'A Mirage (Meant to Last Forever)' by Zoe's Shanghai

'A Mirage (Meant to Last Forever)' is the debut EP from Zoe's Shanghai which absolutely delivers as a fantastic introduction to this Barcelona-based collective.  Over the six tracks presented throughout, lead vocalist Zoé Renié soars over eclectic and vibrant sonic soundscapes that are an exquisite amalgamation of styles and genres.

With Renié also tackling song-writing duties, the rest of the band - comprised of Alex Molas on electric bass, Tomàs Fosch on keyboards and Aurélien Landy on drums - boast an undeniable chemistry together.  Zoe's Shanghai have laid the groundwork for hopefully much more to follow as they have cultivated such a distinct and confident sound beautifully explored over these six tracks. 

From the lush keyboards of opening number, 'No Cure', which sets the tone nicely, the hypnotic rhythm of 'Two to Tango' which is a song that showcases an endearing charm as it seems to take complete pleasure in exploring its own possibilities, and then there's the standout track, 'Liquid We', which serves as the perfect representation of everything great about this band with a flawless vocal over an inspired composition.

With an excellent new single 'Through The Chord' already available, hopefully paving the way for another EP or album to follow shortly afterwards, make sure not to let the gem that is 'A Mirage' slip through your fingers!

Dala Records Mixtape

"We have one goal in mind: to cultivate organic music and share it with the world": this is the ethos for the independent record label, Dala Records, and for any label this is a slogan that couldn't be more pure of intent.

The Brooklyn-based label - with a flair for the analog and the classic soul stylings of the genre's forefathers - seem certainly well on their way to having their vision realised through a fascinating and dynamic roster, wonderfully encapsulated in 2019 with the arrival of the label's first mixtape which can be purchased through the Dala Records store.

'Anything & Everything' by Billy The Kid
Not only able to boast being the founder of this exciting hub of talent and creativity, Billy Aukstik's resume also includes writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, and under the guise of Billy The Kid, a Dala Recording artist in his own right.  Having had a hand in projects by the Dala line-up, Billy The Kid's 'The Stay Strong EP' showcased Aukstik's wide range of limitless talents.

'Evelyne' by Steve Garvin
Having helped pen some of Dala Records' signature songs, Steve Garvin made the transition to vocalist with his debut single on Dala which served as something of a fitting tribute to the heroes that proved early inspirations for Garvin, including John Lennon, The Beach Boys, American Analog Set, amongst others.  With a lush arrangement, which also sees Garvin on acoustic guitar, the bitter sweetness of 'Evelyn' depicts an aggrieved breakup through albeit earnest lyrics.

'Return The Favour' by Camellia Hartman & The Soulful Saints
The New York native, vocalist, skilled violinst and multi-instrumentalist leaves her indelible charm on anything she touches, particularly when it comes to any of her awesome singles released through Dala Records.  Following in the vein of her previous efforts 'Breathing Hard (Over You)' and 'At Least I Got My Baby', Hartman continues to build on her Northern Soul inspired take on soul music which finds itself so at home on Brooklyn's Dala Records, and continues to garner her a devoted following from soul music enthusiasts around the world.

'Back When' by Ray Mason
Mason boasts the distinction as trombonist for afrobeat heroes, Antibalas, as well as boasting collaborations - with trombone in tow - on seminal projects by Charles Bradley, Mark Ronson, Lady Wray and Janelle Monae.  Dala thankfully became the natural choice for Mason when considering the transition to front man and vocalist, and using the opportunity to further demonstrate his versatility, Mason’s vocals sound surprisingly at home on the more rock-based aesthetic of his debut single.

'Bad Man' by Mel & Kim
The debut single from Dala's vocal duo continues in the long line of soul music that seeks to address the socio and political environment that inspired them.  Mel Johnston and Kim Foxen bring such an exciting energy to 'Bad Man' - theirs is a special and unique musical union, each with a wealth of experience and a shared passion for soul and jazz music.  And backed by The Soulful Saints?  Bliss!

'Hangin' On' by Kyle Lacy
Propelling Kyle Lacy's adoration for time-honoured and classic soul music, 'Hangin On' serves as a magnificent two-man performance between Lacy and Aukstik - a thrilling pairing with equally thrilling results as the combination of Lacy's poignant opening lyrics, lamenting over a portion of his life that has since passed, sitting over Aukstik's symbolic church-esque organ is magic.  Unfortunately, these can also be gut-wrenching words that resonate with many as well which is what ultimately makes music - and this song - so special.

'Here's A Call' by Georgia Lee Johnson
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, a passion for performing arts eventually brought Georgia to New York where the city's all-encompassing and all-inclusive musical aesthetic led her to new styles and collaborators, as well as to jazz's vibrant music scene.  Dala's signature analog sound, now paired with Georgia's exquisite vocal and warm-hearted song-writing delivers stunning results - the 'Languages' EP is a real treasure where Georgia's personality and limitless talent shines throughout.

'Runnin (To Get To Your Love)' by Bobby Harden & The Soulful Saints

'Runnin (To Get To Your Love)' is the brand new single from seasoned vocalist Bobby Harden as he finds himself a new label home on Brooklyn's Dala Records.

A life in music has long defined Bobby Harden - having toured the world as a vocalist for various groups including The Uptown Horns and Original Blues Brothers Band, as well as having performed with heavyweight names like Solomon Burke and Ben E. King, the New York-based vocalist continues his unwavering passion for his craft by ushering in the beginning of an exciting new era.

Dala – and its founder Billy Aukstik – have developed a real art form of sorts for scouting diverse and versatile talent that are always a perfect fit for the label's authentic, soulful aesthetic and captured through their distinct analog sound.  Whether it be the "folky soul" of Georgia Lee Johnson, the Northern Soul of Camellia Hartman and Mel & Kim, or this exciting new single from Bobby Harden.

The current single is very much a family affair for Team Dala: as well as 'Runnin' being co-written and produced by Aukstik, to further root the music deeper into their signature analog sound, the song also features backing by the label's house band, The Soulful Saints.  But there's also the added bonus of violin by Dala label-mate Camellia Hartman - also famed for her singles 'Return The favor' and 'Breathing Hard (Over You)' - and trombonist Ray Mason who features as a member of Antibalas as well as boasting his own Dala Records singles 'Back When' and 'No Clue' in 2018.

The Soulful Saints are a group of versatile and accomplished musicians who can boast collaborations with Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, Charles Bradley and Mark Ronson, and as well as providing the musical soundscapes for several Dala projects as well as their own 'Hit and Run' and 'Butterfield East' singles available for purchase as well.  For 'Runnin', The Saints provide a high-energy and Northern Soul-inspired backdrop for Harden's passionate delivery hopefully opening the door for more releases under the Dala banner.

'Distant Voice' by Sean Khan + Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #33

Saxophonist Sean Khan follows up last year's exquisite 'Palmares Fantasy' with an excellent four-track EP released through his new label home of BBE Records.

Sean Khan's lineage as one of the leading artists within UK's jazz contingent has been established over the course of three stunning solo albums and having served as a pioneer of the broken beat/nu-jazz era of the late-90s as part of the SK Radicals with Victor Starkey, and having come up with fellow broken beat titans Bugz In The Attic and Kaidi Tatham.

Khan's is a unique and rare talent - one of the few with the ability to effortlessly flit between the broken beat world then jump into solo projects like 'Slow Burner' (2012) and 'Muriel' (2015), and display his vision for contemporary jazz.

'Distant Voice' is the continuation of Khan's vision through an excellent four-track selection worthy of the already world class BBE catalogue.  With long-time collaborator and vocalist Heidi Vogel appearing - continuing in the vein of their excellent chemistry and demonstrated 'Moment of Collapse', 'Samba Para Florence' and 'Your Way Not My Way'.  Guests also include vocalist Kay Elizabeth, drummer Laurie Lowe and multi-instrumentalist Jackson Baird.

With the further promise of an album of new material due out in 2020, again through BBE, we look forward to once again singing the praises of the immeasurably talented Sean Khan, but should the name be new to you then 'Distant Voice' makes for the perfect introduction.

We were thrilled to have secured time with Sean Khan for episode #33 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST for an in-depth conversation about 'Distant Voice' as well as looking at Sean's incredible career and his time as part of the SK Radicals.

'Lucidity' by ATOMGA

Color Red Records' commitment to releasing a stunning array of contemporary funk & soul music - on a weekly basis - has left the comparatively young label with an incredibly healthy catalogue of gems from bands both new and established.  The past twelve months alone has seen some world class releases from bands like Sophistakits, The Burroughs and Matador! Soul Sounds, not forgetting 'Shake It' - the 2019 album release from iconic UK band, The New Mastersounds.

And another name boasting world class talent that now find a home on the Color Red roster is the awesome ATOMGA. 

Formed in 2011 from their home in Denver, Colorado, this ten-piece afrobeat orchestra have long been one of the most creative and unique collectives amongst a thriving funk & soul scene.  Their all-encompassing sound - rooted in the style and tradition of afrobeat as established by its pioneer, Fela Kuti - is confident and bold enough to push beyond the restrictions of just one tag masterfully embracing elements of Calypso, soul and jazz.

ATOMGA's catalogue showcases a band with the desire to evolve, to try new things, and through past independent releases which include the EPs 'ATOMGA' and 'AGA', and the full-length 'Black Belt', their passion to create and perform absolutely comes to the forefront with each recording, which brings us to their latest offering, 'Lucidity'. 

LaShá "CalySōl" Afarko continually proves to be the match-made-in-heaven vocalist for the variety of sonic soundscapes the band immerse her into and as she matches ATOMGA's fervent pace throughout, it's really the final two minutes of this 6+ minute anthem where you'll find the real pot of gold waiting - a momentary break in the energetic groove makes way for Afrako's sermon over the band's lush backdrop which slowly builds all the way back up to 'Lucidity's' groove-riddled climax.  It's absolute bliss!

'Lucidity' is joyous, it's introspective, it's ATOMGA at their absolute best and if you've yet to hop aboard the ATOMGA train then, as Afarko preaches, "Wake up, world!"

For more information on ATOMGA, please visit: http://www.atomga.com/
And for more info on Color Red, please visit: https://www.color-red.co/

'Inexpressible Infinity' by Levitation Orchestra

The Levitation Orchestra launch their debut record 'Inexpressible Infinity' through Astigmatic Records presenting their own blend sublime jazz from the heart of London.

'Inexpressible Infinity' serves as another project that firmly ingrains the wonderful Astigmatic Records as a strong base for UK jazz.  Having released the debut, self-titled project from Cykada earlier this year - which also boasts the inclusion of the Levitation Orchestra's trumpeter Axel Kaner-Lidstrom as part of its six-piece make-up - Astigmatic Records masterfully showcase these stunning UK releases alongside equally stunning projects from the revered Polish collective EABS (who also released their sophomore album 'Slavic Spirits' a few months ago).  Astigmatic Records have clearly had an incredible year!

But while Cykada's project presented their sound as something of a myriad of styles and genres over eclectic sonic soundscapes, the Levitation Orchestra appear to seek their inspirations from the spiritual jazz offerings of icons like Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders and Sun Ra underpinning their compositions with exquisite orchestral arrangements which are only enhanced by the sublime vocals of Sophie Plummer and Zakia Sewell. 

Formed by Kaner-Lidstrom, this thirteen-piece ensemble compose their music through an all-inclusive and - as they themselves describe - "ritualistic" method to music-making by ensuring everyone has the freedom and confidence to contribute, thus neglecting the inclusion of any one person's name as producer or composer.  Whatever they're doing though is absolutely working.  With such incredible talent involved from a variety of backgrounds and other bands (including Nihilism and Sawa Manga), it's unsurprising that the results have been the lush recordings presented over the course of these six tracks.

While 'Odyssey' and 'Mystical Yang' display Levitation Orchestra's strengths as a vibrant and dynamic collective, 'Twin Serpents' and 'Clairevoyance' capture the Orchestra at their enchanting best.  The notion of the music here being born of a "collective ritual of creativity" presents the album in an exciting context - 'Inexpressible Infinity' is an inspirational record showcasing the respect that the band members have for each other when it comes to music-making and respect for the genre's aforementioned architects that came before them. 

'2066' by The Mighty Mocambos

The Mighty Mocambos make their grand return with the follow-up to 2015's 'Showdown' once again solidifying their place as Hamburg's finest purveyors of funk.

Although '2066' comes after a four year gap since its predecessor, the years in between have continued to be productive - there was work on Gizelle Smith's long-awaited album 'Ruthless Day' which was released in 2018 through Jalapeno Records, and the release of Eric Boss's 'A Modern Love' album this year created with the Mocambos throughout.  And not to forget the Mocambos Caribbean steely drum alter-ego, the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, and the release of their second album last year, 'The Serpent's Mouth', on Big Crown Records.

'2066' sees The Mighty Mocambos slip back into their traditional funk-filled and break-beat-inspired style of music with an inspired selection of guests which sees vocalist Nichola Richards taking on a strong supporting role appearing on a handful of songs; German film composer, Peter Thomas, nicely picks up from his last appearance on 'Showdown' transforming 'Road To Earth' to a round trip journey with 'Return To Space'; The Mocambos' love for hip-hop continues as they boast collaborations with JSWISS ('Stronger') and hip-hop legend Ice-T with frequent Mocambos collaborator Charlie Funk ('Bounce That Ass'); but perhaps most exciting is the official reunion with Gizelle Smith who guests on 'Take On The World' rekindling some of the magic from their collaborative album now ten years old, 'This Is Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos'.  And a final mention to the appearance of the previously released 2015 single with vocals by the incomparable Lee Fields 'Where Do We Go From Here' also makes a perfect inclusion

In Episode #29 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST, we had the pleasure of talking to Rob Fleming from Crowd Company where aside from the band's own excellent catalogue, conversation turned to the awesome array of contemporary funk bands and the longevity many of these bands have managed to latch on to.  Through an incredible body of work and a devoted and loyal fanbase, The Mighty Mocambos are absolutely a part of that conversation as front-runners within the genre as exemplified by their '2066' album release.

'Rise Of The Spidermonkey' by Andy Davies

'Rise Of The Spidermonkey' is the new release from trumpeter Andy Davies who has steadily developed an esteemed reputation as a creative and preeminent live performer in UK jazz.

Born in Swansea but now living in London, Davies’s trumpet has taken him to stages across the world including Japan, Turkey, Portugal, Spain and Italy and now a regular at Ronnie Scott’s and frequent host of the Ronnie Scott’s Late Night Jam Sessions.  A fervent live performer, Davies has always found unique ways to inject his charm and personality into his performances - even in his hilarious 2018 mockumentary examining the life of fictitious fame-hungry trumpeter, Louis Horne, Davies's charisma shine through.

A natural performer, a natural entertainer, it's now another notch in the belt for Davies' effervescent energy to be successfully captured for his first full-length project.

'Rise Of The Spidermonkey' is brought to life with an incredible array of London-based musicians comprising the band: the innovative drummer Saleem Raman, currently riding high from the release of SEN3's awesome 'Volume II' album appears throughout, as does Jazz Re:freshed's stand-up bassist, Daniel Casimir, again, also receiving plaudits for his release with vocalist Tess Hirst, 'These Days', and with a lengthy list of collaborators including Blue Lab Beats, Jasmine Power and Binker Golding.  The revered musician and composer Benet McLean lends his talents on the violin  to the album, and rounding out the contributors is the co-founder and creative director of Soho.Live Studios, pianist Nathan Britton.

The album is an excursion into hard bop bliss with a mix of songs celebrating Davies' inspirations with uptempo numbers like 'Big T' and 'Gino's Run' paired with lush ballads like 'We'll Be Together Again'.  Andy Davies' debut album serves as an exciting project backed by a veritable dream team of musicians so all that's left to say is "long live the Spidermonkey".