Review: 808 BEACH & Amy Douglas - WHATEVER DADDY SAYS (toucan sounds)

When you've loved everything on Toucan Sounds, you've got to be a little concerned by a release entitled 'WHATEVER DADDY SAYS', right?  No need to worry, it's Amy Douglas leading the 808 Beach duo of hit makers and it bangs NYC!

We loved 'You' for obvious reasons (that's was Toucan Sounds' release by Anthony Nicholson featuring Brandon Markell Holmes & Chris Rob - see review HERE) and indeed everything else they've done so big hands in the air bangin' house by 808 Beach (aka John 'J-C' Carr & Bill Coleman, who as a duo and individually seem to have worked with anyone that's had a major commercial release).

And whilst there's eight versions (a combination of JC and 808 remixes), you'll want to pre-fix any of them with 55secs of Amy's acapela version for it's depth of deep vocals. 

So whilst Amy is belting it out on the original an extended nu-disco versions, there's a angular 808 Beach Ol' Brat Mix, a modified Ol' Brat Club version and an even more up at it Glitterbox, "J-C" Carr Glitter Mix: Brilliant stuff, but it stands out even more with the 808 Beach Sub Soul club version!

This release is as good as a Pete Tong Friday Night Essential Selection all on one and that's not just Daddy saying it.

Artist: 808 BEACH & Amy Douglas 
Title: WHATEVER DADDY SAYS
Release date: 25th October, 2024
Label: Toucan Sounds
Cat. No: YTCW132
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Raf Reza - Why You Gotta? / Pineapple Island (Star Creature)

I'm often asked, "Why do you have to keep up with all the new records?" I have to own up, it's new productions like, "Why You Gotta?' and 'Pineapple Island' on Star Creature that make me do it.

 

Available on 7" and digital, Toronto's Raf Reza had his finger on the synth funk that'll give the Commodores' 'Machine Gun' a run for its money in terms of instrumentals as 'Why You Gotta?' takes some proto jazz-funk house to the limits.

On the flip, there's some slow jam groove with some Azymuth / Roy Ayers inspired bass and Balearic shoreline boogie from 'Pineapple Island' - book you flights for now.

And whilst it's always a good idea to get the physical vinyl version there's a digital bonus track 'Space Strut' that sounds like it could go back as far as Sun Palace's 'Raw Movements' from the mid-80s. 

In fact, it turns out that this session was originally recorded in a attic bedroom over 8 years ago so it's even more impressive that Star Creature are around to give it a worldwide release and I'd adivise not to hang about with this one.

Artist: Raf Reza

Title: Why You Gotta? / Pineapple Island (Space Strut)

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label : Star Creature

Catalog Number : SC7067

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Maurizio Ravalico - A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms (Not Applicable)

I don't suppose many folks' thoughts are flitting between Candido's monster worldwide hit 'Thousand Finger Man' and Key Stage 3 African Drumming lesson plans, but if they are, Maurizio Ravalico's 'A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms' album is one for you.

When it comes to a conguero, we often refer the Essex's own Snowboy (aka DJ Mark, Cotgrove - as in review HERE) but Maurizio has taken the art of 'new music for congas' to the next level.

Introduced as "London-based percussionist, Maurizio Ravalico is a multifaceted artist and experimentalist, a versatile character with a restless appetite for cross-pollination between disciplines and genres".  The album if definitely proof of that but don't let that put you off as there's some out-there tracks, like a minimal NYC Fania street scene via London Underground/DLR security check of 'No Comparsa Today', the sound check of 'Interlude 3 - Tap' and a cover version of The Beatles 'Norwegian Wood' (nice whistle of 'This Bird Has Flown).

The album finishes with the 11 minute track 'Drag Spin Swing Read Pluch Clash Read' that sounds minimal/electronic/techno at times and then fully organic as the whole album is an ode on congas (apart from the vocals/whistle on 'Norwegin Wood').

The opening track, 'A Cheaper Love Letter (for Egberto Gismonti)' is like a distant steam train creeping up on you - in Cuba - def one for the festivals next year and as this is such an adventurous album and far more than you'd expect; buddy Peels, Peterson and Wetheralls - this is one to investigate.

Artist: Maurizio Ravalico 

Title: A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label: Not Applicable

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Peter Evans - Extra (We Jazz Records)

Acclaimed trumpet player, improvisor, and composer based in New York City Peter Evans makes his We Jazz Records debut with 'Extra'.

The band formation includes Evans on trumpet, Petter Eldh (Koma Saxo / Post Koma) on bass and Jim Black on drums

The Amercican trumpeter is very well know in the world of free jazz improvisations but he's nothing less than full of surprises on 'Extra' as this "gutsy new band that gets right to work with his eight new compositions". Recorded at the Namouche Studio in Lisbon all the tracks have an ingrained feeling "where all musicians are pushing for the new together with great excitement".

