Crucial Material – July 20th, 2020
Too much incredible music and way too little time!
That’s what our weekly record rundown is all about. We comb through the hundreds of new EP’s and Albums every week and share nothing but the crucial releases. In our humble opinion of course!
As always we hope you make some nice discoveries and feel free to encourage these artists/labels if you do! Enjoy and have a great week.
RAP – BEATS
Blu & Exile – Miles
First new album in 7 years from the dynamic MC/producer duo. 20 tracks of new music full rich in hip hop & jazz, family & history, soul & samples. No doubt named after the world’s most famous trumpeter, but likely Blu’s son who apparently shares his name too. A deep listen from beginning to end.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
Oddisee – Odd Cure
Perfect 6 track EP from MC/producer Oddisee addressing America’s growing divisions and the worldwide pandemic lockdown, addressing issues faced right around the world. ‘Odd Cure’’s beats bang hard, but are based not on samples but live instrumentation, Ralph Real on keys, Dennis Turner on bass, Olivier St. Louis on guitar & guest vocals, and Jon Laine on drums.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
Other super rad releases
SOUL – FUNK
Zara McFarlane – Songs Of An Unknown Tongue
London vocalist Zara McFarlane shifts to a more futuristic sound on her latest album for Brownswood, thanks to the great production from Kwake Bass and Wu-lu. Dedicated to her Jamaican roots, this recording brilliantly combines spiritually soulful vocals with pulsating beats and electronic rhythms.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
Other super rad releases
Lianne La Havas – S/T
The majestic Bittersweet opens and closes a soulful opus that may very well be La Havas most accomplished work yet. From the vocals to the arrangements and pacing the album is a smooth ride from start to finish. This self-titled project announces a more mature artist who has truly reached their potential and whose work will blissfully reverberate to a larger audience.
– Selected by Asma
JAZZ
Kaleidoscope – New Spirits Known and Unknown
On-point collection & excellent primer from Soul Jazz Records highlighting the broad array of talent across the independent jazz scene focused on but not limited to London, as it’s tentacles spiral out. All corners are covered, the spiritual jazz of Matthew Halsall, deep soul of Yazmin Lacey, the punk funk edge of Pokus, the cut-and-paste beats of drummer/producer Makaya McCraven, and much more besides.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
The Sultan’s Swing – Ignite
Tom Funk does it again! Following his sought-after Natural Lateral release on Social Joy, The Sultan’s Swing returns with another album of lush, soulful, dancefloor and downtime ready jazz. Featuring a couple of killer tunes too, “Dune” with flautist Chip Wickham and “You’re One of a Kind” with Valentina Russo.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
OUTERNATIONAL
Kutiman – Wachaga
At the core of “Wachaga”, are field recordings from Tanzania, particularly choral singing and percussion, made with permission by Israeli producer, Kutiman. Around which, saxophonist Shlomi Alon, trumpeter Sefi Zisling, trombonist Yair Slutzki, and Kutiman envelope these voices and sounds with an envelope of spiritual jazz and psychedelia. The results sound powerful, meditative, and respectful, I think.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
Manfredo Fest — Brasilian Dorian Dream (Reissue)
Far Out Recordings has reissued keyboardist Manfredo Fest’s highly-obscure 1976 jazz funk album ‘Brazilian Dorian Dream’. This recording brings together Brazilian rhythms, jazz fusion, and spacey synth grooves that should have Azymuth fans taking notice.
– Selected by TJ Gorton
Pedro Lima – Magidala (Reissue)
After the Cabo Verde craze, music from Sao Tome (another small lusophone West African island) might take over and this reissue researched by DJ Tom B could be the record that sets off the trend. A member of afrofunk ensemble Os Leonenses, Pedro Lima brings the rhythmic guitar and vocal stylings on four deep cuts we are lucky to be able to enjoy
– Selected by Asma
K. Frimpong backed by Vis-A-Vis – S/T (Reissue)
There may be no one afrofunk artist more consistent than Ghana’s K.Frimpong. Guaranteed to generate DJ booth inquiries and activate the dancefloor the melodic mastery and orchestra manipulation that this great musician showcases is unmatched. Another incredible record put out by the good folks at Hot Casa records.
– Selected by Asma
Sharhabil Ahmed – Habibi Funk 013: The King Of Sudanese Jazz (Compilation)
Hababi Funk revive the swinging sounds of singer Sharhabil Ahmed. Whilst having won the title “King of Sudanese Jazz”, the music on this restrospective sounds like a killer mixture of surf, rock n roll, funk, Congolese music and East African harmonies. Essential!
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
Other super rad releases
CLUBISMS – HOUSE – TECHNO
ZANDOLI II – III.
The Montreal DJ duo composed of Tonton Osman and G L O W Z I come through with an impactful mini EP. A savant mix of afrobeat, house and a touch of amapiano cadences this project is sure to cross boundaries. Standout track badouay encompasses all aspects of the group’s signature sound. Keep your eyes and ears open for ZANDOLI II as they show no sign of slowing down.
– Selected by Asma
DNGDNGDNG – Continentes Perdidos
Peruvian duo Dengue Dengue Dengue return under a new moniker with three club-ready bangers weaving “ancient” sounds, rhythms and voices with precision-produced techno and one pleasant surprise in the ambient form of “Mu”.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
Other super rad releases
LEFTFIELD
Danalogue & Sarathy Korwar – Equinox
Drummer/percussionist/producer Sarathy Korwar and producer/keyboardist Danalogue (Comet Is Coming, Soccer96) collaborate at TRC, channeling Riley, Ra, Tomita & Cherry. Off-centre analogue synths, subtle drum grooves, some words & horn from a certain dePlume. (New) new age? A cosmic trip for sure.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
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