Monday, 6 October 2025

Swiss alternative neo-soul artist MISS C-LINE returns with a massive album full of love and angst - this is going to be a "must have" this year. 


After previou singles 'Trust' (see review HERE) and as MISS C-LINE x Berlin Lama with 'U Don’t Want It' featuring Andi Allenbach, at last, the album is here that also features the smooth ear-warming track, that represents "the sweet, sensitive feeling of love, seeking a response from the other. It talks about a love that wasn’t able to flourish, hoping that the person will eventually come around and surrender"; the one with the flowing outro featuring flutist Fernando Brox, 'Broxi's Outro'. 

Recorded and produced MISS C-LINE this new single is an introduction to her 4th studio album, 'Mellow Hearts'.  Carolina is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer and rapper based in Basel, Switzerland who fuses soul, groove, hip-hop, jazz and aspects of European classical music sets her apart, enabling her to engage with a wide range of audiences. In similar fashion her vocals (a)cross US. R&B to Joni Mitchell to Sade and jazzy broken beat; check 'Distance' and 'Flying' to proper ballad, as in the emotional 'Misunderstood' (a popular felling as in Georgie Sweet's debut, see HERE).  

Not totally sold on the rap on 'Unique' but there's more than a nod to Jaco and it/the rest of the eleven tracks show how far she has uniquely matured from the 'And The Rabidz' album of that was played on BBC6 (UK), SRF (CH), JazzFM (UK), FIP (France), KRCW (USA), MiSoul Radio (UK) and gained recognition all over the globe.

Tracks like 'Coz It's Love', 'Coming Around', 'Trust', 'Misunderstood' and 'Waiting For' are going to do the same for 'Mellow Hearts', (even the guitar solo of 'Flowers' and the dramatic 'Infinite Two'), so what are you waiting for, get on the pre-order

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://push.fm/ps/fax1agrg


Artist: MISS C-LINE 

Title: Mellow Hearts
Release date: 10th October, 2024
Label : C-Records
Catalog Number : TBC
Format: Digital 

Sunday, 5 October 2025

Posted by Gerry Hectic | File under : , ,

For a label debut, producer Birdee has teamed up with singer Alexis Victoria Hall and together they have got the prescription for 'Your Love' at your favourite 
disco pharmacy. 



We knowt Birdee on the remix from The Disco Express'  'Best Of 2024' (see review HERE) but when the Italian born producer was in Califorian (Ed. Venice Beach?) he really got mixing up the disco potions for this hot dancefloor winner.

Hall's summer vocals are matched by the big strings.  As the Birdee (aka Marcello De Angelis) says, "I wanted the first Hot City release to feel joyful and warm. 'Your Love' is exactly that".

Your not going to get many to disagree!  Brilliant debut release.

 


Artist: Birdee 
Title:   Your Love feat. Alexis Victoria Hall
Release date: 17th October, 2025
Label : Hot City
Catalog Number : HC001
Format:  12" Vinyl / Digital 

Friday, 3 October 2025

The 'WOMAD' of obscure World Jazz Grooves as chosen by If... Music's very own Jean-Claude and Victor Kiswell - in case you didn't know 'You Need This!' 


Jean-Claude Thompson has given us the benefit of his decades of digging as last seen on YATM with 'You Need This! A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 4 compiled by Jean​-​Claude (see review HERE) and a couple of years ago, Jean-Claude Thompson compiled 'You Need This: If Music Is 20' celebrating two decades of If Music (see review HERE).

Victor Kiswell is another DJ, collector, journo and record dealer so between the pair of them, they know where to find music that has been "painstakingly searched for in flea markets, second hand shops and private collections" that wouldn't otherwise be available to the general public and fans like you and me.

But that's not to say you won't recognise a couple of names at least, like Mary Lou Williams, Kahil El'Zabar (who I've mentioned before - see HERE - and was at this years' We Out Festival), John Tchicai (who previously appeared on the J.C/Adrian Magrys' 'If Music Presents You Need This: Eastern European Sounds' 2016 Record Store Day release) and Cedric 'IM' Brooks.

This takes around the world with stops in Denmark, France, Brazil, Canada, the USA and Jamaica as the compilation digs deep into the jazz vaults of the spiritual and dance; where else would you find a 16 minute track called 'Dakar' by Dadje? 

What is so cool about this collection, even if some of the artists have/did experiment with the avant-garde jazz  - and there's definitely more than a nod to it here - even so there's a strong cross-genre ethic going on.

