Samstag, 31. Januar 2015

T Bird & The Breaks - Harmonizm


After a lot of smaller releases it is nice to see T Bird & The Breaks releasing a full length album again. The funky ensemble from Texas dropped "Harmonizm" a few days ago and again it's nothing but great soulful music and cool vibes.

Heavy funk grooves or sweet soul vibes, you will surely find it on this one. The blend of traditional approaches and a kind of modern way how to do things especially on sound production works perfectly on this album. Yet the best thing about this group still remains the positive energy in every note they are playing. Tunes like "Justine" or "Ain't No Sugar" will surely put a smile on every listener's face and a certain pep in their step.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Freitag, 30. Januar 2015

Sleep Sinatra & Verbal Kent - Metroid's Dungeon


After just recently releasing a great EP on Essenchill Records, Lincoln-based rapper Sleep Sinatra is already working on something new. His new album "SHAMANIQ" is underway and the single "Metroid's Dungeon" is a first taste of what it will sound like.

The track features a rough beat and a second verse by Verbal Kent. There's a fierce and original vibe in this track that'll make you look forward to the full length album.

Get the stream on Soundcloud or below.

Mittwoch, 28. Januar 2015

David Philips - Angel (Single)


As a first taste of David Philips' new record "If I Had Wings" the songwriter from Nottingham just released the single "Angel".

It is a truly beautiful track that features a nice folk vibe with some little extras. A steady rhythm,  some slight electronic elements, Philips' soulful voice and brilliant songwriting really make this one an outstanding and melancholic tune. There's a lot to forward to his March when his full album will drop on Black and Tan records.

Get the stream on Soundcloud.

Dienstag, 27. Januar 2015

Ephemerals - Alive In Paris


Remember the excellent debut album "Nothin Is Easy" by the Ephemerals? If not this one right here is another taste of this exquisite soul ensemble from London. In last years October they recorded a few live tracks for Radio Nova that you can now stream and download for free.

This group really goes beyond just the nice soul vocals, especially on this live recording you can hear the top class of the musicians and their arrangements. 

Get the release on Bandcamp or listen right here.

Samstag, 24. Januar 2015

Aaron Goldberg - The Now


Through numerous releases Aaron Goldberg has gained the reputation of a top class jazz pianist and his brand new album is definitely living up to the expectations. "The Now" features a classic trio line-up with Goldberg being accompanied by his long time companions Reuben Rogers on bass and Eric Harland on drums.

The music on this record is simply beautiful constructed; finding a nice balance between song-like structures and on point improvisations. And this is what this album is about: capturing a certain moment in time, the now. Goldberg's jazz approach creates a new mood and character each time a song is played depending on how and when it is performed. But as much as this album might be called a  musical snapshot in time it is also a timeless brand of jazz that moves through different vibes and rhythms; presented by a group of playing with a great sense for harmony and momentum.

Stream three track on Sunnyside Records' Bandcamp.

Freitag, 23. Januar 2015

Memory Man - Broadcast One


Though you could already listen to a lot of Memory Man's works on his Bandcamp he has just recently dropped his debut record "Broadcast One" on Chopped Herring Records - and it's a huge one.

The DJ from Texas features some incredible MC's on this album like Edan, Prince Po, Kool Keith, Mr. Lif, Busdriver or Open Mike Eagle. This concept hip hop record was seven years in the making and a few beats and rhymes in it you will know that it was worth it - bringing together old school rap vibes in a modern outfit.

Here's a preview on Soundcloud that will get you right in the mood for this piece of contemporary rap history.

Donnerstag, 22. Januar 2015

Hey Mister! - Rocket Summer


There hasn't been a lot of punk rock going on in this blog but I just have to share this one with one. Hey Mister! is a three piece rock band from Toronto that released their recent album a few months ago.

Think of all the aspects you like in a positive punk record and you will find it in "Rocket Summer". The Riffs, the speed, the vocals - it's all there. The danger of creating song structures that sound predictable is eliminated by the fact that almost every track ends before the two minutes mark. Thus on a total of 14 songs this album will stay with you just a bit over 20 minutes, but since we're talking about very entertaining 20 minutes I bet that you couldn't care less; just keep hitting the repeat button. 

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Montag, 19. Januar 2015

Jake Xerxes Fussell selftitled Debut


Just a few notes in Jake Xerxes Fussell's preview track off his upcoming album and you can already tell that you're listening to something special. Who would've thought that the way how he is picking the strings of his guitar and his singing in "Star Girl" might ever sound so refreshing? On the one hand this is due to boring trends in country and folk music. On the other hand it is due to some incredible talent. We're talking about a traditional folk approach that is deeply rooted in the North Carolina territory and what could easily become one of the finest things you might have heard in this genre in a while.

Fussell's debut album will be released on Paradise of Bachelors in about one week. The two tracks that you can listen to on Soundcloud will make you look forward to the full length record.

Sonntag, 18. Januar 2015

Paranom - 777 EP


It's been a while since Paranom collaborated with Purpose for "Life Outside The Frame" which appeared a few years back on Ill Adrenaline Records. Now he is back with a new EP featuring 9 tracks and producer al.divino.

There should be no questions about Paranoms skills as a rapper and on this record he displays his favour for laid back vibes for another time. His flow blends perfectly in the well produced beats and creates a nice atmosphere especially on the standout track "Muse Of Creation". Look out for more tracks off this project that are apparently underway.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Lucky Brown - Mystery Road


Tomorrow will see the release of the successor to Lucky Brown's "Space Dream" album on Tramp Records. Due to his work with the label it is no surprise that he's also feeling a lot of sympathy for old school funk grooves - And that is exactly what you will find on "Mystery Road".

It's not only the arrangements that might convey this character, it's also the sound production that sets the vibes of this record a few years back. This could equally be the soundtrack to a classic 70s movie or a collection of breaks for early rap recordings. Different musicians were included in the recording process which must have been more like an endless jam between passionate instrumentalists always searching for the next groove. Tracks like "Argon" or "Brown's Bag" are just the perfect example for this group's vibe.

You can get a preview of "Mystery Road" on Soundcloud or watch out for the full release on Bandcamp.

Donnerstag, 15. Januar 2015

Banquet Debut 7" Single


The number of talented heavy rock bands coming from the San Francisco area is simply impressive and well illustrated on the roster of Who Can You Trust? Records. The four guys of Banquet are the latest installment to that ensemble and are about to release their debut single on vinyl in March.

With this group we're talking about sounds that carry a heavy dose of 70s Rock'n'Roll flavour and some serious jams. The Banquet approach to the rock genre showcases a high level of energy that is packed in old school riffs, driving rhythms and fierce vocals. The blues elements in the band's sound are distorted to the maximum creating a massive brand of rock music. A lot of reasons to look forward to a full length release by these guys.

Get the stream of "Mother Road" on Bandcamp or in the player below.

Michael Feuerstack - The Forgettable Truth


Due to his previous project "Snailhouse" Michael Feuerstack has been around the singer songwriter business for quite a while. With a group fellow musicians he is now about to release a new album entitled "The Forgettable Truth" which will be out next month on Forward Music Group.

A look at the cover art might give you a hint at some of the moods you can expect from this record on songs like the first single "Clickety Clack". A careful constructed musical landscape consisting of guitars and keyboards floats over a slow rhythm and beautiful arranged strings for the standout track on this record. But it doesn't stop there, Feuerstack is showing a wide repertoire of compositions that reach from uptempo rock rhythms to the aforementioned quiet tunes. There is a soothing and convenient character in his voice that ties the tracks on "The Forgettable Truth" together and reminds here and there of an old and priceless singer songwriter tradition.

Get a preview on Bandcamp.

Montag, 12. Januar 2015

Hypercolor - Hypercolor


Many bands have wandered the line between rock and jazz music and you certainly have to put rock in the conversation when you listen to the sounds of Hypercolor's guitarist Eyal Maoz. But there are still a lot more facets to this dynamic trio's selftitled debut on tzadic records.

There are nice harmonies, chaotic squeaking noises (there's a reason why the opener is entitled "squeaks") and everything in between that a mostly crunchy and distorted guitar sound can convey. The trio is completed by James Ilgenfritz on bass and Lukas Ligeti on drums. There are moments on this album that might give you the impression that each member is playing a different song, but only to unite eventually in great harmonies that display quite the opposite with their simplicity. On a total of 10 tracks you will experience all kinds of different moods as in the fast and dynamic opener to a slow track like "Little Brother" that builds on a strong tension in it's eleven minutes playing time.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp before the official release in just a few days.

Sonntag, 11. Januar 2015

Myles Sanko - Forever Dreaming


"Forever Dreaming" marks the first full length album by british soul man Myles Sanko. His 2013 EP "Born In Black & White" already proved that you can expect good things from this talented singer and songwriter.

As a soul fan you probably won't experience a lot of spectacular surprises but what you will find is a top class soul album with everything you could wish for. Uptempo tunes like "Shooting Star", slow ballads like "Where We Need To Be" or jams as in "Take A Look At Me Now" - it's all there.  There's also a lot of positive energy flowing through every track on this record which makes it such an entertaining one.

Get the full stream on Légère Recordings Bandcamp.

Samstag, 10. Januar 2015

Sixfingerz - Street Bangerz Volume 9


No other than the belgian producer Sixfingerz has the honor of presenting the 9th volume of Cold Busted's "Street Bangerz" series, which marks the first release of the label in 2015.

If you follow this guy's sounds you might have heard of his "Music Beyond" record that proves all his qualities as a beatmaker who mostly doesn't need an MC to sound great. On this record it's the same thing - the tunes tell a story for themselves. There's a unique approach in the tracks that goes well beyond just the great sound production. The use of samples is one of a kind and it creates some gritty and intensive moods.

Get your copy of the record or just the stream on Bandcamp.

Donnerstag, 8. Januar 2015

Killer Boogie - Detroit


Next monday will see a new release on the incredible roster of Heavy Psych Sounds Records. "Detroit" will be the debut album of Rome-based trio Killer Boogie.

The band plays an energetic brand of old school rock'n'roll with heavy jams and fierce vocals. What makes this band so much fun to listen to is the drive behind every tune. This drive is packed in a lethal blend of stoner, blues and psychedelic rock that draws a lot of influence from the 70s. In the midst of those full throttle tracks lies a truly fantastic song called "Cosmic Eyes" with its mid tempo jams and psychedelic moods. "Detroit" is a great album for any nostalgic rocker and every fan of the riff.

The full stream is available on Bandcamp.

Dienstag, 6. Januar 2015

Contemporary Soul Mix




This Mix features lots of talented soul artists and a selection of their most recent tracks - Enjoy!

1. Evolvo Doofeht - Don't Give Up Your Mind
2. Lack Of Afro - Recipe For Love (feat. Jack Tyson-Charles)
3. The Downtown Rulers Club - Uneventful
4. The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble - IB Struttin
5. Ephemerals - Call It What You Want
6. Mr. Bird & Greg Blackman - Since You've Been Gone
7. The Eminent Stars - A Good Woman (feat. Bruce James)
8. Cookin' On 3 Burners - Losin' Streak (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
9. Third Coast Kings - West Grand Boulevard
10. Nicky Egan - I Tried
11. Dojo Cuts feat. Roxy Ray - Easy To Come Home
12. Anatoly Ice & Dariya - Freedom (feat. Stas Makevich)
13. Etienne De La Sayette - I'm So Cool In Seoul

Montag, 5. Januar 2015

Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers - Cranes & Carpets


If you happen to be familiar with Berlin-based Johannes Schleimacher's Woima Collective then you know that it's going to be seriously funky when his new project "Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers" will be released.

A 7" single from a few months back already displayed a taste of this new ensemble. It showcased  incredible rhythms, dynamic horns and some nice synthesizer sounds. Another thing you can expect from this group is heavy influences from Schleimacher's trips to Africa which led to the band recording this record in Morocco. All this is what you are about to explore on "Cranes & Carpets".

A few grooves into the snippet below will show you exactly what I am talking about. The album will be released on Agogo Records in early February.

Samstag, 3. Januar 2015

Ed Rowe, Sleep Sinatra & Concept - Concentrated Forces


"Concentrated Forces" is the new EP by the deadly and deep Hip Hop trio formed by Ed Rowe, Sleep Sinatra and Concept. While Sleep Sinatra should be a known name for his collaboration with UK's Jazz Spastiks (which also appeared on this blog's very own compilation), producer Concept made his appearance on this blog through his release featuring rapper MKV. That leaves us with Ed Rowe who is also doing an excellent job on this EP.

On five track plus one instrumental this trio really knows how to work its way through well constructed hip hop tunes using laid back beats and on point rhyming. It's that deep rapping without sounding pathetic and those mellow beats that work perfectly without the need to be pushed to the front. The perfect blend for a great rap release.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Freitag, 2. Januar 2015

Blind Monk Trio - Coulrophobia


There is a problem that a lot of people have with the classic jazz trio. The saxophone as the only true solo instrument floating over some fancy rhythms mostly doesn't do the job. That is why the Blind Monk Trio from Liverpool are showing their own approach on their new album "Coulrophobia" by blending all instruments together into one rock band like sound that bursts with dynamics.

On a total of 8 tracks you will still find some improvisations and classic trio stuff but it all circulates around a clear song structure in each tune. This album is not really about haunting harmonies or nice melodies - it is all about the dynamics. Each song creates a certain tension and is constructed by a rhythmic foundation that blends into the lead voice. This way the classical jazz character is questioned by influences you will find in all kinds of music genres.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.