Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Here's a project to get all spiritual jazz devotees in a lather - a masterful meeting of minds between Mark de Clive Lowe, Shigeto and Melanie Charles. De Clive Lowe is an accomplished pianist straddling jazz, hip-hop and house, while Shigeto is the drummer best known for his crunchy take on low slung beats. Charles is a next level singer, flautist and songwriter most readily associated with Verve Records, and her energy leads this incredible exploration of works by Pharaoh Sanders alongside their own compositions. Just check the truly ascendant version of 'the Creator Has A Master Plan', which more than does justice to a piece of music many might consider untouchable. Truly magic.

Review: Cherry Blossom Baby marks Shigeto's first full-length since 2017, emerging from a period of introspection and renewal. The Detroit-based artist, renowned for his blend of electronic, jazz, r&b and hip-hop, delivers a vibrant, collaborative album that reflects his cultural heritage and personal evolution. Drawing inspiration from the cherry blossoms of Hiroshima, Shigeto infuses each track with a sense of resilience and transformation. The album shows Shigeto's artistry and his commitment to collaboration. From the high-energy 'Ready. Set. Flex' featuring drummer Ian Maciak and rapper Zelooperz, to the soulful 'The Punch' with KESSWA, Shigeto embraces a range of sounds and styles. Tracks like 'BookaMagick' and 'Runnup On'm' showcase his ability to blend genres and create immersive experiences. Cherry Blossom Baby celebrates Shigeto's return to his craft, honoring both his roots and his growth. The record's rich, expansive production, influenced by 70s and 80s psych and jazz, reflects a collaborative spirit and a deep connection to Detroit's musical landscape.

Review: Shigeto started playing drums at a young age and spent his childhood immersed in the Detroit and Ann Arbor music scene. After nearly failing high school, except for his music studies, he pursued jazz at New York's New School and later in London, where he delved into electronic production. Since moving to Brooklyn in the early 2010s, he has not looked back and is now a mainstay of the underground and a key artist in the Ghostly family. His new album Cherry Blossom Baby marks his first full-length release since 2017 and is is another succulent and sublime blend of electronic, jazz, r&b, and hip-hop with a collaborative Detroit-rooted sound that celebrates personal growth and resilience.