Review: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise - Grow (Independent)

At last spring has arrived for Küf Knotz & Chri
stine Elise as thier lastest album, 'Grow' has be released to give new life to independent hip-hop.

We've been following the previous single releases from the duo with 'Inner G' / 'Clean' (see review HERE), 'Somewhere' / 'Patience' (see review HERE), 'Yü' / 'Cascade' (see review HERE) and the last album, 'Hypnagogia' (see review HERE) so now we have a further 11 tracks.

And it doesn't take long before we get more hot box goodness with 'Altitude' featuring Marv Ellis' and 'Worldy Water' as they follow the theme, incase you've not got it yet, that's following  the "metamorphosis of both plants and humans" on the circle of life and germination from 'Seeds' to 'Peace Of Mind'.

Having reached their 4th album with 'Grow', Küf (Producer/MC) and Christine (Harpist/Vocalist) have designed thier own back-yard plot that can be transfered to any part of the world.  Even then, 'Cascade' is one of the stand out tracks as the pair complement each other so well and when the world needs "joy, peace, love" more than ever, 'Clean' is the message; they do come from "The City of Brotherly Love" after all.

Tracks funk and bap with space synths like 'Patches', 'Magnetic' and the finisher (or should that be starter?), 'Seeds'.

If your a window sill gardener or commercial farmer, there's always something new to learn in the garden of life; and 'Grow' is new growth for spring this year.

Artist: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise

Title: Grow

Release date: 7th March, 2025

Label: Independent

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: Digital

Review: Odario X Mad Professor - The Situation ft. Yolanda Sargeant (Round Hill)

A Canadian rapper that isn't Drake! Hip-Hop artist, poet and storyteller (well it is world book day after all) teams up with UK dub legend Mad Professor and Yolanda Sargeant on 'The Situation' that puts 'em in the light in a dancin' mood.

For fans of Prince Fatty, The Soothsayers, Richie Phoe (did he move to Canada at some stage?), Taggy Matcher, Mungo's Hi-Fi and all those that have a open mind to reggae and dub productions, including the Mad Professsor himself; Pete Lawrence told me a long story last year of how his introduced Edward II & The Red Hot Polkas to the Mad Professor to remix their 'hit', 'Bjorn Again Polka' but I'll leave that for another day.

No surprise than that 'The Situation' a-sides gets a masterclass of a remix that'll raise the spirits for any dubsters; as he says, "Dub music is a natural creation. Analog is our only sound. We don’t know nothing else"

It'll be cool if this got an old skool 12" Disco mix version but either way, this will get you in a dancing mood from the start.

BUY LINK: The Situation

Artist: Odario X Mad Professor

Title: The Situation ft. Yolanda Sargeant

Release date: 7th March, 2023

Label: Round Hill

Cat. No: TBC

Format:  Digital  

Review: Şatellites - Aylar (Batov Records)

At first I thought, a tribute to Albert Ayler?  But no, this is 'Aylar', Turkish for "moons" or "months" (sometimes words have more than one meaning) but even Albert would get excited of these 10 tracks in global Turkish psych-funk.

We first came across Şatellites a couple of years ago on the compilation 'Middle Eastern Grooves'  on Batov Records (see review HERE) but they are now a fully fledged band that tours (Ed. In them flares?) with a space-mod-out there vibe; like I say Albert would love to jam along to this.

At times they can sound prog-rock like Jethro Tull, 'Bak, Gör' or quite poppy, 'Tisladi Mehmet Emmi' or traditional folk-psych-grunge 'Yok Yok'.  You can see why DJ's as far apart as BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson and Seattle's KEXP had them in session after their first album tfrom 2022.

And now they're even better!  'Gizli Ajan' is amazingly like a Incredible Bongo Band vs. The Tornados and with vocals Rotem Bahar on 'Midnight Sweat'.  Whilst instrumentals like 'Hot Jazz' are typical and easier to say than the Rotem tracks, at time she can hold some Plant-like phrasing whilst the band touch on 'Kashmir' showing that there's more to this band than the next Altin Gün or Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek hype.

It so happens Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek have their own album out next week, 'Yarin Yoksa', but don't overlook 'Aylar' as these guys are at the cutting edge; not only in trouser length - or you could even say, "over the moon!"

Artist: Şatellites

Title: Aylar

Release date: 7th March, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: Limited LP / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Various Artists - The Best of Asona Records (Asona / BBE Music)

After releasing 15 albums from the Asona catologe, BBE have decided to release a compilation of the 'Best Of', 'Classic 90's Burger Highlife From Ghana'.

A mere 14 tracks as there's no Paa Jude from the recently released 'Seaman Jolly' (see review HERE - and obviously slated for Vol. 2 of Best Of), it's not an easy job to compile this one.

The story of Asona,  founded in the mid-80s in Peckham, South East London and the 'finding' of the lost tapes in the garden shed has been detailed in reviews of previous releases on YATM. 

Indeed, many of your favourites are featured on the album that's crammed with the sunshine sounds of 'Burger' like Thomas Frempong, Eric Aguemand and his Kokoroko Band, Sam Yeboah, A.K. Yeboah & K.K's No. 2 Band (with the best of the best, 'Make Me Know My Position'), Kantata and more.

This is the ideal pick me up for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) sufferers craving sounds of West African dancefloor footwork.  And as a 'Best Of', it's definitely a 100% accurate title and perfect in so many way for 2025; and this is my position!

Artist: Various Artists

Title: The Best of Asona Records

Release date: 7th March, 2025

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE791

Format:  LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: London Afrobeat Collective - My Way (Kiko Navarro Remixes) (Canopy Records)

If you're like me and think, "London Afrobeat Collective, I've heard of them before", you'd be right if you follow is you've heard the album 'Esengo' that came out last year or seen them at their many festival appearances throughout Europe: they've even played at theFela's legendary Shrine in Lagos!

So how exciting to find out that there's a release of their track 'My Way' (Ed. no, not that one) with Kiko Navarro on the remix.   Having already had their 'Topesa Esengo Na Motema'  remixed by Bosq/Patchworks and Violaaa remixed 'Freedom' but 'My Way' is so good that YATM regular Kiko Navarro has been let loose on "his style" of funky Afrobeat disco. 

At a time when Afro-funk legends Cymande release a new album, I feel that Kiko Navarro will be getting a call elsewhere for remix work on the back of this one as he's definitely got his fingers on the Discoterraneo buttons with 3 versions; did you see what he's done there?  Kiko, the force behind his own Afroterraneo label (check it out HERE).

You may recall that Kiko Navarro was a fan of Joi N' Juno's 'Samemala' album on Canopy (see review HERE) and Canopy might bring out a rule that he's duty bound to remix everything they release.  Lets all do it 'My (Kiko's) Way'.

Artist: London Afrobeat Collective
Title:  My Way (Kiko Navarro Remixes) 
Release date: 28th February, 2025
Label : Canopy Records
Catalog Number : CNPY - TBC
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: VA - If Music presents: You Need This! A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 4 compiled by Jean​-​Claude (BBE Music)

If you didn't know 'You Need This!', the fact that this is 'A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 4 compiled by Jean​-​Claude' is a big clue that you do.

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) and this new compilation, is a deep dig into the jazz vaults of the spiritual and dance.

We know UMO Jazz Orchestra from 

Kerkko Koskinen, Linda Fredriksson & UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra's 'Agatha 2' (see review HERE) and the opening track is them and one of the best known Finnish jazz musicans Eero Koivistoinen with a deep orchestral OST fluter 'Kaamos'.   

This opener really sets the tone for a typical 180 degree turn to 'N'kon Kini N'Kon N'Kon' by Ginger Baker; yes, the original 'Ginger Spice' (Ed. or should that be 'Ginger Nut'?), he of Cream, Baker Gurvitz and, in this context, mate of Fela Kuti.  Here's is Mr Baker's small tribute to The Shine before Eko Kuango gets cookin' on 'Na Mawaso'.  Another big name is Dollar Brand (aka Abullah Ibrahim) who joined his then wife, (Salthima) Bea Benjamin on the modal mid-70s jazz backroom monster 'Africa'.

Still in the spirit of Africa, Phavia Kujichagulia's love poem to the dancefloor 'Fancy Footwork' is a perfect example of her Carib meets Gil Scot-Heron 'Jazzological Muse-oetry' [Ed. Note to self to investigate further].

Talking of dancefloors, Lonnie Smith's organ has graced many but perhaps not so much the title track of 'All In My Mind', the one with Smith in a turban on the cover looking far into the distance.

Now well over two decades of 'If Music', regular fans will not be surprised that the 9 selections are a varied and eclectic mix; the Celtic tembre of 'Croonardise' (Kan Digor) may not resonate, (unless you know your Rufus Harley) with the jazz-rock phreak out of Five Times Six or the last track, with a nod to J-Jazz label mates Higgins/Peden, Japanese Drummer George Hirota's 'Process Of Cloud'! 

And much like the recent compilation on BBE, Paul Hillery presents Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours Volume 3 (see review HERE), Jean-Claude has a knack on hearing tracks that you didn't know that you needed, but the only way to solve that is to get 'You Need This! A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 4 (and all the others in the series).

Artist: Various Artists
Title: If Music presents: You Need This! A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 4 compiled by Jean​-​Claude 
Release date: 28th February, 2025
Label : BBE Music
Catalog Number : BBE676
Format: 2xLP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Charles Petersohn - Children Of Zu Zu (Short Version) (Compost Records)

To give it the full title, 'Children of Zu Zu' featuring Roberto Di Giola and the People of Tla'aga Samoa (Short Version), it's time that folks got to know Charles Petersohn.

We know Roberto Di Gioia from his collaboration with Peter Kruder (see review HERE) and the peoples of Samoa have a huge history but this is producer/DJ/Singer Charles Petersohn's first release in 18 years!

Having absorbed, take a deep breath, "Smooth deep house, different kinds of jazz and jazznotjazz, african rhythms, Brasil batucada, psychedelic funk poetry, inspired by Dr. John and most of all the space music and afrofuturist philosophy of Sun Ra and his Arkestra" this track is true to all these influences - the only problem, this is the 'Short Version'.

