Crucial Material – Best Releases Of The Week (February 10th, 2019)

Too much music too little time.

Thankfully, our Crucial Material is slowly but surely becoming one of the best weekly recaps in the world scanning the hundreds of new releases and sharing only the cream of the crop.

Technical difficulties (Lexis dropping an espresso on his Macbook keyboard) forced us to skip last week so we are packing in 2 weeks of unmissable releases for a double dose of crucial material. Hope you’re ready!

NEW ALBUMS & EP’S

Mogwaa/Andre Gibson “I’m Just Sayin/Angelica (part 2)”

Genres: Soul / Funk / Electronic
Label: Star Creature
Purchase Link

Two steppers-styled soul/funk cuts from the Star Creature camp arrive early on in 2019. ‘I’m Just Sayin’ by Mogwaa & Andre Gibson on the A side is a sure shot; loose vocal delivery, plucky synth-bass, shuffling drums, and… glockenspiel? Tuff! ‘Angelica (part 2)’ by Mogwaa with Andre Gibson on vocals, is a funk/boogie ballad with enough sleaze to seduce anybody with a pulse. What a way to start the new year – SCUV firing on all cylinders.
– Selected by Jake Stellarwell

Al Dobson Jr “Sounds From The Village Vol.2”

Genre: Beats / Organics / UK
Label: Izwid
Purchase Link

The unmistakable loose, organic and hypnotic swing of London’s Al Dobson Jr is back! An absolute masterful collage of outwordly samples that would make Madlib proud. If you’re the kind of person who plays those lame “Lo-Fi Beats” playlists, then play this record instead and thank me later.
– Selected by Lexis

Jay Glass Dubs “Epitaph”

Genre: Dub / Industrial / Experimental
Label: Bokeh Versions
Purchase Link

Greece’s Jay Glass Dubs’ music is directed only at the most discerning of listeners. To truly understand his sound, you would have to be the kind of person that can listen to equal amounts of Dub, Industrial, Grime and Ambient. If you are that kind of person, I congratulate you. Grab your very best headphones and welcome to this fuc*ing amazing record.
– Selected by Lexis

Angel Bat Dawid “The Oracle”

Genre: Spiritual Jazz / Improvised / Experimental
Label: International Anthem
Purchase Link

Incredibly special cassette/digital album from the Chicago-based “composer, clarinetist, singer & spiritual jazz soothsayer”. A project full of warmth, experimentation and emotion, recorded solo for the most part, at home in Chicago or impromptu on tour in London & Capetown, straight to cell phone. Melodious clarinet riffing, pianos, overdubbing, singing – both operatic & gospel, sometimes at the same time, and the poetry of Margaret Burroughs all feature. A truly “ancient to future” cosmic jazz album with heavy roots, recalling Sun Ra, Yusef Lateef, The Art Ensemble of Chicago and still further back, but at the same time looking forward, especially technologically, and crucially it projects a very poignant impression of black experience today in America.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Vibration Black Finger “Sweet Nothing”

Genre: Jazz / Soul
Label: Enid Records
Purchase Link

Arguably the best single so far this year, DJ legend, original brand-new-heavy, musician and producer, Lascelle Gordon, pulls out another stunning production. This time, it’s the beautiful, psychedelic-tinged deep soul of “Sweet Nothing”, featuring the vocals of Ebony Rose. On the flip, we find the instrumental cosmic jazz jam that is “Song for Enid”. With its mixture of spiritual jazz, experimentation and flourishes of feedback, it’s a perfect calling card for the record label it’s dedicated to.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

SEED Ensemble “Driftglass”

Genre: Jazz
Label: Jazz Re:Freshed
Purchase Link

The latest release from London-based Jazz Re:Freshed label comes from a collective featuring some of the best musicians from the region including tuba player Theon Cross (Sons of Kemet), trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey (KOKOROKO), Joe Armon-Jones (Ezra Collective) and others. Led by alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi, also of KOKOROKO and Nerija, the recording blends jazz instrumentation with West African and Caribbean influenced grooves.
– Selected by TJ Gorton

Jimi Tenor “Vocalize My Luv” (feat. Florence Adooni & Lizzy Amaliyenga) 7” Single

Genres: High life / Frafra Gospel / Jazz
Label: Philophon
Purchase Link

A cracking new 45 from the eccentric & unique multi-instrumentalist, featuring Bolgatanga/Ghana vocalists Florence Adooni and Lizzy Amaliyenga. The bruk-like highlife funk of “Vocalize My Luv” on the A-side is ready to destroy dancefloors far & wide, but the smoother “Ki’gba” on the flip, based on Alogte Oho’s classic Frafra gospel song, with Jimi’s soaring flute lines complimenting the vocals, might be a slow-burning winner.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Gaijin Blues – “Gaijin Blues”

Genres: House / Disco
Label: Shapes of Rhythm
Purchase Link

Polish duo, Naphta & Playstation Yoga Music, present an experimental house ep, drawing on a shared love of Japanese music & culture, combining live-instrumentation & samples into loosely “house” tracks, that whilst certainly dancefloor appropriate, also wouldn’t seem too out of place in the eRPGs they are named after. Haunting opener “Secret of Mana”, begs to be stepped to, with it’s calypso-like rhythm, samurai film samples and a wild woodwind solo, and closer “Guardia Castle” has a smooth jazz funk vibe reminiscent of classic anime soundtracks such as “The Adventure of Kohsuke Kindaichi”, but the real gem might be “Cafe LeBlanc”, with it’s emotive strings and soft keys. Essential.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Vula Viel – “Do Not Be Afraid”

Genre: Jazz / Ghanaian / Post Punk / Alternative
Label: Vula Viel Records
Purchase Link

Between their debut and this sophomore effort, Bex Burch’s ghanaian-influenced jazz project, Vula Viel, has evolved a harder edged, post-punk leaning sound, no doubt aided-and-abetted by the addition of Ruth Goller (Acoustic Ladyland, Melt Yourself Down) on bass. But what still sets Vula Viel apart, is the unique sound of Burch’s gyil (Ghanaian xylophone) and the polyrhythmic structures it was built for. Another obvious step up, however, is the song-writing, now more varied, direct & original, and vocaled wonderfully by guests such as singer-songwriter Gwyneth Herbert, as heard on the storming title track.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Ola Szmidt – “Ep2”

Genre: Jazz / Singer-Songwriter / Ambient
Label: Ola Szmidt
Purchase Link

Singer-songwriter, musician, flautist and producer Ola Szmidt has a unique, ethereal sound, captured beautifully here on her second EP and first on vinyl. Delicate layered vocal, flute, keys, occasional bass lines, every sound seems essential, like words in a poem. I think we could see a lot more of Ola in the future, but in the meantime, support this beautiful record and try to catch one of her occasional performances, often in churches, which must just be the perfect setting.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Various Artists “Two Tribes”

Genre: African / Electronic / Dub
Label: Agogo Records
Purchase Link

A brilliant new compilation from Germany’s Agogo label, the 12-track recording is a celebration of diversity, highlighting musicians living in Europe today that are incorporating African-influenced traditions into their own music. From African-rooted artists to collaborations between European and African artists, the music is wide ranging in sound, blending electronic beats, African funk, Ethio-Jazz, and dub together in unique and innovative ways.
– Selected by TJ Gorton

Husser “23+”

Genre: Hip-Hop
Label: Self-Released
Purchase Link

Nate Husser has completed a trilogy with his latest EP 23+ . Taking the listener on a journey from the glacial Montreal climate to the sunny shores of California, the young rapper brings his trademark evocative style to this release. With hard hitting beats and a unique impactful flow Husser is truly geared up to level up in 2019.
– Selected by Asma

Swindle “No More Normal”

Genre: UK Everything / Grime / Jazz
Label: Brownswood
Purchase Link

Anyone in North America who needs a 30-minute snapshot of what is popping off sonically TODAY in multicultural Britain needs to buy the new Swindle record. Seriously. In 11 songs, this London-raised producer, scores a soundtrack to the most diverse and influential music scene that consistently supplies the world with superior Grime, UK Jazz, Dubstep, Bass music, Hip-Hop, and Street Soul.
– Selected by Channel Subtext

Modula “Robotic Body Shake”

Genres: Boogie / Funk / Disco
Label: Bordello A Parigi
Purchase Link

Italian producer, Modula, drops vocoder-funk/boogie single on Bordello A Parigi. ‘Robotic Body Shake’ has all the makings of a reliable DJ tool: vocoder vox, sequence bass, noodle-y-funk synth lines, and an undeniable groove; instrumental version on B side too. Nice one to add to the 45 bag.
– Selected by Jake Stellarwell

Mark de Clive-Lowe – “Heritage”

Genre: Jazz
Label: Mashibeats / Songs of Defend / Ropeadope
Purchase Link

MdCL returns with a deeply personal album dedicated to his fatherland of Japan (being half Japanese), and possibly his most acoustic to date too, through subtle effects and keyboard tinkling can certainly be heard. I think it’s safe to assume that the rich history of Japanese jazz played a significant role influencing this LP, but the rousing penultimate song, “Niten-Ichi”, recalls the Ethiopian jazz of Mulatu Astatke. Mellow closer, “Asa no Yume”, is another favourite, with it’s warm keys, fluttering saxophone and whooshing cymbal rides. This deep and contemplative album from the renowned producer and musician is most certainly crucial listening.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Rymden “Reflections & Odysseys”

Genre: Jazz
Label: Jazzland Recordings
Purchase Link

Norwegian pianist Bugge Wesseltoft teams up with Swedish rhythm section of Magnus Öström and Dan Berglund, who are known as two-thirds of the highly influential Scandinavia group Esbjorn Svensson Trio. The debut album from this group, features a nice blend of piano driven melodies, atmospheric textures, rugged dynamism, electronics, and cinematic-like sounds.
– Selected by TJ Gorton

Flamingo Pier “s/t” EP

Genre: Disco / Tropical Funk
Label: Soundway
Purchase Link

In conjunction with the Flamingo Pier Festival, Soundway Records presents the latest release from the UK-based tropical dance collective. Known for throwing some of the best parties in London and New Zealand, this four-track EP mixes funky disco rhythms, boogie-influenced synth bass lines, and hypnotic vocal chants with Afro-centric percussion and exotic tropical grooves.
– Selected by TJ Gorton

Dowdelin – “Carnaval Odyssey”

Genre: Creole jazz / Caribbean / Electronic
Label: Underdog Records
Purchase Link

Describing their music as “Future Kréol”, this Lyon-based trio weave creole jazz with Caribbean rhythms such as gwo ka, contemporary electronic production, funk, hip hop and soul, into the tastiest sound, distilled over a diverse and solid album. The tropical future soul of sublime tracks like “Boaty cruisy” is simply addictive and “Jay pal” is one of the most fun tracks I’ve heard in a while that tips a hat, or toe, to footwork. Give this unique and joyful album a listen.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

Sam Q’s Nightpatrol ‎– “Pele’s Groove”

Genres: Jazz / Latin Jazz / Bossa Jazz
Label: Mod Bossa
Purchase Link

Almost missed this lovely latin influenced jazz record from Manchester, UK based saxophonist, Sam Quereshi and his Nightpatrol, featuring latin rhythms, vocals from Irene Ermellio and a 20-piece orchestra. But the title track is a dancefloor monster, already tested on the fleet-footed regulars down at Shiftless Shuffle, we hear. Only available on vinyl at present, but all songs can be streamed on the link, and it shouldn’t be long until it can be heard more widely.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti

REISSUES & ARCHIVAL

Nkotti François and The Black Styl “Muwaso Mwa Longue / Nja Ka”

Genre: African Disco
Label: Kêtu Records
Purchase Link

French-based Kêtu Records releases a very limited reissue (only 500 copies) of two obscure Afro-disco gems from Cameroonian producer Nkotti François’ ‘Retro 2000’ album. The release also features a nicely put-together insert featuring photos and insightful linear notes. Definitely some funky tropical dance floor heat!
– Selected by TJ Gorton

Phil Ranelin “The Time Is Now!”

Genre: Jazz / Spiritual
Label: Tribe / Pure Pleasure
Purchase Link

A very welcomed reissue of Tribe trombonist Phil Ranelin’s first album as a leader. Very different from his 1976 classic jazz-funk album ‘Vibes From The Tribe’, the 1974 recording is musically a lot more free in it’s instrumentation, blending avant-garde improvisation, and hard bop grooves, with deep soulful spiritual melodies and innovative free-form rhythms. A spiritual-free jazz masterpiece!
– Selected by TJ Gorton

Lungile Masitha “Vuyani/Makoti”

Genres: Electronic / Boogie
Label: Left Ear
Purchase Link

Musician/vocalist-turned-producer, Sello ‘Chicco’ Twala was once a member of South African bands Umoja and Harari. Lungile Masitha, an alias of Twala’s created due to contractual constraints, sees the Soweto artist in partnership with Jimmy Mgwandi (writing credit for Satari’s ‘Smile’). The two would continue their work together on many projects; this one, rare and highly sought-after, gets a re-issue via Aussie label, Left Ear. Two optimistic, vocal-forward, synth-boogie cuts ripe for a dance floor ‘moment’.
– Selected by Jake Stellarwell

Kumasi “I Know You Feel It”

Genres: Disco / Funk / Boogie
Label: Smiling C
Purchase Link

Henry Jones’ California-based label, Smiling C, reissues Kumasi’s ‘I Know (You Feel It)’, the bands only album from ’83. The album is presented nearly in it’s entirety, with the exception of ‘Dreamin’, which gets swapped for what seems to be an unreleased work by the group – ‘Picnic (Moger)’ – a laid-back, jazz-funk instrumental cut as played by Chicago’s SolSon on his mix for Rinse France. Highly recommended!
– Selected by Jake Stellarwell

Trio Mocotó “s/t”

Genre: Brazilian
Label: Mr. Bongo
Purchase Link

A welcomed reissue of Trio Mocotó’s obscure 1977 Brazilian self-titled classic, which features the incredible “Nao Adianta” and a great cover of Jorge Ben’s “Que Nega E Essa.” Known for being Jorge Ben’s on some of his greatest releases, the music fuses together samba, jazz, and soulful vocal melodies featuring large string and brass arrangements with funky rhythmic grooves.
– Selected by TJ Gorton