New releases last two weeks: Soul

Review: Brazilian artist Lucas Arruda, is fast becoming a regarded figure in the Latin scene. 'Ominira' is his latest long player that once again, finds a home on the French label Favorite Recordings. An album full of rich sounding musical textures that cross boundaries and bridge many genres such as Latin, soul, house, jazz and pop. The vibrant summer jams 'The Bravest Heart' and 'Novos Planos' are A-side standouts that will surely excite veteran and new listeners alike, who are into World music. '4:28' and 'The Mountain' start the second side with some catchy instrumentals that give off memorable beachy 70s vibes. ' Projecoes' closes the album with one of the most soulful performances of the album. All and all, you have a wonderful sounding jazzy grooved piece that ups the expectation of what a Latin jazz album can be. Cafe Del Mar approved!

Review: Diane Birch returns with that spellbinding voice - a transportive powerhouse packing a timeless quality that resonates through her music. The American recording world doing what it has always done so well, creating huge, heartbreaking, hopeful, and captivating mini operas disguised as pop. Or, if you want to get technical here: soft rock, country, folk, r&b and soul. OK, so there are elements of funk and jazz, too, and the result is a heady brew that's pretty inescapable. Harking back to the balladry heydays, with shades of Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, and Carly Simon, to name but a few - in delivery and performance, if not necessarily tone - no matter where you're listening from it's going to be hard to forget this one.

Review: Maya Blandy's latest single, Lemons, is a vibrant and infectious track that seamlessly blends upbeat urban funk with an acid jazz sound, resulting in a potential pop hit. The song takes a spin on the classic adage about making the best out of life's challenges, presenting it with a fresh and edgy perspective. With its catchy hooks, groovy rhythm, and Maya Blandy's convincing vocals, Lemons is destined to be an instant hit once heard.
The Side-2 is equally as good with 'BIB (Bitch In Black).' This song oozes with soulful vibes, showcasing Maya's mesmerizing vocals against an urban beat backdrop. The addition of a horn section adds depth and richness to the track, elevating its sonic experience.

Review: France's faves Battle Weapons deliver two heady new edits, only for those ready. On the A comes an ingenious, probably never-done-before, almost laughably why-hasn't-anyone-else-ever-thought-of-this-until-now breakbeat rendition of Peter Bjorn & John's 'The Young Folks'. To be frank, they've not done much besides beef up the backbeat a little, but a simple sprucing up is sometimes all a tune needs. On the flip comes a phattened version of 'Forgot About Dre' mashed up with the Azzido Da Bass UK garage classic 'Dooms Night', also produced to hilariously, surreally arresting effect.

Review: Lynn Davis, known for her illustrious career as a backing vocalist and member of George Duke's band, continues her solo journey with 'Beautiful You, her second single. Following the success of her debut release, 'Come Over,' Davis showcases her vocal prowess and sensuality once again in this sophisticated r&b ballad with a touch of jazzy swing. In 'Beautiful You,' Davis sings of recognising the inner and outer beauty in her partner, expressing gratitude for finding someone who surpasses expectations. The song beautifully captures the feeling of discovering that something seemingly too good to be true is, in fact, real. With its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, 'Beautiful You' is another standout track from Davis, reaffirming her talent as a solo artist.

Review: This Hawaii-based label consistently delivers soulful gems like this which is why we love it so much. Mel Day brings genuine depth with 'Every Day I Try,' a poignant reflection on lost love, complemented by the talented Tito Lopez Combo and superb instrumentation. On the other side, 'Baby Girl' showcases Mel's confident and stylish channelling of the spirit of Joe Tex. This vinyl-exclusive release, produced under license from the esteemed music maestro Harbans Srih, pays homage to the golden age of soul music and is destined to become a timeless modern classic.

Review: We're big fans of this label here at Juno HQ as we have said before and how can you not be when it serves up soul as good as this? Mel Day delivers authentic deepness with 'Every Day I Try.' It is a heartfelt lament for lost love that is backed by the accomplished Tito Lopez Combo and some magnificent instrumentation. On the flip side, 'Baby Girl' sees Mel channelling the spirit of Joe Tex with confidence and flair. Produced under license from music maestro Harbans Srih, this vinyl-only release harks back to the golden era of soul music and is sure to prove a timeless modern classic.

Review: The self-titled debut record from South Carolina soul septet The Entertainers first dropped in 1980 and laid claim to a distinctive quirkiness. The kernel of the album's success was its unabashed choice of subject matter - sexual attraction - which when combined with its bright mixes and burstingly clear compositions, helped propel the band out from their local beach scene roots and into increasing interstate acclaim. With members Earl Dawkins on vocals, Hugh "Tuff" Blanton on bass, Richard Robertson on trumpet andzz flugelhorn, Ric Sanders on keyboards, Danny Baker on guitar, Marc Goins on drums and John Franklin on trombone, the Entertainers did nothing but.

Review: Soul vocalist and covers extraordinaire Vanessa Fernandez - in other worlds known as Vandetta - throws a curveball with Remember Me, seguing through a fabulous mix of R&B classics, including 'That's the Way of the World' (Earth Wind & Fire), 'Lovely Day' (Bill Withers), 'You're the One I Love' (Barry White), 'Kiss' (Prince), not to mention a smattering of contemporary pop and soul numbers numbers such as Lenny Kravitz's 'I Belong To You', Tom Misch's 'It Runs Through Me', and Portishead's 'Roads'. Proving a wide-ranging knowledge of soul music that is difficult to match (the genre is often subject to staid interpretations, remaining too fixed to certain traditions or places), Fernandez takes on an all-embracing approach to her chosen sound and in doing so enlists a diverse cast of instrumentalists to help her along the way: Tim Pierce (guitars), Alex Al (bass), Victor Indrizzo (drums), Jeff Babko (keyboards), Felipe Menolio (acoustic guitars), and Luis Conte (percussion).

Review: When Keyon Harrold lists the influences that he turned to during the creation of his rich and evocative new album Foreverland, he cites the likes of Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Fela Kuti, John Coltrane, and, for a second, he becomes vulnerable; the list is too basic, too serious-music-listener-starter-pack. But, out of that moment of insecurity, he spins an indelible flex: "You are what you eat, and I have a pretty strict diet in dope shit. Taking in Keyon Harrold's career to-date, it's clear that the 'world-class trumpeter' (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He's a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D'Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges. His circle of regular collaborators is formidable and includes his music industry mentor Common (who hired him for his first touring gig), his New School classmate Robert Glasper, and GRAMMY winners Maxwell, PJ Morton, Gregory Porter, and YEBBA. Even apart from its compositional intricacies and stylistic innovations, Foreverland is a triumph of resilience and empowerment. "What will be said when you're gone?", says Keyon. "If you're not living life - getting beat up, getting your heart broken, winning, losing - what are you doing? What about your life can people learn from? If you don't put yourself in the ring sometimes, there won't be anything." On Foreverland, Keyon takes life's challenges head-on - and emerges, in both music and in life, with a renewed sense of purpose.

Review: Wah Wah welcome the return of multi-talented Norwegian producer Espen Horne, following a 24 year hiatus. Sometimes, such resurfacings must happen - even after such long periods of time - if only to reaffirm the round-robin integrity of the label. The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence is thus the logical, LP-form follow-up to 1999's acid jazz single/EP 'Magnetica', which, though released only to furtive acclaim, launched the label's reputation as a pusher of delights. This new one, however, makes for a remarkably different turn in sound, coming as a full-length of ambient, tremolo-ing and glistening jazz-funk verging on hip-hop (though certainly cut from the same cloth as 'Magnetica'). Vocalists and instrumentalists such as Olav Wollo, Faye Houston and Aich are kept firmly in tow, squeezing the icing onto an already spongy, delicious sonic gateau.

Review: The self-titled name of the debut album featuring Luther Vandross is reissued for the first time by Sony. Originally released in 1976, Luther was a five person soul, disco and rhythm and blues ensemble with Luther Vandross as the lead vocalist. A popular session singer at the time, Luther eventually outgrew the band and went solo, but not before two full albums worth of material - this being the first. At the time, the record flew under the radar with the singles 'It's Good For The Soul' and 'Funky Music (Is A Part Of Me)' not making much of an impact on the charts. As the years have gone on and with the success of Luther as well as the resurgence in music of the period, the two albums have gained a lot of interest.

Review: Rachel Maxann's 7" single 'All Of This And Nothing' offers a delightful journey back to the swinging 60s. With a sultry voice and passionate singing, Maxann channels the era's essence, accompanied by a backing band featuring a vibrant horn section and captivating organ melodies. The title track oozes with vintage charm and undeniable groove, transporting listeners to a bygone era of soulful music. On the B-side, 'Find Myself Another Man (alternate take)' takes a different turn, embracing early rock 'n roll vibes with a sprinkling of blues influence and soulful flair. Maxann's vocals shine against the backdrop of energetic instrumentals, delivering a rousing performance that keeps the essence of the era alive while adding her own modern twist.

Review: Nick and Astro, known collectively as Potatohead People, join forces once again on a tantalising teaser 7" from their upcoming album, Eat Your Heart Out'. Featured on 'Paradise' is the highly hyped Canadian artist Diamond Cafe, whose velvety vocals grace this early 80s-inspired blend of digital sex funk that will remind you of Sade, El Debarge, and Prefab Sprout. Describing his music as "bathing in a cloud of honey on a very foggy night," Diamond Cafe's performance is nothing short of magic here. On the flipside, Nick Wisdom puts his spin on the track, infusing it with dub elements and enhancing the bassline.

Review: Dive into the haunting depths of Pratt & Moody's latest single, 'Creeping Around and you will find this enigmatic duo showcasing their expertise in merging dark soul with haunting melodies. Building on the success of their previous hits (including the wonderful 'Lost Lost Lost' and 'Wheels Turning') they explore themes of infidelity with raw emotion. Pratt's velvety vocals intertwine seamlessly with Moody's evocative guitar on 'Creeping Around' which has a late-night introspection to it where melancholy and passion converge in a David Lynch-esque world. Each note resonates with longing and desire that stays with you after the music finishes.

Review: Pratt & Moody's latest single, 'Creeping Around,' delves into the depths of dark soul with haunting melodies. The duo, comprising Pratt and Moody, showcases their collective prowess in crafting a narrative of infidelity that transcends boundaries. Pratt's velvety vocals intertwine seamlessly with Moody's evocative guitar, creating a timeless soundscape dripping with raw emotion. Supported by the masterful artistry of Cold Diamond & Mink, 'Creeping Around' transports listeners to a realm of late-night introspection, evoking the atmospheric ambiance of a David Lynch film. With its haunting melodies and immersive instrumentation, this track captivates with its exploration of longing, desire, and the complexities of human emotion.

Review: Patrice Rushen's Remind Me: The Classic Elektra Recordings 1978-1984 celebrates the unmatched talent of a jazz and r&b legend whose influence extends far beyond her chart success. Rushen's songs, including hits like 'Forget Me Nots' and 'Haven't You Heard,' have left an indelible mark on popular music, with countless artists sampling her work. Despite facing criticism and lackluster label support, Rushen's crossover into sophisticated urban pop paved the way for future R&B and hip-hop hits. This compilation shows Rushen's talents as a musician and arranger, with her production providing the building blocks for decades of musical innovation. Tracks like 'Givin' It Up Is Givin' Up' and 'Remind Me' highlight Rushen's electrifying performances and innovative sound. Rushen's timeless music remains as relevant and influential as ever, cementing her status as a true icon of musical innovation and creativity.

Review: Say She She is the psychedelic soul group from Brooklyn that's exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and the pleasure of touring Europe and North America, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Authentic and organic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 attempt at foraying into disco 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' wasn't received amazingly at the time, but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is zany and expressive against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This 7" contains both Spencer's original track and the interpretation by the trio, pressed on white vinyl.

Review: Brooklyn-based psychedelic soul group Say She She have exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and multiple TV performances, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Organic and authentic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 track 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' didn't get much attention at the time - his attempt at doing disco wasn't well received - but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is expressive and powerful against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This single has both Say She She's cover - as well as the original - on a 7" disc.

Review: The Techniques and The Zodiacs are two revered reggae groups renowned for their distinct sound and contributions to the genre's evolution. Both bands are synonymous with several classics and have left an indelible mark on music history. Now they are back on this new 45rpm with two coveted Jamaican rocksteady and ska gems as part of the celebratory launch of the new Treasure Isle Story series by Charly Records. First up is a masterful recording by The Techniques that epitomises Duke Reid's penchant for melody and tight harmony vocals. This rendition was originally penned by Curtis Mayfield for the Impressions. Next, 'Renegade' was recorded in 1967 by The Zodiacs. Initially released as the B-side to 'Duck Soup,' this track has since become one of the most coveted and sought-after Treasure Isle 45s.

Review: Thee Heart Tones, Big Crown Records' newest addition, showcase their youthful exuberance and musical prowess on their debut single. Recorded at Diamond West Studio with producers Leon Michels and Tommy Brenneck, the band delivers a captivating performance on both tracks. 'Forever & Ever' is an infectious, feelgood anthem with lead singer Jazmine Alvarado's captivating vocals soaring over the band's lively groove. The song's catchy chorus is bound to linger in listeners' minds long after the music stops. On the B-side, their rendition of the classic 'Sabor A Mi' demonstrates their versatility and skill, with Jazmine's vocals shining once again. Thee Heart Tones have made a promising entrance into the music scene, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating their forthcoming debut album.

Review: A year after dropping his acclaimed album 'Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth' with Flying Dutchman and Acid Jazz Records, Billy unveils a fresh take on a soul classic. Recorded at LA's prestigious Henson Recording Studio, alongside producer Bob Thiele Jr. and a stellar band including Larry Goldings, Pino Paladino, Jeff Parker, James Gadson, and John Philip Shenale, he introduces three new tracks. His rendition of Gil Scott-Heron's 'Lady Day & John Coltrane', debuted on Gilles Peterson's BBC6Music, mesmerising live audiences. This special edition 7" includes a unique edit of 'Home Is Where The Hatred Is', not previously available on vinyl.

Review: One of four new vinyl issues, Numero Group deliver their compendium of regional funk and soul unknowns from Mel Alexander's Consolidated Productions label. The V/A forms a part of a new bundled volume of their longstanding compilation-compilation (yes!), made up of earlier funk cuts released by lesser-spotted interstate funk floggers throughout the 70s, including Tragar, Note, Saadia and Shoestring. Eccentric Soul is its name: first issued in 2004, this big splash homed in on the regional American delights in the genre, stretching as far as Wichita, Kansas, San Antonia, Texas and Norfolk and releasing an uncountable string of tracks by formerly unknown names based in small locales, who'd at that point only just caught onto the incipient funk movement. Here, you may dive into LA's cutthroat music business from 1961-1991, embodied in Mel Alexander's Consolidated Productions, which lay among the longest running Black-owned independent record conglomerates of the 20th century.

Review: Originally part of the 2014 album I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me, 'Hit 'Em Like Ali' stands out as a vibrant and infectious track in Australian artist Chelsea Wilson's collection. Its energetic and riotous vibe has earned it a place as an unheralded modern deep funk classic. Spasibo Records now grants it a well-deserved single release on nice coloured vinyl. Co-produced by Jake Mason of Cookin' On 3 Burners, the heavyweight instrumental backing track, making its debut on the flip side, showcases Melbourne's top funk musicians. With blistering breakbeats, heavy horns, flanged guitars, and weighty bass, it's a track designed to captivate.

Review: Some 20 years on from the release of her debut album, acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright releases another instant classic album, Shadow. The Southern American heart-tugger is a specialist of gospel and soul, first earning her spurs as part of a Billie Holiday tribute act before earning increasing stars under the banner of Verve Records. Weaving influences from the Great American Church Songbook to Wright's own personal experiences of love, grief and kinship, Shadow is a moving album statement, channelling the recent memory of her grandmother through stripped-back and unprescribed deployments of acoustic guitar and bare vocals.

Review: X-Ray Ted's 'Talkin' EP' finally hits vinyl, a format perfectly suited for its timeless classic vibe. On the A-side, 'Talkin' weaves strings, horns, and guitar riffs over rolling beats and bass, topped with soulful vocals. On the flip, 'So Much' exudes infectious energy, blending vocal refrains, guitars, and horns for a soulful groove. These tracks offer a glimpse into X-Ray Ted's upcoming debut album, showcasing his talent for blending old-school sounds with a modern twist. Limited to a run of 7"s on Bombstrikes, these vinyl grooves exude sunshine vibes and feel-good warmth, destined to fly off shelves.