Review: Since emerging in their home country a decade ago, Caixa Cubo have flitted between labels (most notably Heavenly Recordings and Jazz 'N' Milk) while establishing trademark sound that expands on the jazz-funk-meets-samba-jazz template created by fellow countrymen Azymuth (like that band, they're a trio based around drums, bass and organ/electric piano). Unsurprisingly, they've now found a home on Joe Davis's Brazil-focused Far Out Recordings, a stable that has done much to champion Azymuth in the UK. Modo Avia (air mode) is typically warm, breezy and gently tropical, fusing killer grooves and infectious, off-kilter rhythms with brilliant solos, infectious riffs and far-sighted musical flourishes. It feels like the sort of set that will be talked about in hushed tones in 30 or 40 years, and we can think of no greater praise than that.
Review: During the 1960s and '70s, there were few greater exponents of "Forro" - a North-Eastern Brazilian style with some similarities to traditional styles of Colombian dance music - than Camarao. The talented accordionist, composer and band-leader recorded a string of fine albums between 1964 and '74, and it's tracks from these that make up The Imaginary Soundtrack to a Brazilian Western Movie, Analog Africa's fine retrospective of the Camarao's work. Musically, it's a blast - a real melting pot of jaunty, grab-a-partner styles and sounds, rich in memorable horn lines, dazzling solos and fast-past accordion motifs - while the accompanying 28-page booklet tells the accordionist's story in impressive detail.
Review: Cornell "CC" Carter's upcoming album is a heartfelt masterpiece, showcasing his deep connection to life, love, and the emotions we all experience daily. 'The Change,' the first single, set the stage for the highly anticipated track 'Everyday,' reflecting Carter's soulful essence. The album is a collaboration with top-tier musicians and producers, embodying a collective soul. Born in Berkeley and raised in San Francisco, Carter debuted with Vindicated Soul in 2017, followed by notable albums like One Love, Absolutely, and Next Life. His career highlights include recording with The Isley Brothers and sharing stages with legends like James Brown, Ray Charles, and Sly and the Family Stone. Known for his versatile vocal range, Carter's previous work, In The Moment and the acclaimed Vindicated Soul, solidified his international presence. With awards and accolades, including Soultracks' New Artist of the Year, Carter continues to captivate with his unique blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Review: Novela by Brazilian songstress Ceu is a collaborative masterpiece, bringing together diverse musicians to craft an analog-driven, richly textured album. Produced by Pupillo and Adrian Younge, Novela features contributions from LadyBug Mecca, Loren Oden, Jensine Benitez, and DJ/producer Frankie Reyes. Opening with 'Raiou,' a 70s-inspired dramatic piece featuring Ladybug Mecca, the album sets a soulful tone. 'Cremosa' follows with its vibrant chords, slick guitar riffs, and a hypnotic groove.'Gerando na Alta,' on the other hand, is a mellow duet with Franco-Senegalese singer Anaiis which explores sisterhood over lush rhythmic grooves and bilingual lyrics. 'Crushinho' delivers cinematic strings and Ceu's emotive vocals. 'Into my Novela,' featuring Loren Oden and Jensine Benitez, is about the suspense of TV dramas without scripts, while 'Mucho Oro' is a slow ballad about self-expression and love. 'High na Cachu' infuses a reggae bounce with Ceu's whispery vocals to great success. 'Bua Bua' features the amazing Frankie Reyes, adding to the harmony. The album closes with the solemn 'Corp e Colo,' featuring Nando Reis and Kleber Lucas, and the anthemic 'Reescreve,' which addresses Brazil's turbulent history with thought-provoking lyrics. Novela brilliantly melds Brazilian culture, bossa nova, soul, funk and cinematic elements into a dynamic, bold album that strays from the norm.
The Allergies - "Love That I'm In" (feat Andy Cooper)
The Andy Tolman Cartel - "You What!"
Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - "(Everybody) Do The Watusi"
Charles Bradley - "Change For The World"
Joyous - "Galaxia"
Henri-Pierre Noel - "Funky Spider Dance (The Reflex Revision)"
Brian Augers' Oblivion Express - "Inner City Blues"
The Hawkmen - "Love Is Blind"
Scone Cash Players - "Year Of The Rooster" (part 1)
Tanika Charles - "Endless Chain"
Kylie Auldist - "Body"
Anatoly Ice & Dariya - "Talking Black"
Carleen Anderson - "Begin Again"
Niteshifters - "Show Me What You've Got" (original mix)
The Filthy Six - "Mr Morris" (Spectra Sonic Sound Session - live)
Lack Of Afro - "Back In Business" (feat Wax & Herbal T)
Ginger Johnson & His African Messengers - "Nawa"
Daytoner - "I Get By"
Review: We can think of few finer stocking fillers for funk aficonados than this fifth Funk & Soul Club compilation from actor/comedian-turned-radio host Craig Charles. As with previous volumes, the Red Dwarf star and BB 6 Music host has included a mixture of original funk era cuts and recent revivalist gems. In the latter category you'll find a stellar instrumental cover of Rick James' "Super Freak" by The Traffic, the dancefloor-burning sound of Nicole Willis and the UMO Orchestra and the brilliant boogie revivalism of Australian singer Kylie Audist. In terms of deeper older selections, look no further than the 1973 jazz-funk re-make of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" by Brian Auger's Oblivion Express and the Afro-funk explosion that is "Nawa" by Ginger Baker & His African Messengers.
Beggar & Co - "Somebody Help Me Out" (Boogie Back radio mix)
Sai Galaxy - "Rendezvous" (feat Vanessa Baker)
Dave Lee & Omar - "Starlight" (radio edit)
Kylie Auldist - "LYB (Love You Better)" (The Waz Exclusive Trunk Of Funk remix)
Lexsoul Dancemachine - "I Don't Mind" (Mr Lex Trunk Of Funk remix)
Sunlightsquare - "I Thought It Was You" (live)
The New Mastersounds - "Watchu Want" (Exclusive Trunk Of Funk vocal version)
The Harlem Gospel Travelers - "God's In Control"
Sister Cookie - "Ain't No Good (But Its Good Enough For Me)" (Feat.Spencer Evoy)
Sugaray Rayford - "Gonna Lift You Up"
Kaz Hawkins - "Shake"
The Nextmen - "Big Time" (feat Kiko Bun)
La Rochelle Band - "Prophet"
The Niceguys - "Power" (feat Bobby Saint - A Skillz remix)
Sly Johnson - "Trust Me"
Cotonete - "Day In Day Out" (feat Leron Thomas)
Roy Ayers - "Tarzan"
Review: Self-proclaimed "quadruple threat" (he is, after all, a DJ, comedian, actor and poet) Craig Charles swings open his colossal Trunk of Funk for a third time. In line with previous dives into the popular BBC 6 Music DJ's music collection, he's served up a selection that moves between the decades, taking in all manner of funky treats (think funk breaks, modern soul, jazz-funk, disco-boogie, classic soul and more). Flick through the clips and you'll find genius-like gospel (the Harlem Gospel Travellers), recent remixes (Smoove reworking the Third Degree, A Skillz putting his stamp on The Niceguys), classics reimagined (the Boogie Back rework of Beggar & Co classic 'Somebody Help Me Out'), modern gems (Dave Lee and Omar) and the odd exclusive (a previously unheard vocal version of The New Mastersounds' 'Watchu Want').
Review: Having previously decided to ditch the Chet Faker moniker for a couple of subsequently low-key albums, including last year's digital-only ambient excursion, Musical Silence, Nick Murphy has finally decided to resurrect it. In the process, the Australian artist has gone back to basics, with Hotel Surrender sounding far more like his much-loved 2014 debut, Built on Glass - a massive hit in his home country - then anything else he's recorded since. It was a smart move, because Murphy does synth-heavy, electronica-tinged pop far better than most. As a result, the album is full of confirmed earworms, from the blue-eyed soul of 'Oh Me, Oh My' and the string-drenched swell of 'Whatever Tomorrow', to the flash-friend funk-pop of 'Feel Good' and the Rhodes-clad R&B-soul of 'In Too Deep'.
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