Review: Toronto Hustle x Sean Roman - Unity EP ft. Javontte (Ascension On Wax)

You won't be surprised to find out the Toronto Hustle (aka Mark Kufner) and Sean Roman are Canadians and after thinking about visiting Detroit soon?

You've got to be good to follow thier last release, The Symington Avenue EP (see review HERE) that included a remix by Atlanta-based Kai Alcé, they're done a quick switch from the Wolf label to Ascension On Wax with this 4-track EP that brings them together with vocal house royalty Javontte; and most recently seen on Delusions Of Grandeur's Soul Of Hex 'Constellation' EP (see review HERE).

And no surprise they'd give Javontte a ring as they've previous teamed up on 'The Detroronto' EP (Ed. did you see what they did there?) which also had a Late Night Dub on it as they have with 'Deep In This' with the equally deep, 'When You Look At Me'

And last time we asked, what's 'An Abacus Re-Edit' like? We'll as Abacus is a Canadian producer, it's like an upbeat disco dub a la Kai Alcé! 

Clearly, if you were into 'The Symington Avenue EP', fans of the ATL Sh*t won't miss Kai Alcé (in a good way) as all eyes will be on them; plus the bonus of 'Run The Numbers'.

BUY LINK: The Unity EP | Toronto Hustle & Sean Roman

Buy / Pre Order: 26th April 2025

Artist: Toronto Hustle x Sean Roman ft. Javontte

Title: The Unity EP
Release date: 9th May, 2025
Label : Ascension on Wax
Catalog Number:  AOW003
Format: 12" vinyl Pre-Order / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Citi Beat - This Is Citi Beat (Morris Audio)

Laurent Garnier is a fan and here's four tracks that show us why!

Citi Beat is very Chicago House old skool with 'Move 4 Me', 'The Heat', This Is Citi Beat' and 'Life'; the titles almost write the tracks themselves but what you do get is Chi-house goodness for today's dancefloor.

It might be a UK Juan Atkins - Derrick May - Kevin Saunderson or on the Trax label, but don't miss out as 'This Is Citi Beat'!

But is he a Cubs or White Sox fan?

BUY LINK: https://www.traxsource.com/title/2481598/this-is-citi-beat

Artist: Citi Beat

Title: This Is Citi Beat 
Release date: 8th May, 2025
Label :Morris Audio 
Catalog Number: MA132
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Interview: Third Attempt - We Are All Connected EP (Beatservice)

You may recall that we considered Third Attempt's remix of FSQ's 'Freak Out For Fitness' to be the grooviest of them all and on his new EP, 'We're All Connected' he's lost none of his groove from his base in Norway, so it's a good time to catch up with Torje Fagertun Spilde for a bit of a Q&A. 

YATM: How do you know FSQ/Soul Clap (see review of 'Freak Out For Fitness HERE), did you meet in a gym? 

TA: Haha you’d think? Actually I first met with Charlie (Chuck Da Fonk) in Amsterdam late 23. Being a part of FSQ he recognized me out of the blue at a Boogie Angst label event. We got chatting amongst other artists, and we eventually ended up at a Glitterbox party together. After I returned to Oslo, things just snowballed from there. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the remix. Probably won’t be the last time we work together.

YATM: You've had 4 albums out on Beatservice prior to this EP and last year had a collaboration with Steve Cobby with 'Offshore Sunsets'. With Mr Cobby being 50% of Fila Brazilla - as mentioned in our recent interview with Balaphonic (see Interview HERE) how did you link up with Steve, one of Hull's favourite sons? 

TA: That’s right. 5 if you count my first album 'Dreams In Common', released independently in 2017. Besides playing gigs over in England late ‘22, I had the absolute pleasure to meet and connect with Steve, which is someone I've listened to since my early teenage years. I reached out via messenger to ask if I could come visit. Initially he turned my request down, but after a heartfelt follow-up message, we suddenly found ourselves in his studio together.

During my short two-day visit in Hull, not only got to know each other, but crafted a solid amount of musical material for this collaborative EP. Sessions that flowed immensely well, especially since we'd never met before. Grateful as this was a big moment for me, something I will never forget.

YATM: If you're into the Balearics and are new to Fila Brazilia (I recommend RE:Warm's compilation 'Fila Brazillia – Retrospective Redux 90- 22'), MadeNorth did the artwork for that. Your artwork is quite similar. Is that the same people?  [Ed. I have suggested this before, but both would make great t-shirts] 

TA: Good question actually! Ours was done in-house at Paper Recordings.

YATM: We love the intro to 'Language Of The Heart' tell us a little about that track.

TA: In person, I’m a bit of a closet romantic. Channelling feelings, many times through music and storytelling is my go-to method of expressing this side of myself.

YATM: Which brings me to 'Blessed' that's groovy, jazzy and funky all at the same time? That's your thing right?

TA: Big fan of crossing genres that inspire me.

YATM: 'People Are Beautiful' is even better with its low-slung synth end and poppy Chic-esque groove and vocal. What was the influence behind this track?

TA: [I] Wanted to play something that really kicks in the club but carries other listenable qualities as well. I like music that is not constrained to a specific time and space. 70s disco is among the right references.

YATM: That then flips into acid rave land. The crowd reaction to this must be bonkers?

TA: I’ve gotten milage out of this acid sound. Have had great fun playing this out.

YATM: The only trouble with the EP is that the next track you hear instantly becomes your favourite. 'Tears On My Mixer’ that's more soul-disco with the quirky ending. Was that based on a real experience?

TA:I appreciate that! I guess this excerpt of dialogue was something I really could relate to. It ties together a touch of awkwardness with something so heartfelt at the same time. That’s life!

YATM: The title track is closer to the FSQ remix for me but with more of a 'community' ethos with acid + scratchin'. I really like this non-genre style. Is that what you're aiming for?

TA: I’m happy with this direction and message. Hard to say what I will make next. But I hope it’s something that stand and speak for itself.

YATM: Have you got a launch party for the EP/gigs/festivals lined up?

TA: Not directly a launch party, but playing a gig in Oslo this Friday, and in England this June!

YATM: 20 years ago, all I knew about the Norway scene outside of Jazz was Espen Horne's  Moosejuus night in Norway (see review of Espen's album from last year HERE) which got overshadowed when the Prins Thomas/Todd Terje explosion happened. Apart from yourself, what/who should we know about in Norway at the moment?

TA: Love Espen Horne! You should check out Dublon and Henrik Villard to name a few within the warmer shades of the house scene.

YATM: Is there anything else we should know about you? 

TA: Started playing with my band last year! Guitar, drums and electronics. Working on getting that properly established.

.

I wonder if that's Torje Fagertun Splide's Third Attempt(?) 'We Are All Connected' EP is out on Friday so get connected.

PS.  Many thanks to Torje and Sharonn at Shrine for arranging the interview.

Artist: Third Attempt

Title: We Are All Connected EP

Release date: 9th May, 2025

Label: Beatservice

Cat. No: -

Format: digital / Bandcamp

Review: Julia Mestre - Maravilhosamente Bem (Mr Bongo)

"Sexy" and Brazilian, Mr Bongo has got the love tent out of Julia Mastre and the album, 'Maravilhosamente Bem'.

Don Glori is on the edge of Brazilian soul-jazz and the 'next' Seu Jorge (see review HERE) so what's the thinking at Mr Bongo signing Julia Mastre?  Well, as you can see from the album cover, she's ready for a full summer of camping but she's not going to be in the shade as we've got 11 tracks of Brazilian  Sade/dreamy pop that'll swifly take over the radio airways.

Not only that, we know that she's not just hype having made a global impression as part of the Bala Desejo 'SIM, SIM, SIM' phenomenon (see review HERE) that spawned Dora Morelenbaum ('Vento De Beirada' - see review HERE) plus the 'Electric Fish' of Ana Frango Elétrico (see review HERE).

