Reiew: Byron The Aquarius - Global Caress EP Series (Star Creature)

Ever thought of what Funk-tai-chi would be like?  Let me tempt you with some 'Global Caress' with Byron The Aquarius - the water god of funky movement.
 

We've sung the praises of Tim Zawada (head honcho of the Star Creature label out of Chicago) many times before but he's clearly felt that there was room for a sub-label that he's called Global Caress. 

Now on it's fourth release, it's hard to think of someone that fits the bill to fit a "giant 12” that underground than a giant hero of the underground – Byron The Aquarius!

If you got the the 'teaser' of a 7" 'Jamajama' that came out earliet this year that both Tim and BTA played at this years'  Movement Festival in Detroit, this 12" EP expands on that killer A-side with the b-side, 'Higher' with Steven Klavier, as a digital bonus track.

If you know the name Byron The Aquarius you'll know how good this is already without even hearing it.  The man originally from Birmingham (not UK) and now resident in Atlanta (Ed. is that BALT? - see ) has been on so many remixes and collaborations over many year, to pick just a couple is an injustice but there's a Manchester connection with James Kumo (see review HERE) and Mecca:83 ('Shine Through', 2014) (Ed. don't forget the remix on Brandon Markell Holmes & Toribio's 'Go Ahead' on toucan sounds - see review HERE), but BTA has been a leading light where underground house meets techno (like the humorous space funk of 'ATLiens 2 Detroit' - did you see what he did with the title there?) with spirit of soul ('Higher'), skill of jazz and hip hop (spoken rap on 'FaNtAsies' plus some dirty jazzy-house ('Bob Power At It Again (NYC)') and warped Egyptian Lover funk: like how he's used Kai Alcé's 'NDATL' moniker format on these track titles.

How did this 12" come about? We're told, "Star Creature A&R / Global Caress series curator “Kool” Hersh Singh has been friends with Byron for years, first meeting at fellow underground sound pusher Nick Hook’s NYC Birthday party where they were all sharing the decks. This has since spawned friendships and DJ nights across the US and soon to be beyond".

Well if you ever find yourself "across the US" or even in the beyond in the near future, you'll need this 12" to get you in the cosmic mood.

BUY LINK:  The Global Caress EP | Byron the Aquarius

Artist: Byron The Aquarious

Title: Motivate Your Mind EP

Release date: 26th September, 2025

Label: Star Creature

Cat. No: SC1263

Format:  12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Coflo - Who The Frequency EP (Freerange Records)

The cult of Coflo are going to go mad when they hear this as it's "Coflo’s Freerange debut is a confident statement from an artist fully in his lane — bold, underground, and built for the floor."

We asked, "What's going on in San Francisco?" after the more than impressive Coflo remix on Yuu Udagawa's 'Beats Sculpture' (see review HERE) and this followed his Kerrier Collective 'Life Wants To Live' remix (see review HERE).

So what is the frequency in the bay area? Well, Jimpster's Freerange Records have tuned in to a 4 track EP that's very dancefloor focused; so much so, I've even forgive one of my pet dislikes, the 'Pink'n'Percy' vs. Roger vocal EFX on 'Yewnight' (Ed. as featured on the much maligned Richie Rome album 'Deep' - his first and last!)

That's the opener and the closer, 'Yapperz' is totally different, "head-nodding, body-rocking, late-night business!" and almost footwork. Brilliant!

In-between, two tracks featuring Rawb Bob with the title track, 'Who The Frequency', "I am the frequency' and it swings and posts bruk's the synths on the dancefloor. And what's this, 'Ring The Alarm'!  Phew, not a cover of the Dancehall classic but another tapping into Co-Op sytle synths and it's loud enough to ring the alarm.

As a micro-version of Freerange's 'City To City' (last seen in Lisbon, see review HERE), San Francisco is definitely the place to be.

BUY LINK: https://coflo.bandcamp.com/album/who-the-frequency-ep

Artist: Coflo

Title: Who The Frequency EP

Release date: 26th September, 2025

Label: Freerange Records

Cat. No: TBC

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds - Blue House Rockin' (Gee Recordings)

Curtis Mayfield, Jackie Mittoo where are you guys?  They'd love the the 'tributes' on this new album that has gone the whole 'Blue House Rockin' mile to capture the analog times of 60s reggae... and more!

