Review: DFRA - Give Me (inc. Masaki Morii Remix) (Trusted Rhythm Records)

More amazing 'Jazz-funk-Afro house, Not Jazz-funk-Afro house' as Trusted Rhythm Records add three more great tracks to the 'must play' list!

Somewhat like their lastest releases, Jean-Jez's 'Deep Trent' (see review HERE), Msizee Laroja's 'Musu'Kuyenza' featuriing Biikie (with Laroye Remixes) but what with Yuu's Beats Sculpture (with Coflo Remix) (see review HERE), Trusted Rhythm are like to explore different dancefloor co-efficents like here we have George Bension guitar jazzy guitar licks, jazz-funk keys and deep house soul.

But wait for the galloping horse (Ed. isn't it the year of the horse?) as on the remix, Tokyo-based Masaki Morii with "trademark Afro-percussive touch" so 'Give Me' gets harder.

And just for good measure, the bonus track 'Better' is like a cosmic keys version with some funkin' bass going on.

This takes DFRA to next level (after 'The Human Discard' EP - see review HERE) 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (27th Feb 2026): DFRA - Give Me on Traxsource

Artist: DFRA, Masaki Morii 

Title: Give Me

Release date: 13th March, 2026

Label: Trusted Rhythm Records

Cat. No: TRR031

Format:  Digital

Review: Various - DJ Amir presents Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit Vol 2 (BBE Music)

DJ Amir returns to his favourite dig of a gold mine with the back catalogue of Strata Records for, 'DJ Amir presents Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit Vol 2' which is enough of a clue for you to know that your need this.  

Of course, this assumes that not only you have Vol. 1 but also all the other Strata releases or indeed, Amir's 'revival' 180 Proof Records and that have been co-released with BBE over the past 13 years.

DJ Amir started out in Boston and was 50% of Kon & Amir 20 odd years ago and compiling BBE's 'Off Track Volume one: Bronx' and 'Off Track Volume Two: Queens' in 2007/8 before Amir emerced himself in Strata Records; "Detroit’s independent Black-owned music movement, and the city’s enduring influence as a global centre for innovative music and culture".

So, 23 tracks in Vol. 1 is augmented by a further 14 tracks in Vol. 2 and you can imagine the issues a guy who has the exclusive license rights to the legendary Strata Records back-catalogue would face with artists like, Charles Mingus (an Alt. take of 'Dizzy Profile' at 12 minutes long - so not the one on 5 LP set, 'Jazz In Detroit - Strata Concert Gallery, 46 Selden' from 2018), a couple of jazz-funkers by Lyman Woodard (not the classic 'Saturday Night Special as that was on Vol. 1 - and don't forget the Jazzanova 're-work' of 'Saturday Night Special' with Kai Alcé Ndatl and DJ Amir & Re.Decay Remixes), John Coltrane's even more classic 'Naima' as a jazzdance fusion by Maulaw, Herbie style fusion with The Contempoary Jazz Quintet (both tracks are full-on, especially 12 minutes of 'Unknown Track #3'), Larry Nozwero with some Latin flute gang biz 'Reflections Of My Past' and 'Samba de Romance' by Kenny Cox.

So whilst Detroit was more known for Motown's soul hits at the time, Strata representing here with Keith Boone & Janice Coomes ('Let Me Be The One') together with The Soulmates ('Sexy Mama' and 'I'm Really Going To Miss You'), 'The Sound Of Detroit Vol. 2' is proof that it had its own "deep jazz, funk and avent-garde traditions" as well as Chicago's Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians/The Art Ensemble Of Chicage down the (Territorial) road.

As essential as Vol. 1 for diggers "diving into the funkier, groovier, avant-garde edges" whether they be Charles Mingus completist or a DJ after some rare soul-jazz big band (Ron English's 'Ultima Linda' is out-there!) - a 2026 must have.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: DJ Amir presents Strata Records-The Sound of Detroit Vol 2

Release date: 6th March, 2026

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE787LP 

Format: LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi - Whispers Of Rain (Live)

It was only a couple of years ago that Alina Bzhezhinska told us, "Thanks! You got us, totally."  Well, with this new live combo with Tony Kofi and Tulshi, I think we can return he favour and say the same - spiritual soul-jazz totally!

The combination of Alina & Tulshi's 'Whispers Of Rain' (see review HERE) and with Tony Kofi, 'Anima' (see review HERE), this is 7 track album coming out the day before their live 'presentation' at the Vortex Jazz Club tomorrow (7th March) must make it the hottest ticket in (London) town!

And this "re-imagined live" album of the previous studio album, co-written with Ibiza-based producer Tulshi is more intense sense of emotion that comes from the depth of the seven tracks as "captured in an intimate live setting, this record is shaped by the unique chemistry between two master improvisers".

I wouldn't like to highlight any track being better than another (OK. then, twist my arm, the title track, 'Across The Sea' and 'Warm Days, Cold Nights') as Alina and Tony seem to be such a perfect match as their mastery of the harp and sax reflect so beautifully titles like 'Whispers Of Rain', 'Across The Sea' and 'Warm Days, Cold Nights'.

So, whether you can see them live on the forthcoming tour or not, this is a must have album; and have a safe 'Journey Home'!

Live Dates

10/02/2026 Altera Vita, Italy Tour
26/02/2026 2 Day Altera Vita Duo, Live Recording @ NDR Hamburg, Germany
07/03/2026 Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi @ Vortex Jazz Club, London
13/03/2026 Alina Bzhezhinska Trio @ B:Music Birmingham
2/05/2026 HipHarpCollective @ Bray International Jazz Festival, Ireland
28/05/2026 Alter Vita Trio @ Epsom Jazz Club
25-27/09/2026 HipHarpCollective @ Scarborough Jazz Festival

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Whispers of Rain (Live) | Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi | AlinaHipHarp

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi 

Title: Whispers of Rain (Live)

Release date: 6th March, 2026

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : TRU482D 

Format: Digital Bandcamp  

Review: Saucy Lady - Why [Tugboat Editions] (Star Creature)

Any boatman on a tug is on the look out for a Saucy Lady (Ed. in days of yore) but this Tugboat Edition by the Saucy Lady herself begs the question and answer, who? and 'Why'?

This Saucy Lady is Tokyo-raised, Boston-Based DJ, vocalist and songwriter who may or may not remember when the Carly Simon worldwide hit came out in 1989.  And you can immediately hear why she would want to add her mark on a cover version of 'Why'; one being, her vocal is very similar to Carly's and another, did we all forget that this was a track producer, arranged and conducted by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards that included a Chic instrumental version.

I'm not sure she needed her classic training to spot that Chic's 'I Want Your Love' fits the instrumental perfectly (for more info on Nile Rodgers and his 'money-maker' riff, it's not a bad lessons to dig out) but this is another great addition to the 12 releases already on Tim Zawada's Star Creature label and more on other disco/boogie focused labels like Razor'N'Tape, Midnight Riot, Big Love along with her own Dippin' Records label.

And not only is Star Creature hot with this release, co-head honcho Tim Zawada's hot all summer long in Chicago as is his latest radio show on OpenLab.

OpenLab:  Star Creature Vibes Radio - Tim Zawada HERE

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: 

Artist: Saucy Lady

Title:  WHY - Tugboat Editions 

Release date: 5th March, 2026

Label : Star Creature

Catalog Number : TBE725

Format: 7" Vinyl  / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Peter Matson & JKriv - Facile EP (Favorite Recordings)

Favorite Recordings are upping the disco game on every release it seems as multi-instrumentalist Peter Matson and seasoned DJ/producer/record label owner JKriv get together with the Ibibio Sound Machine to get hard on the new 'Facile' EP with, no less than a Yuksek remix! 

It's not that long ago that Razor-N-Tape exile Diogo Strausz released his new album 'Dance Para Se Salvar' (see review HERE) on the Paris based label Favorite Recordings but to find that Peter Matson has checked out of his Bastard Jazz 'Hotel PM' (see review HERE) along with Razor-N-Tape's "doorman", JKriv (last seen with 'Intuition' EP - see review HERE) is a bit of a surprise to say the least, it's not like they're underappreciated?

But wait until you hear the track 'Underappreciated' (this is the one that features Ibibio Sound Machine (as featured on Joi n' Juno - see review HERE) as it's like a re-discofied Grace Jones in her 'Pull Up To My Bumper' prime   Perhaps it because it evolved in JKriv's Brooklyn studio as a combination of live instruments and that je ne sais pas!

The Yusek remix keep it sounds like it comes from the birth of 'Ring My Bell' disco  - don't even think  'Underappreciated'.

The EP is rounded off with the track 'Facile' (featuring Olivya) and 'Over Suffa' (featuring Samy Love) each of which would make equally impressive lead tracks.  Samy Love (from Cameroon) sings in French on a Afro-boogie-funk groove with a bit of rockin' guitar thrown in like the cool that is Frank Biyong (he of 'Radio Masoda' - see review HERE).

'Facile' is also sung in French and is close enough a racey Chic to get loads of European club and radio plays.

Recommend you order quick as this is totally the opposite of 'Facile' and 'Underappreciated'!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (Vinyl): Peter Matson & JKriv - Underappreciated ft. Ibibio Sound Machine

Artist: Peter Matson & JKriv 

Title:  Facile EP 

Release date: 6th March, 2026

Label : Favorite Recordings

Catalog Number :FVR204

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Gratts - BSBF: Selected Reworks (Be Strong Be Free)

"Belgian producer Gratts drops a package of reinterpretations from his Be Strong Be Free imprint, showing off the label's collaborative, open-hearted spirit."

 

This has a strong flavour of NuNorthern Soul meets Ramrock Red for easy dancefloor grooves.

Alex Kassian sets the tone with a lush, chugging instrumental of 'Sun Circles', followed by Fennec's rolling, floor-ready re-chug of 'Better Days'.

Terry Farley & Wade Teo (he of tthe Wade Teo remixes - see review HERE) deliver a classic 90s Sound Factory-style overhaul of 'Off My Feet, while 'Submerge Me' dives into raw, hypnotic percussion.

Conrad McDonnell (50% of Idjut Boys) adds heavyweight dub depth to 'Jour De Fete' before we get a full instrumental of breezy, dubbed out disco cut 'Nuit De Fievre' whilst Southpaw flips 'Euphoria' into "tender, emotive trip-hop".

The perfect start to the week and remember, 'Be Strong, Be Free'.

 

BUY LINK / PRE- ORDER:  https://www.juno.co.uk/products/gratts-bsbf-selected-reworks-alex-kassian-terry-farley-vinyl/1124051-01/

 

 

Artist: Gratts 

Title: BSBF: Selected Reworks 

Release date: 2nd March, 2026
Label : Be Strong Be Free
Catalog Number : TBC
Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital  

Review: Thomas Blondet - Again & Again (Rhythm & Culture Music)

Washington DC based DJ and producer Thomas Blondet presents 'Again & Again', a deeply musical album rooted in timeless dancefloor culture. Drawing from decades of experience as a DJ, producer, and label founder, the album reflects a sound shaped by longevity, groove, and emotional depth.

Across the project, Blondet collaborates with a distinguished group of vocalists and artists, including Arnold Jarvis, Eric Kupper, Michelle Rivera, Will “Reelsoul” Rodriguez, Leyla Chatti, and Andi Hanako. Each collaboration adds a distinct voice while maintaining a cohesive musical identity rooted in soul, groove, and restraint.