There's a high level of dreamy soul bossa pop ('Pra Lua', 'Sau Fera' and 'Canto da Sareia') and don't be put off by the title 'Vampira' as it's got nothing on Mary Shelley's scibblings; more of a summer bandstand party in Shelley Park with strings whilst 'Sentimento Blues' takes it even further on a sentimental journey peaking with 'Seu Romance' on the slo-mo bossa yacht.

Your dance DJ is going to rush to 'Veneno da Serpente' for some groove on the beach along with 'Marinou, Limou' featuring Marina Lima.

This is a sunny 2025 to lift spirits, hopes and dreams of 'Hidden Waters' with more strange and sublime sounds of Rio de Janeiro (see HERE).

Artist: Julia Mestre 

Title: Maravilhosamente Bem 

Release date: 8th May, 2025

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRB316

Format:  LP release 23rd May 2025 / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Bob The Egoist - I'm Still The Same Person EP (Wide Awake Records)

We know Clive From Accounts.  We know Byron the Aquarius.  But who is the big-head, Bob The Egoist?  He's definitely not the same person but who are these people and why can't I stop dancing?

Well, it's on Felipe Gordon's label, Wide Awake Records so that's a big tick even if it's just WA-003!  And Bob The Egoist is Daniel Pardo who is 'the same person' as the  Colombian/American flutist "An award winning musician for his arrangement of world music with jazzy harmonies".

But these 3-tracks are very Felipe Gordon,Motorcity Wine, Razor N-Tape, house groove but particularly watch out for 'Fever' that's got all the energy you need for a space ship sourced from Colombia’s capital, Bogotá.

'New Beginings' is un-chilled Poolside with jazzy-dub and talking jazz, is this Gilles Peterson's bestest dream world?  Earl Zinger's 'Escape From Ibiza' crossed Mark Murphy's 'Dingwalls' and 'Rose Rouge' for a 'Ride Club' (Bob's Monochromatic Version)!  What's a fullychromatic version going to be like?  

The new EP has taken the Gordon/Egoist Toy Tonic 'Please Don't Go' and last years' 'The Punk Automata' EP (on G.A.M.M) to another level; a even higher level!  As a first solo release its a bit early to crown the new 'Filipe' but i'll ride again even if he's still the same person.

Did I say how good a jazz dancer 'Ride Club' is?  Let's say it again, 'Ride Club' is the jazz dance 2025!

BUY LINK: https://clone.nl/item79007.html

Artist:  Bob The Egoist 

Title:   I'm Still The Same Person EP 
Release date: 9th May, 2025

Label : Wide Awake Records

Catalog Number :WA-003

Format:  Vinyl / Digital

Review: The Ercons - Energy ft. Laura Vane (Ramrock Blue Records)

Perhaps there's been a lot of Flying Mojito Bros. going on but who'd have thought the R&B/Soul of The Ercons 'Energy' (featuring Laura Vane) would have such a rockin' guitar solo!

The last Ramrock Blue label release was Maxine Scott's 'New To This' EP (see review HERE) and Ms Vane (who we know as far back as 2008 with her association with Part-time Heroes on Wah Wah 45s - see review HERE) up to the Random Soul 'Sway Me' that she featured on at the end of last year) is just as soulful on this track 'Energy'.

And it's quite as dramatic as the cover photo with the R&B half followed by a jazz flutey bit as 'Lateef' guides us through the gentle forest breeze and the awesome rockin' guitar solo.  Not only that, it comes in an instrument version too!

Who are The Ercon's I hear you ask?  Well, head honcho at Ramrock, Jo Wallace, tells us that she was introduced to their stunning 2023 album 'Planet Fantastique' via Eamon Murtagh (aka Blackwax) which is a collaboration between producer and keyboard player Phillip Williams and Darren Banton (bass) "to explore space funk, hip-hop and soul" and includes great covers of jazz/funk classics 'Mystic Brew' and 'Maiden Voyage'. Jo immediately got in touch with the band to secure digital rights to the release - The Ercons super limited 'Planet Fantastique' vinyl LP is on Bandcamp HERE.

