The Born To Jazz Movement

The Five Corners Quintet - Hot Corner
www.thefivecornersquintet.com

After their wonderful first album (2005s ‘Chasin The Jazz Gone By’), these finnish jazzcats return to the scene with an even better one. You can hear that over the last three years they have been playing an awful lot ! The fantastic horns, the tight rhythms, the deep grooves,. . .everything is still in place. It’s just that everything sounds so much tighter ! Musicians at the top of their craft, doing what they love best, Can it get any better ? Vocal support comes from legend Mark Murphy and Okou (also on the first album, as well as the Teddy Rok lp), so no worries on that front. Just try to sit still while they are rocking and swinging, if you can manage it, you need to see a doctor quick ! Aimed squarely at the dancefloor (don’t know exactly what dancefloor here in little belgium, but still…), this is what we need, check it out !
(11/11/2008)

Nicola Conte - Rituals
www.ishtar.it

After a sublime outing on Blue Note Records, Nicola Conte returns to his native Schema for this album. As usual, echoes of bossa and modal jazz form the backbone, with an emphasis on the groove. Featuring mostly live instruments, signore Conte is joined by a multitude of players that include Timo Lassy on sax and flute, Fabrizio Bosso and Till Bronner on trumpets, Pietro Lussu on piano. Vocals are by Alice Ricciardi, José James (!), Chiara Civello, and Kim Sanders. The whole thing is just so classy. A bit too easy on the ears for the hardcore jazzers, but this is the best cigar-bar/trendy restaurant jazz available ! (10/10/2008)

Azymuth - Butterfly
www.myspace.com/azymuth

They're back ! With their 25th studio album (by my count), the godfathers of the ''crazy samba'' stick to what they do best : their own style(s). A trio that manages a full sound, their smooth fusion grooves and intricate rhythm-patterns are a genre on their own and have delighted us for over 30 years now. And it must be said that they haven't lost any of their magic over the years, on the contrary : it seems like they've never had so much fun. Except for opener ''Butterfly'' (yes, Herbie's), they bring us all new material .The sound is excellent (as ever) and the songs are on a par with their Milestone classics (Jazz Carnival, Dear Limmertz, Partido Alto,...). The keyboard-driven grooves are smooth, the bass is funky and the drums are supertight. With some help from a couple of friends like Roberto Menescal, Emilio Santiago and regular percussionist Cidinho, they have honed their craft almost to perfection here. I can't find any flaws, really. Outstanding ! (26/09/2008)

Mr. Scruff - Ninja Tuna
www.ninjatune.net

Oh yeah, Mr. Scruffington is back. And how

! (09/09/2008)

The Natural Yoghurt Band - Away With Melancholy
www.jazzmanrecords.co.uk

We already know Jazzman Records as a great label for rare jazz, funk and soul, but occasionally, they sign a new band as well. Well I had to look twice to see if this wasn't some obscure forgotten album, but judging from the excellent production, this is some brand new isht. Super crisp drums (almost pure breakbeats), heavy double-bass, all kinds of distorted keyboards (from Mellotrons and Moogs to Fender Rhodes), some funky flute and extreme stereo sounds make up the Natural Yoghurt sound. Echoes of library music, electronica, Ennio Morricone, Ethio-Jazz (especially on "Soft Cheese"!), reggae, psychedelia postrock and hip-hop make for a very exciting cocktail. Really excellent playing and full of original ideas. Do yourself a favour and get this. (07/07/2008)

Toumani Diabaté - The Mandé Variations
www.worldcircuit.co.uk

Kora master Toumani Diabaté has given us much beautiful music already, but apart from ''Kaira'' back in 1988, there has been no kora solo work from this musical genius. His 2005 collaboration with Ali Farka TourÃ© ''In The Heart Of The Moon'', with Ali's guitar conversing magically with Toumani's kora, came close to perfection. This album is the master showing off a bit. Coming from a family of kora masters, Toumani's work is steeped in historical tradition, and that is where he is at his best, in my opinion. Check ''Elyne Road'' for a guaranteed musical 'aurgasm'. Of course, even a master has his distractions, because if anyone can explain to me why ''The Good, The Bad And The Ugly''-theme shows up on ''Cantelowes'', the are welcome to try. (06/06/2008)

Soil & ''Pimp'' Sessions - Planet Pimp
Victor Records Japan

Soil & Pimp continue their unrelenting assault on our eardrums on japanese-only (but what does that mean in these worldwide times ? ...oh yeah, a price hike !) ''Planet Pimp''. Sometimes I wonder how they manage to get through their gigs, all that high energy blowing and bashing would have me tired after five minutes, but hey ! I'm not them, and they seem to manage just fine. As usual a mix of more funky and more modal oriented songs here. Tight and intense playing at sometimes breakneck speed, but quite delicate at times. A typicallly Japanese trait, I guess. Anyway : the formula gets a bit tired after five albums, though I must say that if you like their sound, you won't be disappointed. I still think they are best experienced on a live stage. Why not at the GentJazz festival... (06/06/2008)

John Zorn - The Dreamers
www.tzadik.com

We all know how prolific John Zorn is, I think he must have released hundreds of records by now. But sometimes you just don't know what is going to come your way , when you hear of the next record. This one is in the vein of ''The Gift'', meaning a more temperate, almost easy-tunes style Zorn. The Zorn of Naked City, but without the style-hiccups. If ''Mow Mow'' starts off as a lazy summer surf vibe, it also ends as one. Phew ! ''A Ride On Cottonfair'' is pure cinematic Mancini-like bliss. Things get a little more jagged on ''Anulikwusayl'', but its bluesy base allows for some darker clouds. ''Toys'' is like a madcap thrillride through the toyshop, fun. And last track ''Raksasa'' gets almost Gong-like in its prog ethic. A dream of a record... (06/06/2008)

Sonar Kollektiv Orchester - Guaranteed Niceness
www.sonarkollektiv.com

Sonar Kollektiv got 15 label artists and friends, led by Volker Meitz, to create the Sonar Kollektiv Orchester for their 10th anniversary. This was a good excuse to go through the back catalogue and produce some cracking new versions of the anthems we all know and love, so giving them a new breath of life.: 5 Jazzanova tracks, Meitz's "Africa" , Thief's "Atlantic", all get re-vamped by the live orchestrations (violins, horns, voices,...). Thanks for the birthday-present, Sonar Kollektiv ! (06/06/2008)

Jackson Conti - Sujinho
www.kindred-spirits.nl

This Jackson Conti Character is not some undiscoverd Brazilian genius, but the disguise for überproducer Madlib and Azymuth's master of the skins Mamao. They met during the ''Brasilintime'' video-shoot and found a commmon ground in their search for the ultimate beat...And judging by this album, they had a great time ''researching''. Layered rhythms where you can hardly distinguish where the programmed beats end and the live percusssion starts, aided with some typical Azymuth keyboard sounds and well placed sax or guitar themes. Some well known - almost obligatory - ones like ''Berimbau'', ''Upa Neguinho'' and ''Casa Forte'', and some new ones (my faves) like the dreamy ''Brazilian Sugar'' and the surefire dancefloor bomb ''Segura Esta Onda''. This album has everything to get your summer parties started... (06/05/2008)

Baby Charles - Baby Charles
www.recordkicks.com

Deeep funk ! Singer Dionne Charles has the soulful voice to lead her musicians to new funky heights (or depths rather !). Raw vocals, groovy Hammond-organ, fast and tight guitar riffs, rumbling funky drums, super solid bass and a flute thrown in for good measure (notably on ''Coming From A Higher Plane''), this one brings the real. And the way the Arctic Monkeys ''I Bet You Look Good...'' gets funkified by Dionne & Co. is really something else. Funkaaaaay... (05/05/2008)

Inverse Cinematics - Passin' Through
www.pulver-rec.com

Danilo Plessow is a busy bee, so the fact that this debut (?) album was so long in the making was no surprise. Reprising only one song from his previous 'oeuvre', the seminal ''Detroit Jazzin'', is proof that the creative well he taps into is not dry, what am I saying, it's overflowing. A hip-hop track (''Take it back to 86'' feat. Jebediah), very jazzy songs (e.g. ''The Black Verse''), housy tracks (''Don't give up'') or Latin beats (''Samba Time''). ''Passin' Through'' presents a smorgasbord of breaks. The instrumentation, which is mainly based on samples, testifies to his deep crates. And Danilo keeps it all fresh. Also worthwile is the great cd-packaging of the album. Support Pulver records and buy this great album... (05/05/2008)

Saravah Soul - Saravah Soul
www.tru-thoughts.co.uk

Some Heliocentrics, Jazzinho and Quantic Soul Orchestra players decide to get deep into the Samba-Soul sound ! Deep funk with a shouty Portuguese-speaking singer, that's the right recipe. Thanks to the quality of the players, it doesn't sound too smooth or syrupy, which was often the case on those Brazilian albums from the seventies. That being said, I think the instrumentals will get the most plays, as they really show off the top-notch playing on this album. Really an excellent rhythm section, doing what they like to do best... (05/05/2008)

Jazz Liberatorz - Clin d'Oeil
www.myspace.com/kifrecords

You know when you used to actually like hip-hop. The Native Tongues, Brand Nubian, Freestyle Fellowship, The Pharcyde...Well you can have the same feeling, courtesy of Meaux (it's near Paris) Town's Jazz Liberatorz. Compiling some of the best tracks from their 12'' releases, the theme throughout this disc is the love and respect for 70's Jazz . On ''Ease My Mind'', I don't know what sounded better, the smooth chords and accompanying flute or hearing Fat Lip and Tre Hardson together again. ''Indonesia'' finds Tableek of Maspyke flowing over some cosmic jazz funk reminiscent of Lonnie Liston Smith. On ''U Do'', Stacey Epps sings over a smoothed out rhythm guitar enhanced so that has a summertime vibe to it. What is also equally enjoyable is the interludes that feature each MC or vocalist expressing their love for jazz while a jam session serves as the backdrop. The Jazz Liberatorz succeed by capturing the essence of one of hip hop's prime moments in its history. I can't get enough of this cd. I have no doubts that you'll feel the same way. And if you find the original 12''s , get ready for some super instrumental extras... (05/05/2008)

• top •

The Matthew Herbert Big Band - There's Me & There's You
www.k7.com

Tadaa ! Another Herbert record has come our way. . . As usual there is some highbrow concept connected to these recordings : the cover is a petition for the idea of music as 'a political force of note and not just the soundtrack to over-consumption', but as usual with Herbert, that doesn't stand in the way of the listening pleasure. Well, it's pretty hard to ignore the political slant of his lyrics and even sounds (cut-up credit cards, 100 people saying yes...). It's something that will probably render this album incomprehensible/unlistenable in some years time, but that is part of his point I guess. No Dani Siciliano this time, but Eska (who already worked with Uschi Classsen, NSM, Cinematic, TY, Troubleman,...)! Her golden voice is perfect against the backdrop of mix-n-match horns, clicks , crackles and pops from the band. Most songs have a really spiritual (as in -gospel/-jazz) feel, with very dynamic passages alternating with almost silent parts. Closer 'Just Swing' is my favourite (strangely, the least political?! - does that mean i'm part of the problem ?). Anyway, the live shows will surely be the best way to enjoy this album. But if you can't make them,then listen to the record (ehhh, cd or mp3 actually), it's urgent ! (10/10/2008)

Uncle Funkenstein - Together Again
www.jazzmanrecords.co.uk

This must be the rarest jazz/groove record ever to come out of Indiana, as this 1983 session was only ever privately issued (you could find a edited- track on Ubiquity's ''Feelin' Good'' compilation). But here comes Jazzman Gerald to the rescue. He is starting a ''Holy Grail'' series of (strictly limited to 500 numbered copies) vinyl reissues of impossible to obtain jazz and funk rarities. The fact that he chose this as the first of the series must tell you something. The first disc of this two lp set is in fact one massive song, or at least three variations on the same funky latin theme. With a super bassline and plenty plenty solos of all instruments including composer Russel Webster's heavy sax, it's a must have. This is a simply irresistible, epic groove ! Disc two is a more traditional affair with a few typically forgettable 80s styles thrown in for good (or bad) measure. . . But the magical trio of ''Uncle Funkenstein'' makes this an inevitable record. Buy before they're all gone (hey, you can always buy the cd. . .). (10/10/2008)

Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation
www.thieverycorporation.com

A welcome return to the golden formula for the Thievery guys ! After the less successful (or did I miss something) pop experiments on 2005's ''The Cosmic Game'',
mssrs. Garza & Hilton serve up their trusted recipes for chilling out. All the usual elements are here : dubby bass, sitars, jazzy horns, funky guitars,...you must know them by now. And if you look very carefully, you'll notice their political engagement too. No, just kidding, the whole deal screams eco-consciousness freedom warriors : from the nice orginal packaging (recycled paper, soy based inks...) and cover picture (balaclava!) to the songtitles (''Vampires'', ''El Pueblo Unido'', ...) and lyrics (''Sound the alarm, order the attack...''), it's clear that they're no supporters of the status quo. And if you're not ready to commit to the ideas on this album, you can still enjoy the delicious grooves. Joined by some great guests (Femi Kuti, Seu Jorge, Anoushka Shankar, Chuck Brown,... !), the 'Corporation'are clearly back on track... (26/09/2008)

Herbie Hancock - Hear O Israel -A Prayer Ceremony In Jazz
www.jonnyrecords.co.uk

Thank you Jonny Trunk ! If it wasn't for the tireless efforts of this vinyl junnkie, we would have probably never heard this gem. Originally commisioned by a Jewish organization and privately issued in 1968, it never received proper distrbution and only a couple of hundred copies were ever sold. However, composer Jonathan Klein managed to gather a stellar array of players for the execution of his pieces : Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Grady Tate, Thad Jones all accompaniy the Hebrew (and English) readings and chants from Scripture. But this music is not just for people of the Jewish faith, even a fervent heathen like myself can't help being moved by the spiritual force of this album. Ranging from extensive jazz swirls to bossanova (?!), the pieces all convey a sense of wisdom, faith and hope for humanity. A rare treat in these weary times, so do yourself (and your soul) a favour and check this out... (08/08/2008)

J.A.M - Just a Maestro
www.brownswoodrecordings.com

Did you ever wonder how Soil & ''Pimp'' Sessions would sound without those killer horns ? Well, now you can find out, because that's exactly what J.A.M is ! The trademark ''death jazz'' sound is wonderfully transformed to a sometimes very energetic (it's still the guys from Soil & ''Pimp'' !) and sometimes more cool and collected, classic trio form. On ''Jazzy Joint'', there's excellent vocal support (including some scatting!) from massive talent (and label-mate) JosÃ© James. It's like a lounge album for extreme gourmets, by which I mean all you hepcats ! (07/07/2008)

Kaleta & Zozo Afrobeat - Country Of Guns
www.tramprecords.com

You either like Afrobeat or you think it all sounds a bit the same. If that is the case : move along, nothing to see here. But for those of us who like the repetitive, hypnotic grooves of the genre, this one is a little gem ! Fronted by Nigerian exile Kaleta, this band has Fela's fire and is not too proud to pass it on. In just four songs , this vinyl-only album (suck it, digital chickens !) brings us some driven, complex vision with sophisticated rhythms and jazzy and funky elements thrown in for good measure. Shake Your Nyansh !... (06/06/2008)

Various - I Like It Like That !
faniarecords.com/fania

Remix-fever in Latin-Land ! That is how you could describe this varied offering. The remixers read like a veritable who's who of contemporary Latin-influnced producers : Bugz, Louie Vega, Quantic, 4 Hero,... all taking on mythical songs from the massive Fania catalogue. Done with utmost respect for the (let's face it : fantastic) source material, the guys update the classic Fania sound for the discerning dancefloors worldwide. Sinden's take on La Lupe's 'Fever' might be too full-on for some, but that's just them gettin older. Muy Caliente ! (06/06/2008)

Thomas Dutronc - Comme Un Manouche Sans guitare
www.thomasdutronc.fr

Yes, it's Jacques Dutronc & FranÃ§oise Hardy's son. But don't let the whole ''rockstar-baby'' thing stand in the way. This is a little gem ! Bitten by the Django-virus, Thomas picked up the guitar and started strumming, ulimately resulting in this little gem (he was also involved in the ''Triplettes De Belleville'' soundtrack)! Gypsy-jazz, chanson, even bossa gets a look in here. And his lyrics are really up to par (if you understand French, that is). Highlights : the title song is the most signifying : uptempo smoky bar gypsy-jazz. First single ''J'Aime Plus Paris'' sounds like an acerbic answer to his dad's ''Il Est Cinq Heures,...''. I'm sure he's jealous of his son's songwriting talents. ''Solitaires'' sounds a bit like the classic ''Havalina'' from Pixies, but with a nice female voice (Marie Modiano's) added. He covers Kurt Weill's ''September Song'' inna Django fashion, which works great. My fave is nonetheless the odd one out : ''N.A.S.D.A.Q.'' is a great little bossa with excellent lyrics (''Je blanchis mes dents, mais aussi de l'argent...''), that will last me a while. Recommended... (06/06/2008)

The Herbaliser - Same As It Never Was
www.k7.com

Aha, aha ! The return of the Herbaliser crew. Capitalising on the prowess of their live band, they have wisely decided to keep the scratches and loops to an efficient minimum, allowing the instruments, including the guest-vocalists, to shine. In fact the title says it perfectly : ''Same As It Never Was''. Whether on their funky cinematic breaks as from old (''The Next Spot'', ''Amores Bongo'', ''Blackwater Drive''), that typical boiling funk sound with Jessica Darling as high funk priestess (''On Your Knees'', ''Clap Your Hands'' and others) or Jean Grae with some ghetto wisdom over an Isaac Hayes/Lalo Shifrin style groove (''Street Karma''), the Herbaliser deserve some attention. Oh, and be sure to catch them live this summer (fro example at the fantastic GentJazz festival). Getting down guaranteed !... (06/05/2008)

The Lions - Jungle Struttin'
www.ubiquityrecords.com

A west coast collective of players from Orgone, Breakestra, Sound Directions and Connie Price & The Keystones make up The Lions ! Imagine a reggae project issued by Stones Throw, and you've got half of the sound. And since this one's on Ubiquity, it's got a bit more of a straight funk groove at times. Add some Latin and Etiopian Jazz in there and you've got it. Great stuff all around, and as cherry on the cake a skankin' hot version of Lyn Collins'semina funk classic ''Think''. Yah mon... (05/05/2008)

Various - Andy Votel's Brazilika
www.faroutrecordings.com

After Kenny Dope and 4 Hero, it's now weird-music maestro Andy Votel to show us the diamonds and pearls he dug out of the mountain of MPB (Musica Popular Brasilera) that was released in the late sixties - early seventies in Brazil. And what a treasure trove he has come up with ! The usual artists maybe : Os Mutantes, Os Novos Baianos, Os Brazoes, Azymuth,... but a great selection of tracks handpicked by Andy Votel and all originally released on Brazil's Som Livre and RGE imprints. Distorted guitars, wacky percussion and vocal arrangements give these recordings an individuality exclusive to Brazil. None more so than the fuzz-ridden, re-workings of classic national favourites exemplified by Moraes Moreira's version of ''Se Voce Pensa'' previously recorded by both Gal Costa and Roberto Carlos. Also represented is Brazilian funk legend Tim Maia with a track from his ''I've joined the Mundo Racional mystical sect'' days (best known song from that era ''O Caminho Do bem'' featured on the ''Cidade De Deus'' Soundtrack) : ''E Necessario'', a funky ditty with blazing horns and a (mystical ?) choir. The tracks are partly mixed together which gives the experience a distinctly ''Dj Gone Mad'' feel, but I can dig it !... (05/05/2008)

Jamie Lidell - Jim
www.warprecords.com

We already knew for Jamie's 'penchant' for Motown soul from previous album ''Multiply'', but ''Jim'' goes even further into (classic) R&B territory. Old style, but not old-school, Jamie keeps things fresh. Opening track ''Another Day'' places Lidell alongside renowned crooners such as Stevie Wonder, while ''Out of My System'' channels the funk strut of late 60s, and ''All I Wanna Do'' is an old-school slow jam in the vein of ''You Send Me''. ''Hurricane'' which features backing vocals from electro diva Peaches, takes up the hillbilly funk sound once thrown down by Parliament. Tepid ballad ''Rope of Sand'' is an anticlimactic closing track but mostly because the rest of the album exudes such joyous verve. Old is made new again in the best possible way on what could surely be the perfect soundtrack for a sultry, soulful summer. (05/05/2008)

Hal Singer & Jef Gilson - Soul Of Africa
www.kindred-spirits.nl

For years now, people have been coming up to me when I play something from this album to ask what it is and then slinked away when I pulled out the cover and they saw an album they would have a hell of a time tracking down. Well : the guys at Kindred Spirits (Build An Ark, Jackson Conti,...) have made things easy and have lovingly re-issued this spiritual jazz gem. Originally on cult French label Le Chant Du Monde, this album represents (for me) the best work of Hal Singer. You may know him for the classic "Malcolm X", but most of the time, his style was a bit too r&b for me. Here, with the help of French avant-jazz pianist Jef Gilson, Mr. Singer goes out to the stars with his sax. Every track's a winner, but my personal fave is "Garvey's Strut" : a killer cowbell/drum groove, heavy bassline, magic chords from the piano and magnificent melodic swirls from the saxophone . One of my top ten tunes of all time. Oh, as an extra, there are two extra tracks (with kalimba!) from the rare ''Jef Gilson septet avec Lloyd Miller''10'' released on Jef Gilson's own label Spirit Jazz. Well worth checking !!! (05/05/2008)

• top •