Eric Roberson
The Vault Vol 1
SOUL & RnB
Eric Roberson is 'Erro' - that might not mean much to anyone except house fans who tend to flip out when the funky guitar hit from 2002 'Change for Me' is played (yeh it's now a bit of a classic now)
So it's a pleasant surprise to find that he's put out a stylish and soulful album that's pretty funked up.
He has a great voice, plaintive and simple but certainly not lacking in emotion. A great addition to the Dwele & Musiq style school of soul.

Gilles Peterson
Gilles Peterson in Brazil
Brazilian Jazz
This 2 CD player (Classico & Da Hora) which spans classic and contemporary jazz sounds from Brazil is a summer essential, a no-brainer solution for what on to put on when your barbeque's on.
Classico is a great intro to the samba jazz sound, featuring sun-kissed, acoustic guitar-led tracks recorded in the early 70's (the only name I recognised was Sergio Mendes) but I doubt that all but the most dedicated braz-jazz fans would have all of these tunes so it's not just for beginners.
Da Ahora (from now) is less jazz and more brazil-electro, nu-jazz or jazz-funk (so more funk (bass) and more electronica).
It starts off with a smooth acapella-ish track before moving into a nu-jazz samba. 4 Hero then do the honours on a funkier remix of 'Menino' before the jazz-funk of Marcos Valle on 'Para bens' and the afro-house remix of 'Escravos de Jo' by Joe Claussell which is just as uplifting as you'd imagine and followed by a jumping latin house track 'Green Gold'. I'm not a big fan of D&B samba style so the final nu-jazz track for me just brings this collection back home quite nicely.
Mr P is a jazz musician at heart, he just has a great collection of tunes as his instruments to improv with.





Gilles Peterson
Worldwide Exclusives
Soul/Funk/Jazz
Gilles P is one of the reasons why dance music culture in the UK is so well appreciated worldwide even though his 'worldwide' show always has a very global focus bringing in tunes from far flung places (NZ, Japan, Scandinavia and South & North America) as well as covering styles from, ambient, trip hop electronica, to house, jazz and soul
This compilation of exclusive tracks brings the focus back to the UK/UK artists a bit, as it seems that we're on a bit of a roll creatively-speaking.
Highlights include a typically chunky rap from Ty, Ambient tracks from Zero 7 & Matthew Herbert, Jazz from Nicola Conte and Gotan Project.
Not essential but damn nice to have...

Detroit Soul [Soul Music from the Motor City]
NU SOUL COMPILATION
This compilation successful resets the spotlight back on Detroit in an attempt to emulate the success of the Philly soul scene of the past few years and the featured artists show that things are going on there too - with Dwele, Amp Fiddler, Jaylib, Jay Dee and Slum V all representin'. These are artists we've reviewed or enjoyed for quite a while, making this an excellent introduction to new soulful sounds and if anything I'd say that if Philly's got the vocals the Detroit's got the beats.
Also check out a similar 2003 jazz/electronica inspired compilation.

kanYeWest [College Drop Out]
HIP HOP
Kanye's got it all, the talent, the connections, the style and the all-important history, stepping to the plate with a story that's already being hyped to near-folkloric levels.
College Dropout is the debut album from this Roc a Fella uber-producer with credits for Jay-Z ('H to the Izzo', 'Bonnie & Clyde', Black Album) and Alicia Keys (You Don't Know My Name). After a near-death car crash he recorded the track 'Through the Wire' which beautifully samples Chaka Khan's 'Through the Fire' rapping about his experience whilst his jaws were wired up. This song is also a classic example of his Soul sound based on sped up classic funk and soul tracks but there's more to him than the retro flow.
Not content with being a producer he sharpened his rhyming skills by going on tour with Talib Kweli but found it difficult to be taken seriously as a rapper and secure a deal. As he raps 'it's funny how no one was interested, til the night I almost killed myself in Lexus'.
Kanye (CanYea) delivers every track with pure class whether in Nas-like messianic form on 'Jesus Walks' or being inspirational on 'Never Let You Down'
then displaying a sense of humour, he changes flow for the bumping 'New Workout Plan' and it all kicks off with the RnB friendly 'All Falls Down'.
Witty and real with the x factor; a flow and production skills that allow him to drop a solid grooves everywhere. The last hidden track tells of his career path and is simply slamming.
To get all the following guests on your album - you must have some degree of game and a little bit of fame: Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Common, Jamie Foxx, Ludacris, Mos Def.
Versatility is his true strength - Kanye has enough talent in nuf areas to side step y'all



Soweto Kinch [Conversations with the Unseen]
JAZZ
Soweto Kinch is a young (largely self-taught) alto-saxophonist from the Midlands, UK and this debut earned him a Mercury Music Prize Best Album nomination. Also with the International Saxophonist of the Year award at 2002's Montreax Jazz Festival - he's a bit special (composing and arranging all tracks and lyrics) and he's proved it with this incredible, frenetic and robust album.
He's superbly supported by Femi Temowo (Guitar), Michael Olatuja (Bass) and Troy Miller (Drums) completing the Soweto Kinch Quartet.
The album is bookended by Intro on which he raps to great effect displaying a humour and flow that brings to mind Ty or Mos Def (really - yeh!) & also Outro, his 'shout out' with Juliet Roberts & Julie Dexter dropping fierce background vocals to full effect.
On Doxology the second track he sets his mark getting straight to business, pacing around the drums and double bass beautifully and by the time the electric guitar starts strutting through - oh wow, I know this is something good.
Conversations the title track is a sensual piece of dinner jazz which starts with a solo that allows Soweto's skills to be fully deployed. I could go on but I won't, every track is great and I'll echo the extremely well-written sleevenotes 'this is a long player of confidence, maturity and daring'
If you want to know what Jazz is and can be - just remember Soweto
Dune Records

Sakura Aural Bliss [compilation]
JAZZY/AMBIENT HOUSE
This compilation by Nick Weston - pioneer of Japanese electronica and club Mukatsuku promoter has something for fans of the chilled out, jazzy, downtempo and the ambient sounds produced from Japan's club scene.
The only name I recognised on this album was the ubiquitous UFO (United Future Organization) there is nothing that I can pinpoint as being specifically Japanese about the sound, which could have also been straight out of Scandinavia, but that doesn't mean it's not quality.
London's street soul.



4 hero [the remix album]
BROKEN BEATS/FUTURE SOUL
This compilation album of remixes represents the tip of the iceberg of seminal London production outfit 4hero's output over the past few years and includes highlights from their excellent album 'Creating Patterns' such as the sublime 'Hold It Down'.
They've been around for a while now, (always leading from the front) and evolving from rare groove to hip and trip hop beginnings to fusing electronica with soul so eventually in 2002/3 people finally caught up with where they were at as evidenced by the expansion of Broken Beats scene and other artists such as the Bugz crew and producers such as Yam Who & Blackbeard coming to to the fore.
This album's a future classic, giving their unique view of the future sound of London's street soul.



Jazztonik [Horizon]
JAZZ/ELECTRONICA
It's official....MarBo's caught the Japanese bug and is damn chuffed to bring to your attention Ryota Nozaki (aka Jazztronik).
This Brasilian jazz release continues the unlikely love affair between Rio & Tokyo that's been going on for a while so expect lots uptempo percussion, dreamy flutes and acoustic-ey guitar.
The title track 'Horizon' is a standout and bucks the trend by turning in a lovely piece of cinematic and 60's piano jazz with lush strings to soporific effect. Then my favorite track, 'Estar Com Voce'; it's a mid tempo samba-jazz epic adding Portuguese spoken word and a beautifully simple chorus to all the above - what more could you want! Except that there's a full-on carioca samba version which I'll save for car-na-val! The slightly cute japanese vocalson a few tracks might not rock your boat tho..




Zero 7 [When it Falls]
ELECTRONICA
Zero 7 could have gone two ways, become a collective with differing and production from album to album (a la Massive Attack) or stick to the formula that delivered their million seller 'Simple Things' - they chose the latter.
So we see all the original vocalists back again Sia Furler, Sophie Baker and Mosez and so I gotta compare and contract the two releases.
First point to note - there's no song on this album as good as 'Destiny' - the ultimate chilled out slice of electronica.
When it Falls has a very folksy sensibility, 'Home' and 'Somersault' slide into each other as easily as expert fingers on the acoustic guitar you hear all over this album, they have a great simplicity about them and I'm tempted to imagine what a full-on C&W version of these songs would be like.
The music being so good (in that very mellow way) throws the spotlight on the different vocals themselves - almost a little competition in my mind. Sia comes into her own on 'Speed Dial No2' and new vocalist Tina Dico is so country(in a good way!) throughout and the 'The Space Between' is a near-perfect. Mozez opens to great effect with 'Warm Sound' an apt title for his voice.But the top tracks on this album for me are 'Passing By' which adds just little bit more funk to the folk (and melancholy) and the funky electronica of'When It Falls'.
The best way that I can describe this introspective album is that I'll save it for long and late drives back home whilst I tend to listen to 'Simple Things' taking off or landing, when I'm soaring away on a plane or dreaming in the sunshine.I don't drive though...and I've got about 100K in air miles..


A couple I missed from last year:

the MATTHEW HERBERT BIG BAND [Goodbye Swingtime]
JAZZ
From the master of kitchen implement music a live album of swinging jazz.
Effectively a modern big band album that avoids alienating fans either of jazz or electronica by creating the music under the guise of former (using aclaimed UK jazz musicians) and finishing the production using the latter himself in typically organic electronic fashion.
This came out the middle of last year and has anti-war sentiment scattered here and there and again this is so well done it's not at all preachy - just passionate, little wonder that the gig for this album at the South Bank last year was voted as one of the best of the year.
Ambitious and worth it, if you want something that's actually fresh (which is what Jazz should be about but is not something associated with Big Band) then get this. Otherwise i'll leave you to carry on listening to Jamie Cullum and Michael Bubbly!


Whilst the 80's electro revivalists and the Hoxton tendency struggle to maintain their edge - West London continued to deliver musical gems in 2003.

Two Banks of Four [Three Street Worlds]
SOUL/JAZZ/FUNK
Rising from the 90's Acid Jazz outfit that was Galliano is 2bo4 (for short). This is their second release and it sees them hitting excellent form.
This is a very soulful, jazz-funk sound with great performances from Valerie Etienne and Bembe Segue - the focus on the vocals is justly rewarded.
Starting of with a very chorus-led soul-jazz sound the album flows through downtempo (trip-hoppy) vibes before coming back strong with some broken beats flavour all still on a jazz tip for the title track 'Three Street Worlds' at the end - a stunner.
This is jazz showing it's funky, soulful, electronic and free side - beautiful.(only from West London)

Deyampert [Shapes & Colours]
FUTURE SOUL - NU JAZZ
This was MarBo's album of 2003. A great debut from the Cleveland, Ohio based song writer/ musician, Deyampert Gilles.
It features the standout track 'Held him first' a jumped-up jazz dance track with sultry vocals. This sets the tone of this very complete album and the pace varies between the dance tempo and a slightly unexpected rootsy folksy downtempo electronica - all with beautiful voices. Released in November on Jazzanova's Sonar Kollektiv - in the future more soul will sound like this and the future is now.



Dalmijo [Fjord Fusioneer]
JAZZ/DEEP HOUSE
A debut release on Malmo label Deeplay for this 21-yr old Norwegian. It must the the long nights that fuel the Scandinavian imagination cos the first track is a storming piece of bossa house. The album drops this vibe quickly and then gets less latin, more jazzy, loungey, electronic and finally a bit broken.
A winning combination of classy euro style lounge-house (think St Germain) with a bit of a London beatz edge (he likes 4Hero).



Amp Fiddler [Waltz of a Ghetto Fly]



Dani Siciliano [Likes]

Red Hot & Riot - The Music and Spirit of Fela
AFRO-FUNK
'Red Hot' is an organisation that produces albums, videos and multimedia to promote AIDS prevention. The series has used many themes to achieve this aim but this is the first dedicated to the music of one man - Fela Anikulapo Kuti and it couldn't be more apt.
A Nigerian, Fela is probably Africa's most significant artist. Controversial always, he is culturally significant for many reasons; he created his own genre 'Afrobeat' which effectively took the funk of pioneers such as James Brown and melded this with African/Yoruba rhythms and percussion.
A political activist from the 70's until he died in 97 he was a vocal critic of the endemic corruption of sucessive Nigerian military and civilian governments.
Finally after a life of such event, richness and drama he died of heart failure brought about as a side effect of his suffering from AIDS - a disease that many Nigerians did not take seriously until he sucumbed.
So this album has quite a bit live up to then.. and it does. Never has so much talent been rammed onto one album and amazingly they all deliver, all effortessly getting into the afroswing of things. To hear D'Angelo singing in Yoruba and Macy Gray growling in pidgin english was a killer. But there are many beautiful moments from - Baaba Maal, Bilal, Bugz in da Attic, Cheikh Lo, D'Angelo, Femi Kuti, Kelis, Les Nubians, Macy Gray, Meshell Ndegeocello, Nile Rodgers, Roy Hargrove, Sade, Talib Kweli, Yerba Buena and still more..
Net profits from the album will help support AIDS awareness and related projects
This champion effort is truly...essential!
Fela's biog
www.felaproject.net
world aids day



Alicia Keys - the diary of Alicia Keys
SOUL
I guess Ms Keys needs no introduction after her grammy-laden debut so i'll get to the point - the diary of alicia keys - is her second album.
I'll call this the 'love' album as opposed to the hurt that was more evident on Songs in A Minor.
There's a great 70's Philly soul retro feel to this album, She's a great musician/ producer and it's all very much this woman's work and sounds right for now not a nu-soul pastiche.
There is something very classy about her playing, instrumentation and vocals like on 'You Don't Know my Name' which just overflows with beautiful harmonies, strings and echoes of Donny Hathaway's playing - killer! Other times soul sister sounds just righteuos enough like on 'Wake Up' before going hip hop soul like Mary J on 'So Simple'.
Just overlook the second track Karma (I won't say who she sounds like but ...her love don't cost a thing!).



The Black Eye Peas - Elephunk
HIP HOP
A great debut, an ok follow-up and then a killer single that had the world asking who the hell are these guys. If you'd caught their debut album with the killet ..joint, 'Joints & Jams' you won't be suprised at their long overdue success - they were always the most radio friendly hip hoppers around.
Two smart moves gave these guys a last chance(they were about to break up); firstly recruiting Fergie, the new vocalist who is the flyest b-girl ever. Sporting cornrows, gold chains and killer abs plus a voice that delivers a hook better than Oscar de la Hoya's left fist - she can definitiely hold her own! Then a chance meeting with Mr J Timberlake in a break dancing club led to him producing credit on the monster hit 'Where is the Love' and the rest is justified history.
It would be easy to dismiss this kind of hip hop as pop (if you were STUPID that is) but the significance of young kids discovering that hip hop can mean something other than the bling should not be underestimated - When these guys first started out they sounded a bit like Tribe now they've ended up a bit like Fugees on this latin/funk-heavy album - and that is not a bad thing.
A quirky band, great live and wicked break dancers too - the band of the year!
the love is right here y'all

NOV 2003

Da Lata - Serious
AFRO-LATIN/WORLD
Moving on quite nicely from their tight debut 'da lata' (a perfect caipirinha mix of accoustic sounds from Brasil and electronica). This album has them going global with a nice slice of Africanism being thrown into the Brasilian mix. Guest vocalists include, Bembe Segue, Marmani Keita, Jhelisa & Baaba Maal.
This gem is electronic, global, afro-brasilian, percussive, pared-down, jazz/funk.
Nutty, cool, funky afro latin jazz

Ty - Upwards
HIP HOP
This album is classic and it raises Ty's standing right to the fore of UK hip hop and then some.
If he was in US he'd be a 'Common' or a 'Guru' in France he'd be as popular as MC Solaar yet this guy probably wouldn't be recognised on the way to his own concert! You all can change that by checking out 'Upwards' this British-Nigerian's second album.
The production beats funk along quite nicely and the electronic touches and provide a good reminder of where this in equal measure with enough going on to keep your ears entertained and your head nodding.
But what makes a good MC - a fly flow? sarky wit? verbal skills? representing where they're from with the ability to get you thinking about where you're at? If you agree then get this album. Top tunes include; the great jump up ragga tinged single 'Wait a Minute' and the beautifully conscious 'Music 2 Fly 2' all on one album - great stuff.This guy is too good to sleep on.
Original awkward boy is moving onwards and upwards.

Erykah Badu - WorldWide Underground
SOUL
OK, here's vol 3. If you think you've had enough from vol 1(Baduzism) and 2(Mama's Gun) - skip this and check out the other ladies (Amy & Izzi) below.
Ms Badu claims that the inspiration for her third album came from live performances and audiences and this is reflected in the sinuous feel to the album.
As ever her vocals are beautifully delivered, jazzy, soulful and scattered. Every track on here is glorious but there are some gems: 'Danger' another strutting, stomping 'bag lady' type of cut, 'Love of My Life' which comes in two flavours; funky-laydeez hip-hop (ft Latifah, Bahamadia (woman - when are you going to drop an album!!?) & Angie Stone) and as a straight up ode to love for partner, rapper Common (produced by Raphael Saadiq) - sublime, faultless.
Her Gloch's on cocked so the block's staying hot'

Izzi Dunn - The Big Picture
JAZZ/FUNK
Perhaps Erykah's just got too much funk in her trunk for your taste and you want something just a little bit more 'Landaan' and less Stateside then check out Izzi Dunn.
Extremely talented and pioneering; It's not everyday that artists bring (background) classical instruments such as the cello (hello!) to the fore in urban music.
Izzi Dunn has managed to create a sound that is totally hers yet imbued it with a feel that is instantly recognisable to fans of London's various street sounds/soul.
Firstly her strings arrangements are spot on whether soaring above or punctuating her cool singing. Good jazzy, funky, hip hop-y production and choice collabs from Roots Manuva McD make for a great debut. (..truly memorable album - this is my tip for a Mercury MP nomination next year but check it out for yourself first - got that one wrong..2004)
Cello Soul/Lady Cello/Mellow Cello....!

Amy Winehouse - Frank
JAZZ/SOUL
There is seems to be no shortage of female talent in music at the moment, look at every star (rising or established) in popular music now!
So throwing her hat into a crowded and eclectic ring is this very talented singer songwriter musician.
Coming on like Lady Day, with some Sarah Vaughan , Lauryn Hill, Erykah and a bit of MJ Blige even, she's only 19!?
I'll never forget the moment I heard her voice, woken up from my (sleeping pill induced) slumber as I listened to one of Gilles Petersons's shows on a cross-Atlantic flight the hairs on the back of my neck bristling.
With a voice you'll not forget (although it can seem at times that you can have too much of a good thing), bitter and incisive lyrics that spring from this very old soul, this 'daughter of the city and pupil of the musical universe' is definitely one to watch!
'Stronger than Me' and the excellent break up song 'Take the box' are standout tracks. It's a shame then that the album doesn't quite hit the spot (too much voice, too much same) but a great talent nonetheless..
Da Lady

SEP/OCT 2003

Impala Lounge Vol2
AFRICAN BEATS
This is a funky 2CD compilation beats afrique. With tracks from Manu Dibango, Orchestra Baobab and Ernest Ranglin on the Afro Beats side and remixes from the likes of Faze Action and King Britt on the electro tunes side this CD has a great many highlights. As this is a french release this has a nice broader feel that the Fela/Afro Beat centric stuff that the UK tends to focus on with some irresitible tracks like 'Kolingo'. If you like Buddha Bar/Africanism type compilations then check this out..
Funk d'Afrique in da House



The Wonder of Stevie - DJ Spinna & Bobitto
SOUL/FUNK
A compilation tribute to Stevie Wonder. His songs by delivered by some great musicians; Jose Feliciano, Minnie Ripperton, Lionel Hampton and more.
This compilation was put together by avid fans and noted NYC DJs Bobitto & DJ Spinna who love Stevie so much that they've written a book about him and run an aannual party in NYC that ONLY played Stevie tracks and covers (on May 13th - his birthday).
An extremely funky album and totally not a 'worthy project' as tribute comps can be so it's quite refreshing to hear these great tracks without any hint of the meister himself and in fact a few tracks are better than the originals especially where Jose Feliciano is concerned!
Wonderful




Electric Soul - (Unabombers - Compilation)
ELECTRONICA
Hip Hop, Jazz, Deep House, Funk and Electronica are all represented on this thoroughly modern compilation. With artists such as Peven Everett, Jazzanova, Metro Area, Osunlade, Will.I.Am (from the currently chart topping Black Eye Peas!).
These songs are all fairly mellow and future boogie-ish. Like tomorrow's children the sounds are beautifully mixed and sound all the better for it.
Cool loungecore!

AUG 2003

Nathan Haines - Squire for Hire
JAZZ FUNK
This is the secold album by the talented Kiwi saxophonist and it's a great collaborative effort.
There are some very interesting contributions from the guests artists such as; Marlena Shaw in strong and sassy Grandma Funk mode on the title track. Rich Medina; rhyming sans pareil in Isaac Hayes soul brother, listen up and learn style. Damon Albarn in a psychedelic soulful mood on 'Fm' (I never heard the original so you might skip this song if you have!). Nathan himself croons admirably (with a touching nervousness) on 'Oblivion'.
Lot's of great tracks here and it feels so London - that from jazzy->bossa/samba->funky->dancey jump up, boogie nonsense as on 'Right by Your Side' impossible to stand still to!
The only downside with this approach to music making is that Nathan might have been more selfish and allowed his superb playing to shine but no worries still it pay's off handsomely for the listener.
Behind every great album there is a great producer and Phil Asher guides this effort with a steady hand.
A perfect album for those balmy summer nights.
From NZ North Shore to London dancefloor by way of Marlena Shaw..

JULY 2003

Roy Hargrove - The RH Factor
JAZZ
Many have tried to do what this fine young trumpeter has achieved, an effortless fusion of Jazz, Soul, Funk, RnB and Hip Hop.
Roy Hargrove has found his voice on one of the better albums of the year with smooth support from the leaders of the new school: D'Angelo, Q Tip, Common, Ms N'degeocello and a fine roster of musicians. Check out the hoptastic 'Poetry'. The groove soars from Miles-inspired electronic to the heavy Clinton-esque funk this is a spritual soul at his best.
Funky stepping my brother.




The Detrioit Experiment - Various
JAZZ/ELECTRONIC
Ok so I've been going on about the scene in Philly (in 2002) but it seems that another old music city is pumping out the good stuff too with all those motor fumes.
From Detroit, home to Motown, Eminem, Dwele and techno comes this compilation of eclectic and thoroughly modern jazz.
This album was recorded in 5 days by Carl Craig (techo king - who knew!?), Karrien Riggins, a top hip hop producer (of Busta amongst others) and many other talented musicians.
The album contains great moments of electronica and jazz, inspired interpretations such as; Stevie's 'Too High' and the mournful 'There is a God', this is my kind of chill out!
Motor CIty Finest.

Reel People - Second Guess
JAZZ/FUNK
This is the first album release from London dance label, Papa records and it's an instant classic. It's the kind of album that makes me fall in love with London again.
Extending the path defined by other classics groups that have defined the street soul sounds of funky London for over a decade, this album is highly infused with the soul of broken beats and boogie.
It's a strong combination of mellow and funky songs plus drop-dead gorgeous beats 'Back to Base/The Light' for example- with just enough jazziness in the vocals to make you remember that sometimes the best music is a London ting! 'Can't Stop' was one of my top ten singles for 2003 and Lil Louie vega think's so too.
West London Funky Bizness.

MAY 2003

Dwele - Subject
SOUL
A few years back this guy released 100 copies of his self-produced album 'Rize' which were quickly bootleged, making Andwele Gardner THE name to check on the underground soul scene.
Since then he has provided vocals on at least once killer track every year year from Bahamadia's Philadelphia EP (2000) to Slum Village's recent release (2002) creating a level of hype not seen for a while in underground RnB, culminating in the relase of his first official album in May 2003.
Well it was worth the wait, for days I couldn't get past track 2, 'Truth'. After a momentary dip after Truth, the album gets into the groove with the beautiful 'Day at a time' and deep 'Subject' but in the second half he goes deep. With a massive underground following of fans of mid tempo soul and rnb - Dwele is surely here to stay. The best nu soul artist since Music.
The new master of hip hop soul.




Kindred - Surrender to Love
SOUL/JAZZ
A new release from Jazzy Jeff's Hidden Beach record label (home to Ms Jill Scott) is the singer/songwriter, husband and wife team (Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon) - Kindred and this is a strong debut.
Each partner can more than hold their own vocally (imagine if Jill Scott & ? got together..) and their relationship adds that bit more weight to the love they express in the well crafted and emotionally honest songs.
Stand out tracks include 'Surrender To Love', 'Stars' & 'We'
.....we is a beautiful thang, You and Me is a beautiful thang
Funky organic and soulful. Family Soul

APRIL 2003


Vikter Duplaix - International Affairs
It's a bit hard to describe this album but suffice to say that it's the sound of someone who has top credentials as a producer, especially in the nu-soul re-emergence of Philly (Jill Scott, Jazzy Jeff, Erykah, Jaguar Wright) but who's always had a broader ear and has now discovered dance music. The vibe is groovy not a bad summer album. Standout track 'Looking for Love'


MARCH 2003


DJ Deep - Deep Sessions 01
DEEP HOUSE
Released on Distance Records Feb 2003, this has got to be THE house compilation of the year so far.
The emphasis is on the jazzy, uplifting, soulful and spiritual vibe whether it's the vocal or instrumental tracks.
Featuring Osunlade, Kerri Chandler, Peven Everett, Frankie Feliciano, Masters at Work this album's a must for any fans of the US House/Garage.
DJ Deep, representing Paris is one of the extended family of DJs that keep the spirit of soulful house alive over this side of the world.
Vive le Deep





Future Sounds of Jazz - vol 9
NU JAZZ
Some define, others refine. Compost has always been at the forefront of nu-jazz (lounge or whatever you want to call that deep cerebral shit that's too good to sit still to but not quick enough to break ya neck to).
This compilation is an great instance in the series on what is nu-jazz. It varies from the bass funk to electronic, vocal to ambient and although some the breaks in the middle might lose you the smoother lounge tracks make up for this. Definately one for the nu-jazz and lounge crew.


FEBRUARY 2003

Talib Kweli - Quality
HIP HOP - Another 5 star performer who's on point with the music and the LYRICS. This self-produced and thoughtful album displays his effortless lyricism, fluid production and head nodding beats. With excellent contributions such as spikey vocals from Bilal and the mellow sounds of Vinia Mojica and Kendra Ross. Talib has released superb albums with Mos Def and DJ Hi Tek the joy is that his solo debut is just as rilliant an effort.
New old school



Common - Electric Circus
HIP HOP - Common's intimate albums are always a sharp insight into the psyche of this intelligent man. Like the best rappers, he's a griot, a storyteller and Electric Circus is a seriously refreshing journey.
There are collaborations on almost everytrack Zap Mama, Bilal, P.O.D, Omar, Mary J Blige, Stereolab and Jill Scott (whose ragtime influenced contribution is refreshingly stunning) but none of the contributors take over. This album features the best rap rock effort since walk this way 'Electric Wire Hustle Power' and Mary's classiest piece of hip hop soul in 'Come Close' and 'New Wave' featuring Stereolab's Laetitia is just electro-madness!
However Common's rhymes rise above all, except the superb production from the Roots' Amir Thomson & ?uestlove.
The master can rock hip hop




The Roots - Phrenology
HIP HOP
This collective have always delivered and what sets these guys apartfrom many hip hop groups is their musicality. A hip hop band with a foundation of jazz, funk and soul. In addition to the funkier sounds that you would expect from their Philly vibe this album has a bit of a tougher edge with it's use of electric guitars on some tracks.
At it's core are rapper Black Thought and Drummer ?uestlove but they're a true collective, collaborating the cream of Nu Soul and alternative hip hop. Questlove was a producer on Erykah's debut, and D'Angelo's Voodoo and have collaborated with many other soulsters.
Highlights on this album the hypnotic 'Break You Off' with sublime vocals by Music and the complete head-nodder 'Water'
ps - Phrenology is the Victorian age 'pseudo-science of what part of the brain was responsible for what.




Massive Attack - 100th Window
ELECTRONICA
Quality - everything that these guys have produced has been stellar and right on point and directional.
Control - this is their fourth album and the last one was released 5 years ago.
Now the threesome is down to one and on first listen, you'll need a patience to explore this album. If you need a quick fix of trip hop this is not for you. An involved piece of electronica - have to say that the some of the female vocals seem to lack their usual poignancy.
Shame.