Getting back to 'Energy', Ms. Wallace describes it best as, "Energy’ with its powerhouse soul vocals, slungback beats and blistering Isley Brother’ish guitar solo".

Artist:The Ercons ft. Laura Vane
Title:  - Energy
Release date: 5th May, 2025
Label: Ramrock Blue Records
Cat. No: RRB024
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Jazzanova - In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live (Sonar Kollektiv)

I think were on the boarders of saying, "better than the original", can we say that?  Well, that's what we were thinking when the second single, the anthemic 'Worldwide' hit 'Another New Day' from the Little Big Beat Studio live session came out, so what's the betting on the rest of the album?

What better way to celebrate 20 years since Jazzanova released 'In Between' with it's then unique mix of what were labelled as acid jazz broken beat, downtempo, nu-jazz, future jazz, hip-hop and house; no wonder it was not only groundbreaking but also so influencial and it was their debut album to boot!

Their last album was a joint venture into 'Strata Records - The Sound Of Detroit Reimagined by Jazzanova (see review HERE) which clearly gave them the confidence to take on a live version of their own masterpiece recorded in Leichtenstein at the Little Big Beat Studios as a live band.

'That Night', 'No Use' (featuring Clara HIll), 'Days To Come' and the modern classic 'Mwela, Mela' all sound new and particularly fresh whilst old fans will recall how important the remix 12s were back in the dayDays To Come (Ayro Remix and Ian O'Brien Remix) 'That Night' (Wah-Chu-Ku Perspective and the Vikter Duplaix remix

Absolutely stunning whether you know the orginals or not - has the feeling of a organic jazz rebirth from the seed to the full developed beast.  Jazzanova forever! 

BUY LINK: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/InBetweenRevisited-JazzanovaLive

Artist: Jazzanova

Title: In Between Revisited (Little Big Beat Studio Live Session)

Release date: 9th May, 2025

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK520

Format: 2xLP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Dan The Drum & Stuart Patterson - UK House Sermon ft. Carmy Love (X-Press 2 Remixes)(F*CLR Records)

Already on the playlists of all the big DJ boys/girls, we now get the X-Press 2 Remixes that give it even more longevity on the dancefloor.

We told you that there would be remixes of the original (see review HERE) but don't think that because to cover has been stripped to a mostly blue palette that this is now the spiritual party to celebrate UK House culture, the stripped 'Wild Pitch' remix but still a sermon; albeit with limited vocals.

You won't need any introduction to X-Press 2 (unless you're really lazy [Ed. see what I did there] so go and check out their remix on F*CLR HERE for Joseph Malik, who's 'variant' album version was recently released - see review HERE) but their 'UK House Sermon (X-Press 2 Give Thanks Remix)' is even more captivating for listens 'again and again'.

Check out the Bandcamp page for vinyl version of the original HERE and the X-Press 2 Remixes (HERE).

Artist: Dan The Drum & Stuart Patterson
Title:  UK House Sermon ft. Carmy Love (X-Press 2 Remixes)
Release date: 2nd May, 2025
Label: F*CLR Records
Cat. No: FCLR038
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Credits: Dan The Drum: Production, arrangement, composition, percussion.

Stuart Patterson: Lead vocals, lyricist
Carmy Love: Lead vocals
Darren Morris: Production, arrangement, composition, keyboards, Synth Bass, percussion.
X-Press 2: Remixers, drum programming, synths
Mastered by Darren Morris at North Street West studios.

Review: José Barranquero - Exosfera (José Barranquero Music)

For far too long we've waited for the next thing in jazz guitar, and here he is, José Barranquero with ' Exosfera'.

Rock/Blues guitarists are ten a penny but in José we've got a cross between a fan of jazz guitar and Carlos Santana, a Spanish Steve Hillage (in his ambient/Balearic/dance period) and traditional falmenco of a Paco de Lucía; check 'Opmeit Le' ('el tiempo', or 'the time' written backwards) on which he is joined by a renowned Flamenco vocalist, Ismael Tamayo.

Pretty varied as the lead track is a jazz dancer 'Totoro'  featuring horns from Melisa Bertossi and soaring and powerful guitar and sax solos from Barranquero and Bertossi.  'El Maestro y Serenísima' (The Master most serene) is actually a little on the edge of Carlos Santana before we get some sunny drenched 70s synths whilst 'Un Murciégalo' raises the tempo once again for "an irresistible jazzy groove, perfectly built to house more of Barranquero's hooky and muscular soloing".

Inma Gomes features on the tile track and the whole album is produced by  DJ GarcyNoise (Rubén García Zarranz with strong Spanish influences on jazz-funk, rock, Balearic fused tracks; 'Skylanders' being typical of an acoustic guitar 'Spanish' track.  And then, 'Micoco' is the opposite on electric guitar; with a solo-mo beat and dreamy'n'dirty synth backing.    

Get ya funky yachts out for 'Totoro', as played on Jazz FM and BBC Radio 3, that features Melisa Bertossi and prepare yourself for the brilliant 12 minutes of 'Opmeit Le'; the one with   'Mediterranean' chant/poetry/vocals of Ismael Tamayo.

José was spotted as a talent in his 20s having been in masterclasses with the likes of Pat Metheny, Gary Willis and John Scofield! That's pretty cool in itself before moving to Barcelona and then into teaching.  He certainly can spot musicians that would be a great band as these tracks encapsulate the music rather than the players, even if there's some peacockery at times.  And why not?

BUY LINK: https://www.diggersfactory.com/vinyl/324607/jose-barranquero-exosfera

Artist: José Barranquero 

Title: Exosfera

Release date: 1st May, 2025

Label : José Barranquero Music

Catalog Number : BARRANQUERO01

Format:  LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Staraya derevnya - Garden Window Escape

If you are aware of Staraya derevnya's previous releases, you'll know that these guys do not fit into a typical genre-mould even for leftfield, world, ambient, drone: and that doesn't cover most of it!

For a  psychedelic/kraut-folk collective based in London, Tel Aviv and Ciudad Juarez that recorded these tracks in London in 2022 and added further recordings during 2023-4 in Isael, Mexico, Bulgaria and the UK, the seven track 'concept' of 'Garden Window Escape' is akin to a escape from a dark space as seen by, say, Pere Ubu's 'Bring Me The Head Of Ubu Roi', Ivor Cutler, Can, Café Oto on a wet and rainy Tuesday night and lets throw in Gong for good measure.

And if that doesn't tweak your interest, check the line up: Gosha Hniu (cries and whispers, wheel lyre, marching band kazoo, percussion and objects), Maya Pik (synthesizer, flute, drum machine), Ran Nahmias (silent cello, santur, oud) Grundik Kasyansky (feedback synthesizer

Miguel Pérez (guitars), Yoni Silver (bass clarinet) and Andrea Serafino on drums.

When I say dark, 'Half-deceased uncle' is not an easy listen, you might even say disturbed it's depiction of a swarm of flies increasingly gowing mad is one of the highlights of the album for it's 12 minutes of backroom (very backroom) unsafe avant-garde trance.

I'm no linguist so I can't tell you what language the spoken style vocal is in, is it a homage to Magma?  'Onwards, through the garden window' and 'What I keep in my closet' are a mixture of poem with jazzy-dreamscape.  And for fans of more 'traditonal' prog-psych, 'Tight-lipped thief' (the most Ubu of the seven tracks), 'Virtue of standing still' (is that a old bicycle horn?) and 'Cork flight operation' are in similar plane crash style anarchy. 

These guys must be great live.  I'd love to hear a full on jazz blow up of 'Virtue of standing still' for a starter.  So, not everyone's cup of tea but for future building blocks for the like of Ben Sun (see review HERE), Sun Sone (see interview HERE) or could we even say, Marshall Allen (see HERE), this is a band that need to be heard.

Artist: Staraya derevnya 

Title: Garden Window Escape
Release date: 2nd May, 2025
Label : -
Catalog Number : TBC
Format :  Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp