church organ going on!  This is the most instantly accessible track as the title track is a bit on the moody Nordic Noir dancehall (can you have Dutch noir?) and 'Protegé' is a warped gumboot dance.

Similar to the way Boddhi Satva (last seen HERE with 'Mota Boddhi' and also BBE supported) keeps moving the house goal posts, Morais is on a mission... and it's lots more than 2024 Bucket Hats fashion!

This is going to be big and what all the usual suspects circling to be part of a remix set.

Artist: Pascal Morais 

Title: Altera Vita 

Release date: 12th April, 2024

Label : Batakari/BBE Music

Catalog Number : BAT008

Format: Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Clyde Beats - Rising Up (feat. Amalia) (Atjazz Record Company)

All rise for single of the week, Clyde Beat's 'Rising Up' featuring Amalia on vocals that's out now on Atjazz Record Company.

Last week Atjazz released Peacey's album 'Play It By Ear' (see review HERE) and they don't seem to have taken that advice themselves as they've blugeoned themselves with a post-Prince mega funker with 'Rising Up'.

But Mr. Beats is no stranger to such adulation, albeit it's been 21 years since his big hit 'Serve It Up (featuring Capitol A.- last seen here on Joseph Malik's 'Album Of The Year', 'Proxima Ebony - see review HERE) and 16 years since since debut album 'Hyper Reality'.  Clearly, it's not that he's had problems with the title of the "difficult 2nd album" as it's going to be called; wait for it... 'Hyper Reality 2 (An English Gentleman)’.

As always, exciting times for all things Atjazz and the album is eagerly anticipated.

Artist: Clyde Beats

Title: Rising Up feat. Amalia

Release date: 12th April 2024

Label: Atjazz Record Company

Catalog Number: ARC247ADS1,Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Yellowtail feat. Mark Murphy - Seasons In My Mind (Remixes) (Right Tempo Pro)

As Gilles Peterson starts his campaign to save UK club cultures, independent venues and radio all at the same time, here's a quick reminder of one of three vocalists that he more or less single-handedly re-discovered.

Whilst there were many more acts/performers, I'm specifically thinking about Slim Gaillard, Eddie Jefferson and Mark Murphy!  Peterson 'discovered' Murphy's 1961 album 'Rah' in his local library and the story goes, took him to the Dingwalls and that visit resulted in Murphy's love letter to the venue, Gilles, Camden Town and the young jazzdance community that was emerging in the 90s.

Over 30 years on, this jazzdance 'Ding Walls' / Acid Jazz scene has it's fans worldwide (no pun etc) and in the case of this 12", Milan's Right Tempo have returned to the Yellowtail track featured on their compilation album, 'The Congregation - Jazz Alliance International' with Mark Murphy on vocals (as an 'unreleased' Patchworks remix - Patchworks being a Peterson protégé himself).

So you got the immaculate Murphy on a track that he sings and skats on, Yellowtail (aka Hiro Awanohara) on production duties and another Peterson protégé from the early days of Brownswood Recordings and a dreamy Sunday afternoon original, 'Seasons In My Mind'.

Worth the price of the 12" in itself but as someone that was in on the boarders of Peterson's leftfield soul-jazz-hip-hop 'In Crowd' some years ago. I remember standing next to DJ Simon S at Emanative's first gig at what was Favela Chic in Shoreditch with Jessica Lauren, Liz Elensky, Deborah Jordan, Heidi Vogel and many more when Peterson turned up with Earl Zinger and they stood next to us!  I also recall giving Peterson a white label of Richard E's 7", 'Sometime I'/'Hear Her Call' at Peterson's other club night that he ran for over a decade, 'That's How It Is!'  So what's the reason for all this blatant name dropping?

Well, remember Richard E's 'To The Moon' (see review HERE), he's done a fantastic uptempo flute gang remix featuring Jake Telford.  And then there's the 'dream team' of Jessica Lauren and Emanative (last seen on Sandman Project's 'Hamsa Remixes - see review HERE) with a  jazzy spring garden and home remix and dub; descibed as, "Nick & Jessica playing drums and piano live and then all being chopped up and brought into the present moment, production-wise".

And if that wasn't enough, there's the 'Frankson' remix which is the favourite of Kev Beadle (TWR), who I happened to help into a cab at 3am in Shaftesbury Avenue after he DJ'd at the first "Last Ever" 'That's How It Is!' some years ago.

Other fans include, Harv-inder Singh (Point Blank FM), famed jazz dance royalty DJ Perry Louis (JazzCotech), Michael Rütten (Soul Searching; that coincidently celebrated its 19th Birthday show in 2016 with guest mix from DJ Simon S as mentioned above) and there's sleeve note by yet another scene name, Straight No Chaser's Paul Bradshaw.

Nearly as impressive as another 'Sunday Afternoon At Dingwalls' and in addition to the 12", there's bonus digital content too! Get your pre-orders in now. 

Artist: Yellowtail feat. Mark Murphy 

Title: Seasons In My Mind (Remixes)

Release date: 10th April, 2024 

Label : Right Tempo Pro

Catalog Number : RT 001 PRO  

Format : LP (140g black vinyl)  / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise - Hypnagogia (Independent)

I had no idea about 'Hypnagogia' (a sleep technique practised by Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí no less) but the creative powers of Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise are wide awake on this new album.

There's been more than one female jazz harpist vs. hip hop culture mix in a genre clash merging melting pop and here's another but this time uniquely forged in the city of brotherly love.

This massive 17 tracks of conscious hip hop-nu jazz as imagined by Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise (vocals and harp) - like a re-imagined John and Alice Coltrane meets The Roots - is full of life like the single, 'High Vibraionz' that featured Mother Lion.

No only that, they've attracted guest appearances with Arrested Development's superstar Speech with John Robinson (Scienz Of Life) on 'Window Pain' and K-Prez on 'How Far...?'

But these two are not reliant on big name bezzie mates, check out 'LUCIDreamin' and the reggae-dubish 'Hanalei' an for some deep hip-hop poetic funk-beats: modern day golden era underground Gilles Peterson worldwide a la 'Dream Chaser' (MG Gost with Jack Jones (ed. not that one), BluRum 13, Yarah Bravo etc) try ' 'Rotation', 'Drivin' Off' and far too many to mention.

So if you're looking for some multi-genre spiritual hip-hop soul with a New Age twists (and great cover artwork), this is the album youre after.

Artist: Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise

Title: Hypnagogia

Release date: 9th April 2024

Label: Independent

Catalog Number: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21 - The Confluence LP (Wah Wah 45s)

This confluence is the meeting of the musical minds of the Thames Estuary and the "Afrobeat Ambassador" from The Shrine, Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 and cofounder with Femi Kuti of the Positive Force. 

That's a pretty big body of water (no get enemy) as once aain, Dele Sosimi (formerly keyboardist and other musical duties with aforementioned Afrobeat legends) who is now based in the UK joins Sam Duckworth (formerly known as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly).  "Hang on", you may be thinking to yourself, "Didn't this come out this time last year and still sounds brilliant?" We'll you'd be right on both counts except that this is the new LP verson and it's bigger and therefore even more brilliant!

As this album is firmly rooted in Afrobeat, the obvious tracks that will engage are the previous singles, 'Ride Out The Storm' / 'Mo Ṣe B’ọ́lá Tán' (see review HERE) and 'You Don't Have To' (see reveiw HERE) and, again, 'Ori Mi' and 'Òt​í​tó Ti J​áde' (albeit my calls for longer versions has been unheeded) along with 'Open Up' which also features UK jazz legend and Essex resident, Snowboy (aka Mark Cotgrove).

Other top musicans featured include Alfa Sackey (percussion), Callum Green (drums), Philip Van Den Brandeler (bass), Pete Fraser (sax), Sam Eagle (voice/guitar) and Lizzy Dosunmu (vocals) along with multi-instrumentalist Duckworth.

'Stories' is at the carib-pop-end of this meeting of minds but the new 'BIG' tracks are 'Alagbara Ma Me Ro' that's a time-after-time winner plus the Essex Go-Go of 'For The Love Of It' and at 60s jazz club towpath shuffle of 'The Ramblings'.

This is no Sosimi-lite (or Mr Get Cape etc 'heavy' for that matter) as this is all giving it their all and finding something special.  Who'd have thought that chance radio interview Dom Servini (now Jazz FM DJ you know) did with Dele did all those years ago would find us at 'The Confluence' (LP version). Who indeed.

P.S, get lively as the vinyl is likely to sell out quick.

 

Artist: Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21
Release: The Confluence LP
Release Date: 5th April, 2024
Label: Wah Wah 45s
Catalog Number: WAHLP025 
Format: Vinyl 12 - Limited Edition / Digital / BANDCAMP

Twelve Caesars' 'Scenes 'From Wild Eyed Dreams' about it (see review HERE). And put that together with some dream female vocals (sung in French, bein sur), as in 'Entre chien et loup' the album could be some long lost psych-Stereolab.

Did someone say, "prog rock, psych, folk"?

Here's one for all you cool cats looking for the return of 18th Day Of May, Tuung and a Jethro Tull meets Yes!

Well that's what the last single, 'Lost In The Woods (Bacchanal)' had elements of and I'm pleased to say no one legged flautists or capes were hurt in the recording of Project Gemini's second album.

In truth, this is a very inteligently crafted mix of psych-funk-prog OST that would fit nicely on a Wickerman soundtrack that's the vision of Paul Osborne.

Paul has enlisted the services of Raz Man, the drummer from Sababa 5 (one of our favourites, see review HERE) and they team up so well, check out the title track that's got a twang of 

Twelve Caesars' 'Scenes 'From Wild Eyed Dreams' about it (see review HERE). And put that together with some dream female vocals (sung in French, bein sur), as in 'Entre chien et loup' the album could be some long lost psych-Stereolab.

Equally, due to flip/flop jingly/jangly 60s Byrds (especially the title track and 'After The Dawn') vs. Mod-Middle Eastern Serge Gainsbourg influence (and more), it could be a Bob Stanley compilation or some long lost recording that Jonny "Francophile is not his middle name but he does like that type of thing if it's as sexy as this and it is pretty Library/OST which is his middle name" Trunk has discovered - yes, that good! 

If that wasn't enough, 'The Sun Devil' puts the Flute gang in the world of Batov, or more specifically, Kolonel Djafaar's 'Getaway' (see review HERE), your 60s TV theme, 'Seven Seconds To Sunrise' and Delia Derbyshire-funk-flute of 'Twilight'.

The first album was called, 'The Children Of Scorpio' (I think we get the idea) and this is the brilliant (not difficult) second album that will fill our summer of love this year.

If I were a Flying Mojito Bros, I'd be on the phone straight away after the remix gig!

Artist: Project Gemini

Title: Colours & Light

Release date: 5th April, 2024 

Label : Mr Bongo 

Catalog Number : MRBCDLP301

Format : LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Kolonel Djafaar - Getaway (Batov Records)

Batov Records are on the right track again with more Middle Eastern Menahan Street Band style funk! 

As big fans of the last album on Batov Records, Shay Hazan's 'Wusul وصول' (see review HERE) it's with a bit of trepidation that we listen to the next album off the rank - but you can't get away from the fact this is exceptional.

Is 'Convoi Exceptionnel' is the most brilliant cross genre Mulatu Astake Ethio Afrobeat funk from the casbah...on the Transe Horn of Africa Express.

The horn section try and steel the show but all members of the band work as one, on 'Phil's First Tear' which is one of the many stand-out tracks.  

This is so impressive as their base is in Belgium and for fans of their 'Cold Heat' EP of 2021, it's been a long wait for this album. It's definitely been worth it as their 'Getaway' is the equivalent of winning Ronde de Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège all in one season.

Artist: Kolonel Djafaar 

Title: Getaway

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR089

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Peacey - Play It By Ear (Atjazz Record Company)

Atjazz Record Company have excelled themselves with Peacey's debut album as they 'Play It By Ear'.

We've been excited by the earlier singles, 'Playground' featuring Rona Ray (see review HERE), 'Culture Bandit' featuring Vanessa Hidary (see review HERE), 'Hold Me Back' featuring Clyde & Atjazz (see review HERE) that are all including here but we didn't expect another 13 high quality modern soul drenched tracks.

Head straight for 'Falling Down' featuring Sarai Jazz (great name BTW), 'Love In The Forest' featuring OVEOUS (Oh! That's a voice to slip into!), 'Find A Way' and 'Running' featuring Sabrina Chyld, 'The Mandarin Affair' featuring Clyde, 'In The Distance' featuring Laroye and ending with 'Don't Send Us Back' featurig Emilie Chick [as featured on the March Colour & Pitch Sessions mix - see below].  All new names for us to follow in the future.

It's hard to comprehend that this is a debut album as it's so deep throughout that's melds house, R&B soul, nu-jazz beats, boogie in a fusion of Atjazz style pleasure. It's the opposite lightness bass to the dark bass of Timedance/Ilian Tape (see 'BeatutySick' review HERE: wouldn't it be fun if they did remixes for each other?).

This is going to be featured on many a play (it by ear) as tracks like 'Running' and 'Don't Send Us Back' are just perfect for club and radio ('Running would be even better with a 12" version with dub-extensions - watch this space) whilst the Atjazz collab on 'Afternoon Delight' is a heavy post-dubstep UKG jazz up (great trumpet and another that could go super dubby).

Whilst the artwork indicates that this album is 'taken' from lots of different records/vinyl/styles, if you play it by ear, it's mostly definitely Peacey - many thanks 'Dear Uncle Tim' for being an inspiration. 

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - March 2024

Artist: Peacey

Title: Play It By Ear

Release date: 5th April 2024

Label: Atjazz Record Company

Catalog Number: ARC230AD Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Andrew Emil, Glass Slipper, Claude Young - Incidental Introspection EP (Colour & Pitch)

When it comes to having a party, it'd be rude not to invite a supergroup along and bring with 'em their 'Incidental Introspection EP'.

And that's what Colour & Pitch have done for their 10 Anniversary celebrationa as this Fab 4, being Andrew Emil and Claude Young (respectively Chicago and Detroit) with Lisa Cork-Twiss and Brad Eller (aka Glass Slipper) have got together with 4 killer tracks and a remix.

'Fade Out' the 80s inspired Shalamar-eaque opener, the funkin' instrumental ' 'Unclaimed Restraint' and 'Dancefloor Paramour' (Original Mix), 'Dancefloor Paramour' (Glass Slipper Remix) [As featured on the March Colour & Pitch Sessions mix - see below] and a slo-mo-emotional 'God Only Knows'.

Indeed, God only knows how this is so good as this is bold, cheeky music that oozes passion - 'Dancefloor Paramour' indeed!

Think I prefer the Glass Slipper Remix as theres less reverb on Lisa's vocals and more boogie on the percussion; plus it's a reminder of the excellent Glass Slipper release 'Am I Alone' (see review HERE) - perhaps that was an unsutble hint that Lisa was moving away from their Texas base but it 'Dancefloor Paramour'(s) are the opposite of being alone.

It's taken a while to get these tracks released which is probably going to turn out to be a blessing as their time is now.

PS. In addition to it being Bandcamp Friday, don't miss the Andrew Emil remix of 'Tears' by Elbert Phillips (he of the A.MA remixes - see review HERE) and Andre Espeut on Yore Records.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - March 2024

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - April 2024

Artist: Andrew Emil, Glass Slipper, Claude Young

Title: Incidental Introspection EP

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label: Colour & Pitch

Cat. No: CAP093

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi - Altera Vita (BBE Music)

Alina Bzhezhinska (Harpist) "Thanks! You got us, totally." 

So was the feedback from Alina herself to the YATM review for the single, 'Anima' 

(see review HERE) so what can we possibly say of the album, 'Altera Vita'?

Well I'm pleased to say it's more of the same but with an intensified sense of emotion that comes from the depth of the six tracks. 

Coming at the same time as the Alice Coltrane "never before released album", 'The Carnegie Hall Concert' that featured John's band (with Pharoah Sanders) in 1971, this is like a primer for spiritual jazz as a sax/harp duo that has been said to be a homage to Sanders [& Alice]. 

And that really doesn't do them justice for tracks, like 'Tu Vides - You See' as they can do their own astral traveling to a higher creator's master plan.  And, in truth, all tracks are as deep as Carlos Nino's teamwork with Surya Botofasina (see review HERE) as this harp/sax duo are aided with the pecussion of Muriel Grossman that adds that provides the journey in Satchidananda atmosphere.

Sanders' once said, “I Just Have To Make Sure I Mean Every Note…” and that comes through every second of 'Altera Vita' and is a worthy follow-up to their highly aclaimed previous incarnation of Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective.

This incredibly beautiful album is a tribute to all that have gone before us and a brilliant way to mark Tony's 60th year on the planet! All jazz fans need this, it's the essence... now breathe!

P.S. Did I ever tell you the story how I was involved in making Mr. Sanders late for his gig at the Big Chill; another time.

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi 

Title: Altera Vita 

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE779

Format: Vinyl LP / CD / Digital Bandcamp