Review: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise - Yü / Cascade (Independent)

Whether it's Amanda Whiting's harp countdown to Christmas or Yoga & Harp at this years' London Jazz Festival, the harp keeps making a come back from the untrendy wilderness of the old days.

And we already know from Küf Knotz and Christine Elise's 'Hypnagogia' (see review HERE) that this duo know how to use it in the almost unheard of area of hip-hop/beats culture - apart from samples of Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby that is

And on 'Cascade', "we proceed, and continue" with some jazzy consious hip-hop which isn't as harpy (Ed. that's not a word?) as 'Yü' that's very radio friendly and full of positivity and self-awareness.

Küf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) definitely have a uniquely individual blend of hip-hop, soul and classical/jazz heritage that they can transpose from 'golden era' 90s to today and this release is proof of their growth. 

Artist: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise

Title: Yü ft. Boogieman Dela / Cascade

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label: Independent

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: Digital

Links:

16th November londonjazzfestival.org.uk

Harp Yoga with Benita Glogowska and Marysia Osu

Review: Nikos Ziarkas - Wounds Of Color / Run Run Stop No (Deep Mountain Records)

Super double A-side digital single from London based Nikos Ziarkas with 'Wounds Of Color' / 'Run Run Stop No' out on Deep Mountain Records.

If you recall Valia Calda's album 'Homeland' (see review HERE) that there were strong Fripp & ENO connections but when Nikos gets his own release, there's more Ezra Collective, Colosseum, King Crimson jazz-rock connections; especially on the fusion heavy 'Run Run Stop No'.

Not surprising, as Valia Calda's co-founder, has also collaborated with Theon Cross, Moses Boyd and Ron Trent.   Chicago house legent Ron Trent? Wonder what he could do on the remix of 'Wounds Of Color' that show Nikos' more ambient/experimental side; for a hint of what Ron Trent could do, check Trinidadian Deep's 'Moments Of Sounds EP (see 

HERE). What it does feature is the trumpet of Andreas Polysopoulos that really adds to the atmosphere.

What with Ezra Collective selling out Wembley receently and the next wave of London jazzers following this years' London Jazz Festival (like LEJD, see review HERE or even SHOLTO, see review HERE), it's a good time to follow Nikos Ziarkas, Polysopoulous and Chelsea Carmichael (UK saxophonist) in a nu-jazz-rock fusion on Deep Mountain Records.

Artist: Nikos Ziarkas 

Title: Wounds Of Color / Run Run Stop No

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label : Deep Mountain Records

Catalog Number : -

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Mark E - Take A Deep Breath (MERC)

Mark E has been at the forefront of the deep house underground some some time, is it now the time to 'Take A Deep Breath'? 

I've kept an eye on Mark for nearly 20 years as he caught the ear of label's like Sonar Kolletive, Golf Channel Recordings, Jiscomusic back in the day as he had a knack of spotting a sample that could move dancefloors; DJ Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM, Brownswood Basement) has been a fan as far back as his Radio 1 days where Mark's edits had "intoxicating ...repetitive groove(s) harnessig elements of jazz, house and deep electronics".

And nothing's really changed except this Wolverhampton-reared, Birmingham-based DJ/producer set up his own label, MERC to release his own productions.  

This new EP, 'Take A Deep Breath' maybe his first 12" on MERC for many years, it has 4 new tracks that are trademark multi-layered dreamy and upbeat all at the same time.   'Deep Breath' is like a track made up of Jaco Pastorius and Joe Zawinul in a whirlwind of a dub lab, 'Ultra Violet' goes a bit Afro/Mali influenced and 'Sun Dog' bites your heels in a warped synth/harp theme (as played by Dubmission (aka DJ Kerem Gokman, WYEP); and if you put them all together and add 'Transient Neighbour', you've perhaps the definition of "intoxicating ...repetitive groove(s)".

Can't make you're mind up which is the most best track, get 'em all on 12" at Phonica Records.  I used to love seeing Simon Rigg and Heidi Van Den Amstel behind the counter back in the day as they always the best tunes and have been big fans of Mark/Merc from the start; even if Poland Street is a long way from Mark's own Black Country Roots 

Phonica have been celebrating over 20 years as the shop, which saw them set up their own a label with releases by Ben Sun (more on him soon), Felipe Gordon, Paul Woodford, Penny Gou, Eli Escobar, Midland and many more at the cutting edge of electronic music. Always worth a visit if you're in London Town.

Artist: Mark E
Title:   Take A Deep Breath
Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label : Merc

Catalog Number :MERC027

Format:  Vinyl @ Phonica / Digital / Bandcamp 

Interview: Tom Lilly (aka Bustin Loose) & Tatiana (The Disco Express)

It's that time of year when folks start their "Best Of" lists but some have already started so with the release of the big purple 'Best Of 2004' 12" tomorrow, it was a good time for a quick chat with head train drivers of The Disco Express, Tom Lilly (BL) and Tatiana (T).

When The Disco Express started in 2017, I don't suppose that their vision of original disco, house and soulful dance would include a record label and a series of events in London, Paris, Berlin, Mexico City and New York? Or was it?

BL: When I was first getting into dance music and disco I was massively inspired by the likes of Studio 54 and Paradise Garage for its flamboyance, exuberance and sense of inclusivity. My goal was the ignite the spirit of the 70’s NY club scene and bring it to Shoreditch Platform in East London on a monthly basis. The venue was a former train station in the 1940’s so the whole concept came together very naturally.

For my own DJ moniker Bustin’ Loose was in fact the name of my first party! It took place at Canavan’s Pool Club between 2015-2017. Since creating TDE I decided to adopt it as my own DJ / production alias. The name was originally inspired by Chuck Brown’s seminal funk anthem ‘Bustin’ Loose’.

The label has been described as like a young Razor-N-Tape!

T: That’s an amazing compliment—Razor-N-Tape has really set the standard for quality and creativity in the scene, so to be compared to them is a huge honor. They’ve definitely been an inspiration for us. When it comes to younger labels, AOC Records in Paris is one to watch. They’ve built a fantastic roster with artists like Bellaire, Georges, and Contrecoeur, and it’s been exciting to see how much they’ve grown over the past few years. Their sound complements ours beautifully, blending modern house with lots of jazz, funk, and disco influences. They recently played a massive sold-out show at Koko, which looked incredible—such a testament to how far they’ve come.

BL: To be mentioned in the same breath as Razor-N-Tape is pretty cool. Its a label I’ve followed way before I started DJing and begun TDE so is a real honour for me.

Talking of France, you've been a big supporter of Art Of Tones - his track 'The Magic Count’ on Best of 2024 sounds to me like a timeless track that could be on any Best of 2024 (+1 for the rest of time)

T: ”The Magic Count" was a no-brainer for our Best Of 2024. Art Of Tones has such a knack for creating music that connects with you on a deep level—it’s funky, soulful, and beautifully produced. It was an easy choice for the compilation because it captures everything The Disco Express is about. I wouldn’t be surprised if people are still spinning it in years to come; it’s one of those rare tracks that just gets better with time.

So 'The Magic Count' picked itself for Best of, how did you choose the other 6 tracks.

BL: For me, the real goal with 'Best of 2024' was to showcase the diversity and expanse of music on the label. I wanted to share with our audience the breadth of musical styles and wide variety of sounds we release. That in mind, I’m stoked to say in this record you’ll find anything from original Chicago House to Italo, Soul, Garage and Nu Disco.

Being so varied, is this what we'd expect at The Disco Express club night? 

T: Our catalogue is pretty varied! That’s something we pride ourselves on because we want The Disco Express to represent the full spectrum of disco and house. At one of our club nights, you’d absolutely hear that same variety—everything from soulful disco to funky edits, uplifting house to deeper grooves. The goal is to create a space where everyone can find their moment to connect with the music. With Ron Carroll, it was an incredible collaboration. He’s a legend in the scene, and “Everybody Move” is already a standout track. His vocals are infectious, and it’s the kind of tune that instantly brings the crowd together. It’s definitely becoming one of those big, end-of-the-night moments for us.

Are you having a launch night?

BL: We celebrated in Paris at one of our favourite clubs called Sacré. On the bill we had Magnolia and Sam Karlson, playing out their track ‘Everybody Move’ which of course set the dance floor alight.

