Review: Based in Hanover, Germany, Mo' Horizons started out as the DJ duo of Ralf Droesemeyer and Mark Wetzler in the late 90s, but have expanded over the years into a loose musical collective blending a variety of jazz, funk and world music flavas. Quite a bewildering variety, in fact: with cuts ranging from the self-explanatory 'Anotha Bossa' to the Afrobeat of 'Mango Woman', the scorching Latin funk of 'Havana Boys', the Balearicisms of 'Sunset In Palmar', the straight-up reggae of 'Good', the equally self-explanatory (and entirely unexpected) 'Balkan-Maasai Party' and the subdued big beat shuffle of 'Sudoeste', 'Mango' is an album that keeps you on your musical toes but, crucially, is coherent enough for none of it to jar.
Review: Jembaa Groove is a multicultural band led by bass player and composer Yannick Nolting and vocalist /percussionist Eric Owusu. Taking inspiration from the Ghanaian Highlife sound of the '70s, the Berlin-based duo recruited a seven piece band in pursuit of their self-described Afro-soul sound, which takes in aspects of traditional West African sounds like Mali, Adowa and Wassoulou. Notable tracks such as the lo-slung and sensual opening cut "Aawoya", the uplifting horns section throughout "Adesane" and the electrifying soul-jazz of "Bassa Bassa" are worth it alone.
Review: Maintaining a fresh approach to releasing and compiling music, Agogo out of Austria presents the second volume of their Two Tribes series. Bringing together 14 tracks from a plethora of artists, the LP keeps with its MO of building a musical bridge between Africa and Europe. A highlight straight off the bat is Alma Negra's "Oh Mar" next to the equally subby grooves of Rabii Harnoune & V.B. Kuhl's "Invitation To Dance". More afro-futuristic elements come into play thanks to tracks by Kaleo Sansaa, Lua Preta and Dowdelin's soulful downtempo joint, "Vis La Vie". Other spiritual jazz comes through Karthala 72's "Heavy Revolution", David Nesselhauf and The Kutimangoes "Money Is The Curse", to more vocal numbers by Guts, Onipo's "Yenimo", and Octa Push, Alai K & Isaac Anyanga's "Nyatiti".
Review: Digitally splicing four tracks from a tight 7", German ensemble The Ruffcats are the highlight here thanks to ya boi Andy Cooper (think Bombstrikes and Jalapeno) dropping lyrics between the cut up B-boy sounds of Slow Walk's remix done up all Big L-style. Kawasaki's own Generation brings some beefy amplification to his track "Remember Us" alongside the bassy heavy and jazz flecked "Portisheadshop" courtesy of an exclusive collab between Clockwork and Birds Move. Drop it like it's hot.
Review: One of Africa's most influential and enduring musical figures, and big time player in the Ethio-Jazz scene, Mulatu Astatke presents the To Know Without Knowing LP, an inspired work and second collaboration with twelve piece global-funk-machine, Black Jesus Experience. Laced with cool jazz and lounge vibes to wax poetics in both "A Chance To Give" and "Living On Stolen Land" find more laid back, alluring and sultry numbers in "To Know Without Knowing", with hotter rhythms coming through "Ambassa Lemdi" and the cocktail vibes of "Blue Light". Afro-beat free fusion and soul.
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