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.
Review: The long-running Agogo label drops a compilation that's tailor made for home listening. Although it is released in the depths of winter and focuses on broken beat and jazz, the tracks on Two Tribes are still evocative enough to make the listener long for the summer. From the murmuring tribal chants of Jacob Mafuleni & Gary Gritness' "Zvichapera" to the lazy, languid tones of Elias Agogo's "Some Music", the vivid, brass-led Afro jam that is Tiliboo Afrobeat's "Dekondor" and the dubbed out house of Trio Toffa's "Titon To", there is enough depth and variety on offer here to provide the sound track for sandy beaches and warm sea breezes.
Review: Tel Aviv's Hoodna Orchestra, who blend African and Middle Eastern influences with those from jazz, rock and funk, serve up two tracks from their second album 'OFEL' - soon to be released worldwide - and to say the EP's "eclectic" would be like saying Ronaldo's "pretty good" at football! 'Ofel I' starts out as a sleazy blaxploitation taxi ride, before taking a left turn through a nearby souk while Nik Turner-esque sax blares away on top. 'Breathe', meanwhile, marries similar sounds to a simple, plangent guitar riff reminiscent of Echo & The Bunnymen or The Cure. It's a ker-razy trip, daddio, but one you'll be very glad you took...
Review: German combo Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers may be tricky to pin down musically, but their releases are rarely anything less than inspired. Certainly, new album "Magic Polaroid" is rather special, with the Berlin-based outfit giddily hammering elements of Afrobeat, jazz, spoken word, Latin beats, highlife, and punk-funk into ear-pleasing new shapes. Highlights are plentiful, and include - but are not limited to - the Rip, Pig and Panic style madness of "Welcome Echo", the Moog-laden Afro-jazz sunshine of "Magic Polaroid", the dancing sax riffs and chiming melodies of super-sweet closing cut "Super Cranes", and the heady intoxication that is album opener "Trumpets of Denmark".
Review: Berlin based Italian Andrea Benini presents a journey inspired by early African electronic music and modern beats on Drumphilia Volume 1. A rhythmic experiment that is a response to many years spent working with, learning about and listening to African and Caribbean percussion. There are no traditional harmonic instruments on the recordings - the aim was to create melody and texture using only carefully tuned percussion instruments, whether organic or electronic. An album of dreamy and hypnotic polyrhythms where the organic and traditional is emulated by the power of modern (and obsolete) machines. A hybrid sound that continues in the tradition of artists like Frances Bebey and more recently - Peder Mannerfelt. Recorded at Benini's Mop Mop Studios based in the German capital.
