Review: Djingo Typical Band - Vini Ouais (with Art Of Tones Remix) (Heavenly Sweetness)

Out today!

I love how label's like Heavenly Sweetness can swing from he brilliant Ludivine Issambourg (check her album, 'Above The Laws' - see review HERE) to this equally brilliant 12" from the Djingo Typical Band 'Vini Ouais'.

Originally released in as a 1983 7" single, 'Vini Ouais' is one of the many Latin, Afro-Cuban jazzdance diggers holy grails even it it's by the French Guianan François 'Djingo' Bonnaire who settled in the Toulouse region

who, along with local musicians, shared with them "the vibrant sounds of his homeland: Kaseko, Biguine, Zouk… powerful, festive rhythms deeply rooted in history and dance"

Heavely  Sweetness' GUTS included it on his 'Straight From The Decks, Vol 3' compilation a couple of years ago (Vol. 4 came out last year) but now it has a whole side of 12" to itself and a remix on the other by the always busy Art Of Tones (aka Ludovic Llorca but last seen on YATM on 'Best Of 2024 - see review HERE).

Bound to sell-out fast so get your pre-orders in now.

Artist: Djingo Typical Band

Title:  Vini Ouais

Release Date : Digital 19th June / 18th July, 2025 (Vinyl)

Catalog Number : TBC-

Label : Heavenly Sweetness

Format:  180g Black Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Max Sinàl & KingCrowney Feat. Liv East - Intentions (Frits Wentink, JT Donladson & Flying Moth Remixes)(Soul Quest Records)

More trumpet I hear you call!  We'll you certainly get a lot with the remixes of the last single release, ‘Intentions’, plus a "resonating" live version of the original cut! 

The original of ‘Intentions’ was a joint  adventure from label head Max Sinal, producer and long-time collaborator KingCrowney with vocalist Liv East. 

We know "producer extraordinaire" Frits Wintink from his work at Wolf Music (see review HERE) and he knows how much trumpet is needed to get the dancefloor moving; and in this case, with just the right about of wobble.

JT Donaldson seems like he must have been remixing since he come outta the dancefloor womb giving us a remix and dub version with some sparkling piano on the deep bassline; the remix itself goes straight for the trumpet/vocal jugular..

Flying Moth has had his own EP out earlier last month, Tide, with a remix by Toronto Hustle x Sean Roman (also seen on Wolf Music with their 'The Symington Avenue' EP - see review HERE) seems to have flown to the light and added it all in in a rapid synth-jazz Bruk; yes, you heard it here first!

And the best of the lot, even bettr than the original is the live version that has a vibe of the recent Jazzanova live re-work album (see review HERE).

Soul Quest have put together a great EP and worthy of a follow-up to the original and another release from earlier this year, 'Soul Notion EP' by Jean-Jez: did someone say, "more trumpet"?

Artist: Max Sinàl & KingCrowney Feat. Liv East

Title:  Intentions (Frits Wentink, JT Donladson & Flying Moth Remixes)

Release date: Digital - 20th June 2025 / Vinyl - 27th June 202

Label : Soul Quest Records
Catalog Number : SQR013
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Alexander Flood - Vibração (Kaidi Tatham Remix)(Atjazz Record Company)

Absolute mad crazy bonkers Airto vs Billy Cobham Latin-fusion jazz dance monster - with a Kaidi Tatham remix!

What with the album,  Alexander Flood 

Title: Artifactual Rhythm' and the singles, 'Life Is A Rhythm' featuring Cazeaux O.S.L.O (the album opener - see review HERE) and 'Can’t Get Enough' (featuing Vivian Sessoms - see review HERE), I wasn't expecting another single so soon or indeed a Kaidi Tatham remix!

'Vibraçāo' was the most obvious pick for a single in it's "post-Lonnie Liston Smith" vibe and add to that a post-Bruk Tatham remix and you're on a dancefloor winner.

I said before, "if you were to push me, lets put 'Cinnamon & Clove' in the jazz-funk cake mix it's one for Gilles Peterson's Worldwide 2025 All Winners show and shall we add 'Vibraçāo' for it's Latin cultura: yes, lets".

BUY LINK: https://orcd.co/arc260advpre

Artist: Alexander Flood 

Title: Vibração (Kaidi Tatham Remix)
Release date: 20th June, 2025
Label: Atjazz Record Company
Catalog Number: ARC260ADS3

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Alexander Flood: Drums, production, programming, vocals
Erica Tucceri: Flute
Finn Rees: Piano, Rhodes, Moog
Dylan Paul: Bass
Fabian Hevia: Percussion
Kaidi Tatham: Remix and additional production (02. & 03.)
George Glass: Mixdown
Martin Iveson: Mastering
Gabriella Brown (Soft Edges): Artwork

Review: Various - Gabriele Poso presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo' (Mr Bongo)

Mr Bongo hits the beach with Gabriele Poso and his  Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo'; and I don't want to talk about it as it's so good.

Gabriele Poso is a renown digger for compilations as deep as 'The Languages Of Tambores (A Spiritual Journey Through The Cultural Heritage Of Drums)' to his own albums like 'Batik', you can guarantee that his mix of jazz, Latin, world, folk will be percussion heavy and dancefloor friendly.

Poso, the Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer has dug deep into thost Italian Libraries and he goes in at top and as hard as you can get with a cover version of the classic jazz dance 'Caravan' by Puccio Roelens E La Sua Grande Orchestra TV: and in true 'unspoken' style, I'm not going to tell you how it goes but it's a surpise.

Equally, Gegè Munari Percussion Modern's 'Pollice Man' suits a TV theme with a rockin' guitar.  What's far more obvious is samba-infused ‘Napulitano D' 'O Brasil’ by Don Marino Barreto Jr. and the mambo of Vico Anthony's Percussion Paesanos' 'Mambo Ravioli'.

Tony Espositio's 'Pagaia' is very much in the Jonny Trunk 60s library sound whilst Rosario Jermano's 'Grand Oceano' slips into North Africa for some jazz refreshment in the souk; a little bit Weather Report. But hang-on, you need Agostino Marangolo's jazz-funk monster 'Certi giorni mi sento bene, certi giorni mi sento male' - why haven't people been talking about this?

Tony Cercola's 'Lumumba' appears in original and Clap!, Clap! versions which is all a bit of fun and Poso has his own track, 'Ritmo Italiano' which fits perfectly into a disco in Rimini

The 12 tracks are a fabulous selection from the leftfield and it's a happy sit next to some recent Italo, like 'Bruno Boogie' by Euro Nettuno & Bruno Belissimo (see review HERE), La Dune's 'Sugar' (see review HERE) and even Roy Inc & Darren Morris' 'Credit Me' (see review HERE).

As Ramrock's Jo Wallace told me, 'Italo new went away' - I think we can now safely say, 'Italo is definitely back' with Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo': I can tell you!

BUY LINK: https://bfan.link/gabriele-poso-presents-ritmo-italiano-unspoken-sounds-of-italian-tamburo

Artist: Various

Title:  Gabriele Poso presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo' 

Release date: 20th June, 2025

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRBCDLP317

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Shiran & Bakal - Electro Baghdad - اليكترو بغداد (Batov Records)

Shiran & Bakal's blend of traditional Iraqi songs with analog synths, heavy basslines, and electronic grooves is the magic combination that you didn't know existed, buy your ticket to 'Electro Baghdad'.

Hot on the heels of Ouzo Bazooka's 'Kapaim' a "Middle Eastern surf rock psychedelia, Turkish-funk space-rock" (see review HERE), lets slip down the coast to Baghdad and in a bit (Ed. not exactly 'Google Maps' directions?) and plug-in for some 'Electro Baghdad'!

A project that fits the bill for fans of Acid Arab and Omar Souleyman (the 'part-time wedding singer, the Syrian 'William Onyeabor') and it's trad folk songs that fit a Lawrence Of Arabia soundtrack in the dance tent at Glasto wiht big synths and Shiran's vocals on top.

Singing in Yemenite Arabic, the ablum starts off with a slower love some, 'Sghayiroun' (Little One) but it t doesn't take long to get fully modern production party mode with tradition 'Ah Ya Layla Yumma' (Oh my night mother) becomes the tune 'Electro Hafla' (Arabic party) and 'Eshrab Kasak Wethanna' (Drink Your Glass and Be Happy).

In fact, you could say this is like being invited to the soundtrack of a wedding celebration that you didn't know existed - Songlines, World, WOMAD fans are going to love this; particularly like the space synths, Flute Gang elements and the echo/Pirate Radio/Calling to prayer, disco touches: perhaps their should be full dub album version?

PS. You'll have to be very quick to get your hands on the vinyl.

`    

Artist: Shiran & Bakal 

Title: Electro Baghdad - اليكترو بغداد

Release date: 20th June, 2025

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: Limited LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Jade - Love Harder (Lovemonk Records)

If you can remember the group Change, 'Change!' by The Jade is in that disco/jazz ball park and is perfect for you.

We've already been Introduced to The Jade by the singles ‘Change!’ and the follow up, the glorious Latin/jazz/samba/fusion ‘Si no me quieres esperar’ with vocals by Cuban singer Ale Gutiérrez (of Habana Abierta and El Combo Batanga) but we should have guessed the album, 'Love Harder', would be even harder from a project led by Casbah 73's Oli Stewart outta Madrid.

 

It's got a huge heritage of Brit-jazz-funk bands Incognito, Light Of The World and more which is clear from the opening tracks 'Le' t The Light In' and 'Change!'.  And if you remember Sun Palace's 'Raw Movements'/'Rude Movements', you're going to love 'On That Strange' and all the other tracks (11) on the album. 

And then on 'Space Lines' they out do the big hats of Jamiroquai and 'What It Takes' will fill up the disco/funk charts.

The band is superb with Chavi Ontoria (keyboards), David Salvador (bass), Josué García and Dani Herrera (horns), Deborah Ayo and Nia Martin (vocals) and, from Montevideo! Nico Ibarburu on guitar along with Josh Hoyer, Angela Gooding, Ale Gutiérrez, jazz trumpet player Malcolm Strachan; 'At The Queensboro' being particularly jazzy-funky - did somebody say, "Donald Byrd!"

Lovemonk know what's needed in the summer and this fits the "Afro-Latin jazz-dance and Iberian funk" bill perfectly.

BUY LINK: https://onerpm.link/101104305573

Artist: The Jade 
Title: Love Harder
Release date: 20th June, 2025
Label: Lovemonk Records 
Cat. No: LMNK86
Format:   Digital / Bandcamp

Review: V/A - The Disco Express Sampler 1 (The Disco Express)

We bought our ticket for The Disco Express 'Summer Heatwave' Best Of 2025 compilation earlier this year, so now we're onto some away-day trips into house 'n' disco.

Following on from he 'Best Of 2024' 12" (see review HERE), to the beach bound 'Summer Heatwave' (see review HERE), those with the hands on the buttons, see our recent interview with Tom Lilly (aka Bustin Loose) and Tatiana (see interview HERE); see below time table for the TDE drop offs at the following stations: 

Gabriel Deb - Turn Around (ft. Michelle Weeks (release date 06.06.25)

Meridian - Turn Out! (release date 20.06.25)

The Wild Violets - Maybe (release date 04.07.25)

Dirty Supercar - Get Down Boogie (release date 18.07.25)
Ayce & Spirit of House - Top Of The World (release date 01.08.25)

It'll soon be 100th release on the label with a focus on new/instrument lead combos in disco like The Wild Violets (who sold out Jazz Cafe back in January this year) whose 'Maybe' is very mainstream crossover pop-disco whilst retaining it's dancefloor cool; nice synths.  It's in sharp contrast to beltin' Italo/soul of Deb/Weeks' 'Turn Around' that you may have heard already as it's been out for a couple of weeks (Ed. no pun etc, or should that be 'puns'?). Anthem!  

And whilst we're turning, Meridian are urgently pumpin' 'Turn Out!'  Summer equinox and meridian lines and all that, it's going to be big.  As big as a 'Get Down Boogie' 're-imagination' of Dirty Supercar or Ayce & Spirit Of House who are on 'Top Of The World' - "I just wanna hold you" alright!

So expect lots more in terms of styles and genres and for more on one of 'London's leading disco labels', check out the Bandcamp website.

BUY LINK: The Disco Express – Juno

Artist: Various Artists

Title:   The Disco Express Sampler 1 
Release date: June, July, August, 2025
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : N/A
Format:  Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Eric Hilton - Midnight Ragas (Montserrat House)

Eric Hilton explores the pattern of notes having characteristic intervals, rhythms and embellishments as a base of improvisations that he's called, 'Midnight Ragas', but he's never too far from that Thievery Corporation / Eighteen Street Lounge Music!

 

Ever since we heard Hlton's single with singers Natalia Clavier and Puma Ptah, ('Je ne t’aime plus (feat. Natalia Clavier)' / 'Leave It All' (feat. Puma Ptah - see review HERE) we've been excited about the new album (which follows 'Sound Vagabond' and 'Corazón Kintsugi', again with Natalia - see review HERE).

We know Eric loves the downtempo trip-hop jazz side and 'Life (In The Deep End)' is the slo-mo Balearic disco space synth mission statement for the album and and the 'tribute' track, 'Madame Asha' (see Asha Puthli review HERE) along with, indo-jazz flute gang / "70s crime flick meets ambient drum & bass", 'Behind My Eyes' (featuring The Infinite Daisy Chains).

'Burkina Faso' takes on an Afrobeat vibe, 'Galactic Shine' has a touch of a BiggaBush and if anyone mentions Michael "my name is" Caine and "Ipcress File/John Barry twinkle", 'Sol Interior' you know you're on a winner.

Even with three different vocalists and lyrics sung in French, Spanish and English, the instrumental title track, 'Midnight Ragas' sets a groove that the rest of the 12 track album follows and it's so cool, it's a 'Beautiful Moment'. 

Not only will this be on your 'Wants List', there's a new album coming out by 'Visions Of Light' (that's like the warm-up to this so stay tuned) and Urbs & Cutex album 'On Our Way' (see review HERE).

Artist: Eric Hilton with Natalia Clavier & Puma Ptah

Title: Midnight Ragas 

Release date: 20th June, 2025

Label : Montserrat House

Catalog Number : MH029

Format:  VINYL / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Zé Ibarra - AFIM (Mr Bongo)

Not entirely sure about he cover image but what with Julia Mestre and Dom Glori, Mr Bomode as Zé Ibarra adds a third prong to their summer attack with the album 'AFIM'. 

If Don Glori is on the edge of Brazilian soul-jazz (see review HERE) and Julia Madstre's 'Maravilhosamente Bem' is at the "dreamy pop" end (see review HERE), where does that put Zé Ibarra's 'AFIM'?

Well, it a perfectly compact eight tracks that cover MPB history as in the likes of Caetano Veloso, Tim Miai and Arthur Verocai plus the modern nu-wave of Bala Desejo (see review HERE); in fact, Dora Morelebaum co-wrote 'Essa Confusão' (also check out Dora's album 'Pique' - see review HERE).

As well as being a member of Bala Desejo and having a previous solo album releaed a couple of years ago, 'Marquês, 256.' in Brasil and Japan, he's also toured with Milton Nascimento!

I'm not sure is unique cover version of another Brazilian singer/songwriter, Sophia Chablau's 'Segredo' is going to 'crossover' but the rest of the album is multi-directional and will turn lots of heads.

Artist: Zé Ibarra

Title: AFIM

Release date: 13th June, 2025

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRB324

Format:  LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds - Give Me Your Love (Love Song) feat. Jolly Joseph (45/dub Mix) (Gee Recordings)

Get your orders in now for the roots reggae soul crossover dub on 45; Curtis Mayfield’s "timeless sound" is refreshed in reggae and dub.  

Soul Sugar (aka Guillaume Méténier) has a reputation in and a love of reggae music, he was entrusted to remix Horace Andy's 'Skylarking' so along with the likes of Europe's finest like Gaudi, Grant Phabao, Prince Fatty et al, this producer extraordinaire has teamed up with Dub Shepherds and their mate/singer Jolly Joseph.

You know we'd have prefered a 12" Discomix but the will surely come as you know the single will sell out soon!

As they say, "From Paris to Tokyo via Kingston Jamaica, we bring you the smoothest soul reggae vibe in town", give me your love and let's live together..

Artist:  Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds

Title: Give Me Your Love (Love Song) feat. Jolly Joseph (45 & Dub Mix)
Release date: 13th June, 2025
Label: Gee Recordings
Catalog Number:  GEE1004

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp