Theo Parrish - Black Jazz Signature (2013)

by Michael Harkin (XLR8TR)

Those familiar with Theo Parrish likely know that the Detroit producer cultivates the cosmo-spiritual in everything he does, from his original productions to every cut he plays in his DJ sets. How appropriate it is, then, that he was asked to put together a mix of his favorite tracks from a most spiritual record label: Black Jazz, which operated for six years out of Oakland, California in the early '70s. During its run, the imprint focused primarily on what it described as "African spiritual jazz," often with a fusion or funk bent to it, the label's sounds reflecting the culture of the then-recent civil rights movement.

Maysa - Blue Velvet Soul (2013)

Maysa holds unique status in the world of R&B/Jazz. Her incomparably lush, sensuous vocals have garnered her legions of loyal, loving fans. As featured vocalist of the UK super group Incognito, core member of Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove and, of course, through her own albums and concerts, Maysa has been thrilling R&B and Jazz audiences for decades.
Blue Velvet Soul is far and away the most sensuous and heartfelt recording of her brilliant career. Maysa thrills us with a stirring rendition of Quiet Fire a loving tribute to her mentor and role model Nancy Wilson that will leave you breathless.

Gregory Porter - Liquid spirit (2013)

Blue Note Records has announced a September 17 release date for Liquid Spirit, the remarkable major label debut from GRAMMY-nominated jazz and soul singer Gregory Porter. The 14-track album is further justification for Porter’s quick ascent into the top ranks of jazz and R&B singers today, and it also features 10 new originals which showcase Porter’s innate gift for writing poignant songs based upon personal experiences with a relatable and emotional immediacy. Also included is a stirring rendition of the jazz standard “I Fall In Love Too Easily,” as well as covers of Abbey Lincoln’s “Lonesome Lover” and Ramsey Lewis’ hit “The ‘In’ Crowd.”

Youngblood Brass Band - Ain't Nobody (single - 2013)

Second single to be lifted from Youngblood Brass Band’s fourth album, ‘Pax Volumi

“Ain’t Nobody”, out now, is the second single to be lifted from Youngblood Brass Band’s fourth album, ‘Pax Volumi’, which follows in September. This 12” vinyl and digital single release comes midway through a busy year of touring, with recent sold-out headlines across the UK, Europe and the USA, and return visits planned over the Summer and Autumn.

The first single from “Pax Volumi” was “20 Questions” (3rd June), an original track which announced the band’s comeback to their eager fanbase, and also pricked up many new ears, winning support from the likes of Craig Charles (BBC 6Music), Gilles Peterson (BBC 6Music) and Lefto among others.

Quantic & Anita Tijoux - Doo Wop That Thing (7" vinyl - 2013)

Out 12th August, on 7” vinyl in a beautiful full-colour sleeve, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” is a one-off single bringing to light an exciting collaboration between two prolific and influential artists: Colombia-based, British-born producer and musician Quantic and the Grammy nominated Chilean MC and singer Anita Tijoux (also known as Ana Tijoux).

The A-Side, as you will no doubt have clocked, is a cover of Lauryn Hill’s hit “Doo Wop (That Thing)”; the lyrics flipped into Spanish by Tijoux, whose understated yet charismatic flow makes her a beguiling vocal presence, and a Cumbia beat giving an alternative, tropical slant on the late ‘90s hip hop/R ‘n’ B classic. Beats, bass, guitar and accordion are provided by Quantic, alongside a horn section comprising some of the musicians who have featured on his Flowering Inferno dub/reggae project. 

Danielle Baldelli - Back to my Funky Side (2013)

Maybe the best record we've ever heard from Cosmic mainman Daniele Baldelli – and definitely a set that really lives up to the funky side promised in the title! Baldelli's got a much deeper groove here than ever before – a great ear for tight elements on the basslines, mixed with jazzy work on keyboards and guitar – all woven into a groove that's every bit as club-worth as his other music, yet a lot more warm and soulful overall! It's almost like Daniele's going back to discover a disco generation he might have missed the first time around – with a retro style that's hard to distinguish from the original, a lot like Joey Negro and some of his Sunshine Band work. Titles include "Mellow Game", "Good Day", "What Da Funk", "Voltage Groove", "Synthesized Honey", "Break Loose", "Drive Me Crazy", and "Fontainebleau".  © 1996-2013, Dusty Groove, Inc.

Riot Jazz Brass Band - Sousamaphone (2013)

Following on from their storming debut single in May, Riot Jazz Brass Band are back with a full-length album of horn-fuelled dancefloor heaters. The Manchester-based group have been making waves for 5 years now, blowing away audiences across Europe with their infectious live shows. Based around the creative nucleus of Nick Walters (Trumpet) and Steve Pycroft (Drums) they take their influences from the likes of Hot 8 Brass Band and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, adding an unmistakably Mancunian twist.