Flamenco Sketches (DJ Mitsu The beats remix) (4:25)
Flamenco Sketches (4:44)
Review: The third volume of the Incense Music compilation series, Incense Music For Dining Room, curated by Toru Hashimoto (Suburbia), comes new iterated on a split 7". Carrying over its themes of fragrance and music, 'Flamenco Sketches', named and remixed after Miles Davis' classic jazz bit, brings an exquisite reed diffusion of live-feel beats and scooped-out bliss-sound. With cover art by Jiro Fujita (FJD) and mastering by Calm, a key figure in the Japanese jazz, chill-out, and Balearic scenes, the record promises serenity: DJ Mitsu the Beats ensures a quietly contented DJ's touch. Side B offers another lo-fi cover of 'Flamenco Sketches' by Nobuyuki Nakajima, lowering the pace to an unassuming, dozy, guitar-blessed tread.
What You Won't Do For Love (feat Ryuto Kasahara - Muro re-edit) (4:44)
Love Theme From Sparticus (Kenichiro Nishihara remix) (3:07)
Review: Japanese jazz, funk and rare groove sensations Nautilus share their latest cover version, this time of Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love'. This version stars Toshiyuki Saki on guest drums and vocalist Ruto Kasahara on vocals, bringing a digressional arc to Nautilus' usual sound. On the flip comes another rerub, this time of Nautilus' own 'Love Theme From Spartacus', from their latest album, remixed by producer Kenichiro Nishihara, which incorporates a light-hearted and feathery jazz-hop verve.
Review: Hey everybody, here's... Nautilus! This prolific contemporary jazz trio are at the top of their game. Regular contributors to their patrons Urban Discos and Oonops Drops, their repertoire extends to everything from full-length EPs' and albums' worths of original material to one-off guilty pleasure covers. This new rendition of Oasis' 'Wonderwall' definitely falls into the latter category. This slick new version abounds in gut-grasping major chords and spine-tingling drum brush caresses, and features passionately candid yet no less elegant vocals by Ray Yamaoda. On the B comes the comparatively funky knockout and jazz original, 'Through The Night'.
Review: With an irresistible blend of broken beat and nu-jazz grooves, 'Chameleon' is a enjoyable smooth jazz gem driven by funky basslines, strings, lively percussive and catchy keys. The arrangement flows effortlessly, creating a sound both sophisticated and danceableia perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. Flipping to the B-side, 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' takes a more laid-back approach. Led by a warm, soulful organ, the track exudes chill vibes with its subtle funk underpinnings and jazzy finesse. The addition of a vocoder adds a playful, retro-futuristic charm, rounding out a composition that's as soothing as it is engaging.
Review: New-gen rare groove band Nautilus, operating out of Japan, deliver their latest 7" record, 'Life'. Just two crisp, piquant, fresh, and bubbly uncorkings in sound - 'Life', featuring vocalist Emi Tawata, and the instrumental 'Master Blaster'- are here heard sprayed like buckshot across the stereo system. The former is a candid admission by Tawata of her fear of the dark and ghosts, one which compels the listener to ponder the song's spiritual metaphor - "I'd rather have a piece of toast, watch the evening news" being the lyric of note - while the latter is a comparatively muted four-to-the-floor funk inflammation, held together by a phat but tricksy drum line and overgirding Rhodes.
Review: Last year, Kiko Navarro unveiled a regularly updated Spotify playlist, entitled TwentyFour, which he uses to showcase his favourote productions, reworks of other artists, an d remixes if his work. That playlist has now spawned the first of what we believe will be an ongoing series of EPs. The long-serving Spanish artist (and Afroterraneo Music founder) begins by showcasing his fine, pleasingly rolling re-edit of Blaze's hybrid soulful house/Earth Wind & Fire style disco classic, 'Breathe', before treating us to a superb, sample-heavy and piano-rich Tucillo remix of his own 'The First Time'. Over on side B, he serves up some bouncy disco-house action ('Jammin' All Night Long', with its female spoken word vocals, jazzy pianos and killer groove) and an authentic-sounding Afrobeat re-make of 'Isao' by DJ Fudge.
Love Take Over In Deep Dark Space (vocal mix) (11:22)
Love Take Over In Deep Dark Space (instrumental dub mix) (11:23)
Review: Former Dope Jams record store legend and deep house devotee Anthony Nicholson has linked up with Swaylo for this new outing on the Bak Muzik label out of the US of A. It features two versions of the same tune, 'Love Take Over In Deep Dark Space,' starting with a vocal. It's a track that locks you into a deep mental state with its spiritual pads and open word musings, wispy chords and deft, airy drums. The instrumental dub mix is even more focused on the lushness of the rhythms and melodies. Sublime.
Review: Mr. Bongo credit themselves with taking a selection of the most in-demand and asked-for titles in their Brazil '45s catalogue, lending them all a loving repress in due homage to the music of the nation. This time, they focus their energies on the synergy shared between the late composer and record producer Nonato Buzar and drummer Jose Roberto, both of whose contributions to the MPB canon are unmissable, referent sonic studs. Nonato's 'Cafua' is a powerful eurythmic, its strigiform vocals proving a suitable narcotic to offset to the track's otherwise restless horns and post-bossa-nova drum clacks, which hit like quick patterings against soft cartilage. Roberto's 'Crioula Multicolorida' is a more vintage recording, erstwhile bringing rare "samba rock" grooviness and reflective, call and response lyricisms to a redolent rhythm.
Review: Two years on from his last vinyl outing, the Feelings Worldwide released Rough Culture EP, Apricot Ballroom co-founder Nonna Fab pops up on I Travel To You, a Norwich-based imprint previously known for its on-point re-edits. 'We Still Out Here' is an original production, albeit one that seemingly makes extensive use of some rather tasty samples. Underpinned by a cowbell-heavy, Latin-tinged disco-meets-house beat, the track is funky as hell (thanks in part to the Sheffield producer's use of crunchy Clavinet licks and rubbery disco bass) and comes complete with some deliciously jazzy keys solos. It comes backed by two similarly superb remixes: a more loose-limbed, disco-focused revision by Bristol scene stalwart Admin and a stomping, synth bass-propelled revision by I Travel To You founder Comb.
Review: For sensitivity and naturalism in experimental music, Gosha Martynov & Natasha Sinyakova seize the crown with their new album Imena Rek. On their first foray into the physical, the duo expand the spectral ambience and medicated breaks of their earlier work with lithe touches of organic jazz and Cafe Del Mar cool, creating a complex assemblage of dreamy downbeat and emotive electronica that's entirely easy on the ears. The record is an ever-evolving, life-giving slough; we wade through many restorative swamps, each bearing its own sonic, ecosystemic character. The fen's mouth stretches open wide on 'Pozhaluysta', tempting the listener with an open-skied siren song set to skittish drum pats, while things grow hazier from 'Osvobodi Menia' and thereafter; the trip-hop influence is almost entirely naturalised, shedding the genre's usual rough-edged clicks and pops for a preferential sawn-off, willowy sound, that retains its smoothness even in moments of irresolution and tension, as on 'Rany'. And the slow mangrove whirl 'Iskra' really flaunts the pair's talents, with beautifully played pan flutes, and resonant silicate rustles, convoking a new hallowed ground; we wind up mentally clutching at damp mosses, imagining ourselves laid arrest in a sodden but warm bayou, as we're serenaded by two Armenian-American master musicians.
Review: Even many years after his sad death, the global audience for Nujabes' music continues to grow. To honour the tenth anniversary of his passing, Hydeout Productions asked Haruka Nakamura to create a tribute album and encouraged him to move forward while preserving Nujabes' timeless essence. The project began with the release of the music video and 7" vinyl of 'Reflection Eternal' and now the full album Nujabes PRAY Reflections arrived featuring Nakamura's reinterpretation of Nujabes' melodies through piano and guitar. This is not a traditional cover album, but new music inspired by Nujabes with artwork by Cheryl D. McClure that blends both artists' creative worlds.
Review: Japanese jazz-funk trio Nautilus's Sunrise is a vibrant album packed with their signature blend of tight grooves, lush melodies and soulful synths. Drawing inspiration from classic 70s jazz-funk while infusing modern sensibilities, this record delivers a signature dynamic sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. Intricate instrumentation defines it with leader Toshiyuki Sasaki's precise drumming, Shunsuke Umino's fluid basslines and Daisuke Takeuchi's expressive keys driving each track. Highlights include shimmering originals and inventive reinterpretations that once again cement Nautilus as a cornerstone of contemporary jazz-funk innovation.
What You Wont Do For Love (feat Ryuto Kasahara) (4:21)
Lihue (3:48)
52nd Street (4:23)
Review: Tokyo-based jazz fusion trio Nautilus have presented their brand new album, Pacific Voyage in various formats and the is s a nice yellow wax version. It's a breezy summertime soundtrack that blends sunny Yacht Rock with a hint of cool 80s City Pop as the trio reinterprets classic hits from this era and add fresh spins to songs like Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love' and Toto's 'Georgy Porgy.' The album also features tracks from artists like Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Shuggie Otis, Nohelani Cypriano, and Toshiki Kadomatsu, all given the special Nautilus treatment. Guest appearances include UK soul singer John Turrell, German rap legend Toni-L, and Japanese soul artist Ryuto Kasahara.
Review: Meshell Ndegeocello's album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, is a powerful tribute to the renowned writer and activist, released on his centennial. This visionary work is a blend of musical genres, serving as both a musical experience and a platform for social change. Co-produced by Meshell and guitarist Chris Bruce, the album features collaborations with talented artists like Justin Hicks, Kenita Miller, and Abe Rounds. Additionally, spoken word performances by Staceyann Chin and Hilton Als add depth and meaning to the album. No More Water is a compelling and transformative listening experience that honors Baldwin's legacy and inspires reflection and action. A project that was nearly ten years in the making, all the ingredients are here to make this landmark release that is sure to go down in music history.
Review: After years spent working alongside a talented pool of jazz musicians as the Neue Grafik Ensemble, Fred N'Thepe has decided to go solo for the first time this decade. Dalston Tapes Vol 1 is, according to Rhythm Section International, a conscious attempt by the artists to return to his beat-making roots. It's an album, then, rooted in hip-hop mixtape culture, where vocal numbers featuring guest MCs sit side by side with rap-free "beats" - lusciously and impeccably crafted instrumentals in which warming bass guitar lines, deep electronic sub-bass, sparkling electronic motifs and choice samples cluster around loosely swung, MPC-driven beat patterns. It's a great collection all told, with nods towards club-ready broken beat and deep house sitting side by side with Dilla-esque workouts and references towards London's vibrant hip-hop and grime underground.
The Love Feeling (feat Brian J Of The Pimps Of Joytime) (6:11)
2 Sips & Magic (4:02)
Just Move (feat MC Kwasi - Zeb edit) (4:37)
Brookarest (feat Costel & Robert Of The Taraf De Haidouks) (4:28)
Didibina (feat Falu) (3:28)
Gira Do Sol (feat Liliana) (3:52)
Calle Sol (feat Tempo & The Candela Allstars) (2:37)
N'Dini (feat Ismael Kouyate) (4:16)
Review: This is the first pressing of Nickodemus' classic Sun People on translucent yellow vinyl and it comes from Wonderwheel. Originally released in 2009 by Thievery Corporation's Eighteenth Street Lounge label, the album features tracks inspired by Nickodemus' global travels and the people he met on the way. Known for his NYC summer soundtrack with Turntables On The Hudson and 20 years of worldwide tours, Nickodemus crafted songs for sun lovers and optimists here and as such listening toit leaves ou with a warming glow. Collaborators from Guinea, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Romania, India, Turkey, the UK and NYC contribute to this vibrant album and make it a truly cultural affair with hits like 'N'dini,' 'Sun Children,' and 'The Love Feeling' all sounding great.
Review: This collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Valentina Magaletti and Afro-Portuguese beat-maker Nidia follows artists like Moritz von Oswald and Laurel Halo on the label. The album bridges cultures and environments from Sicilian heat to English rain through infectious rhythms and intricate melodies. Meaning "roads" in Portuguese, Estradas reflects the duo's dynamic exchange while adapting their sound to the urgency and spirit of diverse spaces. Produced by Tom Halstead, it masterfully weaves syncopated drums, marimba and melodic interludes into an electrifying release that celebrates rhythm's universal power.
Joe Dukie & DJ Fitchie - "Midnight Marauders" (7:12)
Ian Brown - "The Gravy Train" (NOW mix) (4:57)
Tony Allen - "Every Season" (feat Damon Albarn) (4:07)
The Rootsman - "Show Some Love" (5:34)
King Kooba - "California Suite" (Vagabond mix) (6:04)
Quincy Jones - "Listen (What It Is)" (4:13)
Cortex - "La Rue" (4:22)
Tom Scott & The LA Express - "Sneakin' In The Back" (4:22)
Search - "Action Tape 1" (Madscope mix) (5:15)
Large Professor - "'Bout That Time" (4:01)
Tranquility Bass - "Cantamilla" (4:31)
Mad Doctor X - "Intergalactic Throwdown" (6:07)
Dusty Springfield - "Spooky" (2:40)
Focus - "Having Your Fun" (3:40)
Nightmares On Wax - "Brothers On The Slide Dub" (dub) (4:57)
Brian Blessed - "The White City" (part 1 - Exclusive Spoken Word) (10:17)
Review: A welcome reissue of Nightmares On Wax's now classic Late Night Tales curators' mix comp. First released in 2003, this new LP edition is naturally the unmixed version and demonstrates the timeless bleep-era dance selector's funkiest and hippest influences, all of which demonstrate that this is an artist whose love for music extends far beyond the popular; the likes of Cortex, Quincy Jones, Search, Dusty Springfield, Large Professor, and even Brian Blessed prove this to be a diggers' delight that goes well beyond your average postie's job-lot. Ending on two original numbers, too - 'Brothers On The Slide (Dub)' and 'The White City (Part 1)' - you can be sure that George Evelyn's talents don't extend just to the decks either, bringing an original organic hip-hop and electronic funk source to an otherwise madly layered set of sonic flavours.
Review: RONIN's latest album marks the band's ninth release since its inception in 2001 and the first to feature bassist Jeremias Keller, who joined in 2020. The group, led by Nik Bartsch and joined by founding drummer Kaspar Rast and longtime reeds player Sha, continues evolving its unique style here with an album recorded live in the studio. It sees SPIN blend new compositions like 'Modul 66' with reimagined classics such as 'Modul 14' and 'Modul 23'. Balancing intricate structures, groove-driven energy and improvisation in equal measure, these sounds are a reflection of RONIN's signature zen-funk style, now enriched with indie and post-rock influences.
Some Rest For The Midwives (feat Jamire Williams & Sam Dendel) (6:41)
Real Vital Organs (feat Jamael Dean) (3:46)
Surges, Expansions (feat Dexter Story & Nate Mercereau) (2:18)
In Appreciation Of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence On The West Coast Sound (feat Nate Mercereau) (2:37)
Birthworkers Magic, & How We Get Hear (feat Maia, Andre 3000 & Jesse Peterson) (7:14)
This "I" Was Not (feat Ariel Kalma, Surya Botofasina & Annelise) (2:33)
Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy (feat Haize Hawke, Surya Botofasina, Aaron Shaw, Devin Daniels, Tiffany De Leon, Michael Bolger, Michael Alvidrez, Jesse Peterson, Annelise & Moss) (8:48)
Carla's Beads (feat Iasos) (6:04)
Moonlight Watsu In Dub (feat Nate Mercereau & Photay) (4:22)
Generous Pelvis (feat Sam Gendel, Deantoni Parks, Nate Mercereau & Adam Rudolph) (5:01)
Bi-Location (feat Aaron Shaw, Andres Renteria & Nate Mercereau) (3:30)
Review: Carlos NiNo & Friends' Placenta represents a deeply conceptual and collaborative effort and serves as their fourth album release under International Anthem. Inspired by NiNo's recent experience of fatherhood, the album reveres the essence of family, birth, and the marvel of new life. Each track embarks on a sonic voyage, from the soulful 'Love to all Doulas!' to the ethereal 'Moonlight Watsu in Dub.' NiNo's eclectic approach traverses various sounds and textures, echoing his belief in the influential force of friendships in fostering creative endeavours. With an impressive lineup of collaborators, Placenta epitomises the resilience of community and the boundless scope of musical innovation.
Some Rest For The Midwives (feat Jamire Williams & Sam Gendel) (6:41)
Real Vital Organs (feat Jamael Dean) (3:46)
Surges, Expansions (feat Dexter Story & Nate Mercereau) (2:18)
In Appreciation Of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence On The West Coast Sound (feat Nate Mercereau) (2:37)
Birthworkers Magic, & How We Get Hear (feat Maia, Andre 3000 & Jesse Peterson) (7:14)
This "I" Was Not (feat Ariel Kalma, Surya Botofasina & Annelise) (2:33)
Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy (feat Haize Hawke, Surya Botofasina, Aaron Shaw, Devin Daniels, Tiffany De Leon, Michael Bolger, Michael Alvidrez, Jesse Peterson, Annelise & Moss) (8:48)
Carla's Beads (feat Iasos) (6:04)
Moonlight Watsu In Dub (feat Nate Mercereau & Photay) (4:22)
Generous Pelvis (feat Sam Gendel, Deantoni Parks, Nate Mercereau & Adam Rudolph) (5:01)
Bi-Location (feat Aaron Shaw, Andres Renteria & Nate Mercereau) (3:30)
Review: Carlos NiNo & Friends' album Placenta is available in several formats including CD, translucent purple barbed double vinyl and plain black wax, which is what we have here. The record is their fourth release on International Anthem and was inspired by NiNo's recent journey into fatherhood. It pays homage to family, birth, and the wonder of new life as each track embarks on a sonic odyssey, from the soulful 'Love to all Doulas!' to the ethereal 'Moonlight Watsu in Dub.' NiNo's diverse approach traverses a spectrum of sounds and textures, reflecting his belief in the influential power of friendships to nurture creative ventures.
Review: Japanese jazzist Kenichiro Nishihara drew much acclaim for his second LP Humming Jazz in 2008, which came a full five years after his debut in 2003, and heralded a stabler career thereafter. With its harmonious, benignant piano melodies and oblique drum palette - which hears the artist secure both live bossa nova performances and original hip house beats - Nishihara knew the inherent entertainment value in tender modal jazz, and sought to enmesh sophistication with pop breeziness. 'Rain Falls' is an especially round-bodied track, with glycemic vocal flavours from Kissey Asplund and richly EQ-ed drums, setting a soulful precedent for two key hip-hop gems to come: 'From Time To Time' and 'Consider My Love', featuring rappers Gregg Green and Pismo. 'Step Out' signals the record's close with bopping triplet gaiety.
Livin' The Life (feat Steph Pockets - remix) (3:18)
Weather Overtone (3:08)
Beautiful Things (feat Amanda Diva) (4:29)
Now I Know (feat Pismo) (3:57)
Mind Tourism (1:10)
Brazilinan Daydream (3:42)
Waltz For Jazz Things (feat Gregg Green) (3:47)
Moon Child (feat Nina Vidal) (3:41)
Dawn (3:17)
Life (feat Kissey Asplund) (3:50)
Review: Now available in long-awaited LP form, Kenichiro Nishihara's second LP Life is issued via Urban Discos. Aiming to capture the essence of life in 12 tracks, the record, originally released in January 2010, fuses the blissed-out, piano-drenched Tokyo hip-hop sound with an advanced jazztronica palette and deals in themes of blessings, personal philosophy and stoical musings on everyday hardship but ultimate satisfaction. The rap features from Substantial, Steph Pockets, Amanda Diva, Pismo, Nina Vidal, Kissey Asplund and Gregg Green occur alternately between solo instrumentals from Nishihara himself; all tracks in the first category almost all deal in themes of flourishing and authenticity in day-to-day life, while those in the latter box serve as felicitous personal soundtracks for those cathartic revelations that can only arise through experience and dialogue.
Review: Chicago-based composer and underground mainstay Rob Mazurek has teamed up with modular synth expert and light artist Alberto Novello for this new collaboration on Hive Mind. The music was recorded in a single afternoon at Dobialab, an experimental artist space in Northern Italy where they cooked up an immersive, improvised journey into uncharted musical dimensions. Across all the coherent pieces, Novello provides a rhythmic and timbral foundation while Mazurek weaves delicate trumpet harmonies, bells and samples to build an atmospheric soundscape. The results veer from new age to psychedelic and are truly mesmerising, like an intense space ritual that explores new realms.
Pray For Me (part 1 - feat Neone The Wonderer) (3:58)
Pray For Me (part 2 - feat Kog) (3:37)
Reach My Soul (2:56)
Find Your Flame (3:34)
Slow Breath (feat Mamani Keita) (4:10)
Review: UK jazz megagroup Nubiyan Twist implore us to find our flames on their latest full-length album; it's a dubious but, for that very reason, intriguing command, and one which we're all the more inclined to see through, not least upon learning of the news that Nile Rodgers the master was involved with this record's making. 'Lights Out' cokes infused with Nile Rodgers' signature award -winning guitar style that seamlessly weaves between disco, jazz and Afrobeat, while mid-record intrigues like 'So Mi Stay' flaunt infectious dotted, broken beat rhythms and slick vocals from new group member and Sheffield vocalist Aziza Jaye.
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