Review: Peacey - Play It By Ear (Atjazz Record Company)

Atjazz Record Company have excelled themselves with Peacey's debut album as they 'Play It By Ear'.

We've been excited by the earlier singles, 'Playground' featuring Rona Ray (see review HERE), 'Culture Bandit' featuring Vanessa Hidary (see review HERE), 'Hold Me Back' featuring Clyde & Atjazz (see review HERE) that are all including here but we didn't expect another 13 high quality modern soul drenched tracks.

Head straight for 'Falling Down' featuring Sarai Jazz (great name BTW), 'Love In The Forest' featuring OVEOUS (Oh! That's a voice to slip into!), 'Find A Way' and 'Running' featuring Sabrina Chyld, 'The Mandarin Affair' featuring Clyde, 'In The Distance' featuring Laroye and ending with 'Don't Send Us Back' featurig Emilie Chick [as featured on the March Colour & Pitch Sessions mix - see below].  All new names for us to follow in the future.

It's hard to comprehend that this is a debut album as it's so deep throughout that's melds house, R&B soul, nu-jazz beats, boogie in a fusion of Atjazz style pleasure. It's the opposite lightness bass to the dark bass of Timedance/Ilian Tape (see 'BeatutySick' review HERE: wouldn't it be fun if they did remixes for each other?).

This is going to be featured on many a play (it by ear) as tracks like 'Running' and 'Don't Send Us Back' are just perfect for club and radio ('Running would be even better with a 12" version with dub-extensions - watch this space) whilst the Atjazz collab on 'Afternoon Delight' is a heavy post-dubstep UKG jazz up (great trumpet and another that could go super dubby).

Whilst the artwork indicates that this album is 'taken' from lots of different records/vinyl/styles, if you play it by ear, it's mostly definitely Peacey - many thanks 'Dear Uncle Tim' for being an inspiration. 

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - March 2024

Artist: Peacey

Title: Play It By Ear

Release date: 5th April 2024

Label: Atjazz Record Company

Catalog Number: ARC230AD Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Andrew Emil, Glass Slipper, Claude Young - Incidental Introspection EP (Colour & Pitch)

When it comes to having a party, it'd be rude not to invite a supergroup along and bring with 'em their 'Incidental Introspection EP'.

And that's what Colour & Pitch have done for their 10 Anniversary celebrationa as this Fab 4, being Andrew Emil and Claude Young (respectively Chicago and Detroit) with Lisa Cork-Twiss and Brad Eller (aka Glass Slipper) have got together with 4 killer tracks and a remix.

'Fade Out' the 80s inspired Shalamar-eaque opener, the funkin' instrumental ' 'Unclaimed Restraint' and 'Dancefloor Paramour' (Original Mix), 'Dancefloor Paramour' (Glass Slipper Remix) [As featured on the March Colour & Pitch Sessions mix - see below] and a slo-mo-emotional 'God Only Knows'.

Indeed, God only knows how this is so good as this is bold, cheeky music that oozes passion - 'Dancefloor Paramour' indeed!

Think I prefer the Glass Slipper Remix as theres less reverb on Lisa's vocals and more boogie on the percussion; plus it's a reminder of the excellent Glass Slipper release 'Am I Alone' (see review HERE) - perhaps that was an unsutble hint that Lisa was moving away from their Texas base but it 'Dancefloor Paramour'(s) are the opposite of being alone.

It's taken a while to get these tracks released which is probably going to turn out to be a blessing as their time is now.

PS. In addition to it being Bandcamp Friday, don't miss the Andrew Emil remix of 'Tears' by Elbert Phillips (he of the A.MA remixes - see review HERE) and Andre Espeut on Yore Records.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - March 2024

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - April 2024

Artist: Andrew Emil, Glass Slipper, Claude Young

Title: Incidental Introspection EP

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label: Colour & Pitch

Cat. No: CAP093

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi - Altera Vita (BBE Music)

Alina Bzhezhinska (Harpist) "Thanks! You got us, totally." 

So was the feedback from Alina herself to the YATM review for the single, 'Anima' 

(see review HERE) so what can we possibly say of the album, 'Altera Vita'?

Well I'm pleased to say it's more of the same but with an intensified sense of emotion that comes from the depth of the six tracks. 

Coming at the same time as the Alice Coltrane "never before released album", 'The Carnegie Hall Concert' that featured John's band (with Pharoah Sanders) in 1971, this is like a primer for spiritual jazz as a sax/harp duo that has been said to be a homage to Sanders [& Alice]. 

And that really doesn't do them justice for tracks, like 'Tu Vides - You See' as they can do their own astral traveling to a higher creator's master plan.  And, in truth, all tracks are as deep as Carlos Nino's teamwork with Surya Botofasina (see review HERE) as this harp/sax duo are aided with the pecussion of Muriel Grossman that adds that provides the journey in Satchidananda atmosphere.