With echoes of Lonnie Liston Smith's 'Space Princess' on a visit to Jimi Tenor's Philophon studios with a touch of ragas going on, it's almost transglobal; but in a 'Compost Records' underground way.

We say, bring on the 'Long Version', we'll update you as soon as he get notificaiton. 

P.S. Also featured first track on Colour & Pitch Sessions February mix

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - February 2025

Artist: Charles Petersohn

Title: Children Of Zu Zu 

Release date: 28th February, 2025

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT648-5

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Subverse - Set Free (One51 Recordings)

Subverse might sound punk/death/dark bass but you'd be surprisd as One51 Recordings newest release is full of R&B/soul and some great vocals.

So who exactly are Subverse?  Alex Pascal, (co-founder/producer songwriter of The Layabouts) and vocalist Maddy Collins have re-ignited Richard Earnshaw's Duffnote label off-shoot One51 Recordings (an enterprise Earnshaw and Daniel Jones set up).

For a quick(ish) 101 on One51, check out 'Decade 2003-2013' compiled and mixed by the team which is so "Gilles Peterson Golden era" in parts, that's one major DJ that going to be supporting 'Set Free'. 

You'll recall, the One51 track 'Bring Me To Your Life' feauring Heidi Vogel, was selected by Cyndi and Christian (aka The Handson Family) for their BBE, 'You Need This! An Introduction to the Handson Family compilation (see review HERE). 

'Bring Me To Your Life' came out in 2004 so don't wait for twenty years before 'Set free' is discovered for an overlooked classic.

Whilst Alex and Maddy can perform as an acoustic duo, 'Set Free' has a strong lyrical content and comes over most powerfully as the downtempo 'Artworx Edit' with Earnshaw at the controls.  'Free Flow Vibe Mix' get heavy on the organ and conga's for a dancefloor dub-out (Ed. old skool Talking Loud/Galliano influenced perhaps?)

Apparently there's a Subverse version as a band planned so expect to see them giging soon, perhaps at a Gilles Peterson currated festival soon.

Artist: Subverse

Title:  Set Free 

Release date: 28th February, 2025

Label : One51 Recordings

Catalog Number : OF027

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Hot 8 Brass Band - Big Tuba (Tru Thoughts Recordings)

Hot 8 Brass Band have a long history with a cover version and 'Big Tuba' gives you a full blast of New Orlean's Mardi Gras!

Grammy-winning Hot 8 Brass Band’s first new project since 2019, featuring previously released singles “Big Tuba”, their cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Fight Song” and focus track “Let’s Stay Together”. This 10-track album delves into the traditional jazz heritage of their hometown of New Orleans, available digitally, on CD and vinyl. The vinyl release includes a special 3-colour A-Side/B-Side vinyl, a 12” poster insert, and an exclusive 7” featuring the final album track, Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”, and the bands iconic cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing (Bossman Edit)”, making it’s vinyl debut. 

Funnily enough I was talking to label boss Robert Luis at the We Out Here Festival lasts year about how they got to do a cover of The Special's 'Ghost Town' which may be why it's not on this album but check out what is!

Artist:  Hot 8 Brass Band 
Title: Big Tuba
Release date: 28th February, 2024
Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings
Catalog Number  TRU462D
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: RAH & The Ruffcats - Wake Up (Yoruba Soul Mixes) (Sonar Kollektiv)

Back with our sun god RAH & The Ruffcats, the  party goes from 'Orile To Berlin' to Africa as always superb Osunlade gives us four Yoruba Soul mixes that'll bring heat way beyond this summer.

You'll recall Sonar Kollekitv released the album, 'Orile To Berlin' last year (see review HERE) as RAH is originally from Orile, Lagos who had joined up with supergroup backing band, The Ruffcats (from Berlin).

More recently there was the Kid Fonque 'Refix' remix of the track 'Rodeo' (as selected for last months' Colour & Pitch Session mix - see below) but the label has gone the extra mile, something Osunlade has done regularly throughout his career) with 'Wake Up' in instrumental and vocals versons of 'Wake Up (They Are The People Of The Myths)' featuring the Afro-space futurism poety King Khan as Yoruba Soul and Club Mixes.

If you know King Khan, "Berlin's garage rock legend", don't worry as we are firmly in the Afrobeat world of dancefloor funk with the warning to 'Wake Up' and if I was pushed, I think I prefer the pecussive heavy mellowed out ruff(cat)ness, if that's not a contradiction, of the Yoruba Soul Instrumental but all three tracks are powerful.

So different to the label's Jono McCleery album 'Reconcile' (see review HERE) or Leon Raum's album (see review HERE) but that's why we love 'em as you never know what they are going to do next.

P.S. A little birdy tells me 'next' will be something very special from Jazzanova - Can't wait! 

 

Title: RAH & The Ruffcats 

Title: Wake Up (Yoruba Soul Mixes)

Release date: 27th February, 2025

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK510D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp