Courtesy of Jon Freer from mosoul.co.uk here are nine reviews (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):
Panoptikum feat. Blue Eyez – Black Land Of The Nile (Déjà vu)
Dripping with nu-jazzy righteousness comes this inspirational cover of a little known saintly jazz ode to the Pharaoh’s homeland, originally composed by Masequa and Jami Ayinde. Panoptikum, better known as two thirds of the Les Gammes outfit, have produced three versions of this timeless jazz number. The A side contains an epic two part version, where tender keys and relaxed percussion give way to striding beats and dancing keys. ‘Black Nile’ is a gorgeous key led broken beat instrumental, whilst the final version sees the majestic keys and walking percussion meet behind Blue’s admiring vocals.
Sun Ra Tribute – Stardust From Tomorrow (Déjà Vu)
Jazz Deity Sun Ra’s “Stardust From Tomorrow” gets shining 21st century makeovers from those with a nu-er take on proceedings. Yannah’s mix sees neat guitars, smiling brass and steady broken percussion back vocals taking a positive outlook on life. Italian Jazz leader Gerardo Frisina supplies a couple of revisions, where tear-soaked keys and beautiful brass combine wonderfully.
Gum Drop – Sinking Vibes (Altered Vibes)
Lo-fi nu hop soul is the best way to label this wonderful debut from Gum Drop, a project headed by vocalist Randolph Matthews. “Sinking Feeling” awaits destiny, as lopsided slow stepping beats, hopeful keys and a sprawling bass back Randolph’s soft vocals. “(Keeps On) Burning” smokes nicely, courtesy of a grinning bass, madcap keys and praising vocals. There are instrumental versions of both tracks, presumably for those unimpressed by Matthews’ sweet delivery.
Jamie Finlay – Little Trumpet (Wah Wah 45s)
Mr. Finlay shows he can kick it with the established forward-thinking jazz fraternity on “Little Trumpet”, which is his first offering for the hot Wah Wah 45s imprint. Logically, a beautiful trumpeting chorus is the linchpin of the track, with fattened beats and pressurizing strings also playing an important role. A name to watch…
Lost Idol – Chip Funk (Dr. Rubberfunk RMX) (Cookshop)
Cookshop’s musical menu contains many bland dishes and only a few to really tantalise the musical tastebuds. Thankfully, kitchen wiz Dr. Rubberfunk has managed to rescue the bass stumbling “Chip Funk”, by whacking it back in the oven and turning up the heat by a gas mark or two. Lazing drum action, a light-hearted guitarred bass and off-colour keys link up on the Dr’s yummy reheating.
Mark E – Scared/One Way - Your Way (Jiscomusic)
The Womacks and Al Hudson get retreated and extended in an epic fashion on the third instalment of Jiscomusic’s puzzling re-edit series. “Scared” places Womack & Womack’s loved up vocals over staring keys, a purring bass and sparkling guitars. “One Way – Your Way” sees wavy guitars, beaming keys and well-behaved guitars team up alongside mesmerised vocals.
Audiomontage – Naughty Neighbour (Freerange)
This Audiomontage monikered offering from Jamie ‘Jimpster’ Odell should keep Freerange House fans happy. “Naughty Neighbour” is a groovacious little number, with fx laden spacey synths, a bubbling bass and warm keys. “Vision 2 Vision” is an impolitely beaten and stretched out synth driven number, as an elegant flutist adds a level of sophistication to the EP on “Junglism”.
Def1 – She Was (Lossol Entertainment)
Darius Ellington Forde opens his account under the name Def1, with a tribute
to a former squeeze. Golden-tinted brass, opulent strings and stolen soul
vocals back Def1’s narrative about the older lady he adored.
V/A – Sabai Sunsets (Altura)
Sabai is a refreshing wine and hibiscus based alcoholic beverage, which is gentle on the tastebuds and rather calming. “Sabai Sunsets” is a sumptuous blend of horizontal tracks selected by globally aware chilling bigwig Pathaan. Ranging from a barely mobile opener to a patient D&B closing track, this five-track taster acts as a showcase for Pathaan’s compilation series on Altura as well a PR tool for Sabai. Staying the exciting side of relaxed music, highlights come in the form of Crazy Penis’ demonstrative strings driven “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and Hawke’s carefully keyed “Mass”.