Review: Marshall Allen - New Dawn (Week-End Records)

A normal man would not release a debut album when they reach 100 years old, Marshall Allen is no normal musician, man, saxophonist, bandleader and linch pin of all to Sun Ra's bands for 70 years!

You might have noticed that he's been doing the promo rounds with all the super fans, Gilles Peterson being at the fore (see below) but let's start at the beginning.

'Prologue', is the gentle starter before we slip into our lounge suits for some gentle Come Dancing in the Sun Ra Ballroom, Philadelphia with 'African Sunset' - a modern retro of the glamorous 30s jazz set.  

The title track 'New Dawn' is the one that features Neneh Cherry (daughter ot Don, sister of Eagle Eye, prominent figure in the Bristol post-punk scene etc) and as a statement for a bloke in his 100th year, it's typical Ra-ness.

As fresh as an  'African Sunset' in the jazz lounge, the rest of the album will be of more interest to the Sun Ra students.  'Are You Ready' is a return to the rock'n'roll blues of Yochanan Rocket Ships.  And then buckle up for a quick trip to destination avant-garde with 'Sonny's Dance' - Sonny Sharrock, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Ra, who knows?   And even closer to today is 'Boma' which has a fantastic string section and, as with the rest of the album, Allen is joined with the "brightest" young jazz musicians (in Philly of course - it is the teachings of Herman Poole Blount after all).

At talk of Ra as a teacher, there's lines on here that sound a like snatch from his biggest hit, 'Space Is The Place' and, just as likely, equally a popular Xmas carol.  He loved that type of thing and if he if listening to now to 'Angels And Demons At Play' he'd be more than happy with linchpin protege. 

Back in 2015, when Marshall Allen did an interview to promote the Peterson currated double CD of space-age, avant-garde free jazz, 'Presents Sun Ra And His Arkestra - To Those Of Earth...And Other Worlds' (on Strut), he told 'Crack', "Sun Ra had a futuristic view of things.  All the things that happened, he already know was going to happy".   With respect, he wouldn't have known about 'New Dawn': or did he?

Gilles Peterson - Marshall Allen, Neneh Cherry and Naima Karlsson - BBC Sounds

"The one thing that I'm really looking forward to, and I think this is the best thing ever, is the fact that Marshall Allen is about to release, at the age of 100, his debut album under his own name. There is no greater feat of durability, working at your craft, and putting your ego to the back of the room while you're supporting other artists and performers.” – Gilles Peterson

Artist: Marshall Allen 

Title:  New Dawn

Release date: 14th February, 2025

Label: Week End Records

Catalog Number: WE13

Format:  Vinyl LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Santrofi - Making Moves (Out Here Records)

Santrofi are on their third album in three years and they are definitely 'Making Moves' to the top of modern Highlife/Afrobeat/Funk.

No matter how experience you are, if you are supported by folks that have collective worked with Ali Farka Toure, Buena Vista Social Club, Orchestra Baobab, Kronos Quartet, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, and AK Yeboah (he of 'Nde Yen Da' see review HERE) you've got to be on your best form: and these eight guys are with this eight track album.

It's been 5 years since they released thier debut album but 'Making Moves' is a shift of gears opening with 'Amina' in a rock/funk/chant/horn that's more Jame Brown influenced than some of their other tracks that are soaked in their traditiona' Ghananian musical heritage; like 'Su nkwa', 'San su', the beautiful 'Domebi' and the even more beautiful vocal/guitar duet 'Woara wosempa'.

Could 'Gyae me how' be Sly Stone meeting up with Fred Wesley in Accra with the Tower Of Power under the supervision of Fela?  Probably not, but tracks 'San su' and 'No Money, No Honey' sound like Saturday afternoon's 'Nostalfgie Ya Mboka' with the twangy guitars.

The title track 'Making Moves' includes a rather clunky rap in English which kinda of lets it down as I'd have prefered a longer sax solo but I think we can forgive that as we look forward to seeing them live at festivals somewhere near you in the summer.

Artist: Santrofi 

Title:   Making Moves 

Release date: 14th February, 2025

Label: Out Here Records

Catalog Number: TBC

Format:  Vinyl LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Rita Satch - Meet Me In The Garden (Silk Throne Records)

 

Is 14th Feb a significant date in the diary?  Well, you might be just about ready to fall in love with Ritch Satch as that's the day that her album 'Meet Me In The Garden' is released.

