Brownswood 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Having enjoyed a help in hand courtesy of the Arts Council-funded "Future Bubblers" project and mentor Esa (whose Afro-synth band he played in), Forest Law has graduated to the Brownswood Recordings roster. The producer and multi-instrumentalist has a wide palette of influences, but is particularly interested in West African and Brazilian music. These inspirations naturally come to the fore on this inspired debut, which gathers together three tracks bristling with effervescent Latin-percussion, Afrobeat-influenced grooves, Afro-synth electronics and vocals - presumably provided by the artist himself - that sound a little like Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor. It's an alluring blend that results in three fine cuts, of which A-side "New Thoughts New Eyes" - a future dancefloor classic, we reckon - being the pick of a very strong bunch.

Review: Kokoroko very quickly broke through with the last EP on Brownswood. The talented musical collective stuff their tunes with elements of afro, funk, soul and jazz and each one makes an indelible mark. This new EP offers two more such gems: first up, 'Baba Ayoola' has silky drumming that would make Tony Allen proud. The lead trumpets and mellifluous chords all make for a rich sonic tapestry that is ripe for dancing. On the flip is 'Carry Me Home' with more big horns and complex drum patterns, as well as some soulful vocal coos to finish it in style.

Review: Str4ta is a project that harks back to the glory days of the vibrant British jazz-funk scene of the early 80s. Gilles Peterson and his partner in crime Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick are behind the music and the new album is the first new music they have put out in over a decade. Quick on the draw as ever is Dave Lee, fka Joey Negro, who on this 12" on Brownswood serves up two alternative mixes of one of the singles. The fist version of 'After The Rain' is all hip swinging claps, low slung funk and brightly shining, starry-eyed melodies. The second dub version is more scripted back but still with plenty of irresistible percussion and bass.

Review: Str4ta is a joint project that includes Gilles Peterson and Jean-Paul Maunick aka Bluey, inspired by 80s Brit funk bands. In 2022, Str4ta released their third album Str4tasfear for Gilles's label, Brownswood Recordings and this 12" stamped white label offers two dance remixes of two tracks from Str4tasfear. For the A-side, 'To Be As One' is remixed by Venom with vocal by Theo Croker. This soulful house version is jazzy and slightly psychedelic, that gives off a tremendous 70s vibe to it, while the second side sees 'Lazy Days' is remixed by Wallace, adding a bit more of a Latin house feel and features Emma Jean Thackray on vocals. Both versions turn the originals into the perfect dancefloor shufflers for eclectic people. This is the perfect 12" for house, soul and Latin DJs to express their more jazzy side.

Review: Yussef Days is a masterful drummer who has invigorated contemporary jazz and broken beat scenes with several different and equally brilliant projects. The Yussef Dayes Experience Live At Joshua Tree Presented By Soulection is the latest and finds him anchoring music that is inspired by the world's most well-known nature reserve. It is a spiritually uplifting selection with the likes of Elijah Fox on keys and synth and features five tracks that will transport you to the blissful location in an instant.