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

V/A – Joe Claussell: Translate (NRK)

One of the few people in our musical world willing to make bold statements and stand up for what they believe in, Claussell has made his mark with his devoutly spiritual outlook. This compilation, a brave release for NRK, captures the essence of the man; revealing his concern at the state of our earth, his fascination with life outside our world and a love of intense techy records. In recent times his production work has taken on a rawer and more overtly African feel, highlighted by the output of his Sacred Rhythm label and shown here by the inclusion of the unprocessed demo version of “Eno”. This is not a conventional mix compilation by any stretch of the imagination, with sounds of nature, beguiling effects and spoken word episodes appearing alongside the super deep musical fare and expected filtering action. Slam Mode’s “Umri (Pacifica)” is a sensitively stringed life praising number, whilst Âme’s “Rej” is a tense keyed banger. Forceful synths and inviting vocals colour King Britt’s gorgeous revision of Soul Dharma’s “Flower”, one of only ten or so actual full-length tracks on this CD, which contains 49 aural instalments. Emotionally consuming, this cosmic voyage is a true representation of Claussell’s current musical tastes and outlook on life.

Various – The Best Of Ten Year 1996 – 2006 (Chillifunk)

Over a 10 year period, Chillifunk have released a wealth of hot House records and a side serving of intriguing nu-jazz and neo-soul. Headed by the diminutive Lofty, with more than a little help from the influential soul-soothing Dr. Bob Jones, the label has stayed true to its philosophy, releasing genuinely “Soulful Music For Funky People”. This commemorative collection, which is spread over two CDs and comes with a bonus mix from Notenshun, revisits key moments from the label’s glowing back catalogue. Standouts from the first disc include Ashley Beedle’s magically synthed refix of Nathan Haines feat. Lyric L’s “Doot Dude” and DJ Deep’s gracefully keyed “Inner Peace”. Highlights on the second CD include Terry Caller & East West Connection’s slow burning “Tomorrow In Your Eyes”, and Phil Asher’s playfully guitared remix of Notenshun’s “Amarante”. An essential piece of UK House history.
[also read my review of this compilation and don’t forget to listen to my personal best of Chillifunk this Friday on radio42 - Dirk]

Shawn Lee – Soul Visa (Grand Scheme)

The charming Shawn Lee stops playing table tennis with his breaks loving orchestra in order to pick up his guitar and deliver this proper album. Dripping with soul, indie and folky flavours, this collection of love-hate songs should win the talented and distinctively voiced fella quite a few more fans. “Some People” places thoughtful vocals over honest guitars and shining keys. “Mexican Stand Off” could be the soundtrack to a quick-firing western scene, with bendy guitars, wondering vocals and pattering drums providing the ammunition. Cute guitars and fidgeting drums work wonders on the confessional “Throwin’ Shadows”. A wonderfully unprocessed and sincere offering.

V/A – Drum & Bass Arena Classics (Ministry Of Sound)

Easily the most recognisable face in D&B, Goldie takes time out from running Metalheadz and making TV and film appearances, in order to select a wad of old and new school classics for this D&B arena birthday comp. Celebrating the ten years of informing via the information super highway, dark bass stormers rub shoulders with shining melodic numbers on this double CD set. The first disc features Adam F’s melting key laced “Circles” alongside heavier efforts such as DJ Die’s punishing “Clear Skyz”, where a hard nosed bass and tight percussion do the damage. Highlights from C D two include the deadly “Shadow Boxing” from Nasty Habits, and Alex Reece’s “Pulp Fiction”, where tense trumpeting rides a shadowy bass and slick beats. This is a compilation of real classics, from the man whose “Timeless” album gave many their first taste of speedy breakbeat and bassline led music.