Sanders' once said, “I Just Have To Make Sure I Mean Every Note…” and that comes through every second of 'Altera Vita' and is a worthy follow-up to their highly aclaimed previous incarnation of Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective.

This incredibly beautiful album is a tribute to all that have gone before us and a brilliant way to mark Tony's 60th year on the planet! All jazz fans need this, it's the essence... now breathe!

P.S. Did I ever tell you the story how I was involved in making Mr. Sanders late for his gig at the Big Chill; another time.

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi 

Title: Altera Vita 

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE779

Format: Vinyl LP / CD / Digital Bandcamp  

Review: Atelier - Friday (Lossless)

When you've got fans like Dixon and Âme (Innervisions), you know your on the right track; and here's one for every 'Friday' by Atelier.

It might be a surprise to find that Atelier is a due from South Africa, Alexander Inggs and Jaś Miszewski that now hang out in Berlin with a collection of analog synths, drum machines and electronics.

This starts like it's a hidden track on 'Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 Compiled by Fred und Luna' (see review HERE) and morphs into a vocal battle with some industrial alarm impersonators and at the same time sounding 80s pop.

The duo are signed to the Berlin based label run by Mathias Schober and Thomas Herb, Lossless and we're expecting great things from Atelier.

Artist: Atelier

Title: Friday

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label: Lossless

Cat. No: LL12 32-

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: AfroNerd - uMsindo weNdlovu EP (Ostowana)

So this is a 3 track EP.  All tracks are roughly 6 minutes long. The problem? 

They all need to be longer as this Afronerd needs more AfroNerd Afro-house space lab boogie on the dancefloor. 

The title track is classic mix of synth disco-house that blend an 80s vibe of sorts with modern Afro-house.

If you thought the 'Amnay EP' by Enskyer featuring Salah Fafah was good (see review HERE), you're going to love the closing track, 'Moya Wami' featuring the vocals of Notha Shoto for a dreamier Afro-house.

Three tracks you said!  Remarkably, 'Sands Of Time' has a Indo-rain forest take from the South African DJ/Producer to show of his skills even more.

Prime Colour & Pitch Sessions material and very confident that you'll hear much more AfroNerd this summer. 

Artist: AfroNerd Feat. Notha Shoto

Title: uMsindo weNdlovu EP

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST052

Format: Digital

Review: MISS C-LINE - Trust (C-Records)

MISS C-LINE has dispensed with the Radidz and formed C-Records for the lastest single from the singer, songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist who delves into love's crucial issue with 'Trust'.

The album MISS C-LINE & The Rabidz (see review HERE) came out late last year and 'Trust' is just as a deep The Roots/Ms. Badu/Glasper-esque jazz/soul/hip-hop mix.

Unlikely to feature on Love Island/MAFS soundtracks (i.e. it's so much better than that) as this talented grad from Basel's jazz community is already a favourite of the Jazz FM, Mi Sou and FIP radio stations so it's a great idea to stay tuned.

Artist: MISS C-LINE 

Title: Trust

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label : C-Records

Catalog Number : -

Format: Digital 

Review: Suddenly WOW! - Space Soul Mother EP (Ramrock Red Records)

We know your funk soul brother will want to know where your 'Space Soul Mother' is these days; Suddenly WOW! has found her.

Last summer we were introduced to Suddenly WOW!'s 'Plastic Life' other world but these space cowboys (aka Otti Albietz and Darren Morris) are now "out there" and this is their message from 2099.

In three parts, the main propulsion system being the 'Space Soul Mother' original version, the stripped back mix being the guidance system and the super dreamy instrumental which sounds to me like the structural element of the EP: all versions combine to deliver a mighty payload that emits space travel 60s optimism rather than private paid landings on the moon in 2023. 

Does this seem a lot different to 'Little Things' (see review HERE) and their big hit from last year, 'Plastic Life' (see review HERE)?  It's definitely less krautrock and more Hall & Oates mixed with a Balearic electric guitar with a touch of Bowie's space dub and some Love Unlimited Orchestra strings (and who wouldn't love that?).

Did I hear someone say, "Remix" - Naaaaaaaah, it's perfect as it is! And what would your (space soul) mother say? (Mrs Ramrock says....there could be a meteoric No'West remix in the asteroid belt).

Artist: Suddenly WOW!

Title: Space Soul Mother EP 

Release date: 29th March, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR059

Review: La Yegros - Haz (X-Ray Production)

I think we can see through X-Ray Production's plan for world domination with this new album by La Yegros, 'Haz'. 

We were suitably impressed with the single. 'Veo' featuring K.O.G (see review HERE) but we're even more so now we've got the other nine tracks on her album, 'Haz'.

The singer from Buenos Aires has largely kept her Argentine Latin folk roots (via the accordian) and has added various modern fusions to give the album even more appeal as 'Nu Cumbia'.

'Malicia' arguably does this the best with it's punky Les Négresses Vertes /Talking Head start and ending on a reggaefied NY disco with 60s mod organ and panpipes - brilliant!  Not content with that, 'Rehen' gets a bit reggae with some twangy guitar and post dubstep wobble. And for the punk flute gang in town, (when aren't they), 'Todo Yo' or the rockin' last track, 'Nada'.

Produced by Gay Kerpel (aka King Coya) with composer Daniel Martin, in addition to K. O.G, the guest appearance,  'Donde' features Colombian psychedelic/cumbia/experimental guitarist, multi instrumentist, singer and composer Eblis Alvarez!

This is going to be on all the usual suspect's playlists, from Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music radio to WOMAD, Songlines and all things worldwide and leftfield as La Yegros launch as Argentine's answer to Bala Desejo on the left bank Cafe culture in Paris (well, they are holding the Olympics this year) with a possible Gotan Project/Quantic & His Combo Barbaro revival? With panpipes!

Artist: La Yegros  

Title: Haz

Release Date : 29th March, 2024

Catalog Number : -

Label : X-Ray Production

Format:  LP / CD / Digital

Review: Desert Raven - Nkosi Ya Wolo EP (Ostowana)

There's no stopping the Ostowana team as Desert Raven's love of creating soundscapes with layers of emotion, depth and extened build-ups and climaxes is exposed on this brand new track, 'Nkosi Ya Wolo'.

So different the label's last release, Enskyver's 'Amnay EP' feat. Salah Fafah (see review HERE) but then again, not as the original is a proper fusion of Afro-house, WOMAD and spoken word/rap/poetry.

The Maris remix is a harder version of the original and Purple Tape's orgainic house is the straight from the rain forest to the dancefloor.

These guy's are speaking musically like 'men' (in a good way, like a insightful Bruce Lee) and DJs can't wait to play this out.

Artist: Desert Raven Feat. Seguya Sadam & Exit Onli 

Title: Nkosi Ya Wolo  EP (Original / Maris  & Purple Tape Remix)

Release date: 29th March, 2024

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST051

Format: Digital

Review: Bruno Montrone Trio - Unaware Beauty (A.MA Records)

A.MA Records search for 'Unaware Beauty' has paid off with the unveiling of the Bruno Montrone Trio's new album.

Not strictly a trio album as Bruno Montrone (Piano), Giulio Scianatico (Double Bass) and Joe Farnsworth (Drums) are joined by special guests Serena Grittani on vocals and the alto sax of Sarah Hanahan on 4 (two each) of the nine tracks.

You may recognise Farnsworth's name as the New Yorker has played with all the main jazz cats from Horace Silver, Lou Donaldson, McCoy Tyner and Pharaoh Sanders (including a 2003 recording session of the all-time classic, 'The Creator Has A Master Plan') and many more.  And that links in nicely with the opening track as 'Edward Lee' is a heavy swing bopper with Hanahan blowing for all her worth and Bruno's getting some McCoy Tyner style bang for his buck. In trait hie repeats on 'The Hodgepodge' (a word you don't hear that much these days and a great title) and Farnsworth showing off his 'live' skills (and obligatory solo on 'Bau Blues').

Variety you ask? Well, the downtempo soothing of the title track has the gentle breeze of Serena's whispy vocals to accompany the trio al la ECM before a climax ending with the other track, 'When Or Where' being the total contrast of a late nite standard.

Is this varied enough for a 'trio' jazz album?  No, what we need is th piano lounge cool bossa of 'Riflessiva' that's over 6 minutes long as al a Silver-esque does Charity Shop Classics (and that''s not a bad thing as an unaware beauty of jazz trio - keep you're eyes open for some Monty Alexandere Trio I say) and another fantastic ending. 

And you in the Backroom!  Hanahan can seriously blow as if the creator has a master plan and has gone out to lunch at the same time! Forge, Curtis, Peterson, Beadle and everyone else, you need to get  'Phrygian Sound Connotation' as the best 8 minutes you're likely to hear this year.

Parts of this album could happily sit next Jamie Cullum, spiritual jazz or A.MA Records' last release, Two Things Of Gold' (see review HERE) along with some straight edged jazz which all adds up to a great Good Friday freeling on this release day. 

Spring seems to have finally sprung with this release as 'Wide Awake' affirms. Thbese guys are bound to be at a jazz festival in the summer and you'd bonkers to miss 'em or not get this beauty of an album now you're fully aware of how good it is.

P.S. Many thanks to DJ Bob Hill again and hope he''s enjoying his sabbatical from Illicit Grooves radio show.

Artist: Bruno Montrone Trio

Title: Unaware Beauty

Release date: 29th March, 2024

Label : A.MA Reforged / A.MA Records

Catalog Number : CD / Digital / Bandcamp