Crucial Material – September 28th, 2020
Back on the weekly pace. Hope you are doing well and that some of these records will make your day!
Here are our favorite EP’s, Albums and Reissues of the past week. As always we encourage you to buy digital or physical releases if you discover a release you love. Support artists and labels!
JAZZ
Cosmic Vibrations ft. Dwight Trible — Pathways & Passages
Led by acclaimed jazz vocalist Dwight Trible, this Los Angeles-based ensemble fuses Trible’s soulful vocal melodies, poetry, and chants with African-influenced percussion rhythms, meditative tones, and hypnotic grooves. As the name of the group suggests, this music takes the listener on a sonic cosmic journey through celestial galaxies and then back again. This soul-enriching spiritual jazz at its absolute best
– Selected by TJ Gorton
Misha Panfilov Sound Combo — Days as Echoes
Library and cinematic vibes from the all things keyboards man from the Tallin, Estonia based Misha Panfilov on his sophomore LP. Wonderful waltzy and deep arrangements, fans of the likes Andrew Wasylyk and Greg Foat will not want to miss this one.
– Selected by Spacewalker
Chiminyo — I Am Panda
Drummer, producer and percussionist Chiminyo, long seen playing among London’s best,, including Cykada, Maisha & Hector Plimmer (live group), delivers his debut LP for London’s Gearbox Records. Setting new standards for one-man-band electronic music with live drums. A wealth of UK electronic sounds from 4Hero to today, are filtered through Tim Doyle’s thick, soulful sound
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
SOUL & FUNK
Sly5thAve — What It Is
This excellent 2nd LP from the Brooklyn multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger & producer Sly5thAve, former member of Prince’s NPG, draws heavily from jazz, soul & R&B, hip hop, and electronic music, whilst pushing a warm sound that bumps away, drawing you in to until you’ve fallen. Complemented by some stellar guest turns but recurring appearances from singer Denitia sound are highlights.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti
La’Verne Washington — The Promise
Beautiful Modern Soul/Stepper double-sider 7’, re-issued by Melodies International. The London label continues their streak of impeccable releases, unearthing gems after gems, and this one by La’Verne Washington doesn’t disappoint. Mandatory double copies.
– Selected by Walla P
RAP & BEATS
Lex Amor — Government Tropicana
Follwing a few years gaining steam with demos, loosies and featurings, North London’s Rapper-Singer-Producer-DJ Lex Amor unveils her debut project confirming that she won’t remain one of the best kept secrets for much longer! Flawless from top to bottom. For optimal listening: Play Dis At Night, as the man Pete Rock once said. Serious Mind Sex Record
– Selected by Lexis
Action Bronson — Only for Dolphins
Action Bronson returns to what he does best with braggadocious punchlines and outlandish beats. Much like his recent time in the gym, this album is a return to form mostly because of the excellent samples used throughout. From carribean funk to turkish psych Alchemist and Daringer laced Baklava with the freshness and he delivered a solid album almost devoid of features. A fun return to the roots for a rapper who is in the prime of his career
– Selected by ASMA
CLUB-ISMS
Theo Parrish — Wuddaji
TP proves once again he the most thought-provoking electronic musician of this generation. As with any of his releases, “Wuddaji” has a sense of urgency and purpose that is often lacking in house/techno circles. But this is so much more than just club music. “This Is For You” which was previously released on a 12” makes the album cut and with good reason, one of the best (proper) deep house tracks in recent years.
– Selected by Lexis
Reginald Omas Mamode IV — 400 Years
Another slice of deep listening and body moving from London’s Reginald Omas Mamode IV who fits right in with the CoOp presents squad. Paying homage to his Mauritian roots and history on this thoughtful yet highly danceable song, especially thanks to the great remixes from IG Culture and Gonz.
– Selected by Lexis
more great Club records this week
- The Whole Truth – Quench my soul
- Roberta – Reaching Out
- MoMa Ready – Deep Technik
- Alton Miller – Souls Like Mine
- NDATL Special Edition 2020
LEFTFIELD & EXPERIMENTAL
Jon Collin & Demdike Stare — Sketches Of Everything
The collaboration between the Demdike boys’ dubby, layered, muddled sounds and guitarist Jon Collin result in an engrossing audio landscape with great arrangements. I don’t think records in this “deep listening” should be overanalysed, they should just be experienced. So just buy it and play it on a sound-walk in nature
– Selected by Lexis
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