And you'd expect nothing less from We Jazz, but hang on, the opener 'Freaks' has a genuine 100 mph jazzdance vibe with the bass running away with the drums and Evans on blistering form. Take a breather and rewind.  And go again with 'In See' as they're still at it with Evans sounding like Don Cherry playing Albert Ayler; love the touch of echo that's reflected in the album artwork - not sure about the oranges.

'Boom' is a start towards more experimental,'Nova' is a haunting gamelan-esque (with Evans adding sparing piano') and by the time you get to 'Movement 56' this trio is out-there Ra-synthical (stick with it, it's a grower of some apocalytical proportion).

Normal service is resumed with 'Underworld', 'Fully Born' with a jazz-BRUK drum style and Evans' flamboyance and ending with a minimal track, 'The Lighthouse'.

Evans' style has previously been compared to Miles Davis' fusion of controlled abandom and he's got that hear in buckets so no surprise that there's early support has been recieved from BBC 6 Music New Music Fix, Bandcamp Weekly, Jazz FM, New York City Jazz Record and Peter Margasak's Nowhere Street amongst others.

So if you want fireworks, it's 'Freaks', it it's freaks, its 'Movement 56' and there's loads inbetween -  another great album on We Jazz Records.

Artist: Pete Evans

Title: Extra

Release date: 25th October, 2024

Label : We Jazz Records

Catalog Number : WJLP73 

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Jono McCleery - To See You Again / So Messed Up (Sonar Kollektiv)

You get the feeling that it was only a matter of time for Jono McCleery to make his name and now he's on Sonar Kollektiv, it's great 'To See You Again'.

Jono McCleery is British singer/songwriter, musician and artist based in London.  In the past he's based in London, he has supported Fink (Ninja Tune) on tour, and collaborated with loads more since

However, this first single from the forthcoming album is best we've heard Jono since his collaborations with Part-Time Hereos in 2019 on Wah Wah 45's - the "Nick Drake" we've been waiting for as the source of 'To See You Again' comes from the passing of his brother.

It's the opening track featured on Colour & Pitch sessions, October 2024 with Will Sumsuch (see below).

And having made a star of Stee Downes, Sonar Kollektiv have filled the space in between with their next star, Jono McCleery is so [un]messed up.

The album 'Reconcile' will be released on November 29th.

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

Artist: Jono McCleery 

Title: To See You Again / So Messed Up

Release date: 24th October, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv)

Catalog Number: SK504D,SK505D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: LEDJ - Circuit Breaker (Bridge The Gap)

Hard to imagine how the Musical Director for Mulatu Astake (James Arben) and a Heliocentric mate (Danny Keane) plus a couple of member of the Hackney Colleiry Band could re-invent the New Orleans brass band format - but they have and it's all to the good.

It might take a couple of listens, but this quartet, Arben (horns), Keane (keys), Luke Christie (drums) and Ed Ashby (tuba) have crammed a lot into their debut 5 track EP.

The opener, 'Circuit Breaker' is their in ya face HCB style Ethio-Jazz but then the jazzy Fender Rhodes really shines on 'One Last One' that if had lyrics, could be a cross-over hit.

'5 Days Of Freedom' builds into a jazzy-funk groover and it's possibly the most jazz dancey of the set - more Chick Corea than Herbie say and the Ed's tuba give it some serious depth (and thoughout).  As a quick aside, good to see Oren 'Tuba Explorer' Marshall in Norma Winstones' backing band (along with Sam 'Floating Points' Shepherd!) at WeOutHere Festival this year - the tuba is back?

'Hailstorm' get punk-jazz Ezra Collective'd dub trance - these guys must be awesome live like Acoustic Ladyland back in the day.  A big change to the haunting ballady 'Monday 6th March' closer.

So you think the New Orleans' comparison was a bit far fetched?  I suppose Professor Longhair might not have recognised much here but he'd certainly love and dance to it. 

.

Artist: LEDJ
Title: Circuit Breaker
Release date: 24th October, 2024
Label : Bridge The Gap
Catalog Number : -
Format: LP / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers - African Party (Deluxe Edition) (Impressive Collective)

Back in 2015, Freestyle Records reissued a remastered version of this 1967 classic ten track album by Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers but this is the 12 track Deluxe Edition as the first on the Impressive Collective label.

You may know Mr. Boraman from his connections with Brian Auger (see review HERE) so it's no surprise that he loves this seminal album from that late sixties when Ginger Johnson was not only opening the London/UK ears to Afro-jazz percussion, he was also a mentor to then London resident, Fela Kuti as well having work with British jazz greats as Ronnie Scott, drummers Phil Seaman, pianist Victor Feldman, Kenny Graham (in his Afro-Cubists band) as well as percussionist in Edmundo Ros' popular dance band in the 50s (always check the credits his album).

This album is full of Yoruba vocals/chants, heavy percussion and Brit-jazz horns and flute; 'Hi-Life' being particularly good but it's all excellent and often mentioned as the start of Afrobeat. 

Johnson's band also went on to include future members of Cymande and Osibissa and you can hear elements of calypso/Carribean on 'African Party' and even Zamrock meets jazz ('Witch Doctor' (Afro Rock)'.

A truley amazing album and especially in this expanded form (the extra two tracks having been taken from a long lost 45 that's been a 'Repair Shop' restoration so as to match the rest of the album).

When Tony Allen (RIP - albeit mentioned this week - see review HERE) said, Ginger "was a pioneer, the trailblazer for all of us", he really should be better known and this 'African Party' will definitely make that happen.

Artist: Ginger Johnson And His African Messenger

Title: African Party

Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label :  Impressive Collective (an imprint of BBE Music)

Catalog Number:BBE771

Format: Vinyl 2xLP (early 2025), Digital / Bandcamp  

Review - Dora Morelenbaum - Pique (Mr Bongo)

Dora Morelenbaum is the superstar from Brazil with a debut album on Mr Bongo - you must here it.

How do we know she's a superstar? Well, she part of Bala Desejo (see review HERE) along with her bestie, Ana Frango Elétrico who had her album out last year (se review HERE) we've been getting itchy for more Dora Morelenbaum since the 'Vento De Beirada EP' last year as her debut album has 11 new tracks.

And who can not love the sunny feel-good of this album, especially 'Venha Comigo', the jazz-funky 'Sim, Não' and the odd-ball kooky extremees  of 'Caco' and 'VW Blue'.

But not only that, there's a string drenched ballad 'Essa Confusão' that'll knock you out with its understated jazz ballady along with the jazz pop of 'Petricor' and the thrilling 'Nem te procurar' that ties all these various strings together that makes this album so good?  

Dora has said, “'Pique' was an album made in motion and ended up being about just that. From the beginning, it was an album that sought to build new textures that are part of the sound landscape I envision ahead. And from these colours and textures, it builds bridges between a more traditional universe, sonically and poetically speaking, and a new perspective on songs.”

And you can't argue with that.  Any fans of Brazillian culture and its musical heritage from MPB, bossa nova, samba to tropicália will love this.

Artist: Dora Morelenbaum
Title: Pique 
Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRBCDLP275,

Format :  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Ernesto & The Basement Gospel - Is It True? (Atjazz Record Company)

Is it true? Original mix plus eight others! You bet it is and Ernesto gets into the basement for this soul-gospel-house future classic.

The original is outstanding as Atjazz Record Company gets even deeper than their last release (Magic Number's 'All I Ever Wanted' with remixes (see review HERE) so on this one there's a Dirtytwo remix, a Peacey remix, a Atjazz remix, a radio mix, a Peacey radio mix,  a Peacey instrumental radio mix a Peacey instrumental remix, a Atjazz instrumental remix - not much time go to church after all that lot.

You may recognise Ernesto from the 90s as 50% of Swell Seesion (with Andreas Saag), as Pinku Vääty or as Jonathan Bäckelie, Swedish soul singer/musician/producer and mover/shaker in the Gothenburg Jazz Hipsters.   With so many credits on club friendly releases, is it any wonder Peacey is abel to jazz-house up 'Is It True?' and it's the one I'd put money on for radio/dancefloor action.

Atjazzy and Ernesto go back many years (Exceptional Records days I guess) and Dirtytwo are fellow Swedes, production duo from Norrköping who have caught the ears of Peking House, Razor 'n' Tape, Local Talk, JKriv, Homero Espinosa and many more; i.e. proper incrowd as opposed to SHM.

Seems like a good time to make Sweden trendy again - it must be true!

As featured on Colour & Pitch sessions, October 2024 with Will Sumsuch

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

Artist: Ernesto & the Basement Gospel

Title: Is It True?

Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label: Atjazz Record Company

Catalog Number: ARC248SD

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Inkswel & Andre Espeut - Dangerous Times (Compost Records)

Inkswel & Andre Espeut have brought us some renewed hope of soul and love with thier track, 'Dangerous Times'.

Long term fans will recall that nearly ten years ago Inkswel was making his name on BBE with his 'Super Foods' series (see review HERE - side note, always worth checking of a Kid Sublime remix; one of Paul 'Jazz Room' Murphy's favourites don't you know?)

And then, last year he re-imerged on Compost Records as Inkswel & Colonel Red with the 'Holders Of The Sun Remix EP' (see review HERE) and his latest single, 'Dangerous Times' is a fore taste of a new album with London based Andre Espeut who is well known in deep soul circles and has collaborated with many a YATM favourite from Elbert Phillips to King Bee (see review HERE) and Situation to name just three.

This pair are perfect partners to sooth us with this modern soul room and the album, 'Synchronicites', indicates how well these two pair up.

Artist: Inkswel & Andre Espeut

Title: Dangerous Times

Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT6044 

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp