Brokenbeat / Nu Jazz Recommendation April 2014

Review: New Zealand funk and reggae troupe Fat Freddy's Drop call on the man Theo Parrish to rework "Mother Mother" from last year's third LP Blackbird on the first of two planned remix 12" singles - watch out for the second featuring the handiwork of Cosmo, Yam Who and Ashley Beedle. In original form, "Mother Mother" was already quite a long track, clocking in at just under nine minutes and though this new rendition from the Sound Signature boss is not that much longer he does add his signature (sorry) twist to the track. There's also an instrumental on the B Side for those that aren't partial to Joe Dukie's distinctive tones but love the Parrish production.

Review: German jazz and soul enthusiasts Jazz & Milk are set to release a new compilation series that represent the label's broadest colours by way of previously unreleased exclusives from their ever developing roster. Consistent contrast is in full effect as we jump from vibe to vibe... From the UKG style bass bumps of Sam Irl's "Time" to the spell-binding Ethio horn heaves of Todd Simon & The Angel City All Strar Brass Band's "Sidama de Cali" by way of label boss Dusty's deep, smouldering jazz house gem "Cosmic Path", Jazz & Milk have left footprints over every corner of the dance... And beyond. We can't wait for the full album!

Review: A compilation of popular modern electro music from Mali. High energy jams from "Balani Show" sound systems. A collage of cut up balafons and djembes over Kuduro and Coupe Decale rhythms, interspersed with samples of drums, bells, and whistles. Heavy dance tracks from some of the top names in Balani Show, from old school originators to bedroom DJ innovators, a selection of a music with over a decade of hits.

Review: Ah, yes...We finally see a vinyl edition of this timeless beauty, a real spectacle in sound and soul. Taken, anything on Finland's Sahko is always pretty incredible, but Ifrgay's testament is nothing short of spectacular and certainly stands out loud and proud within the label's hefty catalogue. There is no way to describe it apart from the fact that it's good music. Mixing elements of techno with Balearic and lo-fi, it's the perfect LP to listen to in more contemplative moods but also on the floor...That's what's so special about it. Our pick, if he had to choose one, would be "Seas Of Mars" - just brilliant. RECOMMENDED.

Review: Fab Samperi's debut album, the jazz dance/downtempo/Latin beats fusion set Power Bossa, slipped under the radar a little on its release back in 2011. This belated remix album, featuring a thrilling variety of jaunty dancefloor reworks, will hopefully fare a little better. Spanning a range of styles, from carnival D&B (see Stickybuds' take on "Listen Up" and Mo Horizons' skittish rework of "Stand Back") and rasping funk breaks (top rubs from Basement Freaks and Sly Players), to chunky bossa (Samperi's own remake of "Alcoholic Drinks" under The Captain pseudonym) and tango-influenced hip-hop (bonus cut "Prophets Before Profits"), Power Bossa Remixed is an effervescent and entertaining excursion.