I particular like the chaos of Tchica's mate Albert Mangelsdorff plus Colin Wilkie, Shirley Hart and Joki Freund on 'Ich armes Maidlein klag mich sehr' but I like all the 8 tracks on here.  Not only that, you're not going to hear them anywhere else so, at the risk of repetition 'You Need This!

Artist: Various Artists
Title: IF Music presents You Need This!: “World Jazz Grooves Volume 2” Compiled by Jean-Claude & Victor Kiswell
Release date: 3rd October, 2025
Label : BBE Music
Catalog Number : BBE585
Format: 2xLP Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 
Posted by Gerry Hectic | File under : ,

Àbáse releases the 'Awakening: Remixes' with some familier names helping out.



Berlin based Hungarian born composer, pianist, producer Àbáse awakens this Bandcamp Friday with some remixes which fits an array on international artists that bring together dancefloor and headphones.

You've got D'Monk's rework of 'Menidaso' and a solid broken beat theme on the May Flip (Petter Eldh and Mekala Session) remix of Bloom which sits next to 'Destruction Everywhere' (Sundé's Clover Edit) with a South African edge.  The press PR tells us the secret is that “It’s all about the bounce in the drums, giving space for the main instrument to shine - soulful yet raw, with a rough edge that creates a unique and beautiful sonic character.”

But who else is in the contents section?  Detroit hip-hop royalty outta of the Dilla/Madlib envelope are Phat Kat and Guilty Simpson, who happened to be around a couple of years ago to go "boom-bap" on Thomas High’s ‘Destruction Everywhere’ remix as edited by Àbáse himself.  And if that isn't enough, Àbáse’s fellow Budapest friend and producer BluntOne brings a boom-bap remix of ‘Shango’.

But the "real" 'Destruction Everywhere', get down on the Funk Mix

Àbáse (aka Szabolcs Bognár) skills on the keys has made his one to the names to go to when in Berlin having toured and collaborated with he likes of Wayne Snow, Dele Sosimi, Pat Thomas and Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange his fans extend to press like MOJO, The Guardian, Songlines, Soulection and My Analogue Journal, as well as being supported by BBC Radio 6's Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova and Deb Grant, plus Jazz FM, KEXP and many more.

Ideal for DJs with a board outlook, this is perfect for the adventurous Futuristica -Jazz Chronicles types.



Artist: Àbáse 
Title: Awakening: Remixes 
Release date: 3rd October, 2025
Label : Oshu Records & Bridge The Gap
Catalog Number : WJLP73 
Format: 12" vinyl / Dgital / Bandcamp 
Posted by Gerry Hectic | File under : , ,

Bandcamp Friday gets Badboy album download 'Elusive' - you need to get on this as its 'Dangerous': not potentially dangerous, Ragga Twins level dangerous. And instrumentals!



Out today, London-based, legendary jungle pioneer, Potential Badboy (aka Chris Mcfarlane) releases his jungle album, Elusive, featuring previous singles such as the dubwise Ticker featuring JODIAN NATTY, Do What They Say featuring Indigo Reign and Syren Rivers, and Rise with Blackout JA, Talisman, and Coozie Mellers. With Elusive, Potential Badboy reminds us that he remains a heavyweight in UK rave culture. Since the early ’90s, he has been a key architect of jungle, drum and bass, and garage, pushing the scene forward for over three decades.

Focus track Give Me A Sign symbolises a special moment in the album, where Potential Badboy’s daughter, alternative R&B/Soul artist Havana, brings her own soulful, laid-back voice and perspective to a track that was her favourite in her dad’s archives. “It became a beautiful full-circle moment, allowing her to express herself on a song that once meant so much to her”.

Commenting on the collaborative nature of the album, Potential Badboy adds: “This project is a departure from the norm. It’s built from collaboration with artists who reflect my identity and taste, blending elements of jungle and drum and bass in ways that feel raw, honest, and entirely my own.”

Elusive presents a fresh lens on jungle and drum and bass. Drawing on Potential Badboy’s deep production pedigree and his instinctive feel for what’s next, it stays rooted in the culture while carving out bold new directions for the genre.

The project blossomed from a period of seclusion, when Chris, by his own admission, “became increasingly hard to reach—intentionally.” He adds “I took a step back from the public eye to reflect, recalibrate, and quietly reinvent myself. For the first time, I had the freedom and autonomy to create without outside expectations—just me, the sounds I love, and the styles that speak to me.”

“I named the album Elusive as a reflection of that period of transformation—when disappearing became a way of reclaiming myself creatively.” – Potential Badboy

Following suit is the track Bun Dem Out, born out of frustration with outside opinions, expectations, and the pressure they place on the creative process. Bun Dem Out is the pair’s response: raw, unapologetic, and heavy. Fusing metal energy with jungle rhythms, it pushes back against conformity and reclaims creative control through sound.

With collaboration at the core of Elusive, Potential Badboy invites a handful of artists to appear on multiple tracks. Junior Dangerous appears twice —on both Banger and Dangerous is Dangerous—two powerhouse, floor-shaking tunes, built for peak-time play. Banger blends the energy of the dancefloor with the grit of drum and bass, anchored by an undeniably catchy hook, delivered with unflinching ragga-style panache.

Also making a second appearance on the album are Indigo Reign and Syren Rivers, singing about human nature, community, and trusting your instincts. Their contributions carry the theme of staying strong as a unit in the face of systems that feel as though they’re working against you. The track Life, featuring Blackout JA, Mikey General, Talisman, and Coozie Miller, also tackles these issues—reminding listeners that “love is the only solution to find peace within” and to “Stand up and fight like buffalo soldier.” To give this powerful message space, Potential Badboy creates a mature, grounded production. “The message in the lyrics called for a sound that felt intentional and respectful, and the result is a track that speaks to life’s truths with strength, soul, and experience,” he adds.

This message of standing your ground continues on Dough, where TrueMendous brings her assertive energy, demanding to be paid what she’s owed over stripped-back, hard-hitting production that drives the message home.

The track Five Papers featuring Uncle Nuts is a heartfelt nod to the roots of the scene. Potential Badboy recalls looking up to Uncle Nuts in his youth—watching him run sound systems and shape the local sound culture. Five Papers serves as a tribute, “a way to pay homage to the old school man dem—the pioneers who laid the foundation and inspired my own journey through sound,” he explains.

Staying true to his commitment to honouring the genre’s origins, the album closes with We Are Dangerous featuring the legendary Ragga Twins. Known for their razor-sharp flow and unmistakable energy, Ragga Twins deliver a bold warning to the scene. With a career that includes collaborations with heavyweights like Skrillex, Sammy Virji, and DnB Allstars, their influence is undeniable. “This track is a tribute to their legacy and everything they’ve contributed to the genre. We Are Dangerous is both a celebration of their impact and a nod to the foundation they helped build,” says Potential Badboy.

For Potential Badboy, it’s another chapter in a career that’s been pushing boundaries for over 30 years. From early anthems like Work The Box and Greetings, to his ground-breaking work with SOUR Records alongside Shy FX & T.Power, and later his shift into UKG as Chris Mack (remixing the likes of Shaggy and Mary J. Blige), McFarlane’s output has always been one step ahead. His return to jungle in the 2000s with DJ Hype’s Playaz camp spawned bangers like Play It Kik It, Girlz, and You’re Mine, solidifying his place as one of the most versatile producers in the game.

These days, his independent label Hungry Hill is turning heads too; a platform for authentic, forward-facing jungle that’s already clocked up seven solid releases and earned support from tastemakers including Ray Keith, Molly Collins, Jamie Rodigan, Don Letts and Charlie Tee.




Artist: Potential Badboy 
Title:  Elusive
Release date: 3rd October, 2025
Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings
Catalog Number: TRUD469D
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

When it comes to 'Synchronicities', Inkswel is pretty good at spotting them as he's done it so often and next off the rank is Bloomy Meadows along some names you'll also recognise who want to join in on 'The Passion'.



From the Inkswel/Andre Espeut album 'Synchronicites' (see review HERE) we know that Inkswel is so good at weaving  modern soul, hip-hop, broken beats, some jazz, house and more.  This project with Bloomy Meadows stays true to hip-hop culture throughout the 11 tracks.

UK hip-hop is back even if there's an International supporting cast of that's raided Inkswel's 20 odd year contact book - check this lot out; US legends Lyrics Born and Abstract Rude along with Reggie B (USA), People Without Shoes (USA), Küf Knotz (USA - who we know from 'Glow' - see review HERE), Level Mtindo (Africa), Leonard Charles (NZ), Taiaha (SA), Erin Buku (SA - who we know from 'Listen' - see review HERE) and Kultar Ahluwalia (SA).

At times it's a bit of an ode to ATCQ/Souls Of Mischief/West Coast hip-hop cool and the younger me wouldn't find the potty mouth instances irksome but that's just a small gripe as these guys are more than passionate about their art.

'Passion' is a much over used and mis-used word but not in this case. 



Artist: Bloomy Meadows & Inkswel 
Title: Synchronicities
Release date: 3rd October, 2025
Label : Inner Tribe Records
Catalog Number : ITRLTD09
Format:  Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp  

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Hold on! Jean Jacques Smoothie is on Colour & Pitch! With '2 People' remixes! How exciting is that as a 9 track EP? No duplicitous accusations of YATM being duplcitous here as we all need to get the duo spirit in the remix.



It might surprise you to hear that the original '2 People' came out nearly 25 years ago.  Time has treated the love for the track well in a diso-deep house-synth-pop classic sense.

But as Jean Jacques Smoothie (aka Steve Robson) himself says, "you can't be a 'One Hit Wonder' and not celebrate your one hit!"   And this is just a perfect celebration and perfectly timed. 

JJS kicks off with this own 'Dubwise' version with 'classic' downtempo dub addition of a melodica solo by Rochenko and talk of downtempo - and has already been featured on Saturday's Dubmission show, #1378, WYEP Pittsburg - see HERE,

From dub to ambient extremes with 'The NRG Chillout' version that is so dreamy sublime, you need this for alone.

Does that mean we can ignore the Richard Earnshaw 'Inner Spirit' remixes?   I don't think so with the house vocal and instrumental versions drenched in echos.  

The vocals are by Tara Busch (from a 2011 remix package re-issue) should not to be compared to the original Minnie Riperton sample of the original, when French sample-based disco house was all the rage, as its equally emotional and "spinal shiver sending".

This will 100% be featured in this months' Colour & Pitch Mix: in fact, it's so mesmerizing, it could fill the full hour! See below, sort of, with special guest appearances of, not "Steve from Legal", but Jean Jaques Smoothie himself.




Artist: Jean Jacques Smoothie
Title:2People Remixes EP
Release date: 3rd October, 2025
Label:  Colour and Pitch
Catalog Number: CAP094SDG1
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

If you put together the spirit of Galliano, Urban Species, Brand New Heavies, Roots Manuva, Ty, early Cinematic Orchestra and similar together, Yani's 'Anemoia' isn't too far from that: yes, it's that good! 


So Yarni is a multi-instrumentalist that's absorbs influences and manages to producer more than the sum of the whole - heard it before?  Well tune into this 'Neon God' and tell me I'm wrong. 

There's no surprise that Benjamin Harris (aka Yarni) has got mates like Sheffield-based Franz Von's, Jeff Darko and Plumm to help out as his fan base is already full of the best of BBC 6 Music's DJ's Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan and Deb Grant plus the maverick, Luke 'É Soul CulturaUna.

We've heard the single 'Natural Light' and we know Franz Von from 'We Live' that featured wolf peaches (see review HERE) whilst the hip-hop beats takes us down Brazilian cuica and soul-jazz groove and even as good as the sax matches the lyrics - wait 'till you here 'The Romantic Ghost' featuring Plumm: don't you dare treat her like a nutter!  "Tiger Bay", I say no more.  And whilst it's possibly easy to romanticize this album (no pun etc), it's the overall choice of collaborator that gives the ten tracks such a wide appeal; like the string arrangement on 'Temperature's Rising', featuring Nathaniel Short, although it's a shame it doesn't extend into a full-on 'Roy Ayers' vibes solo 

Talking of jazz-funk, James Atashroo's trumpet-purity turns up on 'Silent City' and 'Spell Is Ovr' which adds to the Balearic-jazz-beach.

Bes Bluma vocals on 'Locked Down' remind me a bit of a Fat Freddy Drop (and also see Louis Baker's 'Keep On' - see review HERE); wonder if they'll be as many remixes for 'Locked Down'?

There's another stunning vocal on 'S.W.A.L.K' by Scarlett Fae (Ed. that's 'sealed with a kiss').

The album ends on his take on Afrobeat with 'Nino' (again with Atashroo at his best) and as the vinyl availabilty is very limited so we'd advise to get your pre-orders in now.



Artist: Yarni
Title: Anemoia 
Release date: 3rd October, 2025
Label : Stanhope Records 
Catalog Number : TBC
Format:  Limited Vinyl LP/CD package / Limited Edition LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Monday, 29 September 2025

For those keeping up with Joseph Malik's 'Proxima Ebony' story, 'Variant Issue', the Nippon diversion via Shuya Okino - and here's the latest twist from Edinburgh as The Oddball Creatives gets on the remix at La Beat Soul Club!



As regular readers will know, YATM has been a big fan of Joseph Malik since his early days on Compost, Altered Vibes/Hundred Strong and most recently on the Ramrock family of labels.  As a duo with Daniel 'Digital Liquid' Walls (aka, the 'Oddball Creatives') they've gone to town (or should that be the soul club?) with a couple of Edinburgh pals.  Well known jazz trumpeter Colin Steele (inc. the Proclaimers) and Steven Christie (keyboards) with new remixes as a and final relese for Joseph on Ramrock Records.

This one is for fans of Pépé Bradock, Moodymann, Peven Everett et al with old skool soul-jazz house: and those with good a memory will recall the a previous jazz collab with Linkwood on 'Miles Away'.

Darren Morris (he of North Street West Studios, Union I & II - see HERE - and more) mixed the Oddball Creatives ‘La Beat Soul Club Tribute’ remix and added additional piano, bass and strings as Joseph's tribute/dedication to his favourite soul club in the world, Edinburgh's ‘La Beat Soul Club’. 

Shout outs to The La Beat DJs, Gavin Elder, Brian Gordon and Ross Wilson’s DJ who  inspired Joseph and Daniel to go home after the club night to reinterpret ‘Adult Contemporary'.

And when Terry Farley (FAITH and much more) "gets it" and has said, "That’s incredible mate. It's the kind of track that reminded me of the 'I Need You’ era, Sylvester mixed with NYC morning music/sleaze that got played at iconic Manhattan clubs like The Saint as the dancers came down off their uppers and the Quaaludes kicked in. The vocal is beautiful, and the mix never takes the turns you expect. To make such a very left field and clever track without losing its core danceability isn’t an easy trick but Joseph’s vocal performance nails it in the most beautiful way”.

Can't argue with that - a great way to start the week - out today!

P.S. Irvine Welsh (Edinburgh notable) likes it too!



Artist: Joseph Malik
Title: Adult Contemporary (Oddball Creatives Remix EP)
Release date: 29th September, 2025
Cat. No: RRR091
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Posted by Gerry Hectic | File under : , , , ,

Fans of Glyn 'Bigga' Bush will know he's likes to play with himself, as a solo artist, with different personalities as Lightning Head, Studio Don and more shades of BiggaBush than you can shake a trip-hop / dancehall / dub / funk stick at.   And that doesn't stop when working with other artists or remixers like this 'Split' EP on a brand new label goes to show.


As regular readers will instantly recognise, James 'Shoes' Hayford from the remixes on 'A Differen Style' EP that came out at the very end of 2022.  His version of 'Sole Sister' is a warped Augusto Pablo electronic dub that's very Steve 'On The Wire' Barker, One Deck Pete & Madtone, Wetherall, Peel, Gökmen (see below) etc: remembering the 'Freevisited' version was much more 'Mary Celeste'-Balearic.

So, after that successful collaboration, it only seemed right that BiggaBush would remix one of James' tracks.  Like many others, James made a name for himself with the 'Shoes Edits' from Kraftwerk to Bohannon to Al Green and loads more; some quite obscure too!  I wonder how he felt letting Bigga reverse the favour but the ambient shuffle dnb of his original 'Flowers Of Thy Womb' lends itself to a deeper dub a la Bigga style.

With both these versions on the New EP, the four track are made up with Biggabush's 'Come To The Cruch' that starts "with a smooth mid-tempo beat, a layered piano groove, and slowly building into a head-nodding chugger".. It ['Come To Crunch'] perfect is so many wasy as it "delivers layers of beefy drums, a slinky bassline, vocal samples, and strings that conclude into a beautiful summertime jam".

So as the honors are evenly shared with a track each and a remix of the otheres' each, this 'Split' is anything but acrimonious and with this much love, expecting more collaborative releases with James Hayford and BiggaBush (Ed. and others?), as well as labels Filtered Deluxe and Tru Thoughts Recordings.

Other BiggaBush info can be had HERE with the interview and the review of 'A Different Style EP' (see HERE) that includes the Hectic Extended version of 'This River' which only the other day, Kerem 'Dubmission' Gökmen described as 'iconic' on his show 28.09.25 (and featured in the 'I blame the Coal Board mix').   

Artwork[Collage]: Brian Covet
Artwork[Design]: Brian Covet


Artist: James Hayford & BiggaBush
Title: Split EP
Release date:26th September, 2025
Label : Filtered Deluxe Recordings
Catalog Number: FDRV01
Format: Digital / Bandcamp