Blondet has been DJing since the late 1980s and is a long-standing resident at Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington, DC, where he has held a residency since 1999. That foundation informs 'Again & Again' — a body of work built with patience, warmth, and an understanding of how music moves people over time.

The album is anchored by the focus track 'Déjà Vu' featuring Joran Danielle Harris, a hypnotic and soulful cut driven by lush chords, steady rhythm, and evocative vocals that capture the feeling of familiarity and return. The song sets the tone for an album that explores love, memory, and creative renewal — the cycles that draw listeners back again and again.

Stand-out tracks a plenty, including 'Blue Birds' (featuring Ammoye and Rise Ashen) as the twelve track explores "late-night atmospheres" with instrumental "to deeply expressive vocal tracks".

'Again & Again' stands as a confident statement from an artist whose credibility has been earned through time, consistency, and global connection. It is both a personal reflection and a continuation of Thomas Blondet’s enduring commitment to music that resonates beyond trends and lives on the dance floor.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER VINYL: https://sym.ffm.to/againandagain

Title: Thomas Blondet

Title: Again & Again 

Release date: 6th March, 2025

Label : Rhythm & Culture Music

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Gastek & L.D.F. feat. Dmitri SFC - 'Iremember' [Gari Romalis / Javonntte] (Morris Audio)

"All night, by the bassline" you'll be dancing to 'Detroit Mixes' on the new EP on Morris Audio as 'Iremember' gets the Gari Romalis / Javonntte treatment.

Already off to a fine start for the new year, Wearing Shoes' 'In The Mist' EP (see review HERE) but this month sees them remembering the 2012 release on 12" by Gastek & L.D.F. on the 'Citysport Edition' with remixes that time by Washerman on a 'garage tip' and Demetrio Giannice.   

This time round, we remember house soundsystem culture - 3 turntables, 4 bags of records .... dancing all night - in a Detroit way.

The original version has certainly been synth-pumped up as the Gari Romalis Electronix Remix and there's two variants of Javonntte; 'Ultra Mix' (the vocal edit) and 'Demo Edit' (the dub mix).

If you remember 'Detroit', you'll love this love letter to the dancefloor/radio waves on the edge of the vastness of electronic great lake sounds and all set for MOVEMENT!

BUY LINK: https://morrisaudio.bandcamp.com/

/

Artist: Gastek & L.D.F. feat. Dmitri SFC

Title: Iremember (Detroit Mixes) EP
Release date: 27th February, 20266
Label :Morris Audio 
Catalog Number: MA13
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

------------------------------------------------------------------

PS. Thinking Allowed BBC Radio 4 ·17 Feb 2026 27 mins - Gentrification in Detroit and London (Seven Dials)

Thinking Allowed - Gentrification in Detroit and London - BBC Sounds]

Review: re:ni & BiggaBush - Uprising Space Bass Dubplate (Ilian Tape)

There's loads of examples of musical acorns not falling far from trees and these two, re:ni (aka Lauren Bush) and her drum/percussion obsessed Dad, Glyn 'Bigga' Bush are ideal for investigating the roots of electronic dub - in space of course!

Almost 3 years to the day after the release of re:in's 'BeautySick' (see review HERE) the combo of re:ni and BiggaBush emerge from of the shadows of post-dubstep dark electronic d'n'b and take the Krautrock space ship to check out Sun Ra and King Tubby?

And the 'Bass Is The Place' is indeed the place to be with it's deep spaceship synth contrails that form into downtempo drum patterns to gets you into another worldly place.

Mastered in Munich, this EP is deep in the echo chamber catacombs like 'Mae Uprising' with bouncy beats and whilst various knob effects whilst 'BigLozTek' forces it's way through the techno/Trans Europe Express embankments.

Dad's favourite MC and very long time collaborator, Farda P gets the call for 'Death By Dubplate' which reminds us of Bigga's Rockers Hi-Fi days and 'Mish Mash' that was re-issued last year (see review HERE).

So more evidence that BiggaBush is still master of the mixing desk and you'll remember re:ni was mentioned in our big interview/catch up with BiggaBush (see HERE) and had a long running radio show on NTS (see HERE) focusing on "Forward-thinking sounds from across the bass spectrum" whilst Bigga is showing yet another 'Different Style' (see review HERE) along with his long running monthly radio show on 1BTN called, appropriately, Bigga's Big Dig (see https://1btn.fm/dj/glyn-bigga-bush/).

All recommended!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://www.junodownload.com

Artist: re:ni & BiggaBush
Title: Uprising Space Bass Dubplate
Release Date : 26th February, 2026
Label : Ilian Tape

Catalog Number : TTX042
Format: Vinyl - 180g Heavyweight 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

PS. Don't forget the Farda P - Catfood Supachunka ('Wolverhampton' Edit)

Rockers Hi-Fi - Going Under [!K7]

 

Review: Alcides Neto - Amú (Music In Exile)

Music In Exile have found another Brazilian multi-instrumentalist that's fallen in love down under with Alcides Neto's album, 'Amú'.

We love a new Brazilian superstar, whether it be from the regional models of Gilberto Gil, Tom Zé, Milton Nascimento, Seu Jorge or even the Naarm/Melbourne influenced Don Glori (he of 'Paper Can't Wrap Fire' - see review HERE).  

Well, who knew that Alcides Neto was on said album, 'Paper Can't Wrap Fire' albeit in a limited role.  So it was great to hear the singer/songwriter's single 'Canforá' that's set the the pulses racing with it's Rio-cool soul/jazz easy groove.

Having said that, we're told Neto grew up in the distinctly none coastal São Paulo and you get the idea of his influences when Alcides explains “'Canforá' comes from the camphor tree. My grandma used to keep camphor leaves soaking in ethanol next to her bed and would offer it to me for lots of different purposes. The lyrics playfully talk about how powerful camphor is and how it can heal anything. Like many of my compositions, this one is also inspired by my grandmother.”  

This all sounds a little 'Hermeto Pascoal' but that's no bad thing as on ''Carmariô' the percussion moves ya feet and the sax frees the soul (guaranteed to be coming to 'Another Sunday Afternoon at Dingwalls' soon).  And even though Neto says that the eight track album is aimed to "capture the simplicity of childhood", tracks like 'Ari, Serigio, Melo, Marco, merda' do hark to the sound to a non-Portuguese speaker like me of troubled/exiled 60s Tropicália (Caetano Veloso, Nara Leão, Gal Costa, Os Mutantes et al), especially 'Darebin' (probably?) and the magical 'Chão'.

In fact, theres's more than a couple percussive and Latin jazz-funk dance vibe tracks like 'Essa Noite',  'Chão' and 'Amuleto' which, of course, I'm going to say are too short: and you can bet they're going to get more than a few remix requests down at Music In Exile HQ for these tracks.

But wait for it,the modal/almost instrumental jazzer that completes the album, 'Role de Imigrante', is the best of the lot as it showcases the whole band even more than the rest of the album. 

And for an album that inspired by 'childhood', this is a most mature album with its release perfectly timed for his appearance at WOMADelaide Festival in Adelaide on 6th-9th March. Not currently on the WOMAD 2026 Line-up (Lineup 2026) but there's more to be annonced so you never know.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://xelon.ffm.to/amu

Artist:  Alcides Neto 

Title: Amú

Release date: 27th February, 2026

Label : Music In Exile

Catalog Number : TBC

Format:  12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp  

Alcides Neto - guitar, percussion and vocal
Ben Vanderwal - drums
Cheryl Durongpisitkul - saxophone
Hong Yang - piano
Mestre Val Boa Morte - percussion
Steve Hornby - double bass
Yael Zamir - flute

All tunes written by Alcides Neto.