Greg Foat, Aleksi Heinola & Teemu Åkerblom - Gone to the Cats

Greg Foat - Gone to the Cats

Let me start off by saying that I'm a huge Greg Foat fan. He consistently puts out amazing albums. Each release is a beautiful mix of modern jazz with touches of cinematic soundscapes, and meditative vibes. His latest release Gone to the Cats includes a Finnish rhythm section consisting of Aleksi Heinola on drums and Teemu Åkerblom on bass.

Recorded in a small cabin in snowy pre-covid Norway in the winter of 2020. These 8 atmospheric beat-laden instrumentals are ultimately a tribute to cats. The trio built up an improvised, spontaneous jam formula, featuring a jazzy backbone with Greg’ solos and harmonics laid out utilizing the new Moog grandmother accompanied with Fender Rhodes and the Roland JX-8P synthesizer.

I’m loving this project. Now if I can just get the vinyl here in the stated 😩

Jazzaggression · Foat, Heinola, Åkerblom - GONE TO THE CATS album snippets

Hugo Moolenaar "The Mocko Jumbie EP"

Hugo Moolenaar "The Mocko Jumbie EP"

The Mocko Jumbie EP released on Frederiksberg Records contains tracks from each of the late Hugo Moolenaar's two releases. This EP is a beautiful history of the Mocko Jumbie tradition that is a combination of disco, soca and reggae.

The second youngest of eight children, Hugo Leanzo Moolenaar was born on September 23rd, 1948, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. His mother was from Puerto Rico; his Dutch-German father worked as a contractor, but also played the guitar and had a 6-piece band that performed at house parties. The young Hugo was a born entertainer. Watching his elders, particularly an uncle who played the ukulele, he began to teach himself to play guitar, practicing on his own. Eventually he began to perform his own songs as he gradually gained confidence and ability.

As well as being a proficient musician, Hugo would also become a highly skilled Mocko Jumbie — a performer of the carnival stilt- dancing tradition which has had a presence in the Virgin Islands for several hundred years, and which historians consider to have been brought to the Caribbean by enslaved West Africans. Carnival in the Virgin Islands was revived in 1952, and from then on it became an annual event. The two most famous Mocko Jumbies at this time were John Magnus Farrell and William Richardson (to whom Hugo would dedicate his second album). 

Hugo quickly became known as one of the fastest dancers on the 6’ stilts, and was renowned for adding kung-fu-style moves to his performances.

Hugo’s first album, entitled High, High, High, a reference to the Mocko Jumbie tradition. The cover depicts Hugo dressed in a golden outfit on stilts, on a palm beach, holding a guitar while Juanita looks on from the ground, holding their two children. Hugo’s second release, Mocko Jumbie Jamboree, came out not long after and also featured original compositions. It was recorded at the local Virgin Island studio Turtle Point. Both albums were self-distributed and feature a heady cocktail of island and popular sounds – from jump-up calypsos and kaisos to drum- machine modern soul and upful disco.

To his very last day, Hugo lived by his motto: “Peace, Love and Happiness Always”. 

Byron the Aquarius – Ambrosia

Byron the Aquarius – Ambrosia

We’ve known Byron Blaylock aka Byron the Aquarius for years. Ever since he was first tinkering with synths and samplers. Many releases later, he has come a long way with his production and carved out his own lane in music. Having releases music on various imprints like Alexander Nut’s Eglo, Theo Parrish’s Sound Signature and Mutual Intentions to name a few. His latest album Ambrosia, is released on Axis Records is really special. Ambrosia feels like a modern jam session riding the line between a jazz and electronic music. Which is lovely, considering I know ambrosia as a fruit salad from canned or fresh fruit, miniature marshmallows and coconut. But I digress…an all instrumental project, there are cosmic elements to the project that round out the sound keeping the vibes soulful and fresh for your ears. The musicianship on this release is tight and filled with heavy hitters Lil John Roberts, Rasheeda Ali, Dashill Smith, Chocoat Costa and Sheldon Ferguson. If we were not in a pandemic, I’d love to see them bring this album to life live at a jazz festival or progressive concert venue.

Jarrod Lawson - Be the Change

Jarrod Lawson – Be The Change

The underground is always bubbling and Jarrod Lawson is no exception. The former stonemason and piano tuner is now an international soul sensation and rightfully so. On his second album, “Be the Change” on Dome Records, singer, songwriter, keyboardist and Portland’s own Jarrod Lawson has presented a stunner. This album really highlights Lawson’s talents of embodying soul and jazz vocally and on the keys. He has delivered a strong contribution to contemporary soul with additional support from Los Angel’s trio Moonchild. Accompanying Lawson’s band is Grammy-nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa, whose playing in a lengthy career has graced albums by artists as diverse as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, Hall & Oats, Carole King and Chic. For the past two years Lawson and his band have traveled the world hitting key jazz clubs to massive festivals and everything in-between. Check the vibes as Lawson’s trademark layered vocal harmonies along with his keyboard abilities are the true strength of this album.    

www.domerecords.co.uk

Dan Kye - Small Moments

Dan Kye - Small Moments

Dan Kye is an alias for multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist Jordan Rakei. The New Zealand born artist, now London resident debuts his first full album as Dan Kye “Small Moments”, on Bardley Zero’s Rhythm Section INTL. Being very familiar with Rakei’s previous material and giving it heavy rotation on Eavesdrop Radio, I’ve come to expect a certain level of soul and jazz influences with a touch of electronic vibes. As Dan Kye, I see Mr. Rakei has gone rogue! I’m not sure if it’s due to the 2020 lockdown or the yearning of the club scene but this album has all the elements for dancefloor rotation. A nice blend of house and techno provided by programing and live instrumentation intertwined with vocal teasing are the framework for this album.

Rakei shares, “Rhythm Section INTL was my entry point into dancefloor orientated music, and it was Bradley who asked me whether I could head in that direction so he could play my music out in the clubs. Dan Kye has still got melodies, but the main focus is to keep it high energy.” I think he has done just that. Without the ability to bump this in the club like I’d like, I’ve also found this album a welcome accompaniment on a freeway. Overall, this is a solid set into the dance music scene and there is NOTHING small about this moment.        

Mekbuda – Convincing Delusional

Mekbuda – Convincing Delusional

We learn something new every day. According to the press release, Mekuda, translated from Arabic, is the “lion’s folded paw” it is also a star in the constellation Gemini. For the purpose of this artist with the same name, it is one of Russia’s foremost contemporary jazz group offering their debut album Convincing Delusional on Ubiquity Records. This quartet includes Roman Zyryanoov on drums, Dmitry Rubanov on bass, Alex Petrov on Rhodes and keys, rounded out by Igor Shilov on trumpet. This 6 track album bounces between the lines of electronic, spiritual and modern jazz. Reminiscent of UK’s bolstering jazz scene of late, Mekbuda puts their own solid imprint on a scene that keeps evolving. Well done.

Buscrates - Blasting Off

BusCrates – Blasting Off

Pittsburgh-based Buscrates has been grinding for years. This self-taught musician best known for his keyboard wizardry is no joke. We were first introduced to Buscrates when he was releasing and performing with the hip hop crew East Liberty Quarters. Over time, he has stayed releasing music with labels such as our very own Record Breakin’ Music, Liquid Beat Records, RBMBoots, Omega Supreme, Razor N Tape and many more. “Blasting Off” out on Bastard Jazz is his latest journey into his galaxy of cosmic funk. The self-described “certified synth geek” takes control using his talents to create a cohesive project that combines his love for 80s funk jazz, 90s hip hop. The result is a modern classic with his vision of a synth’s capabilities taking the lead. Buscrates includes some stellar collaborations with Sally Green, Kate Moe Dee, Anda, DJ Epik and Tony Ozier. So strap in and enjoy the ride.

Jneiro Jarel - After A Thousand Years

Jneiro Jarel – After a Thousand Years

 Yo! The homie Jneiro Jarel is back! In 2018 he signed a record deal with Far Out Recordings. After putting the final touches on the record back then he suffered an ischemic stroke while living and working in Costa Rica. This obviously put a halt to the release of that record. He has been able to get the care he needs and is on the long road to recovery. In 2020, Far Out Recordings is now releasing that record called After A Thousand Years. We’ve known Jneiro well since he first lived in Philly and NY. His music has always been ahead of its time. This album is in the same tradition. Pulling from the soundscapes of Central and South America Jneiro creates a lush score to an exciting and romantic love affair with the culture and vibes that are warm and vivacious. He usually aliases Dr. Who Dat? and Capital Peoples but collaborations with Bill Summers, Masauko Chipembere, Scott Burton and Cafe, Micröclimate round out this album nicely. It seems like a thousand years, but well worth the wait. Hopefully we can snag a copy on vinyl before they're gone.

Greg Foat - Symphonie Pacifique

Greg Foat - Symphonie Pacifique

During the Covid 19 pandemic the Summer of 2020 has brought some amazing music to the forefront. Once such an album is UK jazz pianist, Greg Foat’s latest “Symphonie Pacifique” on Strut Records. This album has been my soundtrack for the summer and fall as I have navigated these unusual times. I’m a bit biased as I really enjoy most of Foat’s releases but there is something about this one that really stands out. Foat effortlessly bounces between cinematic soundscapes and electronic vibrations, all the while stretching the boundaries of jazz and it’s connection to other genres.

Foat really flexes his composition muscles on this album. “It has been a hallmark of my previous albums to use choral voices and tubular bells to sound more like chordal instruments,” explains Foat. “I used pedal steel for the first time on these tracks.” All are showcased on the atmospheric ‘After The Storm’. “This piece was completely improvised during our last day of studio time,” continues Foat. “The assistant engineer had set up an arpeggio on the synthesizer as a metronome; the harp and guitar created an ostinato, myself and others soloed over it and we later added choir and strings. Eventually, we took the arpeggio off to leave a calm, serene piece of music.” Foat’s attention to detail and taking risk works well for him. Check out this album, you will not be disappointed.

Various Artist – Blue Note Re:Imagined

Various Artist – Blue Note Re:Imagined 

Compilations can be just ok or great. Either way they are often convenient in putting together a collection of songs that tell a story. They usually are “best of” collections or songs from a period in time. The legendary jazz label Blue Note Records has opened their vaults in the past to allow artists to remix their catalog. I must say, Blue Note’s latest Re:Imagined is a forward thinking compilation where young British musicians literally reimagine classic Blue Note songs. There has been a jazz explosion in the U.K. in recent years and there seems to be no signs of it slowing down. Maybe it’s something in the water. Nevertheless, all this is great news because the music that these artists have been releasing is really pushing the boundaries in some beautiful and exciting ways. What I truly love about this compilation is it’s not your ordinary remix project. Instead, this eclectic bunch of artist, Alfa Mist, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, Shabaka Hutchings, Blue Lab Beats, Jordan Rakei, Emma Jean Thackay, Poppy Ajudha, Jorja Smith, Yazmin Lacey Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective, Poppy Ajudha, Jordan Rakei, Skinny Pelembe, Alfa Mist, Ishmael Ensemble, Nubya Garcia, Steam Down Featuring Afronaut Zu, Blue Lab Beats, Yazmin Lacey, Fieh, Mr Jukes, Shabaka Hutchings, Melt Yourself Down and Emma-Jean Thackray really put their best foot forward and deliver some wonderful covers. Truly reimagined.

Stream or  Physical Purchase

Richard Spaven and Sandunes - Spaven x Sandunes

Richard Spaven and Sandunes - Spaven x Sandunes

As a result, from a coincidental meeting at a festival a beautiful collaboration was born. Mumbai electronic artist Sandunes (Sanaya Ardeshir) and London-based jazz-drummer/percussionist (Richard) Spaven seven track E.P. Spaven & Sandunes on !K7 Records is pure bliss. This release is another fine example of how artist are creating new lanes in the jazz tradition. Touching on elements of electronic and ambient soundscapes complimented by all the right beeps and bops necessary to keep you riding on this cosmic journey. We found ourselves pleasantly lost in this world of hypnotic relaxation yet filled with curiosity around every corner. Stunning.

Adrian Younge Presents Loren Oden – My Heart My Love

Adrian Younge Presents Loren Oden – My Heart My Love

FINALLY, the debut album from falsetto crooner Loren Oden! This is not the first time we have heard from Loren. He has blessed so many releases from the Linear Labs catalogue he could probably have his own compilation of hits. Nevertheless, it’s nice to see Oden step into the spotlight with his silky voice backed by an updated esthetic of warm soul. Loren and the Linear Lab ensemble has really mastered capturing a balance of the soul we loved from our childhood to a slight update for the 21st century. My Heart My Love is a winner in our collection.

Klaus Schønning – Lydglimt

Klaus Schønning – Lydglimt

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Klaus Schønning debut album Lydglimt. At the age of 25 he self-released this masterpiece by riding his bike around Copenhagen peddling this work he poured his heart into. Schønning started making playing music at a young age and was taken by the electronic instruments in particular the electronic organ. For Lydglimt he wanted to showcase Denmark’s natural landscape. He wisely split this album into two categories, Skoven (the Woods) and Stranden (the Shore), each completed with additional field recordings of birds and waves.

 This album is visual in so many ways. Painting a surreal painting of a landscape in a captivating way. Although recorded in the late seventies, this recording was before it’s time. The ambient, jazz, electronic brushes Schønning uses are delicate and deliberate. What is unique about this recording is that there are no use of drums machines. Schønning devised a technique of using white noise and his keyboard skills to create a percussion instrument when needed on the album.

 Thank you Frederiksberg Records for working with Klaus Schønning on reissuing this recording. Everyone else, grab a copy and enjoy the tranquility.

Cecilia Stalin – I.Am

Cecilia Stalin – I.Am

We’ve first heard about Cecilia Stalin on the classic Koop “Waltz For Koop”. Swedish born and London based jazz vocalist Cecilia delivers with soulful gusto on her latest introspective album I.Am on her Step Like a Giant label. The album’s content is really telling as Stalin really bares her soul on the highs and lows life hits us all with. Nevertheless the theme of strength prevails.

Effortlessly, Stalin dances between jazz, soul and even Brazilian rhythms. Stripping down her sound with a trio featuring pianist Alex Bennett, Tom Mason on electronic bass and Laurie Lowe on drums. Jansen Santana and Michel Limma on percussion, Jay Phelps on trumpet, Richard Beasley on tenor and baritone sax and Solden Bertrand on electric guitar are guest on the album that help round out the vibes. Take a glimpse into Stalin’s journey as she steps like a giant.

Zarah McFarlane – Songs of an Unknown Tongue

Zarah McFarlane – Songs of an Unknown Tongue

Zara McFarlane takes the art of storytelling to a new level. On her fourth studio album Songs of an Unknown Tongue, McFarlane continues the rich tradition of folklore from her Jamaican ancestors. Bringing this artistry to modern times as she weaves elements of jazz and soul into the compositions. Zara’s songwriting paints a vivid picture of rich stories. The command of her vocals compliments the production of South London producers Kwake Bass and Wu-lu. Grab a hold of this album and let McFarlane uplift your spirits.

Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated - Volume One

Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated Volume One

For a few years the Philadelphia Jazz Project has been putting together this extraordinary collection that shares the rich history of jazz music from the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. This compilation contains tales and interviews from, or about key figures of Philly’s Jazz community. The memories the shared are accompanied by exquisite illustrations by an array of visual artists. If that wasn’t enough, the book also contains poignant essays from historians, music scholars, and an award winning radio producer. What more can you ask for? Jazz, visual art and history, well worth adding to your personal library.

Purchase HERE

The Freedom Affair – Freedom Is Love

The Freedom Affair – Freedom Is Love

Yo! This album shot me in the arm with a dose of raw soul and I’m in love. The Freedom Affair is a collective of extraordinary artists from Kansas City, three commanding female vocalist (Misha Roberts, Paula Saunders and Seyko Groves) backed by an energetic six-piece band. When they all come together under Chris Hazelton’s production you are left with nothing less than a masterpiece that rivals many classic soul albums we love from our parent’s record collection. The musicianship is really on point but I would be remised if I didn’t mention the powerful message in the music. The Freedom Affair’s debut album Freedom Is Love on Sunflower Soul Records is one of the top albums we’ve heard this year and it’s longevity will last for generations.

Available on all digital platforms but PLEASE tell me this is album is coming out on vinyl.

Mr. President – One Night

Mr. President – One Night

If the cover doesn’t intrigue the music will! Like fine wine, French producer Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart keeps getting better with time. Hovart finds his groove between 70s disco funk jazz on the whole album! Featuring an eclectic group of vocalist that flow beautifully over each track. Definitely the soundtrack of any dance floor for “One Night” but you’ll go back to this album over and over. Well done Favorite Recordings.

Kid Sublime – Straat Coach

Kid Sublime – Straat Coach

Jacob Otten, aka Kid Sublime has a unique sound that cross genres of electronic, soul and hip hop. His production keeps evolving and his latest album Straat Coach on Inkswel’s Inner Tribe is solid. His first complete Dutch Rap album that we are aware of full of that boom bap beats we blast in the jeep. For that reason, thanks Inner Tribe for releasing on cassette along with vinyl. As a nice bonus you can also get all the instrumentals when you purchase the full album on Bandcamp.   

Sault - Untitled (Rise)

Sault – Untitled (Rise)

I’ve been playing Sault since their first release on Eavesdrop Radio. They keep getting better and better and that is hard to say as their consistent output and quality is top notch. Untitled (Rise) is an incredible follow up to the inspirational Untitled (Black Is). (Rise) feels like medicine that the world needs right now. In a relentless 2020 Sault has managed to channel their energy into genre skipping groves. The musicianship is really strong here. Just when you think they have put their all in the album, they turn the vibrations up. RISE INDEED PEOPLE!