Rita has already impresed with the single 'Breath' (see review HERE) and since then (only November mind) we've even found more musicians from the Melbourne/Naarm area, Rami Iman (see review HERE) and Close Counters (see review HERE) to name just two (Ed. but we don't know anymore that were born in Uzbekistan!).

And even though they are the same city, Rita has definitely gone her own path in a luxouriously produced R&B, soul pop way - particularly on the appropriately named 'Lifeline' and whilst the cover looks like the Eygptian Queen has dressed up for the Secret Garden Festival, the hook on 'I Give It All to You' is another track to get folks excited.

It's another track that's got the benefit of Daniel 'The Bamboos' Mougerman's strings which weaves cinematic drama that's so drenched on this one; and don't forget the title track! It's a 12 piece orchestra on the album!

You'll recall that us Yogi/QiGung/Tai Chi types knew the inspiration for 'Breathe' was the result of some meditative exercise which is nice, but 'Meet Me In The Garden' will take her on a higher plane, if not levitation and I'm expecting end of year awards for this one; 'Meet Me In The Garden' is going to fly.

P.S. She's a 'Warrior Princess' too!

Artist: Rita Satch

Title:  Meet Me in the Garden

Release date: 14th February, 2025

Label: Silk Throne Records

Catalog Number: TBC 

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Toribio -Daylight ft. Sharin (Crackazat Remix) (Juliet Records)

 

Cesár and  Sharin Toribio have seen the light of day; with Crackazat on the remix for our favourite pre-seasonal fesitval track of the year, 'Daylight' as yellow as a sunflower.

 

Unseasonally, summer sunshine themed release with artwork like Carlos Niño and Mia Doi Todd have gone to Kew Gardens' Hot House for a photo shoot.

But 'Daylight' ain't West Coast, it's a great house anthem track as Cesár adds his production skils and drum programming in his New York studio with piano, Fender Rhodes, Juno 60, Moog and anything else available to Sharin's stunning vocals.

And if the original was hot, the ever in demand Crackazat is on the remix.  Whether its Stay True Records, Freerange (with Jimpster), Local Talk (where he was embedded in Sweden) or any other label he's been on,  Crackazat (aka Ben Worral from Bristol) knows how to weave his improvised jazzy keys and 'Daylight' becomes very active nightime entertainment.

In the original and alternate mix options it's a track that certainly hit the funky, soulful, jazzy brief and if you need more Toribio, there's no better place than the collaboration with Brandon Markell Holmes, 'Go Ahead' (see review HERE); not least because it comes with another Byron The Aquarious remix (like Igor Jadranin's 'Contemporary Outdoors' that's 'Massive' for 2025).  And he's even popped up on Peter Matson's track 'S.Y.G' on the single, 'White Noise' (see review HERE).

If you're familiar with Toribio and Sharin as Conclave, you'll know how good these guys and that Juliet Records have seen the 'Daylight' with this one.

Artist: Toribio 

Title: Daylight ft. Sharin (Crackazat Remix)

Release date: 14th February, 2025

Label : Juliet Records

Catalog Number : JLT-02

Format: 12" vinyl   / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Tibshelf - None More Rollers Vol.2 (None More Records)

If you've spotted a review note that says that the artist draws inspiration from his favourite producers like Lee 'Scratch' Perry, RZA and Basic Channel, you're be eager to get it.  

Taking Agile Experiments' elements of Malib/Perry on the album 'Loukoumades' (see review HERE) and moving into a warped bass heavy underworld, Tibshelf has excelled himself.

How can a track entitled 'Cruncher' be so ambient and menacing all at the same time?  Whilst 'Have Your Fun' goes even darker with a non-fun stretched vocal as if LSF didn't paid the electric bill.

You could say there's no logic to this as Tibself, who has performed at the Tusk Festival, can clear mix these disparate influences - throw in early Ninja Tune vs. The Prisoner - for the most dancefloor friendly track, 'Logic&Truth'.

 

Tibself (aka Lee Etherington) is clearly more of a Planet Mu/On-U-Sound fan for the obscure electronic and is a great companion to Vol 1's 3-tracker by Nooson & Johson.

Artist: Tibshelf  

Title: None More Rollers Vol.2

Release date: 14th February, 2025
Label : None More Records
Catalog Number : NMR017
Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: United Freedom Collective - Bright Patterns (Multi Culti)

United Freedom Collective is more than a name, it's a real collective and they're on the look out for some 'Bright Patterns' (on Multi Culti).

Since being founded by Robbie Redway and psychedelic researchers Mathieu Seynaeve and WaiFung Tsang, the visionaries have been joined by other outward looking artists that include Jordan Stephans, Falle Nioke, Eliza Shaddad, Labdi, William Rees and Facesoul.

And what are they looking for? Well, the original focus of psychedelic therapy now includes online yoga and breathwork channels; no doubt, psyched-QiGong will be available soon.

What is already available is their releases on Dama Dama (Maribou State's label) so two years on, 'Bright Patterns' is their debut release on Multi Culti. That said, the 5 tracks are in the Counter Records/Ninja Tune mix of out there-trendy, 'Between Memories' being a prime example of mixing Italo-house with pan-pipes that could make stadiums dance.

Much like Counter Records itself, being the home of former mentors Maribou State and the diverse cast of thousands that included Pop Levi, Andrea Triana, The Heavy, Submotion Orchestra, Jono McCleery (now on Sonar Kollektiv - see review HERE), Poolside (that at one point featured lovetempo, ex-The Rapture, Mattie Safer - more of him soon), United Freedom Collective can go from 'big tune' 'Between Memories' to the genre mixed 'Higher Drums' in its jazzy-big horn dreamscape dub.

There's more to the Bight Patterns EP on every listen, even the title track warps from Jamiroquai-espue funk to spaced out 'El-Yo' and 'Moonshine' pop.

I like the combination of Zen Taoist Buddism in a 'Higher Drums' state of mind and the dub remix EP could be mind-blowing. 

BUY LINK:  https://unitedfreedomcollective.bandcamp.com/album/bright-patterns

Artist: United Freedom Collective 
Title: Bright Patterns EP
Release date: 14th February, 2025
Label :Multi Culti
Catalog Number  TBC
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Oscar Mbo & Jazzworx - Vuka feat. Thukuthela (The Ashmed Hour Records)

The pre-Valentines Day, sunworship track from Oscar Mbo & Jazzworx, 'Vuka' feat. Thukuthela.

Already a bit hit in South Africa, this channels the powers of the Sun that Ra could only imagine as a Afro-house-Balearic 3-stepper dream with perfect vocals from Thukuthela to match.

DJ / Podcaster, Oscar Mbo is the host of the Monthly Show The Ashmed Hour and introduces fellow producer Jazzworx who is involved in many other projects that we'll be hearing this year.

Well, if they are all as good as this one, the future is indeed not!

Artist: Oscar Mbo & Jazzworx 
Title: Vuka feat. Thukuthela 
Release date: 13th February, 2025
Label :The Ashmed Hour Records
Catalog Number  TBC
Format: Digital 

Review: Alma Negra ft. Pat Kalla - La Plage EP (Delusions Of Grandeur)

This is the first of many times this year you'll be hearing Alma Negra 'La Plage' featuring Pat Kalla at beach party or anywhere else ready to have a party.

Pat Kalla (aka Patrice Kalla N'Galle) is French poet, muscian, singer who is so 'Heavenly Sweetness, Pura Vida Sounds' he could even surpass Mssr. Guts, Anthony Joseph, David Walters and K.O.G!  

Delusions Of Grandeur are not known for a nu-Afrobeat house (as in Soul Of Hex's 'Constellation EP' last year - see review HERE) but this is soulful and percussively busy and you are as likely to here it on European radio stations as you are at many a beach party.

And whilst you're thinking of what swimwear to pack, get down with the synths on 'Sexta Feira' (with Bodo Maier) and sunshine disco boogie for seven minutes. 

And you're wondering so what would Delusins Of Greandeur's head honcho (Jamie Odell aka Jimpster) play out?  I'm thinking he'll go for the synths rolling up and down the beach with 'The Vibe' before going totally dancefloor mental with 'The Freak' with Afro-chant and down low dirty synths.

So whilst there's some echoes of Jamies' Dads' past (with Shakatak) this is very now and it's another 4 track all-win non-deluded release.

BUY LINK: La Plage EP | Alma Negra

Artist: Alma Negra ft. Pat Kalla
Title: La Plage EP
Release date: 14th February, 2025
Label :Delusions Of Grandeur
Catalog Number  TBC
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Close Counters - Lovers Dance Academy (Close Counters)

Wow! The Naarm / Melbourne massive are taking over the world and now spearheaded by Close Counters, they are coming to form a 'Lovers Dance Academy' near you soon.

We've recently had Rami Imam's 'Safara EP' (Interview HERE and review HERE), Nick Marks, Ziggy Zeitgeist of ZFEE (see review HERE) and the Pro-Teens (new album HERE) and they are all incredibly active and excellent, but are they signed up to the 'Love Dance Acamdemy'.

Clearly the administrators know all about their past students as they have called up Allysha Joy ('Waiting All Night'), Lyric Jones ('Feeling Takes Over Me'), Shiv ('Freedom We're Needing'), Tiana Khasi ('On The Move') and Jace XL ('Constant Love').

 

Joy, she of First Word, Gondwana Records and the 30/70 Collective (see review HERE) puts in her hight level on soulful vocal and one of the more opened jazzy bruk tracks whilst the other tracks have this deep jazz-funk groove updated for dancey crowd; 'Constant Love' being a prime example, possibly the one that'll get on the radio; can you say 'nipples' on the radio these days?) and if you hear it there first, all these tracks are this good too!

And if you love the original jazz-funk-soul-house, Finn Rees and Allan McConnell, the joint heads of Close Counters, know their stuff and there's quite a Dexter Wansel/Herbie Hancock disco/funk/Philadelphia (Ed. don't mention the Eagles) underliing to some great tracks, 'CloseTo Me', 'Dusk' and the brilliant opener, 'Waterfall'. 

You'll recall Finn's solo album on Mr Bongo (see review HERE), 30/70 and his appearance on Alexander Flood's 'Can’t Get Enough'  (see review HERE) who has found in Allan a close working relationship.  Indeed, Close Counters are busy touring and have a wide collection of fans Gilles Peterson, Folamour, Jamz Supernova, Jague (BBC Radio 1) and Complexion (BBC 1Xtra) so you'll be hearing a lot from these guys this year.

BUY LINK: Pre-Order / Pre-Save: https://bfan.link/lovers-dance-academy

Artist:  Close Counters 

Title: Lovers Dance Academy

Release date: 12th February, 2025

Label : Close Counters

Catalog Number : CC026

Format: Limited LP vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: ASHRR - Please Don't Stop The Rain (Ron Trent Remixes) (20:20 Vision)

Here's a thought for students of climate change dancefloors, LA's ASHRR plead 'Please Don't Stop The Rain' and it gets the blessing of the legend that is Ron Trent on remix duty.

When we rocked up to the We Out Here Festival last year, our small part of the field was buzzin' for the appearance of Ron Trent; and this was Thursday morning and Mr Trent wasn't due on 'till 1am Saturday!

From what I can remember, 'The Bowl' arena was crammed to the very edge from the stage upwards and Ron wiped us down in the early hours with a mesmerizing set of tunes.

Which brings me to his two remixes on this new release on 20:20 Vision.  There's a 'Ron Trent Remix' and a 'Ron Trent Dub' and they just shimmer in the LA meets Chicage house-disco vibe.

The original version is on ASHRR's second album, 'Sunshine Low' and not to be out done, ASHRR join the party with their own Sound System Remix and Instrumental versions.  These two focus more on the disco-dub-funk and whilst it might sound heretitcal to fans of T-Funkshun/Ron Trent, I think I prefer the for their dubbiness; but it's a close run thing.

Of course, Mr. 20:20 Vision, Ralph Lawson knows his space disco from his post-punk as the label boss has been selecting eclectic electronic soul music since the mid-90s to now - the best part of 30 years!

Still not convinced how cool/in demand Ron Trent is?  He's been hanging out with Khruangbin you know!

BUY LINK:  https://www.juno.co.uk/products/ron-trent-ashrr-please-dont-stop-the-rain-vinyl/1055239-01/

P.S. Original tracks taken from the ASHRR album, 'Sunshine Low' 

Artist: ASHRR
Title: Please Don't Stop The Rain (Ron Trent Remixes) 
Release date: 10th February, 2025
Label: 20:20 Vision
Cat. No: TBC
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp