New releases last four weeks: All genres

Review: Laurent Bardainne and Tigre d'Eau Douce's third album, EDEN BEACH CLUB, transports listeners to a sun-drenched paradise and was conceived as an imaginary soundtrack to a day by the sea. Following the triumph of Bardainne's Hymne au soleil album, they set their sights higher and here have crafted a sonic oasis that defies boundaries. Returning to their winning formula, the album seamlessly blends groove, soul, jazz, and electronic elements as each track invites you to lose yourself in a breezy and beachy dance as you celebrate an eternal sunset tinged with electric energy. The album is brimming with sophisticated and laid back melodies and gently persuasive grooves.

Review: BBE has delivered something of a future classic here, as decorated Eastern European harpist Alinha Bzhezhinska and British tenor saxophonist Tony Kofi join forces on a picturesque full-length excursion dedicated to the memory of spiritual jazz maestro Pharoah Saunders. It's a genuinely unique and hugely evocative affair, with Kofi's meandering, mesmeric melodies and inspired improvisations snaking in and out of Bzhezhinska's dreamy harp motifs and melodic percussion instruments (think bells, marimbas, vibraphone, xylophone and so on). It's not a familiar musical palette, but it's one that consistently delivers - and then some. Our picks of a very strong bunch include lucid opener 'Tabula Rasu - Blank Slate', the exotic and psychedelic 'Audite Me - Hear Me', and the picturesque, meditative closing cut, 'Altera Vita - Another Life'.

Review: In his debut as a leader and composer, Tiziano Codoro's inaugural project, Impermanenze,"breaks new ground. This electronic-jazz endeavour transcends typical boundaries to offer a wide-eyed trip into plenty of new musical realms. Seamlessly blending hypnotic melodies, sophisticated improvisations, and pulsating rhythms, it pushes the limits of musical innovation as the talented musicians involved effortlessly merge acoustic jazz with captivating electronic textures to create a harmonious fusion of tradition and experimentation. Impermanenze, then, encapsulates the essence of Northern European jazz and ably embodies its introspection, artistic freedom, and sonic beauty.

Review: Joao Donato's Muito A Vontade is a superb trip into the heart of Brazilian jazz. Released in 1962, this record showcases Donato's virtuosity as a pianist and composer, blending samba rhythms with jazz harmonies in a seamless fusion. Tracks all come with vibrant melody and exemplify his unique style, brimming with infectious hooks and rhythmic vitality. With its laid-back charm and sophisticated arrangements, Muito A Vontade captures the essence of bossa nova's golden era as Donato's effortless musicality and inventive improvisations make this even more essential.

Review: The Great Revivers is a funk and library band with a focus on organ laced grooves that hails from Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was formed around a decade or so ago from members of bands Wake&Bake! and The Reggaenauts and has put out a steady stream of very danceable 7"s since then. 'Adventures Begin' is their latest and it comes on the Spasibo label with lashing of loquacious saxophone and some nice loose, live drumming. Flip it over for something more laid back and starry eyed - 'Estrellas' has a soothing late night feel and brims with musicality.

Review: Spasibo Records has been busy lining up plenty of great funk sounds that all seem to be dropping at once. One of them is this limited yellow and red marbled vinyl from The Great Revivers. The band hail from St Petersburg in Russia and these two instrumental tunes are perfect examples of their lush library funk sound. Both were recorded pre-pandemic back in 2019 at a vintage studio in an old church. The organs really shimmer and bring the heat to opening cut 'Adventures Begin' while 'Estrellas' dial down into a more late night and intimate atmosphere before the funky breaks and neat guitar riffs come on with full force.

Review: Matthew Halsall initially crafted Bright Sparkling Light as an exclusive for his 2023 EU and UK tour. He then decided to put it out on vinyl and has now put together this special Japanese Edition which features its three exquisite suites, each averaging seven to ten minutes. Halsall's affinity for hypnotic drones, tenor sax progressions intertwined with lush flute loops and evocative depictions of Newborough Forest shine through here on an album that beautifully bridges the transition from dewy morning to creeping crepuscule. It's a natural, organic soundtrack from one of jazz finest contemporary talents.

Review: While rooted in the quintessential sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s, UK jazz ensemble The Jazz Defenders explore fresh territory while honouring their jazz heritage on their third album, Memory In Motion. Tracks like 'Chasing Fantasies' and 'Fuffle Kerfuffle' showcase their swing jazz finesse, while 'Meanderthal' and 'Snakebite Playfight' infuse soulful grooves akin to 1960s jazz legends. Collaborations with UK rapper Doc Brown on 'Rolling On A High' and the uptempo funk of 'Net Zero' add modern flair, while introspective moments like 'Take A Minute' and the closing 'Enigma' offer a serene balance. Memory In Motion celebrates jazz's legacy and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary influences for an immersive listening experience.

Review: Guitar virtuoso Julian Lage's Speak To Me is a dynamic Blue Note album produced by Joe Henry. Arriving with 13 original tracks, Lage's compositions navigate a rich tapestry of American music genres, from gospel hymns to California singer-songwriter vibes and skronky jazz. The album's lead single '76' showcases a hard-driving blues essence, while 'As It Were' offers an atmospheric acoustic ballad. With contributions from Kris Davis, Patrick Warren, Levon Henry, and his trusted trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King, Lage presents a multifaceted musical journey that captivates and enthrals in equal measure here.

Review: German funk act The Poets Of Rhythm have more than left their mark on a scene that wasn't so popular back in their heyday. They have got plenty of great albums to explore and several superb singles, of which this is one. 'Practice What You Preach' is a track from their debut album released on Soulciety in 1993. Despite a hiatus from albums until their return with a Ninja Tune LP in 2001, the band remained active in the 7"s circuit. Surprisingly, a part two to the same track exists, serving as an instrumental version of the original 1993 release. On the B-side, a fresh funk track, previously released under the alias Mighty Continentals, features Bo Baral delivering a rare solo guitar performance alongside ambiguous lyrical content.

Review: This is the third installment in the Local Sugar Diggers Series from Scruniversal in which old and rare records from the label head's friend's collections get reworked and edited. This one is a collab between ScruScru and an equally passionate digger from Cyprus known as Dwaal. Both tunes offer quite different looks but with great results. The first is the steamy and loose-limbed 'Destination? Funk!' with its squelchy bass and neat guitar riffs, while the flipside is a super deep and lush downtempo jam, 'Camelot Chill'. This one has romantic sax notes and gentle grooves with jazzy keys finishing it in style.

Review: SOLO 500 is back on their own self-titled label with the third entry in Galaxy Sound Company's series and again it digs deep into jazz-funk to turn out some killer breaks. Up first is the main theme from 1974's subway hijack movie The Taking Of The Pelham One Two Three and it is one with a funky, jazzy, high-octane sound that has been sampled by Company Flow, Mix Master Mike and many more. On the backside is an edit of a tune from Manfred Mann Chapter Three's self-titled 1969 LP. This one has been famously sampled by The Prodigy. Another great little 7".

Review: The Soul Surfers & Shawn Lee have linked their creative energies once more with a new pair of singles for the cultured Spasibo Records. Both tracks on this limited gold vinyl were recorded in 2018. One was captured at Moscow's Magnetone studio during Lee's visit for the premiere of a movie documenting his prior recording with The Soul Surfers, and the other was recorded remotely with The Soul Surfers at their Nizhniy Novgorod headquarters and Lee at his London studio, The Shop. The collaboration is a fruitful one with two sublime and timeless funk cuts featuring some bittersweet replaying of classic melodies.

Review: Analog Africa has repressed the highly valued and long since sold-out Congo Funk! Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River: Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982. It is a compilation that superbly shows off the raw energy and funkiness of the Congolese rumba scene. This is the country that spawned such as legendary bands as African Jazz, OK Jazz and African Fiesta and it is said that the concert ahead of the legendary Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman is what really set young hopefully musicians on their paths, after they saw James Brown play live. The story of those artists and the labels they released on in the ensuing years is what is told so well here across four sides of vital wax.

Review: Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol 1 is a vibrant compilation album that encapsulates the essence of early funk music during the late 1960s to the early 1970s. Featuring obscure tracks from that era, it showcases the raw energy, infectious rhythms, and soulful grooves that defined the funk movement. From big, fat basslines to horn sections that pack a punch, each track immerses you in impossibly catchy rhythms so you journey through the golden age of this genre. With its diverse selection of rare gems, Cold Heat offers a glimpse into a musical era characterized by innovation.

Review: Togo Soul 2 is a fantastic compilation of rare Togolese recordings spanning 1974 to 1989. This treasure trove captures the essence of Lome's vibrant music scene and blends traditional voodoo chants, soul, and electro funk. Despite challenges in locating tracks and rights holders, after eight years of perseverance, 13 gems were selected with the guidance of Roger Damawuzan. Featuring stars like Akofa Akoussah and Gregoire Lawani, these tracks showcase Togo's rich musical landscape amid political influences. With original albums commanding high prices online, this selection offers a glimpse into a golden era of Togolese music, celebrating diversity and innovation.

Review: Spasibo Records introduces a new 7" vinyl by St. Petersburg outfit the Vicious Seeds, this time on yellow and green wax. In an unconventional move, vibraphonist Pavel Chizhik takes the spotlight and the result is that he truly enhances the band's signature sound. 'Village Hassle' offers a unique blend of rare groove and instrumental reggae-soul - the A-side highlights Chizhik's vibraphone prowess, intertwining it with a dynamic instrumental backbeat. On the flip side, 'Monthly Rainfall' delves into a soulful journey, characterized by cross-sticked snares and offbeat chord plucks which create an atmosphere reminiscent of slow-jammed soul with a contemporary twist.

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.