February release: JAZZ

'Peppermint' by Damsel Talk & Nicolas Boccanera

'Peppermint' is the inspired new project created by the duo of British vocalist Jenny Moule (under the guise of Damsel Talk) and Argentinean pianist Nicolas Boccanera.  Drawing on a variety of inspirations for the project - Moule from her theatre background and skill as an improviser and Boccanera from his training in classical and jazz - 'Peppermint' is bursting with ideas and creativity that are just joyous to experience.  The union here is fascinating in itself - two artists sharing such a clear, distinct and, frankly, fearless vision for their music that is really a huge part of 'Peppermint's magic.

With Moule & Boccanera forming nearly all of the elements of the music themselves, the compositions do allow for the subtle inclusions of additional instrumentation with guests Violeta Garcia (cello) and Sebastian Greschuck (trumpet and trombone) playing their parts well within the construct of this intrepid sonic soundscape.  Notable standouts include 'By The Roots', 'Had We Our Senses' and 'Sonnet 148' which are bolstered by a vocal that I just don't have the adjectives to describe but for now will settle on... exquisite.

'Vega' by u.joe

Acting as something of an alter ego for the drummer, producer and founder of the New York jazz collective, Bright Dog Red, Joe Pignato presents a series of recordings initially created back in 2003 but have since been repackaged and remastered nearly twenty years later for audiences to enjoy.  Being as familiar with Bright Dog Red's brand of improvised electronica and hip-hop-inspired jazz as we are, the complete reinvention of Pignato's sound is a real thrill to immerse yourself within and completely different from the awesome catalogue BDR have amassed through Ropeadope Records with 'Means to the Ends', 'How's by You?' and 'Somethin Comes Along'. 

With tracks from 'Vega' veering on the ambient at times as well as some future soul and trip hop influences, the album is kicked off in lush fashion with 'AM' which is just lush in its presentation.  From there, 'Vega' makes way for other highlights like the rousing 'Sturbato', the awesome piano work on 'PM' and the apt conclusion to the project in the dreamy 'Snooze'.  

'Blimey' by Vangelis Angelopoulos

The new album from Greek guitarist, Vangelis Angelopoulos, boasts an excellent collection of songs recorded over the last fifteen years that we can only imagine would have been a joy to have revisited for this release.  As with last year's excellent 'Marrakesh Mystery' by the Vangelis Angelopoulos Trio, 'Blimey' finds its home on VA Music, the label established by Angelopoulos as a vehicle to showcase his fantastic projects.  

Spearheaded by an incredible animated video for the track 'As The Sky Falls', 'Blimey' is packed full of standout tracks - the near seven minutes of 'Longway Home' is a real gem as is the blues-inspired 'A Day in London'.  'Promise to Helen' is bursting with the kind of energy you'd expect from being able to see the band perform the track live, while the covers of 'And I Love Her' as well as 'Blue in Green' certainly warrant special mention - the former for the track's spirited, drums-heavy rendition and the latter for its sublime vocal.  Both captivating in entirely unique and distinctive ways.

'Say His Name EP' by Alessia Piermarini

Singer, songwriter, pianist and loop pedal artist, Alessia Piermarini, was able to find inspiration during last year's lockdown subsequently creating and releasing two new tracks forming part of her new EP.  With two excellent full-length projects already to her name, 'PG Major 7' (2008) and 'Synth o Matic' (2014) - the latter of which featuring a fantastic duet with US vocalist Jaguar Wright - Piermarini's versatile style continues to showcase her talents across a range of genres and styles.

For the tracks comprising the EP, 'Isolation Blues Rhymes' and 'Say His Name', both, in massively different ways, demonstrate Piermarini's talents as a one-woman tour de force: first, 'Isolation Blues Rhymes' demonstrates her skill as a loop pedal artist interspersing the layering of her vocals with a variety of additional sounds forming her own musical soundscape, while 'Say His Name' positions Piermarini behind the piano keys for a sublime lead vocal that carries the song.

'La Policía' by Bachaco

Music can serve as such a powerful vessel within the context of portraying or expressing the perspectives of a cultural identity.  Salsa - famed for having life breathed into it in 1970s New York through Nuyorican bands (New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent) - was always able to boast an eclectic and diverse mix of musical styles incorporating Afro-Cuban percussion, Spanish cancion and at times mixes of Latin jazz, rock and funk as laid down by Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe and Fania Records.  

Based in Miami, Bachaco's music continues much in a similar vein as it strives to deliver its own unifying message and aesthetic by establishing their own cultural roots for an entirely new generation.  And that very message has been something blessed unto audiences since 2007 - with a vivacious live show that has seen the versatile cumbia-inspired collective perform countless concerts and festivals across the US, Canada, Argentina... 

Headed up by singer-songwriter, Ediberto Morillo, Bachaco's music is steeped in Latin culture but distinct and confident enough in itself to embrace an ever-expanding array of musical genres.  With their sound continually cited as something of a musical gumbo incorporating elements of reggae, hip-hop and rock, their music is nonetheless always delivered through an infectious and sincere energy that sees the Bachaco star shine ever brighter as the years pass.

And the release of Bachaco's new single, 'La Policía', is further evidence of that.

With production from Agustin Espina - an incredibly talented artist with an extensive résumé that includes keyboardist for Los Amigos Invisibles as well as work with Guaco, Guillermo Carrasco and Mango Funk - 'La Policía' seeks to address the oftentimes difficult conversations about cultural differences and the difficult perspectives in and around that very stance.  The rest of the make-up comprise Anderson Quintero on drums and percussion, Camilo Velandia on guitar and Rodner Padilla on bass. 

Collectively, the band take excellent leaps in carrying forward the traditions and stylings laid out by the genre’s initial stars and forefathers.  'La Policía' is beaming with energy and bursting with inspiration - the slightly harder edge of the track's lead guitar seems to draw the music slightly out of its comfort zone but it's a technique that works brilliantly.  'La Policía' is the first single off the full-length due out later this year which we're excited to hear.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #78: "Sam Newbould"

 

Welcome to Episode #78 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with saxophonist, writer and composer, Sam Newbould.

With his sophomore album release due out in March 2021 through the independent Netherlands-based label, ZenneZ Records, Sam Newbould and his Amsterdam-based Quintet follow-up '2019's 'Blencathra' in spectacular fashion.  

'Bogus Notus' seeks its inspiration from Newbould's years growing up in the Yorkshire Dales. It's an album that strives to capture the stark contrast of these beautiful surroundings while also addressing the somewhat harsh restrictions that come along with them.  With his roots now firmly in place within Amsterdam, Newbould has solidified his position amongst a thriving musical soundscape with no shortage of world-class talent in which to surround himself with.

This episode sees Sam delve in to the excellent 'Bogus Notus', discuss Amsterdam's incredible and diverse jazz scene, how quarantine life has been over the last year and also delve into the importance, as an independent artist, of using the internet and social media to your advantage.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#78_Sam Newbould

The Blue-in-Green:PODCAST unveils new episodes on the first, second and third Mondays of the month. This podcast series runs in conjunction with the online radio station, Blue-in-Green:RADIO which celebrates 21st century soul, jazz, funk, Latin & hip-hop music. These shows are designed to give you some insight into the incredible range of talented presenters we're so lucky to host from all over the world and to geek out musically with us.

February new release round-up

'A Sad Love Song (Wadiya's Song)' by Mumia Abu-Jamal

A Night on Canopy

An incredibly beautiful, poignant and powerful number to kick-off proceedings with the reissue of the Mumia Abu-Jamal penned number written for his wife.  The political activist and journalist became widely known for his writings and commentary on the US criminal justice system, having been imprisoned since 1982 for the murder of a Philadelphia police officer.  In a case considered to contain numerous flaws and failings, Abu-Jamal continues to garner support with the hopes of securing his eventual freedom.  

'A Sad Love Song' serves as a two-part acclamation from A Night on Canopy: there is the eight-track 'Freedom For Mumia Abu​-​Jamal' project containing compositions across two suites, but there is also this beautifully composed treasure...  With piano and arrangements by Alain Jean-Marie and a lovely vocal from Morena Fattorini, this ten-minute masterpiece kindly donates all proceeds to Abu-Jamal's defence.

'Senses' [Marc Rapson Remix] by Deborah Jordan

Futuristica Music

Unveiled as a special bonus track as part of the 12" vinyl release for Jordan's 'I'll See You Again', the track serves as part of a long line of masterful reworkings of tracks from last year's 'See in the Dark'.  With remixes from luminaries including Kaidi Tatham ('Horizon'), DJ Spinna ('Horizon') and Nicolay ('Senses'), Marc Rapson holds his own with the best of them with this inspired new perspective 'Senses'.  The final two minutes of the song in particular are really fantastic with the live instrumentation vamping to Jordan's vocal - it's just brilliant.  And of course, briefly turning our attention to the official tracks comprising the two-disc vinyl release - firstly, when answering the question of how you take a perfect five minute fifty-two second song and make it *better*... well, you simply make it four minutes and six seconds longer!  While the extended edit is genuinely everything you could want it to be, Rapson's 'Rework' once again justifies the genius that Futuristica have in him.  Frankly, Rapson accomplishes the impossible by taking, in essence, a string-laden ballad and morphing it into something reminiscent of a 90's Dilla-esque production which is mind-blowingly good!

'Beat Tape' by Magro

From Berlin, Germany, the incredibly talented drummer and producer is steadily garnering a fantastic reputation for some wonderful music.  Prior to the release of this project - his first Beat Tape - Magro's Bandcamp page hosts an awesome selection of singles released over the past couple of years: with the music heavily hip-hop-inspired, Magro skilfully fuses elements of jazz and neo-soul into his compositions delivering excellent collaborations with US rapper Stimulus ('15 Minutes') along with R&B artists Kileza ('Superskater') and Kenny Wesley ('Jupiter').  His work with vocalist Leona Berlin also warrants special mention, not only for their collaboration on the Magro-helmed 'Floating Freely' but also for his extensive contributions to Berlin's singles of last year for her upcoming sophomore album. 

'Beat Tape' is something of a back-to-basics approach for Magro - taking his inspiration from heroes including Herbie Hancock, Dilla, Robert Glasper and Chris Dave, the ten-track release demonstrates Magro's versatility within his music and his continual evolution.

'Hitchhiking' by Maya Law

The exciting news of Maya Law's brand new single, 'Hitchiking', comes with the news that the upcoming EP will have the distinction of being released on both vinyl and digital formats.  With the project's official release now scheduled for April 2021, anticipation must be incredibly high for long-time followers of Law's music which consistently runs the gamut of contemporary soul and R&B. 

The EP - also entitled 'Hitchhiking' - has been spearheaded last year by the infectious, sing-a-long nature of the first single 'Tired' before making way for the lush, acoustic guitar driven number, 'Say It Ain't So'.  The release of the EP's title track though, musically, meets them somewhere in the middle and like 'Say It Ain't So' genuinely leaves you wanting more from the exquisite track.  Beautifully sang... brilliantly produced... Maya Law once again proves herself a deftly versatile and exciting artist and we're incredibly excited for the eventual release of the 'Hitchhiking' EP. 

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #77: "Futuristica @ 15" (with Simon S)

Welcome to Episode #77 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with the founder of Futuristica Music, and member of the Blue-in-Green:RADIO team, DJ Simon S.

This year, the future soul label has hit the incredible milestone of reaching its fifteenth year of releasing music. As part of Futuristica's anniversary celebrations, Simon chats with Imran about the genesis of the label, the range of fantastic projects bearing the Futuristica banner, his passion for producing, his own solo releases under the guises of Simon S, Jazz Chronicles and Peter Franks and we get an exciting look at further plans in store for the label's celebrations this year.

Cheers Futuristica, and here's to another 15!

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#77_Futuristica @ 15 (w/Simon S)

The Blue-in-Green:PODCAST unveils new episodes on the first, second and third Mondays of the month. This podcast series runs in conjunction with the online radio station, Blue-in-Green:RADIO which celebrates 21st century soul, jazz, funk, Latin & hip-hop music. These shows are designed to give you some insight into the incredible range of talented presenters we're so lucky to host from all over the world and to geek out musically with us.

'Rebirth' by LaNote

'Rebirth' marks the brand new album release from vocalist and producer LaNote marking her return to the Futuristica fold.

Courtesy of her efforts as part of the Parisian quartet, Electric Conversation, LaNote's name will forever be etched into the annals of Futuristica Music's history but with the label now celebrating their fifteenth year of releasing music, her official return makes the year all that special.

Along with fellow band members As Valet, Oz and Gus La Temp, Electric Conversation went on to deliver an incredible hip-hop inspired blend of future soul which is still prevalent to fans all these years later.  It was a comparatively young Electric Conversation that scored the opportunity to open for Silhouette Brown in Paris in 2006 that afforded them the chance to meet Deborah Jordan - Silhouette Brown vocalist at the time - and subsequently open the doors to Futuristica Music.  The union would spawn two full-length albums - 'Communication' (2007) and 'Electric Conversation' (2013) - which are rightfully highly revered projects and regarded as modern day classics. 

As her unique vocal delivery allowed her to interchange her style between singing and rapping over Dilla-inspired productions, LaNote's talent and ability was glaringly obvious.  Several projects outside of Electric Conversation have been blessed by LaNote's vocal contributions including projects by As Valet, Jazz Chronicles, ZigSixteen and Deborah Jordan, along with her production work for artists including Belgian rapper Masto Xico.

As if 'Rebirth' couldn't be any more appealing - a phrase that may very well be used again before this review is complete - the album also enlists the boundless talents of Electric Conversation partner, As Valet, as the project's producer further adding to the serendipitous nature of 'Rebirth's release.  For the self-described "abstract-instrumental-space-hip hop beat producer", As Valet's mouth-watering (re)union with LaNote really goes on to generate something incredibly special - with many of the tracks hovering around that two-and-a-half to three-minute mark, the project's beat-tape style, use of lush samples, hip-hop-inspired production and soulful aesthetic... it all works beautifully as a fitting extension to Electric Conversation's legacy.

Through both, musically and thematically, much of 'Rebirth' strongly resonates with As Valet's own 'Inner Journey' - released last year through A Night on Canopy Records.  And while the third solo project from Valet served as something of a spiritual reconnection to his roots in the Caribbean Island of La Martinique, much of 'Rebirth' serves as LaNote's spiritual reconnection to music.  Music, as in LaNote's decided focus towards releasing projects in a solo capacity, and music as a vessel for her own, perhaps cathartic, level of personal and social commentary.  Taking 'SOS' as an example - the album's incredibly powerful closing number which addresses the Black Lives Matter voices.  Classic music by no less than legends like Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, James Brown... all ask timeless questions about the society they grew up in and questions that sadly still ring relevant today.  Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On?' serves as a great example... maybe we're destined to always ask that question but it's certainly a question people still ask nearly 50 years later. 

As if 'Rebirth' couldn't be any more appealing [hmm!] - the album's second disc presents a series of remixes from long-time friends and affiliates providing some fantastic takes courtesy of Mecca:83, aCatCalledFritz, DJ Spinna, Simon S, Marc Rapson, Kn7azz amongst others.

The first full-length project from Futuristica's fifteenth year couldn't set the stage any better for what promises to be an awesome year for the label.  'Rebirth' is a wonderful homage to everything that came before it - as previously mentioned, it serves as a fitting extension to Electric Conversation's legacy but at the same time lays the groundwork for LaNote as a solo artist in her own right.

To purchase the album, please visit the Futuristica Music Bandcamp page, here.