In conjunction with radio42.com and rautemusik.fm jazz-not-jazz presents two hours of simply great music every Friday 19:00-21:00 UTC+1 (you don’t have to convert it for Germany…that’s Friday 13:00-15:00 in NYC, Friday 10:00-12:00 in San Francisco and Saturday 04:00-06:00 in Sydney). The links of the audio stream can be found on radio42.com or rautemusik.fm (look for #Musik.Lounge there).

2006 is soon with us so I guess it’s time for looking back on some of the great music this year has given us. Here’s a short selection of a few of my favourite tunes from 2005. More can be heard soon on my radiopellenera show next week. Here’s the playlist for Friday, December 30th:

Ola Onabule: Forgiven (from In Emergency, Break Silence)
Carmen Lundy: Something To Believe In (Live) (from Jazz And The New Songbook)
JC Hopkins Biggish Band feat. Queen Esther: Someday (from Underneath A Brooklyn Moon)
Lois Deloatch: A Good Cry (from Closure)
Tia Imani Hanna: Timeless (from The Book Of Tia)
Alice Russell: Mirror Mirror On The Wolf (from My Favorite Letters)
Amy Banks: It Keeps On Running (from When The Sun Comes Out)
Koren Washington: Fish Out Of Water (from The Experiment)
Juliet Kelly: Black Rose (from Delicious Chemistry)
Amana Melomé: Nao Falo (from Indigo Red)
Martha Redbone: Talk About (from Skintalk)
Yewande: Run (from Evolution)
Nuwamba: Above The Water (from Above The Water)
Carleen Anderson: Careful (from Soul Providence)
Brigette: Much Too Much (from Starlite Lounge)
Steve Butler feat. Ron Haynes: Change (from Something For The People)
Don-e: I Do (from Try This)
Robert Mitchell’s Panacea: The Thief Of Dimensions (from Trust)
Alison David: Respect 2 Hold On (from Believe)
Legends Of The Underground: Paradise Garden (from Original Soundtrack)
Bah Samba: Morris (from 4)
Da Lata: Ronco Da Cuica (from For KJM)

Courtesy of Jon Freer (mosoul.co.uk) here are twenty reviews of available and soon to be released 12″es (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):

Syclops – The Fly (TIRK)

Musical maniac Maurice Fulton returns with a typically warped pair of rump-shakers, released under his one-eyed mythological guise. “The Fly” sees screeching insectile synths whirr over dense drums and heavy metal type chords. At 33rpm, “Nelson’s Back” is a peculiarly synthed and comatose keyed stoner, whereas wound up to 45 (-8), it takes on the appearance of an unstoppable bass squelcher.

RightKindaWrong – Album Sampler (Rainy City Music)

Northern Neo-Soul is the flavour of this lavish album sampler from RightKindaWrong, which follows in the footsteps of their incredulous “Why U?” These tracks aren’t really instant aural gratifiers, but repeat listens reveal their strength and addictive qualities. “Lately (Laters Mix)” wonders out loud, sitting on a bed of ear catching keys and imposing bass licks, whilst cutesy harmonicas get their say on the ‘After 8′ version. “I Like U” is a buttery true soul come on, as “Time 2 Play” places Plantlifeesque vocals against a sombre musical support. Coarse bassonics meet on “Sometimes”, where vocalist Miss Gilson indicates her state of mind, whilst “Ruffy Tuff” is a murky bassed number.

Phuturistix feat. Fyza – Fly Away (Phuture Lounge)

Phuturistix bring us a beautifully smooth slice of fractured soul, which is the premier offering from the Manc crew’s new album. Breathtaking key floatiness, a crawling bass and knocking percussion sit dreamily under Fyza’s enticing vocals on the original. Mark De Clive-Lowe provides a complimentarily aggressive refit, where at peace keys give way to vulgar bass work and savage beats.

Kayot – Clear Sky (Buzzin’ Fly)

Moscow’s Kayot unleashes his sparkling debut on Buzzin’ Fly, which features a simply gorgeous sun-soaked downbeat number, alongside the storming technoid A Side. Sharp pronged beats, confused keys and bass twinkles meet on the original of “Clear Sky”, with Manoo & Francois A giving the track a tripped out pummelling keyed revision. The outstanding bonus cut, “One Week On Cuba”, lets laboured key expressions take centre stage, as relaxed waves and muffled conversational strands drift out into the ether.

Unknown – Feelin’ Good / No Reply At All (Beatdown)

Philly’s reverential Housers get on the illegitimate mix tip, bringing listeners these couple of naughty yet nice touch ups. The admirable “Feelin’ Good’” gives an optimistic Jazz Queen the dancefloor treatment, as her fragile tones sweep over wise keys and brass rattles. “No Reply At All” brings in a broken soul diva to place her helpless vocals over bewitching keys and a bass of mystery.

Bugz In The Attic – Once Twice / Sounds Like (V2)

Them Bugz are back in action as a conglomerate, after spending 2005 doing solo missions and working in other affiliations. Head straight for the pulverising bass shrieker entitled “Sounds Like”, which is guaranteed to cause dancefloor pandemonium. Flip for “Once Twice”, an animated key warmer, which is a little close to the mighty “Nervous Track” for comfort.

Lindstrom – Another Side Of Lindstrom (Outergaze)

Hans-Peter Lindstrom blesses the ever-reliable Outergaze imprint with an EP of wiggling cosmic disco and future house flavours, which represents a compilation of his early works. Spacey wide-eyed grooves are the order of the day on this attention-holding release. “Take Me To The Metro” is the pick here, courtesy of its crazily electrifying strings, ice-cool bass guitar and bright jazzed out keys. “Juazza” sees listen to me keys, forward beats and considerate guitars combine in a startling manner. “Eeey” has an impenetrable bass, which deflated beats, slow breathing keys and groovesome guitars sit upon. Spacey fun for all.

Coldcut – Man In A Garage (Ninja Tune)

Coldcut go all folky on us, with this ode to getting a quick mechanical fix. Pointed beats, folkily vibed guitars and frustrated vocals come together rather nicely on the original. Bonobo adds energy rich percussion and brings out the guitar flourishes on his retouch, whilst the Lemon Jelly mix sits stunning guitars upon threatening bass work.

Example – I Don’t Want To / Loneliness Costs (All The Chats)

Example is a London based lyricist, whose enviable way with words is reinforced by his clever delivery. “I Don’t Want To” hovers between the sublime and the banal, as Example relays the difficulties of getting involved with a controlling lady, over robust beats and a cringeworthy sample. However, “Loneliness Costs” is the real deal, as tormented strings and distressed keys meet behind Example’s tale of imploring a friend to change their destructive ways.

Liquid People pres. Danism feat. Monique Bingham – Glance, Look, Stare (MN2S)

Compelling NY vocalist Monique Bingham isn’t afraid to speak her mind, as this startling collaboration with Danism shows. Bingham recalls the thrill of meeting a new love, backed by nimble beats and shifting in seat off-colour keys. The instrumental lets the show-off keys fly over travelling chords and smart beats.

Rithma – Here Now (Shakedown)

Worship launch their Shakedown imprint with a three tracker from the ever-consistent Rithma. First up is the jazzmatazz of “Here Now”, where jiving beats, groovy little key shakes and excitable brass have the fun. “How We Do It” is a crazily keyed jumper, whilst the wonderful “How Insensitive” makes space for a rugged bass and tight keyonics.

Rick Preston & DTC feat. Ras D – The Magnet (Worship)

The God fearing Worship wheels rumble on, this time inviting Rick Preston to contribute his musical ideas. “The Magnet” flips vocal pronouncements over tough beats and a committed bass. The ‘Dubwise Mix’ is dominated by swimming basstronics, which envelop level headed beats and homely key licks.

Swimmingpool – Black Barry (Combination)

Swimmingpool make thought-provoking electronic compositions, which blend various styles with ease. “Black Barry” is a lovely synthilating cut, with wonderful key touches, quick-marching beats and sweet bass pushes. Beats chip away at the surface of “Carpet Sweeper”, as happy with life keys stagger along in a daze.

Sugar Daddy – Love Honey (TIRK)

Tom Findlay and Tim Hutton hook up for some plain, yet easy to consume, disco based revelry. The ‘Electro’ mix watches simple keys dance alongside an abrasive bass and simple beats, whilst a carried away key display drenches hurt vocals on the ‘Acid’ version. Synth tinkering and bass guitar groovations colour the ‘Funk’ touch-up.

Moses McClean feat. Diamond Temple – Always (Soul Groove)

The ever consistent Soul Groove crew come correct with another soul embodying Houser, this time giving Moses McClean’s “Always” the polish it deserved. Accommodating keys meet expressive vocals on the Soul Groove vocal version, whilst true keys, guitar tinkering and bass loveliness come to the fore on their instrumental mix.

Richard E – Hear Me Now (Further Out)

Richard E delves further into the musical undergrowth on this EP, which follows the little 7″ he released on his own Further Out imprint a while back. Strained synths, melodious vocal offerings and stop-start guitars provide the conversation on “Hear Me Now”. “Dig Infinitt” blows a whispy flutes over a winding bass, as shaken vibraphones and heavenward gazing keys meet on “Dream Bossa”. “Comin’ A Find Ya” asks string questions, with embracing keys and an odd bass providing the answers.

Silicone Soul – Inferno (Soma)

Silicone Soul bring us the last single from their “Staring Into Space” album, which has been revisited in style by the Dirt Crew. The original is dominated by unfriendly synths and rolls along at a pace, but the Dirt Crew turns up the thermostat a notch or two, courtesy of guitar grittiness and a smokin’ bass.

Audiomontage – Fun Kit EP (Freerange)

Freerange continue their enviable release schedule with another banging House effort from label boss, Jamie ‘Jimpster’ Odell. “Fun Kit” is exactly that, with excitable keys throwing the moves over hittin’ beats and a lively bass. “Bounce 2 The Ounce” in original form is an electrified key mover, whilst the ‘Squelch Mix’ sees a filthy bass let rip over hard nosed synths and chiming keys.

Natasza & Oscarsix – Demaged Milk (PE! Music)

This retro-toned three tracker shows that Polish technified House lovers PE! Music can compete with the big boys. “Demaged Milk” places mean sounding keys over smart beats and carried away bass groovings. “From The Old School” looks back, as hard-hitting beats, athletic chords and likeable keys hook up for the party. “Electronic Ride” is weighed down by a heavy bass, which moves under bright keys and synth lurve.

Computerman – No More Broken Hearts (Must Destroy)

Synth-loving indie boys Computerman bring forward their first release, entitled “No More Broken Hearts”. The title track is a mass of pleasing guitar work, posing keys and gritty bass work. “Watch More Television” almost shouts at the listener to spend more time observing and less time thinking, whilst lost vocals stumble over exposed keys and a jagged bass on “No_Recover (Demo)”.

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed Yewande’s debut EP Evolution and luckily things are really developing in the right direction for her with live gigs, lecture-performance at universities and more and more people getting to know her. Actually that means she hadn’t found the time to answer the jazz-not-jazz interview so far. But with things slowing down around Christmas she finally got into details answering my questions. So learn more about Yewande, her strengths, her journey so far, how she met Peter Lord and V. Jeffrey Smith from The Family Stand and much more in this edition of the jazz-not-jazz interview:

Q: Although you’re not signed to a major label and you don’t have an album released yet you have made such an impression in the world of music. How do you feel about this?

Yewande: I’m incredibly blessed. There’s no text book explanation that I can give you for any of my successes. Most of us have that one thing in life that we dream of being. Ever since I was a child, I always had a very strong connection to music and was even more fascinated by how it affected people. I guess you could say that I was led to it. And no matter how hard I ever tried to ignore it or how much people discouraged me from pursuing it, once I surrendered to that “calling” I knew that I couldn’t turn back. But I also quickly realized that the only way I even had a chance to survive was creating a sound plan. I was just fortunate that my plan worked.

Q: Regarding your success so far, do you think it was the right decision to become an independent artist who is of full control of her music, image, promotion etc.? And what do you think of your future as an musician? One of the advantages of being with a major label may be a little more money and a world-wide distribution of your music. The question is, would this be worth to lose control of your artistry in some ways? I’ve read that once an A&R manager told you to change your name because Yewande sounds too ethnic…I find it hard to believe that there’s still a lot of racism in the music industry.

Yewande:
There’s no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice becoming an independent artist. Believe me, it’s not the path that I dreamed of, but if I’d waited around for some man in a suit to “accept” me and my music…well, I’d still be waiting. Like most artists, I thought that having a different style and strong voice was enough to get me the record deal of my dreams and I’d live happily ever after, but my strengths wound up creating the biggest obstacles (how ironic). Actually, my very first meeting with a record label resulted in an immediate offer, but even with their long history in the jazz world I was afraid that like so many jazz artists I admired that my music would never reach the masses. More labels came calling, but they all wanted the same thing…for me to be just like everyone else. Yes, an executive representing two HUGE R&B/Hip-Hop acts approached me, but after questioning whether I could dance (that’s a critical requirement after all), suggested that I change my birth name because it was “too ethnic”. After the initial shock wore off, I explained how the NAME he wanted to change represented everything that I was as an artist (it means “reincarnation of Grandmother” in Yoruba). THEN I went home and bawled my eyes out. Is THIS what I’d have to do to be successful? Seduce all of my listeners with some sexy pole dance, change my name to Brittany and ignore every virtue that I treasured?
Of course world-wide success was the goal, but at what cost? I would sign to a major label in a heartbeat if I knew that they would honor the story that I want to tell with my music. But lately it seems like you’ve got to be a clone of someone else to succeed in this business and I learned early on that I just didn’t “fit” that mold…and I didn’t want to. I never wanted to be the manager, the publicist, the promoter, the producer and everything else that goes along with running a record label, but I knew that I had a gift that deserved a chance and it was obvious that no one could do it but me. Fortunately, my mother, who is also an entrepreneur, encouraged me to study business in college along with my classical voice and piano studies. And growing up around her company, I was doubly blessed to witness the sacrifices that she made for her business to succeed. So with 18 hour work days and a lot of prayer, in 2003 I launched Lotus Records and first international tour.
Shortly after that, B. E. T. gave me the chance to perform on “106th & Park”, I won a national competition with Steve Madden Shoes, who presented me at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and put me on tour with everyone from the Black Eyed Peas to Enrique Iglesias. Since that time, I released my debut EP, “Evolution” (with support in part by Steve Madden Shoes), distributed music in over 13 countries, performed in over 200 cities around the world, voted “Best Solo Artist” in the national college market, and am now up for an MTV reality series featuring the top indie artists in the country. The independent road has definitely been a struggle, but I’m playing the game on my own terms…I can’t turn back now.

>>>continue

Merry Christmas and a big thank you to all the readers of jazz-not-jazz and to all the artists and labels that support this website.

In conjunction with radiopellenera jazz-not-jazz presents a weekly show with quality soul, jazz and house music. You can catch the show every Sunday from 13:00-15:00 UTC+1 and if you missed it it will be repeated on Tuesday (07:00-09:00 UTC+1) and Friday (12:00-14:00 UTC+1). For conversion to your local time zone have a look at the wikipedia or at radiopellenera’s schedule on live365.com.

Here’s the playlist for the show starting Sunday, 25th. This week we start with a few soul/jazz cover versions of pop songs like John Lennon’s Jealous Guy or Depeche Mode’s Enjoy The Silence. And then it’s all about jazz and Latin Jazz towards the end. Enjoy!

Donny Hathaway: Jealous Guy (from Live)
Dione Taylor: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (from Open Your Eyes)
Jazzhole: Enjoy The Silence (from Circle Of The Sun)
The Mary Lou Williams Collective: The BeBop Waltz (from Zodiac Suite Revisited)
Ledisi: Straight No Chaser (from Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue)
Dee Daniels: Love Aint’ Without You (from Feels So Good)
Oneness Of JuJu: West Wind (from African Rythms)
Abbey Lincoln: Living Room (from People In Me)
James Love: Stella By Starlight (from Invitations)
Robert Mitchell’s Panacea: Home True (from Voyager)
Nostalgia 77 Octet: Watusa (from Seven’s And Eight’s)
JuJu: Black Unity (from Chapter Two Nia)
Deodato: Also Sprach Zarathustra (from Prelude)
Luis Mario Ochoa & Friends: Bacuranao (from Cimarrón)
Mongo Santamaria: Quiet Stroll (from Mongo Introduces La Lupe)
MFOS: Comparsa Enowoy (from Many Faces Of Snowboy)
Bobby Matos & John Santos: I Don’t Speak Spanish (from Mambo Jazz)

In conjunction with radio42.com and rautemusik.fm jazz-not-jazz presents two hours of simply great music every Friday 19:00-21:00 UTC+1 (you don’t have to convert it for Germany…that’s Friday 13:00-15:00 in NYC, Friday 10:00-12:00 in San Francisco and Saturday 04:00-06:00 in Sydney). The links of the audio stream can be found on radio42.com or rautemusik.fm (look for #Musik.Lounge there).

This time we get a little more into jazz music with very long tunes like George Duke’s Hybrids or the Hope Suite by the Nostalgia 77 Octet, which was also the main influence for the picture shown above.
Here’s the playlist for Friday, December 23rd:

The Dells: A Heart Is A House For Love (from The Five Heartbeats MPST)
LaLah Hathaway: Family Affair (from BEF Music OF Quality And Distinction Vol. II)
Dionne Ferris: Hopeless (from Love Jones MPST)
Nina Vidal: Do It Again (Full Version)
Rosie Brown: Bliss (Quantic Mix)(from Quantic One Off’s, Remixes And B Sides)
Dione Taylor: Rollercoaster Man (from Open Your Eyes)
Nostalgia 77 Octet: The Hope Suite (Part I, II & III) (from Seven’s And Eight’s)
Quantic: Don’t Joke With A Hungry Man (Seiji Mix) (from Quantic One Off’s, Remixes And B Sides)
Teena Marie: Sunny Skies (from Emerald City)
The Mary Lou Williams Collective: Intermission (from Zodiac Suite: Revisited)
George Duke: Hybrids (from Duke)
Alice Coltrane: Mantra (from P’tah, The El Daoud)
DJ Rain: Inner Spiritual (from Urban Excursions Vol. I)
Luis Mario Ochoa & Friends: Afro-Cuban Chant (from Cimarrón)

Reviews for Nina Vidal, the Mary Lou Williams Collective, DJ Rain and Luis Mario Ochoa & Friends will be online soon.

Courtesy of Jon Freer from mosoul.co.uk here are eight reviews of available and soon to be released albums (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):

Southport Weekender Vol 4. (suSU)
cLuB suSU “Get Lifted” (suSU)
baR suSU Ibiza/Manhattan (suSU)

Champions of a soul touched form of House music, suSU end two thousand and five in style, unleashing three compilations of soulful goodies. The finest is the fourth Southport Weekender compilation, which sees vocal House thoroughbreds Tony Humphries and DJ Spen at the controls. Humphries supplies a set of polished divarish vocal outings and strong instrumentals. Hot cuts on this disc include the eerie synthed ‘We Deliver’ rerub of “Closer Than Close” from Rosie Gaines, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Henrik Schwarz’s sombre chorded “Leave My Head Alone Brain”. Spen has submitted a CD of jazzed out groovy House moments, jackingly keyed soulfulizers and slamming vocal numbers. Highlights from Spen appear in the shape of his own heartwarming “My Devotion”, where Vonita White supplies the vocals, and Dennis Ferrer’s unapproachable key licked “Son Of Raw”…”Get Lifted”, a bountiful display of invigorating vocal House ware, has been put together by suSU bosses Neil Rushton and Everton Webb. They’ve brought in Bristol’s Deli G to blend the smiley and stirring House cuts together, in a rather appealing fashion. Quentin Harris’ clear-thinking keyed overhaul of Bah Samba’s “Calma”, Ron Hall & The Muthafunkaz’s joyous “The Way You Love Me” and MAW’s confrontational “Backfired”, as touched up by Joey Negro, work wonders on this disc…It is Kevin Hedge of Blaze, who has compiled the deeply focused “Ibiza/Manhattan” compilation. Bringing together a number of subtle Housers from the mighty West End Records alongside other touching recordings, this album complements the full on vocal stormation of the “Get Lifted” set nicely. Fine tracks here include Ian Friday’s catchy “Carib’s Leap”, Jihad Muhammed’s key blessed “Loungin’” and the melting beauty of Divinti’s “Find A Way”…All three of these compilations contain a disc of unmixed hotties for the budding CD jock and the Southport set even boasts a double vinyl sampler!

Roy Ayers – Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (BBE/Rapster)

One of the smoothest groovers of them all, the influential Roy Ayers gets his sunshine soul and sweet funkiness twisted by a group of hot producers. Due to the source material, each track moves along effortlessly, with each remixer adding their own stamp. Kenny Dope gets to grips with “Holiday”, as a shapely bass pulls the moves under ethereal strings and magical vibraphone tinkering. DJ Marky & XRS add breakneck paced beats and bass power to “Mystical Voyage”, but it’s the euphoric vocals and loving keys that really make the track special. Mr V supplies a squelchy bassed touch up of “I Am Your Mind Part 2″, whilst Basement Jaxx opt for a more loving overhaul, where caring keys and gorgeous strings dominate. Lovely.

V/A – The Original Jazz-Funk Selection (The Original Selection)

The Original Selection wheels keep on turning, and this time it’s the turn of jazzed-up Soul, Disco and Funk lovelies. As usual, a broad range of material has been selected for this double CD set, with quickstepping numbers appearing alongside acid-jazz slouchers. Gil Scott Heron’s cautionary “The Bottle” and MFSB’s spinning bassed “Mysteries Of The World” light up the first disc. Two prime moments on number two come in the shape of an elated Jocelyn Brown instilling joy on Incognito’s “Always There”, and Azymuth taking us to a key powered “Jazz Carnival”. Another delectable selection…

Public Enemy – New Whirl Odor (Slam Jamz/Proper)

Combining neat sample work with intriguing instrumented phrases, PE deliver a strong musical backing for Chuck D’s issue confronting rhymes. Chuck’s delivery seems a little more relaxed than it used to be, but he’s still talking sense and asking questions that many people would prefer to brush under the carpet. “Makes You Blind” watches truth telling vocals move over stood up keys and brass power. A plea is made on “Preachin’ To The Quiet”, backed by scuffed keys, scratchadelics and strong beats. Insistent vocals rise over roughened guitars, lively drums and reliable brass on “Superman’s Black In The Building”. A lot has changed since PE burst onto the scene with their revolutionary take on Hip Hop, but this album shows that they’ve still got something to say in 2005.

V/A – Jazz Toys (Perfect Toy)

Organic jazzual, soulfried and funked out tasty pieces are on show here. There are a few absolutely gorgeous cuts on this comp, but certain tracks are a little too inoffensive, and thus drift over the ears rather too easily. “Sara” by The Voices sees admiring vocals sit upon ever so happy keys, guitar niceness and rustling percussion. A resonating bass and smilin’ brass show their worth on the Kaatee Fritz Quartet’s “Cameleon”. “Photographs (Edit)” from Swegas marries joyful brass and strong guitar work under expanding vocals. Did I mention that all these tracks are painfully rare?

V/A – Overdrive: Mixed by Aphrodite (Feed)

Partying D&B still rules in Aphrodite’s house, if these dancefloor earthquakers are anything to go by. Featuring over twenty jump up gems, this mix CD is for those who like it energetic. Aphrodite brings in Beverly Knight for “Sometimes”, where her she despairs over a snarling bass and trustworthy beats. Sketch & Code hook up with Kim Nile on “Evolution”, as she looks to the future, backed by smile-inducing keys and brass happiness. Shocked synths, persistent beats and a highly energetic bassline meet on Aphrodite & Mickey Finn’s “Bad Ass!”, as remixed by Finn and Special K. Jumpin’ fun for all the family.

Much to my own shame I have to admit that I discovered the British Tru Thoughts label not until early 2005 when I bought Alice Russell’s solo debut Under The Munka Moon. Since that date Tru Thoughts has become a label that never ceases to amaze me with its releases. While some releases need a little more time to appeal to me there are others like The Nostalgia 77 Octet’s Seven’s And Eight’s which I liked at once.
Will Holland surely needs no introduction to regular readers of jazz-not-jazz because I’ve already reviewed his Quantic Soul Orchestra album Pushin’ On.
The title One Off’s, Remixes And B Sides is self-explanatory. But that doesn’t mean this is an album of lukewarm left-overs. The majority of the tracks on this double CD have only been available on vinyl before. There are also four tracks that have been previously unreleased, including the Quantic and Mr. Scruff collaboration Giraffe Walk.
I guess with 27 songs on offer it’s no surprise that there are a few that somehow misses the point for me like En Focus or Life In The Rain. But instead of telling you about the songs I don’t understand I should rather mention the good tracks on offer. And there are many like the Bill Withers inspired soulful Quantic remix of Victor Malloy’s The Girl Who Wasn’t There or the late nite jazzy remix of Secrets by 3 mins feat. Mark Murphy.
Departure from the Mishaps Happening Remix EP is a fine latinesque dancer that ends the first disc and shows how easily and convincingly Will can switch musical styles. Mishaps Happening with vocal overdubs by Alice Russell continues the second disc with a fusion of brazilian influences over funky beats giving this tune a nice easy listening feeling.
One of my favourites comes with Quantic’s mix of Disco Africa by The Ogyataana Show Band, a great piece of afro disco beats. More afro appears on Bukom Mashie by Oscar Sulley & Uhuru Dance Band. Both songs appear on the Soundway Records released album Ghana Soundz Volume 2: More Afro-Beat, Funk & Fusion in 70s Ghana as well.
Rosie Brown’s Bliss is another highlight with driving rhythms and jazzy overdubs.
Don’t Joke With A Hungry Man was a great furious funky cut in its original version (and also appeared on the Stay On The Groove compilation) but here it gets transformed into a wonderful broken beat monster by Seiji and Matt Lord from Bugz In The Attic.
If you’re looking for musical inspiration in the new year (that is 2006 of course) then look no further. One Off’s, Remixes And B Sides is a cornucopia of cool tracks that offers something for (almost) everyone.

Tracklisting of One Off’s, Remixes And B Sides:
CD 1:
1. Quantic - Archipelago/ 2. Bathysphere - Where’s Vicky? (Quantic Mix)/ 3. Victor Malloy - The Girl Who Wasn’t There (Quantic Mix)/ 4. Quantic - En Focus feat. Trinidad (Pilooski Mix)/ 5. Future Loop Foundation - What’s Your Name (Quantic Mix)/ 6. Gecko Turner - Limon En La Cabeza (Quantic Dub Mix)/ 7. Paine - Bene (Quantic Mix)/ 8. Dynamoe - In Your Own Time (Quantic Mix)/ 9. 3 Mins feat. Mark Murphy - Secrets (Quantic Mix)/ 10. Quantic - Quick Sand/ 11. Quantic - Life In The Rain (Dave Da Gato’s Ferile Touch)/ 12. Skalpel - 1958 (Quantic Mix)/ 13. Handpolished - So Sudden (Quantic Mix)/ 14. Quantic & Mr. Scruff - Giraffe Walk/ 15. Quantic - Departure
CD 2:
1. Quantic - Mishaps Happening (Quantic Beat Mix)/ 2. The Ogyataana Show Band - Disco Africa (Quantic Mix)/ 3. DJ Angola - Bailalo (Quantic Mix)/ 4. Quantic - Don’t Joke With A Hungry Man (Seiji Mix)/ 5. Quantic - Off The Beaten Track (Carmel Mix)/ 6. Oscar Sulley & Uhuru Dance Band - Bukom Mashie (Quantic Mix)/ 7. Rosie Brown - Bliss (Quantic Mix)/ 8. Awa Band feat. Tony Allen - Bababatteur (Quantic Mix)/ 9. Dublex Inc - Tango Forte (Quantic Mix)/ 10. UFO - Transworld (Quantic Mix)/ 11. Maga Bo - Tanto Faz (Quantic Mix)/ 12. Quantic - Perception (Nu:Tone Mix)
released February, 6th 2006 Tru Thoughts

For more infos visit quantic.org and tru-thoughts.co.uk.

[If you want to discuss Quantic’s music on this compilation, you can leave your comment below and also use the forum]

The British label Tru Thoughts have become a reliable source of good music with a cutting edge. Most of their artist come from producing hip hop style beats to explore a fusion of beats, soul, funk and jazz. Take Will Holland aka Quantic/ Quantic Soul Orchestra for example, Alice Russell or Benedic Lamdin, who’s the man behind the Nostalgia 77 Octet. Ben started on Tru Thoughts with some raw funk cuts but soon we saw him exploring a more downtempo and jazz infused style. And the final result and masterpiece so far is Seven’s & Eight’s, a live recording recorded at the London Jazz Cafe. Actually this may be the least expected kind of music from Ben regarding his first releases on the label. And that’s why Tru Thoughts is really a great label. They just nurture their artists and let them explore new musical settings to release something you won’t expect.
The Nostalgia 77 Octet comprises Graham Fox (drums), Riaan Vosloo (double bass), Ben Lamdin (guitar), Ross Stanley (piano), Tom Allan (trumpet), Trevor Mires (trombone), Jonny Spall (alto sax), and Mark Hanslip (tenor).
Four of the songs are original compositions from Nostalgia’s The Garden album that gets transformed into a live setting. Here we have a bunch of musicians who create a fine instrumental free jazz tinged album and who aren’t afraid to go into musical details to come up with long and inspiring versions like over nine minutes of The Hunger, a slow blues/New Orleans jazz groove.
The afrojazz inspired Watusa (originally recorded by Sun Ra) with its epic 14+ minutes evokes memories of late 60s jazz like McCoy Tyner’s Asante or Cosmos. The other cover song here is Graham Collier’s Down Another Road.
As a bonus track there’s another epic winner: The Hope Suite (Parts 1, 2 & 3) with over 18 minutes of great music and Lizzy Parks joining the Nostalgia Octet on vocals. Imagine the Young Disciples’ All I Have In Me or Freedom in a jazzier and freer musical setting and you know this is a must-have track for soul/jazz fans.
Another winner for the Tru Thoughts imprint and one of the hightlights to be released in early 2006.

Tracklisting of Seven’s And Eight’s: 1. Changes/ 2. The Hunger/ 3. Down Another Road/ 4. Green Blades of Grass/ 5. Freedom/ 6. Watusa/ 7. The Hope Suite (Parts 1, 2 & 3)(bonus track) | released January, 27th 2006 Tru Thoughts

For more infos visit nostalgia77.com and tru-thoughts.co.uk.

[If you want to discuss The Nostalgia 77 Octet’s music, you can leave your comment below and also use the forum]

Dione Taylor hails from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Being a pastor’s daughter and raised in a family she describes as “really connected to the gift of song. My whole family sings in church and plays instruments and they are all great singers.” it’s no surprise she started playing organ quite early in her life and that music has become an important part of her life. While in high school she discovered the wonderful world of jazz music and with lots of talent and a little bit of luck Dione made a name for herself after relocating to Toronto in the Canadian jazz scene.
In 2004 she eventually released her debut album Open Your Eyes. Since I live in Europe it always takes a little time until we hear of good things from across the pond. Nevertheless Open Your Eyes will appear high in my best of chart for 2005, it’s that good. It’s released on the independent label Matay Records so I guess the release of this album might has escaped your knowledge as well.
Unlike most of her peers Dione’s brave enough not to rely on the tried and tested jazz standards or jazz covers of pop songs alone but she also includes four of her own compositions here. In that she can be compared to the early Carmen Lundy for example. Dione’s objective is to stay planted in her roots and to turn her eyes to the future at the same time. Thus she keeps jazz a living art.
Dione’s own Rollercoaster Man is a great starter for this album. Lingering between jazz and blues this a mature and deeper version for the discerned listener of the same issue Vivian Green sang about on Emotional Rollercoaster (although Dione obviously draw some musical inspiration from the old chestnut Fever). Alone is a very strong emotive ballad with Dione’s voice and Brian Dickinson on piano about feeling lonely amongst a crowd of people while longing for a loved one.
Hey Baby! is a fine swinging uptempo song while the title track Open Your Eyes slows down the pace giving Dione more room to play with her voice.
And then there are Dione’s felicitous versions of standards like Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You (I love Doug Riley’s organ solo on this one), I Fall In Love Too Easily or These Foolish Things.
To round things off Dione also did an inspiring version of the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This). Her version of Freddie Mercury’s Love Of My Life wouldn’t be out of place on a Cassandra Wilson album.
On the whole Open Your Eyes is a very good showcase of Dione’s talent as singer and songwriter and with a second album already in production there will certainly be another highlight soon.

Tracklisting of Open Your Eyes: 1. Rollercoaster Man/ 2. Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You/ 3. Sweet Dreams/ 4. Alone/ 5. A Beautiful Friendship/ 6. Send One Your Love/ 7. I Fall In Love Too Easily/ 8. Love Of My Love/ 9. Hey Baby!/ 10. I’ve Got The World On A String/ 11. These Foolish Things/ 12. Open Your Eyes/ 13. But Not For Me | released 2004 Soular Productions/ Matay Records

For more infos visit dionetaylor.com and cdbaby.com.

[If you want to discuss Dione Taylor’s music, you can leave your comment below and also use the forum]

In conjunction with radiopellenera jazz-not-jazz presents a weekly show with quality soul, jazz and house music. You can catch the show every Sunday from 13:00-15:00 UTC+1 and if you missed it it will be repeated on Tuesday (07:00-09:00 UTC+1) and Friday (12:00-14:00 UTC+1). For conversion to your local time zone have a look at the wikipedia or at radiopellenera’s schedule on live365.com.

Well, this is almost the Christmas edition. Actually I don’t have very much music with a Christmas touch, so it’s just the last hour that features some standards like Stephanie Mills jazzy rendition of Silent Night and a few new classics like SOB’s Soul Holiday. Anyway, happy Christmas, happy Kwanza, happy Hanukkah or whatever you may be celebrating in the next days.
Here’s the playlist for the show starting Sunday, 18th December:

Ali: Love Letters (from Crucial)
Ola Onabule: We Don’t Know (from Ambitions For A Deeper Breadth)
The Rebirth: Talking Me Down (from This Journey In)
Leroy Hutson: Can’t Stay Away (from The Curtom Anthology 1972-79)
Alice Coltrane: Battle At Armageddon (from Universal Consciousness
Marvin Gaye: Is That Enough (from Here, My Dear)
N’Dambi: Ode 2 Nina (from Tunin Up & Cosingin)
The Family Stand: Where Does Mommy Live (from Moon In Scorpio)
LJ Reynolds: Jesus Is My Kind Of People (feat. Gladys Knight)(from LJ Reynolds)
Prince: Another Lonely Christmas (ext)
Gerald Levert: Christmas Without My Girl
The O’Jays: Merry Christmas Baby (from Home For Christmas)
SOB: Soul Holiday (from The Night Before Christmas)
Teddy Pendergrass: Happy Kwanza (from This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love))
Stephanie Mills: This Christmas (from Christmas)
Rahsaan Patterson: Christmas At My House (from My Christmas Album)
Trey Lorenz: My Younger Days (from 12 Soulful Nights Of Christmas Part I)
6 Feet Deep: Frosty The Snowman (from Christmas At Death Row)
Take 6: Amen! (from He Is Christmas)
Chanté Moore: Christmas Morn (from My Christmas Album)
Chaka Khan: Christmas Only Once A Year (from 12 Soulful Nights Of Christmas Part I)
Stephanie Mills: Silent Night (from Christmas)

I’m sure you’ve noticed it. I haven’t posted very often in the recent week. Well, call it PCS, Pre-Christmas Syndrome, temporary non-inspiration or busy with other things (in fact, I’ve recently started another blog about old b/w movies and I’ve just revamped my photo site) but I’ll catch up with the records of the last weeks. So look forward to reviews of DJ Rain’s Urban Excursion album, Louis Mario Ochoa & Friends’ Cimarrón, The Mary Lou Williams Collective’s Zodiac Suite: Revisited, Dione Taylor’s Open Your Eyes, Quantic’s One Off’s Remixes And B Sides and The Nostalgia 77 Octet’s Seven’s & Eight’s coming the next days.

In conjunction with radio42.com and rautemusik.fm jazz-not-jazz presents two hours of simply great music every Friday 19:00-21:00 UTC+1 (you don’t have to convert it for Germany…that’s Friday 13:00-15:00 in NYC, Friday 10:00-12:00 in San Francisco and Saturday 04:00-06:00 in Sydney). The links of the audio stream can be found on radio42.com or rautemusik.fm (look for #Musik.Lounge there).

Here’s the playlist for Friday, December 16th:

Abstract Truth: Get Another Plan (ext)
Chuckii Booker: Frontline (from Niice N’ Wiild)
Ohio Players: Fight Me, Chase Me (from Mr. Mean)
Benita Arterberry: It’s Always Been About You (from Thank You)
Sinclair: I Want You Back
Alfonzo Hunter: Blacka Da Berry (from Blacka Da Berry)
Christopher Williams: Used To Be (from Cafe Soul All-Stars Love Pages)
Amy Banks: Ruined For The Rest (from When The Sun Comes Out)
Robert Mitchell’s Panacea: Breath On The Mirror (feat. Eska Mtungwazi) (from Trust)
Ola Onabule: Heart Of Lead (from In Emergency, Brake Silence)
Myron: No Other Love (from Free)
Dave Hollister: We’ve Come Too Far (from Chicago ‘85 The Movie)
Ali: In And Out Of My Life (from Crucial)
Teena Marie: You So Heavy (from Emerald City)
Jimmie Abney: Is There Anybody Here
G Nation feat. Rosie Ania: Feel The Need
Monica Dillon: People Get Ready (from All I Have Is A Moment)
Denise LaSalle: You’ll Loose A Good Thing (from Trapped By A Thing Called Love)
Courtney Buchanan: Life With You (from Take A Ride)
Sandra St. Victor: Molasses Rain (from Gemini: Both Sides)
Osunlade: Tambores Te Llaman (from HVW8: Music Is My Art)
Bobby Konders: Where Is Our Future (feat. Conny Harvey)(from Bobby Konders & Massive Sounds)
Byron Stingely: Don’t Fall In Love (Lovely Club Mix)

Courtesy of Jon Freer from mosoul.co.uk here are ten reviews of available and soon to be released 12″es (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):

Phoebe – Unknown (White)

This refreshingly raw folky 7″ appeared devoid of any information regarding Phoebe. The A Side track attempts to entice prospective suitors over a bed of insistently slapped guitars. Scowling guitars, live bass wobbles and urgent vocals meet on the superior B Side track.

Fujiya & Miyagi – Collar Bone (Tirk)

Fujiya & Miyagi drop this rather startling 10″ on the firing Tirk imprint. Head straight to “Cassette Single”, which is a reverentially bass driven glider, with dazed keys, chopping drums and carrying chords. The title track, “Collar Bone”, marries unconnected body-part rhyming and shopping list remembering vocals over smoky synths and prickly guitars.

Ïony – Yes (DNM)

Fans of the Scandinavian neo-jazz set should be familiar with Ïony from their curious contributions to the ‘Jazzflora’ compilation series. “Yes” is the duo’s premier EP, which builds on their wonderfully out-there jazzed up stylings. “Vu From Upper Story” sees lackadaisical keys journey through slow moving rush hour traffic, which is embodied by the percussion. “Original Buffalo” lets the woodwind ask all the questions, whilst “Kit Woolvern” is a brooding stringed number, which morphs from a lightly percussed cut into a spinning Houser. Deranged off-kilter percussion, sweet vocal impressions and senseless keys meet on the oddly named “I Was Twelve Years Old The First Time I Walked On Water, The Man In The Black Clothes Taught Me How To Do It”.

Reel People feat. Sharlene Hector – The Rain (Defected)

The first fruits of Defected’s partnership with London soulful sons, Reel People, is another outing for this boogieing cleanser, equipped with the mandatory host of remixes. The first 12″ sees the smart original accompanied by a couple of retoolings from Joey Negro. The bass digs its teeth in and brass slide across the floor on the original. Joey Negro irons out a few charming creases on the ‘Vocal Re-Edit’, but his ‘London Boogie Dub’ is the one to watch, as sultry keys get it on with dreamy guitars. The other 12″ contains some livelier versions from Swedish soulful man Rasmus Faber. Unfortunately, his organically toned Dub, despite its raw afroid bass and unnervingly powerful guitars, is let down by Aaron Phiri’s pointless MCing.

V/A – The Sound Of Club Brasil EP 02 (Club Brasil)

The dancefloor pushing sound of South America’s largest nation is exposed once more, on the second Club Brasil EP, which has been put together by expert record finder Nik Weston. The EP kicks off with energising “Jungle Kitten” from Tomas Improta & Finn Peters, where loveable keys and reliable brass dance over quick-fire percussion. Graceful bird-flight percussion, shakers and keys of love meet on Valeria Lobano’s “Cravo e Canela”. Mariana Feo’s epic vocals bless a faraway fluted version of “Vera Cruz”, as a vibrant sax and hot footing percussion meet on Jesse Sadoc’s instrumental rendition.

Nancy Elizabeth Cunliffe – The Wheel Turning King (Timbreland)

This young folk chanteuse makes her debut with a remarkably affecting six track EP. Bathed in a pool of fragile tinkering and contrasting dramatic instrumentation, Cunliffe’s vocals have the power to enthral and move the listener. Highlights include a lovedrunk piece entitled “Sense”, and the carefully plucked stringonics of “The Moving Sand”.

Hog Dogs – First Time Around / Galaxy (Hog Dogs)

Hog Dogs join the re-editing party, bringing a couple of prime souldisco floor fillers to the table. “First Time Around” wraps warmth-giving keys around open/shut beats and an acquiescent bass. “Galaxy” slips clear-thinking percussion under a pushy bass refrain, chuckles and guitar pangs.

Altered Natives – Black Soul Matrix EP (Broadcite)

Altered Natives keep up the broken soul pressure with another EP for the productive Broadcite camp. “Drop” runs simple key work and a pissed off bass alongside vocals that extol the virtues of getting down and dancing. The instrumental of “Drop” brings out the jarring bass, whilst “Of The Forth Kind” places odd keys over rough beats and a gruff bass. “Work It Out” just won’t sit still, as eager to please strings, energetic percussion and twisted keys throw the shapes.

Rebel Sole – When The Time Is Right (Phono Graffiti)

Label boss Phil Towers of Cosmic Groove Transmission fame is behind this release, which finds Skip Donohue aka Paul Woolford on fine remixing form. The Skip Donohue version soaks light-footed percussion, slurping keys and cool guitars with a tidal wave of acieed, whilst the ‘Sound Of Acid Dub’ is a jagged techy edged bass bumper. A catchy little bass riff gives “Simplify” its strength, whilst “1982″ is a roughly beaten, crazy assed bass groover.

Square One – Sequential EP (Freerange)

Freerange cap off a productive year with a final flurry of 12-inch outings, and this one is from Mettle Musicer Mark Wadsworth aka Square One. “Sequential” gives a huge dose of synthy filtration to a cut where unruly key licks and smackin’ beats rule. “High Rise” stares up at sharp percussion, ailing keys and flying strings, whilst the Deep Child Remix adds a bass glare.

In conjunction with radiopellenera jazz-not-jazz presents a weekly show with quality soul, jazz and house music. You can catch the show every Sunday from 13:00-15:00 UTC+1 and if you missed it it will be repeated on Tuesday (07:00-09:00 UTC+1) and Friday (12:00-14:00 UTC+1). For conversion to your local time zone have a look at the wikipedia or at radiopellenera’s schedule on live365.com.

Here’s the complete playlist for the show starting this Sunday, December 11th:

Keith Ailer: Where Is Love (from Spaces And Places)
J-Life: To Be Poor Is A Crime (from Again We Begin)
Monique DeBose: Captivity (from Choose The Experience Vol. I)
Maysa: Stay In My Heart (from Cafe Soul All-Stars Love Pages)
Olu: Middle Of The Night (from Beatiful Place)
Gary Taylor: Rest My Lips (from One Day At A Time)
Ronee Martin: Giving Up (from Come On Through My Door)
Teena Marie: Aladdin’s Lamp (from Lady T)
Doug Carn: Mighty Mighty (from Adam’s Apple)
Donny Hathaway: The Ghetto (live) (from Live)
After 7: Nights Like This (from The Five Heartbeats MPST)
Helen Baylor: Oasis
Wayne Arnold: Just Take Me Back (from Tough Life)
Para Diso: Right Is Right (from Paradise II Paranoia)
Loni Clark: Love’s Got Me On A Trip So High (Quiet Storm Mix)
The Rockmelons feat Doug Williams: Love’s Gonna Bring You Home
Subculture feat. Marcus: The Voyage
Marlo: Wait Until The Morning (Codee’s Chocolate Pudding Remix Full Vocal)(from Something Estereo)
Ten City: Right Back To You (ext)

In conjunction with radio42.com and rautemusik.fm jazz-not-jazz presents two hours of simply great music every Friday 19:00-21:00 UTC+1 (you don’t have to convert it for Germany…that’s Friday 13:00-15:00 in NYC, Friday 10:00-12:00 in San Francisco and Saturday 04:00-06:00 in Sydney). The links of the audio stream can be found on radio42.com or rautemusik.fm (look for #Musik.Lounge there).

This Friday it’s all about Carmen Lundy. Why? Well, read my review for her recently released album Jazz And The New Songbook - Live at the Madrid. The Courtney Pine track (All I Do, yes, a cover of the Stevie Wonder song) is neither Courtney’s nor Carmen’s best song (well, at the time of recording speed garage was flying high in London…) but I included for the sake of completeness. As you may notice I don’t have a copy of Carmen’s Night and Day album on CBS/Sony. So if you have it or know someone who has it, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Courtney Pine: All I Do (feat. Carmen Lundy)(from Back In The Day)
Carmen Lundy: All Day All Night (from This Is Carmen Lundy)
Carmen Lundy: Windmills Of Your Mind (from Something To Believe In)
Carmen Lundy: Afrasia! (from Jazz And The New Songbook)
Curtis Lundy: A Long Journey Home (feat. Carmen Lundy)(from Against All Odds)
Carmen Lundy: Perfect Stranger (from Good Morning Kiss)
Carmen Lundy: Moment To Moment (from Moment To Moment)
Carmen Lundy: My Favorite Things (from Self Portrait)
Carmen Lundy: At The End Of My Rope (from Old Devil Moon)
Carmen Lundy: Happiness Is (from Something To Believe In)
Carmen Lundy: Walking Code Blue (from Jazz And The New Songbook)
Carmen Lundy: Quiet Time (from Good Morning Kiss)
Curtis Lundy: Blue Woman (feat. Carmen Lundy)(from Against All Odds)
Carmen Lundy: Old Friend (from Self Portrait)
Carmen Lundy: Happy New Year (from Jazz And The New Songbook)
Carmen Lundy: Samba Delaplaya (from Moment To Moment)
Carmen Lundy: Old Devil Moon (from Old Devil Moon)
Carmen Lundy: (I Dream) In Living Color (from This Is Carmen Lundy)
Carmen Lundy: Vu Ja De (from Something To Believe In)
Carmen Lundy: When Your Lover Has Gone (from Old Devil Moon)
Carmen Lundy: Now That He’s Gone (from This Is Carmen Lundy)