Crucial Material – October 26th, 2020

Hope you are doing well and that some of these records will make your day!

Here are our favorite EP’s, Albums and Reissues of the past week. As always we encourage you to buy digital or physical releases if you discover a release you love. Support artists and labels!

JAZZ

Azymuth, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad — Jazz Is Dead 004

Legendary Brazilian jazz-funk and fusion band Azymuth have teamed up with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad to release the fourth album in the Jazz Is Dead series. Strongly recapturing the vibe of their seventies-era sound, the group nicely blends jazz-funk grooves, with psychedelic and cosmic tones, wah-wah guitar and warm analog keys melodies, backed by Brazilian-influence rhythms and percussion.
— Selected by TJ Gorton

Kahil El’Zabar — Kahil El’Zabar’s America the Beautiful

Just in time for the US Presidential election, legendary percussionist Kahil El’Zabar’s brilliant new album addresses the state of America today, while being hopeful for the future. Leading a string quartet and an ensemble featuring Corey Wilkes, Tomeka Reid, Harriet Bluiett (last recording) and others, this album includes spiritual jazz renditions of Charles Wright’s “Express Yourself”, Al Green’s “How to Mend a Broken Heart”, “America The Beautiful” and more
— Selected by TJ Gorton

Mark De Clive-Lowe — Dreamweavers

While the Broken Beat movement has found the fountain of youth, MdCL – one of its quintessential keys man – keeps on with his slightly more acoustic jazz, yet always as profound and elaborated. He is accompanied on the record by Tommaso Cappellato and Andrea Lomdardini. Tip!
— Selected by Psycut

Planet Battagon – Trans-Neptunia

Nathan Tugg delivers a full LP of cliché-free super-sonic jazz-rave for On The Corner. It’s Sun Ra caught on space ship with, Miles Davis, Carl Craig, Aphex Twin and Herbie Hancock. Even the after party is covered on the calmer moments.
— Selected by Oli Brunetti

Various Artists – New Horizons: Young Stars of South African Jazz

Essential overview of the wide range of incredible sounds & musicians bubbling up in South Africa, such as pianist & vocalist Thand Ntuli, and trombonist & vocalist, Siya Makuzeni. It’s the first time we are seeing most of these artists on vinyl, but this is a brilliant reminder to dig deeper online too.
— Selected by Oli Brunetti

SOUL & FUNK

Maya Killtron — The Middle (Diamond Ortiz Remix)

First of two new releases via Love Touch Records, a Toronto based label run by Gil Masude (The Precious Lo’s). This one is a remix of Maya Killton’s “In The Middle’ by the talkbox giant Diamond Ortiz. Guaranteed slap, get doubles. 
— Selected by Walla P

Love Touch Family — I Got Your Back feat. Saucy Lady

The second of the two releases by Love Touch Records, this one featuring the lovely voice and ultra talented Saucy Lady, from Boston. Definitely more on a disco touch, but that’s not a bad thing at all. Perfect match. The “Re-Touch” by U-Key is a sure shot as well. 
— Selected by Walla P

Ty Dolla $ign – Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Three years since Ty $’ last solo record, he returns with an aptly titled “Featuring Ty Dolla $ign” since the man is one of the busiest on the feat. rounds. This record is truly as great as “mainstream” R&B gets these days. Also: super solid production all the way through!
— Selected by Lexis

HOUSE / TECHNO / ELECTRONIC-ISMS

Henry Greenleaf — Caught

This is the EP of the year for me. My favourite leftfield bass/techno producer comes through with a pure rollercoaster psychological thriller of a release. Surgical grade percussion riding on dangerously swinging grooves and the most creative mutant bass, leads and effects you’ll find in the game all laid out wildly tortuous tune structures.
— Selected by dileta

Black Girl / White Girl  — Physique

Another of my favourite acts lands with one of their best releases ever. This is top shelf party material. Bright and ferocious wonky techno rolling at high speed with brutal, raw drums and cheeky imaginative synth and sample work. I also strongly recommend their new Hot Mouth single, it’s plain ridiculous.
— Selected by dileta

Namy — Colors of the Universe

Founder of japanese label Spirit Soul, Yutaka Takanami also known as Namy has dropped his new LP under King Street Sounds. A stunning Soulful/Funky/House remixes album revisited by some of  the best of the genre like Manoo, Terry Hunter, Dj Spen, Crackazat, OPOLOPO to name a few.
— Selected by Akpossoul

RAP & BEATS

Rekinsa — Timing

First project by Montreal (hailing from Dijon) producer Rekinsa, who delivers a stunning 8 track album, ranging from Boom Bap Hip-Hop and Funk influences. He’s been a regular at the Montreal Loop Sessions producer gatherings, and definitely looking forward to hearing what he has in store for his next moves.
— Selected by Walla P

Soul Supreme — S/T

A must have LP, from Amsterdam producer Soul Supreme. The virtuoso delivers a stellar album, and continues his streak of hot releases (his last 7’ release “check The Rhyme/Lyrics To Go” sold out super quick). This one will be on heavy rotation for the upcoming weeks. 
— Selected by Walla P

LEFTFIELD, EXPERIMENTAL & CLASSICAL

Dorian Concept — The Jitters

The return of the Viannese maestro, and it’s another journey through the wonderful world of organized chaos that is the mind of Dorian Concept! Consisting of out/alt/one takes, it’s another welcome edition to the Dorian Concept discography – out now on Ninja Tune…
— Selected by Spacewalker

Actress — Karma & Desire

Another addition to Actress’ impressive body of work. Definitely one of my personal favorites since “Splazsh” (2010), “Karma & Desire” is hazy, gloomy yet super soulful music. Perfect for the autumn and winter months ahead.
— Selected by Lexis

LATIN & BRAZILIAN

Kiko Dinucci – Rastilho

Superb Mais Um (UK) pressing of this incredible Brazilian LP, now with a bonus three-track 45. A powerful sound, simply solo guitar, with voices at times. Kiko has worked with Metá Metá, Tom Zé, Criolo and Elza Soares, but on ‘Rastilho’ influences from João Gilberto, Jorge Ben, et al, shine with an exhilarating punk edge.  
— Selected by Oli Brunetti

Various Artists – La Locura de Machuca (1975-1980)

This double LP compilation and booklet from Analog Africa tells the story of Baraquilla’s iconic Discos Machuca. On one-hand, Machica released popular traditional coastal music (cumbia, etc), but on the other, much more experimental & psychedelic music, inspired by funk, rock and rare imports from Africa and the Caribbean. This set captures it all. Essential.
— Selected by Oli Brunetti