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Keep Reachin’ Up (Timmion)

Mixing carefree party starters with deep introspective thinkers, this is a rather wonderful album from neo funk Queen Nicole Willis and her band of merry of Finnish players. Teeming with retro cool, this album, full of addictive songs, will have you singing along in no time. The adamant “If This Ain’t Love (Don’t Know What Is)” has Nicole demanding a display of emotion, over hopeful keys, a nonchalant bass and smilin’ horns. “Blues Downtown” offers advice, as a melancholic organ gets an angry bass and opinionated brass to keep a watchful eye. “Holdin’ On” is a firm declaration of love, where a pushy organ and bright guitars apply the pressure. Overseen by eccentric Jazz guy Jimi Tenor, who just happens to be Mr. Nicole Willis, this album packs a knockout soulful punch.

Alif Tree – French Cuisine (Compost)

Parallels are often drawn between food and music, which makes sense, as either can be delicious or disgusting. Here, Alif Tree goes a step further than most, by actually suggesting delicacies that should be sampled, whilst one tucks into his album of deeply moving jazz hop experimentalism. “Deadly Species” spreads Nina Simone’s broken-hearted vocals thinly over a bed of far away gazing keys, despairing strings and dusty bass movement. “Enough” sees complaining vocal refrain move over windswept beats, as poignant strings add to the aroma. Flavoursome piano keys do the work on “My Soul”, where apocalyptic strings and brass crashes attempt to unsteady the diner. This album is a mouth-watering platter of fine jazz-coated electronic treats.

Reel People – Second Guess (Defected)

After a few personnel changes, with the glorious “The Rain” and a couple of other newbies replacing a few original album tracks, Reel People’s 2003 debut is now ready for a bigger audience. The album has been tweaked a little in the production department and thus overall feels a little smoother than on its Papa release too, which perhaps removes a little raw appeal, but should nevertheless win the group more devotees. Happy go lucky synths, punching drums and cleansed vocals makes “The Rain” the pick of the new tracks. Vocalist Angela Johnson’s admiration can be felt on “Can’t Stop”, where open percussion and a purring bass do a great backing job. Twinkling piano keys and nimble percussion meet behind emotional vocals on the excitable “Butterflies”. As a special treat for new fans and no doubt in order to entice admirers who own the original album, Defected have included a bonus disc, which charming live interpretations and fine remixes from Phil Asher and Dennis Ferrer.

Jordan Fields – 2084 (Nice+Smooth)

2084 may be a little far into the future for most of us to look, but here Mr. Fields considers what we might hear towards the end of the 2000’s. If Jordan’s vision is correct, we’ll be dancing to intriguingly coloured and excitingly passionate House, downbeat and midbeat tunes. “A Rainbow Dub” watched crushed vocals slip in between pleased with themselves keys and quick-fingered live bass movement. Giorgio Moroder’s “The Chase” has been covered many times before, but here Jordan Fields supplies a pretty impressive update, where innocent key work and a dizzying bass triumph. A piano sings quite beautifully on the casual “Nu York Afterdark”. An appealing vision of our musical future.

V/A – Fred Everything’s House Of Om (Om)

Jumpy bumpy bleepy burpy House is the flavour of Fred Everything’s contribution to the House Of Om series. With each compiler getting the chance to deliver their take on House, this happy bumpin’ selection has a trackier stance than the recent shiny House offerings from Kaskade and the Groove Junkies. Town & Country give us “Love Could Be”, where heavy filtration obscures optimistic vocals and reformed keys. Natural Rhythm’s “Own Thing” watches a fluttering flute dance with wavering keys, over slurping fx and reliable bass drops. A high-spirited bass is impossible to control on Brett’s ‘Summer Dub’ of “Everything Is Changing” by Robbie Hardkiss. Quality animated House.

Matthias Vogt Trio – Changing Colours (INFRACom!)

The man behind the gorgeous [re:jazz] project drops an album of neo jazz entitled “Changing Colours”. A world away from his Housey Motorcitysoul output, this album does make reference to modern electronic production ideals, but in all honesty is a jazz album with a capital j! Wholesome pianos and measured bass movements colour “The Look Into Your Eyes”. “Circle of Friends” is characterised by emotion-filled piano work, intricate bass weaving and never stopping percussion. Sad keys and raindrop type cymbals get blown along on “Down The Wind”. Unfortunately, the vocal tracks on this album are let down by poor English, but there are some lovely instrumental moments here.