Andy Stott “It Should Be Us”
I have been a longtime fan of Andy Stott’s signature dark, moody, slow and rugged approach to techno music since his first EP’s in the mid 2000’s on the Modern Love label. More than 10 years later, the Manchester-based producer still calls the same label home. After only a couple …
Durand Jones & the Indications “Dead Oceans/Colemine Records”
On Morning In America, a well-built stretch of songwriting delivered by the gruff and forthright vocals of Durand Jones, we see, smell and feel the incorrectness going in society at large today. This antiquated soul composition could easily be a lost Bobby Womack anthem. American Love Call is the sound …
RAS_G & The Afrikan Space Program “Dance of the Cosmos” (Akashik Records)
When Ras G mentioned in 2016 his “Gospel Of The God Spell” beat tape was a result of two brisk weeks of him running through the Gospel section of the “Wrecka Stow” he works at, making quick freestyle beats on his “Bluntch” breaks, using his Space Program 303. It characterized …
SEED Ensemble “Driftglass”
The latest release from London-based Jazz Re:Freshed label comes from a collective featuring some of the best musicians from the region including tuba player Theon Cross (Sons of Kemet), trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey (KOKOROKO), Joe Armon-Jones (Ezra Collective) and others. Led by alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi, also of KOKOROKO and Nerija, …
Various Artists “The Groove Stage Vol.1” (A Tribute To Sophbeck)
Brand new compilation on the Leicester based label ‘’The Groove Stage’’. More than a focus on the label, what we have here is a musical tribute to Sophbeck, a local club and underground institution where the label held a night for 5 years strong before it closed down. Judging by …
Angel Bat Dawid “The Oracle”
Incredibly special cassette/digital album from the Chicago-based “composer, clarinetist, singer & spiritual jazz soothsayer”. A project full of warmth, experimentation and emotion, recorded solo for the most part, at home in Chicago or impromptu on tour in London & Capetown, straight to cell phone. Melodious clarinet riffing, pianos, overdubbing, singing …
Swindle “No More Normal” (Brownswood)
Anyone in North America who needs a 30-minute snapshot of what is popping off sonically TODAY in multicultural Britain needs to buy the new Swindle record. Seriously. In 11 songs, this London-raised producer, scores a soundtrack to the most diverse and influential music scene that consistently supplies the world with …
Ill Considered “5” + “6”
These two essential new albums from jazz supergroup ILL CONSIDERED, recorded little more than a year after their first, intended to be listened to together, showcase the group’s rapid development. Leon Brichard on electric & upright bass, Idris Rahman on tenor sax and now bass clarinet (with devastating effect on …
DJ Sotofett “Dub Off” (Honest Jons)
In chatting with Lexis on this release, we both agreed that Sotofett’s work has reached a buy-on-sight status. Dub Off, now sold out on Juno, is probably my favorite release from him – not an easy thing to say. The reason, it’s the most direct production from the producer I’ve …