We had good warning that the collaboration of Soul Sugar (aka Guillaume Méténier) and Dub Shepherds (aka Jolly Joseph, Doctor Chaty and Jahno) with the incredible singles, 'Give Me Your Love (Love Song)' (see review HERE) and 'Disco Jack' (see review HERE).

But it's not all old stuff as they also cover Aaron Frazer's 'My God Has A Telephone' (originally Colemine Records) and we known Shniece McMenamin (from Prince Fatty) with 'Family Affair' as a hip-hop meets reggae mix from the Mary J. Blige and Dr. Dre original.

If you love Booker T/Mittoo on the Hammond, there's a couple more instrumentals that'll catch your ear, 'Choice of Music' and 'Drum Song' and as even more of a treat, remember when the Beastie's went all Memphis funk; we'll these folks can do it too on the title track.

We knew this was going to be great from the singles but I would hang around as this is going to sell out fast.

BUY LINK: Blue House Rockin' | Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds | Gee Recordings

Artist:  Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds
Title: Blue House Rockin' 
Release date: 19th September, 2025
Label: Gee Recordings
Catalog Number:  GEE004
Format: Vinly 12" LP  / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Monsieur Van Pratt - Stimulation ft. Suki Soul (The Disco Express)

As we approach the 100th release on The Disco Express, expect some Monsieur Van Pratt 'Stimulation' with this 4-track EP on the up destination board.

Last week we had the Dirty Supercar's with their EP that included disco legend John Morales on remix (see review HERE) and this week we're rollin' on with another stunner with James Juke on a 'Hot Take' of the title track.

Of course, Monsieur Van Pratt ain't in Paris, but in the heart of French/house/disco, Mexico City (where he founded, Super Spicy Records').  Well my red hot chilli goes to Suki Soul's vocals on the orignal version but don't overlook the jazzy-funk instrumental 'Feeling' and the the hypnotic 'Dreaming Of You'.

We're also had the annoucement of some of the 100th release party celebrations in London and Amsterdam (see HERE) and for more on the label, check our interview with Bustin' Loose (aka Tom Lilly) of last year HERE.

BUY LINK / Pre-Order: Stimulation | Monsieur Van Pratt, James Juke, BroloRiZo, Suki Soul | Monsieur Van Pratt

Artist: Monsieur Van Pratt 

Title: Stimulation ft. Suki Soul
Release date: 19th September, 2025
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS98
Format:  Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Chilam Balam - Par La Fenêtre feat. Pat Kalla (Partyfine)

Partyfine is Yuksek’s label who return to Chilam Balam with help from Pat Kalla to follow-up on  'Ritmos Proféticos, Vol.1', a great opportunity to look through the round window!

You'll recall Chilam Balam (being Léopold Collard and Bastien Francoulon) from their three tracks on 'Ritmos Proféticos, Vol.1' (see review HERE) and Pat Kalla of course, from Alma Nega's Delusions Of Grandeur EP, 'La Plage' (see review HERE).

Unlike 'La Plage', 'Par La Fenêtre' is chilled out summer pop that's ready for the beach.  A little bit of a departure from Kalla's comfort zone of creator of the Super Mojo albums and being the voice of Voilaa Sound System; with dreamy flute and synths, it's a bit like when Jazzanova went downtempo folk rock jazz with 'Secret Love'.

It'd be nice to hear a full on dub version but more than happy to chill to this at a window or a beach.

Love the lino-print cover artwork.

BUY LINK: TBC

Artist: Chilam Balam 

Title: Par La Fenêtre feat. Pat Kalla 

Release date: 19th September, 2025

Label: Partyfine

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Ebi Soda - frank dean and andrew (Tru-Thoughts Recordings)

"Off-kilter jazz crew Ebi Soda" release their third album, 'frank dean and andrew' with 11 tracks that takes other worldly to another world.

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Leftfield jazzy downtempo fans have a new favourite group; especially if you add some cinematic OST, dubby, avant-garde, punk into the mix.  

Ebi Soda are 'jazz-disruptors' as we are told these tracks evolve from countless hours of jam sessions which is perhaps most evident in the seamlessly cool compositions rather than any angular 'free' jazz elements. 

Kicking off with one of the longer tracks, 'bamboo' it sets the tone whilst 'toucan' flys high into the sky (Ed. might be one for Guinness to investigate) whilst much of the album is in the moody of dubstep on jazz (like 'location' - Ed. Croydon?) but I hear more Jah Wobble's PIL period punk-dub.  And on 'milk in my console', with added trombone, I think of the spirit of Rico plus the eerie 'freely' with string quartet(?).

Jianbo adds a rap to 'red in tokyo' which doesn't sound out of place with the other tracks but previous single, 'when pluto was a planet and everything was cool' (see review HERE) does stand out even though it's a bit different - what would Jerry Dammers have made of this if he was given the producer reins?

The album ends on the 11 minute tour de force, 'insectoid creatures are infesting the land' when build upon the excellence of the previous ten tracks.

As a reminder, last year when I was chatting to Tru-Thoughts head honcho Robert Luis at We Out Here Festival, corto.alto were 'the' hot jazz collective (and subsequently their album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize "Album Of The Year" 2024) and this year,  I won't be surprised if 'frank dean and andrew' is shortlisted for the Mercury Prize "Album Of The Year" 2025!

Having featured on Soul-Jazz's compilation 'Kaleidoscope (New Spirits Known & Unknown)' along with loads more on the jazzy new wave, Ebi Soda have found their time whether they know it or not. 

TOUR DATES - 2025
Fri 26th Sept / Brighton - Bella Union (In-Store / Electronic Set)
Thurs 2nd October / London - Jazz Cafe (album launch)
Fri 10th October / Stockholm Jazz Festival
Sat 1st Nov / St Leonards-On-Sea - The Piper

BUY LINK: https://truthoughts.ffm.to/frank.OPR

Artwork by Ez Goomi: ezgoomi.com

Artist: Ebi Soda

Title:  frank dean and andrew

Release date: 19th September, 2025

Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings

Catalog Number: TRUD466D

Format: Vinyl / CD/ Cassette / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Jimi Tenor Love Is The Language (Versions) (Philophon)

Hot on the heals of his appearance at We Out Here Festival, the jazz space cowboy from Finland, Jimi Tenor is back to speak the language of love in 3 ways, on a massive 12" with 'Love Is The Language'.

You'll recall Jimi's flautist excellence stood out (Ed. as always) on the 7" 'My Mind' from last year (see review HERE).

Now in 12" format, this is proper nu-jazz versions of "Afro-centric cosmic 60s library Ra-ist vibe" as envisioned as more cinematic weirdness from Critical Ass along with the original and a full on house re-work by Koti Koti.

I've said it before that Jimi always looks to me like a jazz-mod that's lost his space-ship (which is a good thing) and I think he's had a significant birthday recently but he's lost none of his 60s hippy sharpness; after all, love is the language.

Artist: Jimi Tenor 

Title:  Love Is The Language (Versions)

Release date: 19th September, 2025

Label : Philophon Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Flash Atkins All Stars - Sanza Mibale Ya Bo Pemi EP1 (Paper Recordings)

It's usually a derogatory term to be labeled 'FLASH' but not in the case of Flash Atkins as he's put together a All Star team headed by Felix Ngindu with four cutting edge versions of 'Sanza Mibale Ya Bo Pemi' that are the essence of 'Afro-Disco' golden era.

If you missed the 70s New York Disco excess of Studio 54 and the influx of Afro influence, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, there is no need to worry as Felix Ngindu (who sings in his native Lingala language from DRC) with a the Osibisa/Kuti/AWB street jazz-funkin band is on fire.

There's the original version and a dub plus a Bosq remix as a 'Boogie Bounce' and a 'Boogie Bounce Dub' and all four tracks are hostage to the (Hot Damn!) Haggis Horn duo of Atholl Ransome (sax) and Malcolm Strachan (trumpet/trombone).

Love the heavy congos and bass on the Flash Dub and it's almost retro-Funkadelic (I'm told the 'Weatherall' crew are including a Funkadelic track a compilation so Brit-funk is getting trendy again?) whilst Bosq has a whole history of his own when n it comes to tropical disco funk having previously worked with The Ibibio Horns and on the remix, case in point, Borka & The Gang's 'Tem Que Sonhar' (see review HERE)

So I can see why Paper Recordings thought it was a good idea to BOSQ on board but they could have phoned Weedyman (after his “Kananga’s Revenge” EP - see review HERE) or Lakeshouse (after 'Renate's Dan' with Hot Toddy & Gouldian Finch Remixes - see review HERE); well, you never know there's time yet.

BUY LINK:  All Stars EP 1: Sanza Mibale Ya Bo Pemi | Flash Atkins

Artist: Flash Atkins All Stars 

Title: Sanza Mibale Ya Bo Pemi EP1

Release date: 29th September 2025

Label : Paper Recordings
Catalog Number : TBC
Format:  12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Soothsayers - Fly Higher (Wah Wah 45s)

The WAH WAH 45s 26th anniversary party has the mighty Soothsayers with a VINYL release of their 11th album, get in early! 

We're long term fans of the label as you can tell from the many reviews on YATM and this is another excellent release.

OK, so we're still waiting for a certain Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s top man, Jazz FM, Soho Radio and many more) who in the past has been playing out the Hectic Extension of the previous singles to actually have an official release of one.  And members of Soothsayers have links with the South Coast but even so, this 10 tracks is the band at their Afrobeat/reggae/dub best.

I honestly think this is their best work to date. The musicianship, the guests, the production, the three-part harmonies, the message, but above all the song-writing, are all on point.

The album is out this Friday on vinyl LP (and digital via Bandcamp) only. It'll get a full release on evil Spotify and elsewhere in January 2026.

If you've seen Youthsayers at any of their gigs/festival events, you'll know these guys have a legacy to follow them; and you can add 'Fly Higher' to that too!

BUY LINK: https://soothsayers.bandcamp.com/album/fly-higher

Live Shows

September 21st The Jazz Café, London
October 10th Eco Park, Porthtowan, Cornwall
October 11th The Jam Jar, Bristol
October 24th Brundenall, Leeds
October 25th The Vale, Mossley
November 8th The Hall, Hastings
December 12th Fox & Firkin, London
December 19th Bossaphonik, Cowley Workers Club, Oxford

Artist: Soothsayers  

Release: Fly Higher 
Release Date: 19th September, 2025
Label: Wah Wah 45s
Catalog Number: TBC
Format:VINYL LP Digital / BANDCAMP

Review: Trinidadian Deep, Boo Williams, Cee ElAssaad, Doug Gomes - Freedom, Innovation, Resonance Vol 1. (Ensouled)

How many 'names' can Cee ElAssaad get on the first 12" vinyl release on his Ensouled label?  Well, quite a few as he launches 'Freedom, Innovation, Resonance' Vol 1.

We know Cee ElAssaad knows lots of folks like Beatkozina with the recent 'Beauty Is Magic' (see review HERE), Jaidene Veda (see review HERE), Gee Lane and Blurum (see review HERE), QVLN (see review HERE), Masaki Morii (see HERE) along with Doug Gomes (on the remix - see HERE) and with Trinidadian Deep (see review HERE).

So we're expecting a lot and we get it!  Trinidadian Deep's track 'Movements of Sound' with a Cee ElAssaad remix and on the flip, it's Boo Williams' 'My Place' plus Cee and Doug in dancehall groove for 'Jam It To The Riddim'.

You will immediately get why they've gone the extra 12" to get these four tracks on vinyl and with a 'Vol 1' on the label, they're free to continue this innovation as the dance community will have total resonance to this movement; of sound you might say.

I expect at least one of these tracks will be on this months' "Best Of" Colour & Pitch Sessions mixtape by Sumsuch and if it was down to me, it'd be 'My Place' as a funkin' train of a track.

BUY LINK / Pre Order: https://juno.co.uk

Artist: Trinidadian Deep, Boo Williams, Cee ElAssaad, Doug Gomes 

Title: Freedom, Innovation, Resonance Vol. 1

Release date: 15th September, 2025

Label : Ensouled

Catalog Number : ENSLDV001

Format: Digital / Bandcamp