What's in the future, plans for The Disco Express 'Best of 2025'?

BL: More worldwide residencies, particularly in Rome, Copenhagen, Melbourne and São Paulo! Lots more exciting releases too! It’ll be our century of releases in late 2025 so to keep your eyes peeled for that. We’re gonna keep firing on all cylinders, that’s for sure.

Many thanks to Sharon at Shine PR for organising this and that's not just big tunes for their 80th release.  All aboard for The Disco Express!

Check out the 'YATM' review of 'Best of 2024', see review HERE.

Artist: Various Artists 
Title:  Best Of 2024
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS80
Format:  Purple 12" Vinyl LINK / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Chilam Balam - Ritmos Proféticos, Vol. I (Partyfine)

Partyfine is Yuksek’s label that he set up in 2013 out of this studio in Reims and to say his release of 'Chilam Balam' with 'Ritmos Proféticos, Vol.1' is so fun and party, it's rediculous(ly good).

I first came across Yuksek in the mid 00s when he seemed to be remixing everyone as he know how to move a dancefloor.  I can only imagine how excited the "French DJ" would be when Chilam Balam (being Léopold Collard and Bastien Francoulon) rocked up with the three tracks on 'Ritmos Proféticos, Vol.1' to the studio.

If you can image Space (the French group famed for the hit 'Magic Fly'), Bala Desejo and SHOLTO deciding to club together as a post-disco, library and Brazilian infused dance band.

The 3 tracks, 'Tzintzuntzan', 'Yaxuma' and 'Citlacoatl' are drenched with tropical disco that some have even said to be like Japanese synth pop ('Citlacoatl').  I get that plus it reminds me of the synth heavy space grooves of Bear Funk / Nang Records with a strong updated 70s vibe: I bet they'd love a Todd Terje, Max Essa or Art Of Tones remix (more on Art Of Tones, see HERE).

Luckily, these tracks don't need a remix as they are perfect just as they are; its not chill, it's not Bal(h)am (SW17) but this could be the start of a journey with Chilam Balam, Gateway to the South (Misquoting, "Balham, Gateway to the South" - Ed. ask your grand parents).

LINKS

Artist: Chilam Balam 

Title: Ritmos Profeticos Vol.1 

Release date: 22nd November, 2024

Label: Partyfine

Cat. No: -

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Andrew Sant ft. Pauline Taylor - Into The Wild (F*CLR Records)

As climate change brings Seasonal storms to our shores,  F*CLR release 'Into The Wild' by Andrew Sant and Pauline "Let This Be A Prayer" Taylor.

We know Mr Sant can spot a  collaboration in the making as recent outings include 'Love Honor Respect; ft. Kameelah Waheed (see review HERE) and the Bon Voyage x Andrew Sant 'High Power 2023 Rework EP' (see review HERE).  As we approach the party season, he excels with this one as Ms. Taylor adds something of the spiritual as they venture 'Into The Wind' of house.

There's an instrumental to go with it but it's the vocal version that pulls you in, reminding me a little of Cynda's 'The Power' (Ashley Beedle House For Real Vocal Mix) so perhaps those North Street West tricksters will have an extended remix for us.

Talking of Mr Beedle, if you were lucky enough to tune into 1BTN's Ashley Beedle Day featuring Mrs Ramrock aka Jo Wallace or want to 'Listen Again' [links HERE], don't forget the Go Fund Me page LINK for this legend of so many scenes.

PS. TONIGHT: Ministry Of Sound, London.....'Dance For Ashley' has eclipsed Ashley's (and everyone's) wildest expectations - to say that the dance community has rallied round to support Ashley is an understatement. There will be tickets on the door at £25 https://ra.co/events/2031138

Artist:Andrew Sant ft. Pauline Taylor
Title: Into The Wild
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label: F*CLR Music
Cat. No: FCLR036
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Inkswel & Andre Espeut - Synchronicities (Compost Records)

With a cover that looks very William Morris (that's the English textile designer, poet, artist, writer and socialist associated with the Arts and Craft movement at the end of the 19th Century) [and not the plumber], Inkswel and Andre Espeut combine artistically and soulfully on the album 'Synchronicities'.

We know from the singles, 'Dangerous Times' (see review HERE) and 'Downtown Love' (see review HERE) that soulfull hip-hop beats are what these guys excel at and with their super guests Abstract Rude (Project Blowed), flautist Han Litz ('Callin' 4 U') (Ed. is there some flute revival going on in late 2024? Where's the Flutestrumental mix?), Leonard Charles (multi-instrumentalist/producer) and between them, 'Synchronicities' is an album of eight tracks that fuses modern soul (sometimes R&B), hip-hop, broken beats, some jazz, house and more.

We first came across Inkswel at the time of fellow antipodean invasion to Europe of Fat Freddie's Drop, The Black Seeds, Joe Dukie et al and twenty years on, the synchronicisation with London based Andre Espuet (pronounced 'Esporr') gives this project a fusion that's like a Fat Freddie's Drop as the song writing is very heartfelt and crosses the pop boundary like 'Yesterday's Gone', 'Uprinsing' and the most FFD, 'Street Soul' and 'Play With Fire'.

I don't know what coincidential occurance happened to create 'Push N Pull (Synchronicites)' but I think the this is the peak of the meeting of the musical minds; shame about the 'sharp' ending.

Obviously comparisons with Inkswel's past collaborations with Colonel Red (see 'Holders Of The Sun' review HERE) or further back to his more hip-hop rooted 'Super Foods' release (see review HERE) that included some of the big name acts that are still get us excited now like DJ Nature, Linkwood and Tom Noble (who has just released his long awaited album, 'House Of Spirits' - see review HERE).

I wonder at the timing of the release as it seems more summer sound but at least it will keep us going through the winter months.

PS. Props to PECUE for the artwork and recommend a vist to the William Morris Museum, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17.

Artist: Inkswel & Andre Espeut

Title: Synchronicities

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT6044

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Yoav & Jabulile Majola - Unyazi (Independent)

You'll remember that I was somewhat taken a-back by the supercool Bradley Zero  professing his love of Simon & Garfunkel recently?  So it's perhaps even more surprising that the duo of Yoav & Jabulile Majola have captured the purity of Paul and Simon on their album, 'Unyazi'.

The introduction of Yoav and Jabulile Majola on the three track EP, 'Stranger','Nyoni Yami' and 'Running' (see review HERE) touched the folky-pop duo to world, especially on 'Nyoni Yami' that's sung in Zulu is particular is very touching.  And on the album, this is not the only moment that reaches such heights, 'Egomania', 'ujobe' and the title tracks are all touching - the title track has that pop-choir boy touch at is such a joy at this time of year; a particularly alt.'Stay Another Day'? (Ed. that's the second time this week you've be linked with E17's great and good - also see HERE).

And then, what with 40 year 'Do They Know It's Xmas' anniversary release this week and the 

Ed Sheeran debate, in the Paul Simon 'Diamonds' debate evelope, perhaps Yoav & Jabulile Majola is a musical legacy that we can all be proud of and embrace.

We are told, "Unyazi" serves as a testament to resilience, offering listeners a glimpse into the cathartic power of music to heal"; this is true on many of the tracks but especially 'Nomad' and 'Honest Face'.

The album, 'Unyazi' should have a worldwide audience and appeal - in fact, I'd go as so far as to say it deserves to be heard

LINK TREE

Yoav · Unyazi

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

Artist: Yoav & Jabulile Majola

Title: Unyazi

Release date: 25th November, 2024

Label : 

Catalog Number : 

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Various Artists - Best of 2024 (The Disco Express)

Having had their 79th release this year, The Disco Express label are in a more than a good position to have a 'Best Of 2024' compilation that features the best in house 'n' disco.

And when you say "best", getting seven tracks on a 12" is an exciting prospect when first off the Rank we've got Sam Karlson & Magnolia's 'Everybody Move' (that features Ron Carroll) that you'll want on vinyl just for this track alone as it will move everybody.  

Dancefloor favourites Art Of Tones' 'The Magic Count' (Yeeeeah!!!!!) and Maryag's 'Poison For Us' (Moodena Remix) are just as hot to finish off side A. 

Put you're hands in the air for big string stabs, heavy piano and percussion plus Kria McKenzie's vocals on Doche's 'This Feeling' (as remixed by Birdee, think i'll be running this with Ayce's remix of LCGC's 'Rather Be' featuring Ms. Bowen (see review HERE) for a couple of big tunes.

The Luksek track, 'Break For Dancers' at top speed 80s electro seems a little out of place until you turn it up really loud. 

The compilaton ends with more Italo-piano influence with Cocktail Cool's 'What The Funk' (the Baka G remix) that's quite busy (to say the least) so that you'll have a chance to catch your breath (and a smootch), Rayowa's 'In The Sunshine' has a great soul heritage to like the a Sunday soul spot. 

If you love a soul train, you'll love this Disco Express and you might even want to do a quick reverse into the sidings for last years' 'Disco Jazzin' by Geeroco.  

Big tunes for their 80th release and just in time for Xmas (Express)!

Artist: Various Artists 
Title:  Best Of 2024
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS80
Format:  Purple 12" Vinyl LINK / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Maarten Goetheer ft. Pong Nakornchai - Suite For Chick (NuNorthernSoul)

Regular readers we know that we love Chick Corea at YATM so when we heard of NuNorthern Soul's project with Maarten Goetheer and Pong Nakornchai 'Suite For Chick' to say we are excited.... 

And to back track a little, to say Chick Corea was a 'keyboard virtuoso' is a huge under statement as his career was near on six decades when he excelled as a straight jazz artist to bebop, post bop, avant-garde, fusion, Latin, jazzdance, chamber music, children's song and even more.

Indeed, we need to take a moment for the 'fusion' period as we're not talking any old fusion, he was in Miles Davis' Isle of Wight 1970 festival band with Keith Jarrett (two electric pianos!), Gary Bartz (sax), Dave Holland (bass), Airto Moreira (percussion) and Jack DeJohnette (drums); no doubt Miles' own virtuoso ability deserved such a band but that must have been amazing. And if you don't know about Chick's part in Return To Forever, you need to research.

Somebody that's done his research and it clearly a super fan is Maarten Goetheer who had a bit of a head start on most as his Dad, Gerard Goetheer was a jazz pianist (who no doubt saw Chick live at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Den Haag Congresgebouw days) and as the jazz-acorn didn't fall far from the tree, this is an eight track collection of re-interpretations with Maarten backed up by Thai drummer Pong Nakornchai.

There's 'City Gate Rumble' (original, reprise and dub reprise versions), 'Romantic Warrior' (original and dub reprise versions), 'Time Track' (original and dub reprise versions) and 'Hymn Of The Heart'.

Apart from Return To Forever's classic 'Romantic Warrior' these tracka were originally Chick's Elektric Band period and it's clear 'City Gate Rumble' was a return to synthy moogy fusion jazz wallowing with an up front busy drum pattern with really suits Pong's style that's as much South East Asian as Rober Glasper's side man Chris Dave and BRUK.

Combined with Goetheer mastery of Moog bassline, ARP twiddles, Wurlitzer chords on a Rhodes foundation, this is so inspriational and relentlessly listenable.

Maarten originally moved from Amsterdam to Hong Kong/Bangkok as a DJ after hearing a Masters At Work remix of Tania Maria's classic 'Come With Me' [so gives us hope of a 'Suite For Chick 2' with a re-interpretation of 'Spain'?] and I love the fact Maarten has done a very jazz/DJ thing by including reprise and dub versions - or even gamelan remixes?

NuNorthernSoul is a very adventurous and broad with its remit having releases by some of our other favourites like Ilija Rudman (see review HERE), Andre Espeut (see review HERE) and most recently, Blair French (see review HERE) plus specials by one of Japan's jazz-funk-fusion trailblazers Ryo Kawasaki!

Blimey! there's a thought, Maarten Goetheer and Pong Nakornchai, 'Suite For Ryo'?

 

Artist: Maarten Goetheer 
Title:   Suite For Chick  ft. Pong Nakornchai 
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label : NuNorthernSoul
Catalog Number : NUNS066D,
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp