New releases last four weeks: All genres

Review: Joao Donato's Muito A Vontade is a superb trip into the heart of Brazilian jazz. Released in 1962, this record showcases Donato's virtuosity as a pianist and composer, blending samba rhythms with jazz harmonies in a seamless fusion. Tracks all come with vibrant melody and exemplify his unique style, brimming with infectious hooks and rhythmic vitality. With its laid-back charm and sophisticated arrangements, Muito A Vontade captures the essence of bossa nova's golden era as Donato's effortless musicality and inventive improvisations make this even more essential.

Review: Hailing from Berlin, Los Baby Jaguars craft vibrant musical journeys that span cumbia, Latin funk and on to Afrobeat. They themselves call their unique sonic cocktail a "tropical rocket" ride through the decades from the 60s to the present and we do not argue with that. Their debut 45 is a double header here, 'Las PiNas' and 'Playa Boogaloo,' released by Nu-Tone with some superb artwork. The music collides cumbia and Afrobeat on a cosmic dance floor amongst the stars and brings an all new kind of energy to international dub.

Review: Nu-tone introduces the debut single from Lulada Club here - a superb New York City based all-women salsa orchestra headed up by band co-leader Andrea Chavarro. After two years of live performances, they're finally sharing their music for everyone to dance to and dance you will to these most intoxicating mixes of funk, cumbria, salsa and more. It was recorded live and all-analog at NY Hed Studio by producer Rocio Verta-Wray, and the single comes on random-colour vinyl. Lulada Club emerged in 2022 to fill the gap for women ensembles in NYC's live music scene and co-leader Katherine Ocampo has said their aim is to "provide access to live music, culture, community, and representation for women in music festivals and other spaces."

Review: Back in 1991, PT House's debut album Big World introduced Soweto rapper Nelson Mohale (who was later known as Dr House) to South Africa's burgeoning house and kwaito scene. Collaborating with producer Danny Bridgens, known for his work with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Margino, the newly formed pair fused US and UK hip-house influences with local flavours and always imbued their music with a positive outlook for the future. Now reissued for the first time on Afrosynth Records, the small but well-formed four-track record remains a bold testament to their vision and has more than stood the test of time with its vibrant energy and forward-looking spirit.

Review: Hailing from Japan, the Cat Boys is a lounge funk band that has earned praise from Gilles Peterson. In 2023, they rose anew as Super Cats and unleashed their debut album under the same name. Inspired by 90s acid jazz, Sly Stone, and gospel, the album offers a soulful and funky journey while Yuima Enya's vocals, which come both in Japanese and English, add extra layers of enchantment. Tracks range from funky rap compositions to soul tunes, a psychedelic dub of Chaka Khan's hit, and a Japanese rendition of Roberta Flack's 'Feel Like Makin' Love.' With synth-driven disco and crossover house, the album explores melancholy and purity in alluring fashion.

Review: Analog Africa has repressed the highly valued and long since sold-out Congo Funk! Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River: Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982. It is a compilation that superbly shows off the raw energy and funkiness of the Congolese rumba scene. This is the country that spawned such as legendary bands as African Jazz, OK Jazz and African Fiesta and it is said that the concert ahead of the legendary Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman is what really set young hopefully musicians on their paths, after they saw James Brown play live. The story of those artists and the labels they released on in the ensuing years is what is told so well here across four sides of vital wax.

Review: Togo Soul 2 is a fantastic compilation of rare Togolese recordings spanning 1974 to 1989. This treasure trove captures the essence of Lome's vibrant music scene and blends traditional voodoo chants, soul, and electro funk. Despite challenges in locating tracks and rights holders, after eight years of perseverance, 13 gems were selected with the guidance of Roger Damawuzan. Featuring stars like Akofa Akoussah and Gregoire Lawani, these tracks showcase Togo's rich musical landscape amid political influences. With original albums commanding high prices online, this selection offers a glimpse into a golden era of Togolese music, celebrating diversity and innovation.

Review: An exact dozen Bollywood musical gems, expertly curated to reflect a multitude of styles and sounds within the full spectrum. Tracks from movies such as Blackmail, Apradh, Junglee, Priya, Bhoot Bungla, and Sholay all make appearances, many of which are names that should be familiar to fans of 'world cinema' - for want of a less lazy label - even if the soundtracks themselves are not. Spanning the later mid-20th Century, everything here was recorded between 1958 and 1984, and as such Bollywood Nuggets can be taken as a window on how tastes and demand changed during that time, while certain totems remained. Featuring artists such as Mohammedd Rafi, Kalyanji & Anandji, P Susheela & SP Balasubrahmanyam, and RD Burman, it's a fantastic overview and a fascinating deep dive.