Review: Luke Beats - Cream (Little Beat More)

If you've been listening to the Handsome Family recently regarding their inspiration for their compilation album, the root of their selections were for unappreciated music that's jazz led, sounds like Luke Beat's 'Cream' might fit that criteria.

There's lots of Dilla/Madlib inspired beats out there but some are better than others (like Buscates' 'Control Centre' - see review HERE) and Luke Beats (aka Luca Romeo) has the advantage over many in that he's a bass player with Italian rapper Willie Peyote as well as being a whiz on the MPC.

The eighteen tracks on 'Cream' are soothing in nature - like italian OST on the beats - with loads ready for that mix tape intro like 'The D' and 'Fuzzy Not'.  Synth dunkin' with 'Starting, Restarting' adds a nice bounce with some jazzy keys.   The stand-out tracks are 'Jamdilla' (featuring Danny Bronzini on funky wah guitar), 'Jazzchorus' and 'Prime'.

Talking of mixtapes, there's a limited edition cassette version if you're quick and/or running low on blank TDK 120s (kids, ask your grand parents) and don't expect any Wu-Tang C.R.E.A.M...

Before I forget, check out 'If Music presents: You Need This! An Introduction to the Handson Family (see review HERE) as there's quite a lot of hip-hop/instrumental beats meets jazz tracks - some more obvious than others.

Artist: Luke Beats

Title: Cream 

Release date: 20th September, 2024

Label : Little Beat More Records

Catalog Number  LBM031

Format: Cassette (Limited Edition), Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Transmission Towers - My Shadow (Crooked Shade) / Mega (Crooked) (É Soul Cultura)

É Soul Cultura have gone a crazy rave mix of Prodigy meets Balearics form the Clingoe Hill radio station broadcast.

For those of you following the Transmission Towers (and for those in need of a catch up, see review HERE) you'd probably not be surprised that Luke Una's post-album remix venture would take the electro-funkers even further into the ionosphere opting for some Crooked Shade heat.

Two highlights of the album, 'My Shadow' and 'Mega' might have obvious choices but it's ahead of the whole of Crooked Man's remix of the whole album and last months' 12", 'Everything' with 'Go Slow Heart'.

Crooked Man (aka Richard Barratt) is a true champion of the underground dance scene with credits as wide as DFA to Róisín Murphy so well worth further investigation.

Artist: Transmission Towers

Title: My Shadow (Crooked Shade) / Mega (Crooked) 

Release date: 26th September, 2024

Label: É Soul Cultura

Cat. No: ESOULDIGI02

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

VA - If Music presents: You Need This! An Introduction to the Handson Family (BBE Music)

This compilation is very hectic heavy as If Music... has an introduction to a couple of Brixton's finest Cyndi & Christian, aka the Handson Family.

After 'If... Music presents You Need This' (see review HERE) and the extension to 'An Introduction To Klinkhamer Records' (see review HERE), the series goes local to the eclectic taste of these two stalwarts of Brixton Market and supports of many of YATM's friends and family and if there is a focus to the 14 tracks, it's a Golden Era of artists emerging into Worldwide (Gilles Peterson)  acknowledgement with a Futuristica Music - South London axis.

Starting with Emanative's 'We Travel The Spacebeats' (Futuristica Music, 2009), Brixton's favourite and much missed TY (RIP) 'Dreams' setting the scene for two summer big 'uns; P'taah's 'Staring At The Sun' (2002/3) and Xantoné Blacq's 'Search For The Sun (Platinum Remix)' (2003); also included is MckNasty's 'Sundown'

And around this time, the voice of Koop's hit, 'Waltz For Koop', Cecilia Stalin was very busy on the broken beat scene and 'CPW' is a prefect example of the mix of West London and jazz skat.  And talking of West London(?), New Zealand's jazz-NSM-esque 'Hangers On' by The Nabatean needs a higher profile thanks to its inclusion here.

And talking of which, Ian O'Brien's 'Love Beams' certain owes some debt to Lonnie Liston Smith's chill out and then Outside's 'Moodswing' was originally released in the mid-1990s; perhaps overlooked at the time by Galliano but as they've reformed, perhaps Outside should consider? 

Shur-I-Kan has released many a great track either on his own or in collaborations but 'Bedtime Stories' is another 'lost' track that you need in your box.

Cyndi and Christian are clearly deep diggers that are happy to share their music love and knowledge. I remember when the Handson's guested at the Jazz Chronicles session back in the day and Cyndi was championing a compilation that had just come out at the time; it's now our time to spread the word about this expertly selected double LP - as they say, "You Need This!"

Artist: Various Artists 

Title:  If Music presents: You Need This! An Introduction to the Handson Family

Release date: 27th September, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE

Format: 2xLP / Digital / Bandcamp 

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Review: Various Artists - Athos: Echoes from the Holy Mountain (FLEE)

I can't pretend I know anyting about the monks of the Athos monastery in the north eastern peninsula of Greece, but time to hear some 'Echoes from the Holy Mountain' from people that do.

First off, you gotta say, that's a very big bell on the cover!  

