Last Summer we were blessed by this incredible project Keleketla! which is an international collaboration project by musicians from the UK and South Africa. The album was recorded during sessions in London and Johannesburg.
We keep on receiving good vibes with this album. Incredible influences can be heard here. A perfect blend of Jazz, electronic and African folk. Just the thing we needed.
For our first blog post of 2021 this album felt like the perfect fit. “In Search of Hope” feels like the right keywords to set the tone for this new year. Kaidi Tatham brought us this incredible album last year released under the First Word label. Filled with hope and positive vibes the album uplifted every listener’s spirit during one of the toughest years of our existence. That’s why this album is a great listen at the moment when we’re hopeful and staying positive for a fresh start this year.
Black Focus was released by the collab of two geniuses, Yussef Dayes & Kamaal Williams together as Yussef Kamaal. Simply one of my favorite albums of all times. Little throwback to 2016 when the album was released on Brownswood Recordings. As any other instant classic this album will always feel fresh everytime you go back to it. Keeping a modern approach but with a vibe that is reminiscing of 70’s funk and jazz music. Black Focus is one of the master pieces of the last decade. A must have in any respectable collection.
The German label Tramp Records released this 4 parts compilation gathering an international roster of Jazz artists & bands. With many live recordings capturing the magic of a stage performance. The selection of music is raw, deep and spiritual to use their own words. They did us the honor to include Organic Pulse Ensemble in volume 4. Please check out the project directly via Tramp rec.
Vodou alé is a full-length collaboration between Haitian six-piece Chouk Bwa and Belgian production duo, The Ångströmers. The album is where traditional African/Caribbean music meets modern clubbing electronic and bass music. Prepare to embark into a trippy and transcending experience with this incredible piece of work that feels futurist ritualistic. Like being witness of a traditional ritual but in the year 2050. The album was released earlier this year on the excellent Swiss record label Bongo Joe. Give it a go, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Prophecy is an incredible album by Sydney, Australia based musician Laurence Pike. He wrote and recorded this album in the Summer of 2019 during the catastrophic times of the bushfires. The rest of the world had an apocalyptic year in 2020 but for most Australians the proving times began half a year before. Prophecy has an existential theme around these crazy times we live in. A little bit like shamanistic ritual music Prophecy gives us matter to reflect over the drum arrangements and jazzy contemplative melodies. Here’s a serious(ly) good album with an heavy theme that will absorb you entirely and live you with an feeling of meditative serenity. It was released in the Summer of 2020 on The Leaf Label.
Little throwback today with one of our favorite albums of the last decade that is an absolute gem on vinyl as well. Released on the imprint Innovative Leisure back in 2016, “IV” by the Canadian band BBNG was an instant classic and illustrate to perfection the genius in the quartet’s music. The album feels from start to end like an escapade into a alternate/bizarro world where rules aren’t the same. A little bit like a soundtrack to a master piece movie all in one. One of these great albums that sound fresher every time you go back to it. And if you’re not familiar yet make sure you give it a listen!
Absolutely wonderful music on the new album by the Japanese band Ajate! Alo is combining African music, Jazz, Dance and traditional Japanese festival music “Ohayashi” to result into an incredible piece of work. Filled with positive vibes and merrymaking music that will take you on a festive and dancing spirit. The album was release via the Parisian imprint 180gr. Check it out for a surprise if you’re not already familiar.
Organic Pulse Ensemble is just one very talented multi instrumentalist musician and song writer from the north of Sweden. Which if you are not being told really doesn’t feel like it. He has the art of making his music feels like it’s being played live by a band while in reality it’s just genius work with a multitrack recorder. His music is the culmination of spiritual and free form jazz. For this incredible album “The Light Comes Black” that was released on Urban Waves Records early in 2020 the subject is the very long day & night cycle that the Northern part of our world is experience and how magical it is when the sun comes back after sometime months of night time. A must discover if you aren’t familiar yet!
Son of Sun is the debut release from the Moroccan producer/ Guedra Guedra كدرة كدرة. Heavy African influences with Morocan traditional music blending perfectly with modern electronic dance music to give listener a fever dream like experience! Another incredible gem on the label On The Corner. The vinyls is amazing and on low quantity for this one. Awesome project, big up!
