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JAZZ - FUNK - SOUL - DISCO (March 2011)

Reviewed by Aleem Bhatti

Andrea Clarke and Daz-I-Kue – Supahero, Future Soul Records, Released 28/03/2011.

This futuristic new long player from one of broken beats’ godfathers see the Bugz In The Attic maestro deftly moves between soul, hip-hop and house in the blink of an eye. Teamed up with the wonderfully soulful vocal talents of Andrea Clarke, who you may remember from recent underground releases on Especial records, this thoughtfully produced and arranged LP takes you on journey from the sumptuous broken soul of the title track Supahero, to the dubby string laden soul of Waves of Peace. Plenty for the dancefloor too - expect the likes of Dego to have the bass heavy “Something” and “Clap your hands” in his box of tricks…

John Morales – The M&M Mixes Volume 2, BBE records, released 29/03/2011.

The first release of the year that I’ve really been waiting for. BBE records, one of the most consistent labels for good music in recent history, have done it again by releasing Vol. 2 of John Morales’ acclaimed M&M mixes.  He’s most definitely the remixers remixer who’s constantly able to find that part of a track that makes the record standout and use it to create brilliant remixes that stay true to the original classics.  Two CD’s of John’s finest work are showcased here with a CD of classic boogie material from such artists as The Fantastic Aleems on the ‘hands in the air’ Leroy Burgess produced classics “Hooked up on your love” and “Dancing into the stars” to the previously unreleased mix of Inner Life’s “Make it Last forever”. CD 2 gives us some soul heaven from the legendary Salsoul catalogue and is heavy on instrumentals and dub mixes. A massive compilation that all Disco and Boogie fans should go out and buy ASAP.

Various Artists – Beyondjazz Vol. 4, Tokyo Dawn records, released 28/03/2011.

Wow, this compilation marks a very special achievement for this interant radio show from Gent, Belgium. Broadcasting since 2001 they have swamped the airwaves every Tuesday night with a truly amazing and diverse collection of artists, producers, collectives and styles from around the globe and have recently broadcasted thir 400th show. If you’e into anything that’s house, hip hop, broken soul, jazz, techno, boogie, funk or anything in-between then this is the show for you. Now into their 4th compilation, their first CD in over three years, Lensco, the voice behind the podcast, has put together 13 exclusive tracks from artists such as UK based Chris Barker who is one half of Deep Sapce Orchestra. Interalgatic Jazz comes courtesy of producer Nick Woodmansey’s Emanative project and there are also brand new unreleased offerings from Swedens electro soul master Opolopo. I could go on wetting your appetite but I wont, just make sure you own a copy of this landmark compilation. Be sure to also visit their website at www.beyondhazz.net

Mr President – Mr President Theme, Favourite, released 11/03/2011.

Known as Patchworks in vintage soul/funk circles, the former bassist began producing in the mid-nineties by utilising the technology available at the time and mixing this with a raw sound from the golden ear of soul music. We now have his homage to that period with this great album that covers all corners of the genre. Tracks such as “From North to South” point to raw African funk whilst “Meet Again” and “Get it sometime” recall sunny days, brownstone buildings and Spanish Harlem. The orchestration throughout has such diversity that even the cinematic likes of David Axelrod can be heard in places. A thoroughly rewarding album that will have you listening to it, again and again and again.

Uptown Funk Empire – Boogie (SOS rmx) feat Noel Mckoy, Soulab, released 11/03/2011.

An excellent release by Uptown Boogie with a Future Funk/Disco flavour that is guaranteed to set dance floors alight all over the place. Yes, it really is Noel Mckoy, back on song with “Nothings gonna stop us now” which has echoes of Roy Ayres’ flawless production style running through the whole track - there’s a wonderful vibe and energy to it. Next up we have a nice version of the Pharaoh Sanders classic – “You’ve got have freedom”. A nice update of a soul jazz classic, that again has a Roy Ayres feel to it with some excellent, tight Vibes runs throughout. The single has been play listed on radio stations all over the world such as Wicked Jazz Sounds in the Netherlands, The Basic Soul show in the UK and The Jazzmadass Radio Show out of Germany.