Apparently there's 2,000 monks in the area and they're been their for centuraries and in immersed in Byzantine chant and prayers; it's the Greek equilavent to Tai Chi Mountain in China.  

Following on from the album 'Ulyap Songs: Beyond circassian Tradition' earlier this year, this album that includes tracks by Holy Tongue, Jay Glass Dubs, Prins Emanuel 7 Inre Kresten Grupp, Jimi Tenor (who is still looking for love in outter space? - see review HERE), Gilb'r, Daniel Paleodimons, Esma & Murat Ertel and Organsa Ray.  There's also a 300 page book and a European tour.

All the tracks have a hynotic dubby vibe (Ed. hardly surprising) in a experimental/spiritual/world trippy environment that includes original field recordings from the 1960s.

Gibr's 'L'île Météore' and Jay Glass Dubs' 'Synapitc Riddles' probably best showcases this album but it's a shame Jah Wobble has spent so much time on South London buses recently as this would been ideal for a contribution from him.

Even so, if you've just had your holidays in the Aegean Sea island or Greek mainland, here's a bit of local culture you didn't come across - like I say, it's hypnotic to say the least.

PS. In the same region, Kolida Babo's 'Spirits Of Mauronoros' is coming out very soon on Veego Records (see review HERE) 

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Athos: Echoes from the Holy Mountain 

Release date: 27th September, 2024

Label: FLEE

Cat. No. :  FLEE006

Format: 2xLP + Book / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: GODTET - GODTET (La Sape Records)

GODTET are back with us in their original form and they are live too!

It's been a year since the release of GODTET's '+Strings' featuring Novak Manojlovic (see review HERE) but here's a chance to go back, way back.

In fact to the beginning as the debut album, 'GODTET' that came out on La Sape Records in October of 2017 as SAPE001.  Yes, the label's very first release is getting a re-press.

Since then, from their Melbourne base, they've introduced us to David Versace, JK Group, Ziggy Zeigeist (this weeks' favourite on Worldwide FM - listen back HERE).

Talking 'Worldwide', Gilles Peterson was on this when it first came out and whilst it's not as jazzy as some of the experimental We Jazz Records that have been released recently (proberly Lampen's 'Halogen' that was released last week is the closest in parts - see review HERE), the rest of the world has caught up with the prog-rock-ish, spiritual jazz dub electronic of these 12 live tracks, notably the title track.

And to coinside with the new release, GODTET are going on a Autumn tour in Europe so keep your eyes open for dates.

Andrew Bruce - Piano
Jan Bangma - Bass
Tully Ryan - Drums
Dominic Kirk - Percussion
Godriguez - Guitar

Artist: GODTET 

Title: GODTET

Release date: 27th September, 2024

Label La Sape Records

Cat. No. :  SAPE001

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Mieke Miami - Birdland (Sonar Kollektiv)

The word 'Birdland' means a lot to many shades of jazz fans so you have to have a great self-belief in your craft as Mieke Miami releases her new album on Sonar Kollektiv. 

The German singer Mieke is on her third album and has gone the extra mile on these twelve tracks as not only as the vocalist, co-producer and composer, she performs on bass clarint, flute sax, keys and programming.

A big change from her folky debut on Sonar Kollektiv back in 2016 ('In The Old Forest') but then the gentle instrumental 'Pharaohs Sand' and the jazz-funkier 'Mahady O'Mahony' is an indication of how jazz this album is. 

Whilst Mieke's contribution is considerable, it certainly sounds like a 'live' band and the cover of 'Son Of A Preacher Man' (as made famous by Dusty Springfield) is going to get some attention; but don't overlook the psych-folky jazz of 'The Tiger And The Snake', the Afro-beats of 'The Light' and the contasting 'Fire' and 'Very High'.

A couple of months ago, RAH & The Ruffcats released 'Orile To Berlin' (see review HERE) on the label and it's an indication of the quality of their artists; those with memories of those multi-genre Sonar Kollektiv compilations 'Secret Love', will love this as it's so varied whilst beig superb throughout.

Title: Mieke Miami  

Title: Birdland

Release date: 27th September, 2024

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK494D 

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Mike Casey - Valencia (Independent)

"In Spain, I did love and adore you" could have been a sub-title to Mike Casey's new album 'Valencia' as the LA based saxophonist was recorded at Berklee's elite campus in the Spanish city.

You may remember we were introduced to Mike earlier in the year with 'Calle Pizarro' (see review HERE) and it was also supported in the UK by Jazz FM, BBC Radio 2 and now All about Jazz.

Mike's ninth album since 2017 has sees that he's now in a nu-retro of modern jazz a la Blue Note, Prestige, Atlantic jazz hey-days as these 8 tracks seem like they could have been recorded live so that there's less of electronic/hip hop/dn'b influences that jazz-tapas types might expect.

 

The opener 'The Beauty Of Everyday Life' sets the tone in a Duke Pearson type way that cools its way with MIke's tenor leading the track from the dawn into the light of day.   The spiritual jazz influence can be found on 'Universal Gratitude' that features Eve Matin's harp with busy percussion by Xerach Peñate Santana.

The fact that this is a "Berklee" album, Casey had access to some of the best musicians around so also listen out for Sam Borrello doing a Grant Green fusion on electric guitar until he goes full on Santana(Carlos)/McLaughin on the title track and German 'Choby' Scheufler doing a Jaco to match.

Whilst Casey can match Borrello's fusion, he's at his best in the sirocco stream of snake charmer on 'Ghazal' (with Jason Faust (piano) and Issaya Whitsides on some busy drums in support) and on the single, 'Calle Pizarro'.

After listening to this album, you can't help but feel Casey's was in the right place at the right time to have his own international band of 'Tomorrow's Warriors' that evolved out of 'Valencia' which none of them or us will forget.

Title: Mike Casey 

Title: Valencia

Release date: 23rd September, 2024

Label : Independent

Catalog Number : -

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Various Artists - Shapes 25 (Tru-Thoughts Recordings)

"Tru-Thoughts has become one to the most respected independent labels in the world since being set up as a volatile hotbed of British soul, funk and multi-hued musical hybrids in 1999 by Brighton club-runners Robert Luis and Paul Jonas".

So said the well respected journo Kris Needs almost 10 years ago to the day and what has happened in those intervening years?  Only more idiosyncratic soul-driven quality, including Will Holland/Quantic (with "the mighty" Alice Russell on 'Look Around The Corner' and 'Furthest Moment'), Bobobo ('Terrapin'), Hidden Orchestra ('Spoken'), New Orleans' Hot 8 Brass Band (with their version of 'Sexual Healing') and Zed Bias (with the equally mighty Omar) with 'Dancing'.

There's loads more on this 30 track album and loads more that could have been included, as per my recent chat with Robert Luis at the WeOutHere Festival (more Lightning Head - see review HERE or BiggaBush's 'Different Style'- see review HERE - although the Magic Drum Orchestra are represented), Hot 8 Brass Band's cover of 'Ghost Town' (Jerry Dammers also being at WOH singing the praises of his Coventry connections with the Rhythm Doctor and  Madtone's EP 'LP Livicate' featuring Jasmine Tutum - see review HERE).

Back to 'Shapes 25', there's lots more to look out for including one of our favourites from last year Palm Skin Productions' 'Trickle Up' (see review HERE) and Nostalgia 77's 'Cheney Lane' (remember interviewing Ben Lamdin when the 12" of this came out).

What has changed over the past 10 years, you're not going to get these 30 tracks on vinyl all in one place but perhaps that's a good thing too as this is a "very special label".

P.S. by strange coincidence, Kris Needs was in Bournemouth last year to see David Kitt - see review HERE.

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Shapes 25
Release date: 13th September, 2024
Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings
Catalog Number : TRUDD 537
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

PS. Also, check the Robert Luis Worldwide FM Takeover HERE

Review: Fred Everything & James Alexander Bright - Breathe (Rocco Rodamaal Remixes) (Lazy Days Recordings)

We're definitely big fans of both Fred Everything and James Alexander Bright so we were super excited when they got together for 'Breathe', but who's Rocco Rodamaal?

Well, Rocco might not be the most prolific producer/remixer out there but he's definitely well connected with the likes of Atjazz, Osunlade and Afro-house communities.

That said, when he's come to one of the most popular tracks from Fred Everything's recent album 'Love, Care, Kindness & Hope' (see review HERE), the colaboration with 'friend of YATM', James Alexander Bright (see review HERE), there's a big chilled approach that includes dub and beat versions.

Definitely aimed at the DJ world and you can't go wrong with any of these versions.

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

Artist:  Fred Everything & James Alexander Bright 

Title: Breathe (Rocco Rodamaal Remixes) 

Release date: 20th September, 2024

Label : Lazy Days Recordings

Catalog Number : LZD

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Mamman Sani & Tropikal Camel - Nijerusalem (Batov Records)

Those out there that ever thought that Batov should celebrate their 100th release with an electronic album by a duo that reflects their Middle Eastern/North African roots, 'Nijerusalem' is what you've been waiting for.

Mamman Sani (synths/vocals) and Tropickal Camel (various electronics) have created a bit of a lo-fi global album that hints at 'Who Is William Onyeabor?'

The eight track album was the unlikely result chance meeting of the two main players in Uganda at the Nyege Nyege Festival.  The single, 'Nomadic' has a North African space-ska groove that's sounds a little like some Madtone with sand on his sandals; the dub is cool too.

It's a shame that not all of the tracks have a dub take but you never know if there's enough support for this album, the 'Deluxe Edition' may well be on the cards. The vocal track 'Venusian Lady' is a bit Malian but watch out for the lyrics and prepare yourself for 'Fulani UFO' (flute gang friendly), 'Sultan Umnaru's Trip' and the dubby 'Touareg Spaceship'.

We loved Bolbec's 'Victime De l'aube' that was released August (see review HERE) but in terms of dancefloor friendly, 'Nijerusalem' will turn heads.

Artist: Mamman Sani & Tropikal Camel 

Title:  Nijerusalem

Release date: 20th September, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR100

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp