Review: Bev Lee Harling - Beautiful Life (Aroop Roy Remixes) (Wah Wah 45s)

Last year, Bev Lee Harling returned with her first solo recording in almost a decade. She won the hearts and musical minds of DJs across the board with her 2012 debut LP, 'Barefoot In Your Kitchen', which BBC 6Music’s Gilles Peterson made his Album of the Week.

The original of this single, 'Beautiful Life' was on that 2022 album 'Little Anchor' and I said at the time it "is a perfect combination of pop, folk, soul with cinematic strings and beautiful lyrics and vocals".  

So it's no surprise to me, when it comes to a remix, globe trotting disco freak Aroop Roy got this as his first pick.

And it's not like his recent releases of 'Brazilian Reworks & Edits', his latest remix on Permanant Vacation (Benjamin Fröhlich x Private Agenda - Soft Power) or his party sets with  Rocksteady Disco's Peter Croce in Detroit or Manchester's Mr. Scruff. In fact, the strings give it a Mathew Herbert/Nonclassical out-there house vibe.

Somewhat different to the label's last single, Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21's 'You Don’t Have To' (see review HERE) but that's how ecelectic it's always been at Wah Wah 45s - get this now for remix, instrumental, dub and radio versions and there's a label Remix Vol. 3 compilation due out later this year that's include remixes by some of our other favourite remixers like Ben Gomori, Dazzle Drums and Dam Swingle.

Artist: Bev Lee Harling

Release: Beautiful Life (Aroop Roy Remixes)

Release Date: 26th May, 2023

Label: Wah Wah 45s

Catalog Number: Digital / BANDCAMP

Reveiw: Kris Tidjan - Small Axes (BBE Music)

If you've been keeping up with the Kris Tidjan singles, you'll be anxious to hear the whole album and I can confirm that it's all as good as the 'Lords Of War', 'Little Giants' and 'Eddie'.

In fact, the jazz-funk-beats-soul that Kris has enveloped into this 13 track album  as he 'Incarnated' an "everyone loves the sunshine" vibe and the nearly nine minutes of 'Lords Of War (Extended)' which is so laid back groovy.

So it's as much Al Green (if not more) as it is jazz/afrobeat but all containing that 'rebel' feel that's so evident in his 'tributes' to Bob Marley.

As you can tell, this is a quality album so it's not easy to say that any one track "Stands-out", so it's a bit unfair to say his collaboration with his cousin, Jeremie Omem, on 'KATIOPA' stands out: but it does; and in a very good modern jazz-funk dancer way (and lets hope there's an even longer version).

As Bob and his "small axe" so Kris has surrounded himself with these "small axes" [also as in 'Lords Of War'] to cut down any resistance to this album and his talent; expect to hear much more from this guy. 

Artist: Kris Tidjan  

Title: Small Axes

Release date: 26th May, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE726 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Annabel (lee) - Live Covers (Further Out Recordings)

Annabel (lee) are husband and wife duo Sheila and Richard Ellis and thier lastest release is an 4 track EP of live covers called 'Live Covers' which was recorded 'live' in LA.

The four tracks are well known being 'Blackstar', one of Bowie's most atmospheric and haunting of tracks, 'River Man' (Nick Drake's classic that's equally atmospheric and haunting), 'Windmills' (Michel Legrand's big pop his and the recent passed Wayne Shorter (RIP) most popular, 'Footprints' (with new original lyrics by Sheila).

As any undercover agent will tell you, it's all about the added value and this large band with harp, flute and cello certain add a large amount to this project along with Sheila's words/vocals (she trained in New York with Andy Bey!)

We've recently seen that the electric guitar is much under-used in jazz (see Enrico Le Noci's 'Electric Nuts', review HERE with covers of 'Voodoo Chile' and 'Maiden Voyage') and Eric Klerks rocks out on 'Footprints' with Sheila doing her best ship wrecked ghost siren with the violin in 1930 swing with that harp; what was I saying about " atmospheric and haunting"?

If you haven't heard Annabel (lee) before, there's 'By The Sea... And Other Solitary Places' which came out on Ninja Tune/If..Music. and at the time, I'm not sure that they knew what to do with "abstract classical jazz on the leftfield" which, of course, they are far more familiar with now - check out what Coldcut are upto these days - see review HERE).  

Sheila and Richard are clearly guys are still 'out there' [in LA] or should I say Further Out [Recordings] there (their current label); These four tracks are like windmills in my mind like a 'live' version of the Cinematic vs Mahavishnu Orchestras doing cover versions - bring on the album.  

Sheila Ellis - Vocals, Richard E - Acoustic Guitar, Aniela Perry - Cello, Eric Klerks - Electric Guitar, Sonjia Hubert Harper - Flute & Backing Vocals, Jillian Lopez - Harp Anthony Lopez - Keyboards, Mark Gutierrez - Bass, Chris Parise - Drums

Artist: Annabel (lee)

Title: Live Covers

Release date: 26th May, 2023

Label: Further Out Recordings

Cat. No: FUR016

Format: Bandcamp / Digital.

Review: Kirk Degiorgio - Modal Forces / Percussive Forces (BBE Music)

That's a strong title, 'Modal Forces / Percussive Forces' but Kirk Degiorgio is definitely a man that can cover both elements when it comes to electronic music.

The former staffer at Reckless Records has decades of being in the know and an abiltiy to get the right sound under many different guises.

On this 16 track release he's typically gone for shorter 'sketches' for the two-sides of this this story with has the added bonus of drummer Chris Whitten (The Beauty Room, The Catch) on drums and Kirk's insistance on using original vintage analog synths.

'Modal Forces' is highlighted by the dancey synth on 'Beersheba' and the jazzy funk of 'Khmunu'.

The library music side of things 'Percussive Forces' is seven tracks of between 1 and 2 minutes long that are dedicated to cities in the US, from 'Cincinnati Sunrise' to 'Baltimore Breakdown'.

What would be really cool is if Kirk did his own remix album of this as longer versions but it's pretty much ready made as it is.

Artist: Kirk Degiorgio 

Title: Modal Forces / Percussive Forces 

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE722 

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review - Robb Scott & Leee John - Gotta Get Over You (North Street West Remix EP) (Ramrock Blue)

It's been a couple of weeks since we had the original release of 'Gotta Get Over You' (see review HERE) but have the North Street West collective outdown themselves with the remix version?

Well, they bloody well have as Beedle/Morris/Wallace give us vocal, dub and instrumental versions to give you excited for the weekend.

It's hard to believe that it's been 40 years since Lee and Imagination burst upon us (both on radio and Top Of The Pops) or that Robb has been working himself as a singer/songwriter, musician, composer, arranger for nearly as long and has worked with some of the very best in soul/jazz on both sides of the pond.

Whichever way you want to hear this (and I'd suggest both options of original version and the North Street West remix EP), we won't get over you anytime soon.

Artist: Robb Scott and Leee John

Title: Gotta Get Over You (North Street West EP)

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB020

Review: Satoshi Fumi - Prayer (The Soundgarden)

Nick Warren has been around for a very long time so he knows what's what and with 'Prayer' by Japan's Satoshi Fumi it's a Massive Attack style string assult with classical/Ryuichi Sakamoto(RIP)/club vibe that's from a "Soundgarden". 

So when you run the label The Soundgarden, as Nick does, why not call in your longtime friend and collaborator and mentee, Argentine DJ and producer Nicolás Rada to say, lets have a go at making this awesome track a bit more dancey; and that they have done and it's ideal for the Balearic beach party season.  

Artist: Satoshi Fumi

Title:  Prayer 

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: The Soundgarden

Cat. No: SG086

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21 - You Don’t Have To (Wah Wah 45s)

Afro sunshine from your main man, Dele Sosimi and this ban The Estuary 21.

Double bubble this month as the single follows the Deluxe Edition reissue of the album 'You No Fit Touch Am' (see review HERE) and follows the new band's 'The Confluence' album (see review HERE).

'You Don't Have To' is definitely summer afrobeat pop in the Osibisa style and you can't argue with that.

And there's news of more Dele / Sam Duckworth session as 'The Confluence Vol. 2' has been marked up for later this year.

As label boss Dom Servini would say, "We’re very proud to present to you a brand new song from our Estuary 21 project - 'You Don’t Have To'. We hope you enjoy!" Not to be missed.

 

Artist: Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21

Release: The Confluence

Release Date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Wah Wah 45s

Catalog Number: Digital / BANDCAMP

Review: Psyché - Psyché (Four Flies Records)

Sababa 5 might have the head start on middle eastern synth psyche funk so prepare yourselves for Southern Greek/Balkan/Balearic Surf rock/instrumental hip hop.Med-shoreline version out on Four Files Records by a band called Psyché; the 'Cumbia Mahàre'/'Ophis' sound is ready for you - are you ready for it?

It might be only eight tracks but that's a enough as one over the eight when they are as mesmeric as this.

If you crossed the compilation 'Middle Eastern Grooves' (Batov Records - see review HERE) with The Incredible Bongo Band's 'Bongo Rock' (Mr Bongo - see review HERE) as there's a high Hank twang factor - could Hank be the 'father' so to speak. (Ed. how did it happen that these three albums are all released on the same day on three different labels?)

There's a film/TV series that's bound to pick up on this vibe, especially 'Angizia' that's fit for a dectective show and 'Kelebek' for the love scenes on the beach (or elsewhere) whilst the title track is more out-there afrobeat-psych funk which is pretty much a constant throughout to be honest; 'Hakate' and ;Manea' are current favourites but they're all so good.

'Psyché' is Greek for "soul" or "mind" (as cleverly depicted in the artwork with the trio) and  you'll want these guys with you to get you in a happy place.

Artist: Psyché

Title: Psyché

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Four Fllies Records 

Cat. No:  FLIES59

Format:  LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Middle Eastern Grooves (Batov Records)

Those that have recently picked up on Batov Records via the outstanding releases by the mighty Sababa 5 will be more than interested in this new compilation, 'Middle Eastern Grooves' celebrating Batov's history from 2015 - 2023 that's been selected by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi.

This 2xLP set will also appeal to a even wider audience as it features a mix of new and old plus some previously unreleased tracks; like a proper label compilation. 

It's great if you're into your World funk surf rock and it stretches further as there's lots of hip-hoppy/psych going on like the monsters 'Saved From The Jazz' by Eje Eje (can you be post-Bongo Rock? See review of latest re-issue of album that's now 50 years old, HERE) and Baharat's 'Parsley Disco' or the eastern edge, 'Nasnusa' by Sababa 5 featurig Yurika.

There's no Sandman Project (see review HERE) but you get previously released tracks from Kutiman, Sababa 5, Boom Pam (who have just released thier album 'Royal' just in time for Charlie III), Şatellites and the pop-cornesque 'Six' by Romano.

This is the kind of album that can change your summer holiday destination choice and puting your big toe into the sea/pool/waters of the Middle East (it's a big catchment area) or just catch DJ Kobayashi as he's regularly at trend hot beds like Brilliant Corners and Spiritland plus he's got a bi-weekly show on Soho Radio too!

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Middle Eastern Grooves

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: 2xLP / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Sphere - Inside Ourselves (BBE Music/180 Proof Records)

New release on BBE by a band you've never heard off; it must be new then?

Well sort of as in it was orginally from 1974 (almost making it into our new found "50 year old" set) and recorded in 1970, it is part of DJ Amir's dig into seminal Strata East's archives (more on this HERE).

And when I say "live", it is just that on seven original jazz/jazzy fusion tracks at the Detroit Institute of Arts wth John Dana (b), Jimmy Peluso (d), Keith Vreeland (electric piano), Eddie Nuccilli (tr, fh) and leader, Larry Nozero (ts,ss).

It sounds 'free' and very Miles influenced which would the thing at the time for any young self-respecting jazz head in the heart of Detroit; check out that cover photo!

And whilst some of these tracks are long/very long (there's 2 'unknown' bonus tracks, worth getting for the 12 minutes of mostly jazz-dance-speeding of  'Unknown Track 1'), hence the special remastered 2 LP format, there's no particular solo/noodles/puffery here, even with the slower tracks like 'Lonely Girl' and 'Where', there's a sense of energy/purpose. Note: excepting 'Spitfire' that's less than a minute.

Where are these guys now? Well the geeks ampngst us will want to know that Larry played the sax solo on Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' and that'd be enough for most of us but he did work much later with Sergio Mendez and Henri Mancini!

This series will never be able to top, the Mingus, 'Jazz In Detroit / Strat Concert Gallery / 46 Selden' release in 2018 (really, 5 years ago!) but this is definitely up there in obscure jazz finds that you wouldn't want to miss out on.

Also, if you like this, you'll also want to get the 'Live' album by Shamek Farrah & Norman Person that was released towards the end of last year (see Review HERE)

Artist: Sphere

Title: Inside Ourselves

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE714 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp