Freestyle Beguile

about 3 months ago I waxed lyrical about a 7in re release on Freestyle Records Ginger Johnson and his African messengers, well they have only gone and re released the whole album ” African party“. Ginger Johnson was the mentor to the late great Fela Kuti. if you look through youtube you can find clips of them supporting the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park. one of my listeners actually took the time to thank me because she had seem them with her Father at that gig and it brought back memories.

Till they released this little gem to be perfectly honest I hadn’t heard of Ginger Johnson before.

I have been waiting for this release ever since and boy was it worth the wait. originally released in the late 60’s it feels like an African drum fest mixed with jazz influences from the golden era of Blue note. its completely infectious full of African chanting and beguiling sax. A pure party album as the name suggests. I defy anyone not to get pulled in.

I’d hate to suggest things but a remix album would be a great addition to this release (ala Peterson style did with Sonziera).

(out 22nd June)

https://soundcloud.com/freestyle-records/01-ginger-johnson-and-his

Speedometer have just released a killer EP on Freestyle “No Turning back ft James James” the title track is a mid tempo jazzy floor filler. that will get those hovering on the edge of any dance floor to make the transition. The vocal is smooth and has a hook that will having you singing along. If I was honest I like the original as a listener but the on fire Reflex revision is the club DJ’s friend.”Orisha’s Party” another cut on the EP is a proper funky track that would grace any funk set. I will have to play this on alternate weeks to make sure both versions get heard. it hits the shelves on 29th June.

http://www.kudosrecords.co.uk/release/FSRCD112/Speedometer_No_Turning_Back.html

Gene Dudley Group do it again

There are times when you find something so good that you can’t wait to play it to people. Gene Dudley Group on Wah Wah 45 have followed up their dance floor smasher “Ain’t no trouble on the mountain” with such a record.

“I’ve changed ft E” is a horn fest of loveliness. lowdown beats with nice guitar riffs, it feels old and new at the same time. so many influences and styles all melted into a lovely track that works on every level. on the B side, Some may remember Todd Terj’s “inspector Norse” they have covered it with such aplomb that it feels like the original doesn’t exist to me anymore. its funky its full of heavy guitar it sexy, punctured with horns, I love my house music but this would bring a welcome break to any 4 4 set without a break in tempo pure genius I cannot wait for the album in July

its being released on a heavyweight 7in get yourselves along and get a copy or miss out (22nd June) the day after my birthday hint hint  wifey

https://soundcloud.com/wahwah45s/the-gene-dudley-group-ive-changedinspector-norse-preview

Maribou Great

its been a long while since I blogged been away in Ibiza when I came back I’ve had a few tracks to go through,

Maribou State has been one of the highlights of my catch up session.

The Clown ft Pedestrian (something I waxed lyrical about) has been remixed by Tom Demac taking it from a light airy dance floor filler to a dark 4 4 midnight head nodder, it shows what a great label Counter is, what to come to expect when its part of the enigmatic non compliant Ninja Tune dynasty. Maribou State will join their list of lauded artist upon release of the new album “Portraits”

https://soundcloud.com/mixmag-1/premiere-maribou-state-the-clown-feat-pedestrian-tom-demac-remix

Wallflower from the album “portraits” released today (1st of June) is sheer class, a lesson in how to make non confirmative electronic music. the first time I listen to this I actually felt my self let out a little whelp. it feels like an anthem building and building with messed up horns, reversed basslines, distorted vocals and amazing production without a doubt this will appear in my end of year best of 2015 show

https://soundcloud.com/mariboustate/wallflower

out on Technicolour comes U with their release “our place”  from the EP “we decide who comes in” it starts with an intentionally distorted record scratch creating an atmosphere of darkness and preparation for what’s about to come. exorcist Tecno. swirling distorted 4 4, the kind the draws you in and takes you to another place on the dance floor with your fist pumping in front of your face ,away until your mate taps you on your shoulder to pass you a bottle of water

https://soundcloud.com/technicolour-music/u-our-place-1

Ltd Free DL!! Raw Silk – Do it to the music (South beach Recycling edit)

get it quick

Hold Tight Soul Disco Funk Boogie

Just caught this in time and thought we would share!

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Afrobeat is in good hands

I have been an Afro beat fan since the time I heard a DJ (Gilles Petereson) many years ago play(the days of Electric Ballroom) Fela Kuti’s classic “Water get no Enemy”. A brilliant independent label Wah Wah 45 has revived the Fela Vibe.

Last year I received a teaser track from the label called “Sanctuary” by Dele Sosimi. I read through the press stuff and noticed Dele had worked with the Late Great Fela and with Femi his son. I pressed play and was immediately transported back to the excitement when I first heard that Afrobeat sound. The magical mix of Sax and African Drums that can’t be beaten when you want to nod your head and move your feet. I had to wait over 6 months till the Album hit my inbox and it hasn’t disappointed me. It will definitely join my vinyl collection when its released 25th May.

Dele Sosimi has created a masterpiece in “You no fit touch am” from start to finish 53mins and 7 songs of pure joy. Fela will be smiling and waiting to shake Dele’s hand when the day comes they meet again. The music has the traditional long intro, the length of time to develop a journey, magical African drums, sharp horns, political commentary and musicianship in abundance.

Every track is an absolute killer if you only buy one album this year on Vinyl this is no waste of your money.

I think this may be the album of the year already

https://delesosimi.bandcamp.com/album/you-no-fit-touch-am

My Radio Show podcast listen here : http://nopressure.podomatic.com/

Tru faultless

Harlieghblu is one of Tru Thoughts most vocally dextrous and unique sounding singers. Her voice always lends itself beautifully to what ever cutting edge track she sings over. The “Futurespective EP” is one of those brilliantly matched occasions. MMMM ft Dr. Zygote. Sees Harleighblu singing in an almost rapping style over a drum looped driven electronically enhanced bassline . I ft Lost Midas is a great straightforward Rand B inspired bouncer of a track. Meant to be ft Azure is the track that shows off her vocal talents to their fullest. its hard to compare her voice to anyone as its totally unique which is how I like it. All in as usual Tru thoughts have delivered quality.(out 1st June)

Jesse Fischer and Sly5thAvenue Ep “Vein Melter” (18th May) embraces Jazz in its artistic form they have taken Herbie Hancock’s seminal album Head Hunters using some of the tracks and reinterpreting it in their own way which works for me. Tt feels more futuristic and heavier than  the original dragging Herbie in the 21st century which is a mean feat in itself loved it. its brave to take on such an iconic album but it paid off I really look forward hopefully seeing their own stuff in the future.

Like what I say listen to my Radio Show ….. http://nopressure.podomatic.com/entry/2015-04-15T06_38_35-07_00

Ninja Family Ear Collection

Ninja tunes Seven Davis Jr. has exploded into the vocabulary of the taste makers likened to Prince in his approach with music. The first track to drop from his forthcoming album ” universes” (out 24th July) is “Sunday Morning” . It feels different to usual 4 4 tracks it has a real rumble underpinning that sounds like a messed up double bass.  A solid repetitive vocal interlaced with a high pitched sporadic Hammond makes me happy and intrigued to hear what he is going to do with this album.

https://soundcloud.com/ninja-tune/seven-davis-jr-sunday-morning

Maribou State have released a track from their forthcoming album “portraits” out 1st June. “the clown ft pedestrian” starts off with the feel of slowed down liquid sweet harmony, warm familiar floor filler style but in kicks the vocal which is like a mainstream ultra reverbed Sam Smithy style. Its a proper club banger at one point I involuntarily lifted my hand in the air.It has mainstream hit all over it, I still like, its credible which makes me think it has something special about it . Counter records have a breakthrough artist on their hands. Can’t wait for the album

https://soundcloud.com/mariboustate/the-clown-ft-pedestrian

Big Dada’s Star Wiley has released From the outside remixed by Special request it starts of deceptively like an old school hip hop track and then in comes his rap and the mood changes. I have to say I’m not usually a fan of Wiley’s stuff I’m coming from and old school hip hop/house background he doesn’t really resonate with me. However I really like this track its very clever little elements of drum and bass (maybe helicopter track) come in and out. it will definitely get a play on my show next Sunday that’s for sure

https://soundcloud.com/i-d-online-1/premiere-wiley-from-the-outside-special-request-mix

If you like you music varied please listen to my Radio show: http://nopressure.podomatic.com/

DEGO’s Back

I got sent a two track sampler of Dego’s new album ” the more things stay the same” (out May 26th) he has enlisted the talents of multi instrumentalists Kaidi Tatham,  Mr Mensah Matt Lord and Vocalist Sharlene Hector of Basement Jaxx fame for the album. Lets talk about the two tracks I have heard. Firstly if these two tracks are the standard its going blow up.

Feminist meetings is a groove driven instrumental beauty of a track. The track builds throughout and carries you through with head nodding synchronicity,  half way through the use of the vocoder would have had Kanye conceding he didn’t understand that’s what its for.

“It don’t get no better” has a class feel to it, it just shouts Dego did this. It feels jazzy, hip hop, bassy, groovy, individual music. there’s a little bit of rap interspersed with a vocal that comes across as beautifully sung rap. its aptly named that’s for sure

Dego is back and on top form this is amazing stuff can’t wait to buy the vinyl for it feels like its going be a collection keeper

Its a going to be a dancefloor shaker but equally, if you want to sit watching topless ladies/blokes on the beach pass you by in dark glasses while your misses/fella reads their book. you can fill your eyes with fantasy and your ears with beauty this may be an album for you. I’d love to review the whole album hint! hint!

Jaga jazzist (remixed by Todd Terje)

I opened my E Mail this morning and got exited at what I saw, but when I listened I have to say in a very childish way a little bit of wee escaped.

Ninja Tune have let Todd Terje quite possibly one of my favourite producers loose on a Track “Oban” (released 18th May) by fellow Norwegian band Jaga Jazzist. The resulting collaboration is 9.49 of pure heaven.

Terje is the master of building music to keep you interested, making you not want to miss out on and second of the track. Every 32 bars there is something that is added and remains in pulling you along. Synth music that would have made Kraftwork smile. I found myself immersed in an ever building world of excitement that didn’t involve the use of nefarious substances. At one point I found myself holding my hands in the air sitting in my front room. when the strings kicked in towards the end over a clearly hip hop influenced drum pattern. By the end I actually found that I was talking to myself saying “that’s how you do it” . T hat’s why I love music and it helps from time to time to be reminded why.

I can’t wait to hear Jaga Jazzist album Starfire due for release in June if this is the standard

My Podcast:  http://nopressure.podomatic.com/

Roots Maunva

I’ve said it before Roots Manuva is the best rapper the UK has produced, not only is he talented in his flow but he is not scared to experiment which for me makes an artist. The minute you compromise your art in the pursuit of mainstream money you lose your art.

Facety 2:11 is a release (4th May) by the Big Dada on Vinyl 12inch. Side 1 is a collaboration with Four Tet which I have already reviewed https://nopressurestomp.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/lots-of-goodies/.

“Like a drum” the 12in B side ( a long time since I said that phrase) is a collaboration with Machinedrum who has been climbing in notoriety in the underground scene and getting serious respect from the likes of Gilles Peterson.

the track starts off with a traditional hip hop paced beat interspersed with a vinyl sounding interference. Roots Manuva’s rap kicks in with typical clarity of conviction. Pure poetry art allows you to decide whether is pro or against the subjective topic. The production is brilliant pushing the rap along at a steady pace enhancing the style in places but never detracting from your focus on Root Manuva message

https://soundcloud.com/noisey/like-a-drum-roots-manuva