Review: Jono McCleery - Reconcile (Sonar Kollektiv)

Will we ever be able to reconcile that Jono McCleery's debut album on Sonar Kollektiv is his best todate? 

I say that as Mr. McCleery has been lucky enough after his debut in 2008 to worked with lots of folks that we love to follow like his work on Ninja Tune (with Fink and Portico Quartet), 'Realise' with Part-Time Hereos (which was included on Wah Wah 45's 15th Birthday release, and now they are 25!) and also with lots of 'dance' artists, like the diverse range of  Maceo Plex, Catz N' Dogz, Karol XVII & MB Valence and Laura Vane!

This might sound a bit odd for the "Nick Drake" we've been waiting for but 'Reconcile' is a distinct change of direction as it was mostly recorded as an instrumental, in a log cabin of all places.  That might sound a bit dull and flat to most of our readers but the production kind of creeps up on your here with added strings/keys/electronics that's makes in far from a campfire recording.

The singles, 'To See You Again' and 'So Messed Up' (see review HERE) are indicative of a more laid-back approach and you can easily see why Sonar Kollektiv were impressed with a downtempo soul chill sound.  And you can tell form the titles that there's a bit theme of introspection ('The One', 'Only You'. 'Like I Do', 'I Try To Remember' etc) and there's a bit of Thom Yorke-ism to this (we're told Radiohead's Phil Selway is a fan of Jono) and Jamie Woon (Ed. I met him once at Cargo years ago).

The title track is particulary stripped back and you can feel some real blues porch heritage to McCleery's vocals and acoustic guitar style and then, at the other extreme, is the 'Let's Get Back To It' that's the most elegantly produced track.

With the help of co-producers Matt Kelly, Greg Haynes (aka Fybe One) and Jesse Koolhaas this album (eight tracks) has a beautiful longevity to it and you never know, if Florence and The Machine can have it at the Proms, the full Jules Buckley experience at the Royal Albert Hall - now wouldn't that be something of a reconcilation?

Artist: Jono McCleery 

Title: Reconcile

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number: SK499

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Phil Dawson ٤-tet - Don’t Waste Your Ancestors’ Time (Funkiwala)

 

The latest in the must have albums of 2024 is 'Don't Waste Your Ancestor's Time' as Phil Dawson ٤-tet take on the past is now!

We've been introduced to Phil Dawson ٤-tet with the single 'Shifting Sands' (Mainline) featuring Khadijatou Doyneh (see review HERE) and we know the guitarist/producer learnt at the feet of legends like Hugh Masekela (as influential on the new compilation, 'Chakalaka Jazz - A Selection Of South African Gems  see review HERE), Afrobeat co-creator Tony Allen (as featured HERE), Ethio-jazz 'founder' Mulatu Astatke (who's new album was released last week - see review HERE), Osibisa and many more on the UK jazz/fusion scene.

And why is all this important?  Well it clearly is at the root of this album - as in the title - and all the lesson's he's had from the musical ancestors are have produced a deep fusion post Miles and denched in flute gang (again, last weeks' Flute Gang 'Album of the Week', Ludivine Issambourg's 'Above The Laws' - see review HERE that embraces more jazz-funk musical legends, the Laws family - happy 85th Birthday Hubert 10.11.24)

This is also 'out there' boarding on the free jazz space age on 'Now Rise Up' and on 'Pralaya' (which fade out far too early on the guitar solo for me) but evey track is a blend of Afro-futuristism fusion that's as cool on the jazzdance floor (especially, the spiritual space jazz of the ten minute monster opening track, 'Ghanaba')  as the headphones.

This is no suprise really as, in additon to Khadijatou,, the ٤-tet include saxophonist Tony Kofi (he's been brilliant for decades and also check out the duet album 'Alrera Vita' with Alina Bzhezhinska, see review HERE), Sam Leak (piano), Dele Sosimi, John Martin (tenor), Nick Walters (Trumpet), Biola Dosunmu (vocals), Justin Thurgur (Trombone - last seen on YATM on Wah Wah 45s Eparapo, 'Take To The Streeets' - see review HERE'') pluas a guest appearance from Tamar Collocutor!

Such a shame we missed the launch party at the Pizza Express last month but at least the album is a latest testament to how good these guys are and how well our ancestors spent their time (well, some of them)

Artist: Phil Dawson ٤-tet
Title: Don't Waste Your Ancestors' Time
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label : Funkiwala
Catalog Number : -
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Matters Unknown - I Am The Birds (Bridge The Gap)

When you've got a Nubiyan Twist (Tom Excell) and Kweku Sackey (K.O.G) on your project together with a track on a Blue Note compilation, trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist and composer Jonathan Enser is in a position to declare, 'I Am The Birds'!

When you've just had a track on a Blue Note label compilation, 'Transmissions From Total Refeshment Centre' (where our good friend Emanative had a gig this week promoting his latest album, see review HERE), Jonathan thoughts went onto fusing orchestral arrangements with jazz, garage, dancehall and afrobeats.

We know K.O.G from his Heavenly Sweetness works (see review HERE) and his appearance on Nubiyan Twist's 'Find Your Flame' but Jonathan tells us, “The inspiration came from a transformative period in my life, where I was regularly confined to bed for days due to the excruciating chronic pain that ultimately led to my amputation. At this time, an Indian bean tree outside my window became a place of solace. The tree attracted bright green parakeets, which, though not indigenous, found a home in the urban environment. These birds, vibrant and free, became my companions, symbolising resilience, freedom, and the boundless possibilities of the mind and spirit. The parakeets offered me a vision of life beyond my suffering, where creativity and imagination could transcend the physical body.”

What with LEDJ's 'Circuit Breaker' that came out last month (see review HERE) what a great time it is to be a Afro-beat inspired jazz fan and it's going to be even better in the new year as there's an EP due, 'Silhouettes: A Dream Sphere Journal' (24.01.25).

Artist: Matters Unknown

Title: I Am The Birds
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label : Bridge The Gap
Catalog Number : -
Format: LP / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Witch 'N' Monk - Outfox (Independent)

Witch 'N' Monk are a wily duo who have outfoxed the experimantal electronic jazz avant-guarde with this new album, 'Outfox'.

Based in the hedonistic city of Berlin, Muricio Velassierra (originally from Medellin) and Heidi Heidlelberg (London) are flying higher than the most wanted with their Latin hybrid electronica with soprano vocals.

Yep, it's odd and to prove their experimental .cojones, as their 'single' they release a "sonic geocache" experiences in your top cities - Berlin, London, Paris, Tokyo, New York, Amsterdam [everybodies talking 'bout pop music] where you walk through the music.

Without doubt, the most intereting single of the week!

Album release 26th February, 

 

Artist: Witch 'N' Monk
Title:  Outfox
Release date: 29th November, 2024
Label : Independent
Catalog Number : -
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

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