Myele Manzanza - "Family Dynamics" / "Itaru's Phone Booth"

I don't think I've ever done this before, but I'm going to include two tracks from the same record on this post instead of singling one out.

While I enjoyed 2016's OnePointOne release from Kiwi drummer/composer Myele Manzanza, I never posted about it. But because he's on the ever-reliable (and award-winning) First Word Records, I've kept an ear open for what he's up to. A Love Requited drops today and was one of the first things I listened to this morning. The album starts strong, but it's in the beginning of the second-quarter that things REALLY start to cook. "Family Dynamics" is the cleanup hitter and deserving of that spot in the batting order because it swings for the fences. Pianist Matthew Sheens - who has worked with First Word's Ross McHenry, has some lovely, deft runs on this track and Jake Baxendale's alto-sax just comes alive after minute two.



That's immediately followed up by "Itaru's Phone Booth," which is a lovely, restrained number that pulls the pace back a touch without losing any of the album's momentum.



Do yourself a favor and give A Love Requited a full listen over this long weekend.

KOKOROKO - "Ti-de"

Not to be confused with KOKOKO!,- though both acts share a connection to Afrobeat -  KOKOROKO is a London UK septet that just dropped their self-titled album on March 8th and while it is likewise fire, it's more of a smouldering fire. "Ti-de" the track I've linked to is a languid affair that builds from a solo bass line and starts layering elements including Oscar Jerome's guitar line (that totally has me thinking Tuareg tunes) and a trio of horns.

IMANI - "Just Another Love Song"

Not surprised to find this on Bandcamp's Album of the Day page. The lead-off track to Out Of The Blue, a holy grail record from early 80s San Fran, the song belies the title. Portugal's Mad About Records are responsible for the re-issue and making this available for significantly less than the original 500 copies are going for.

Kassa Overall - "La Casa Azul ft. Roy Hargrove"

It's been a minute since I listened to a Roy Hargrove record, but with his The RH Factor project, the jazz trumpeter has been bridging genres for ages and ages. Hard Groove is nearly a decade-and-a-half old at this point. So I'm not surprised - but I was excited - to see his name pop up on this project from New York rapper / drummer / producer Kassa Overall. The intersection of jazz / neo-soul / hip-hop is something Hargrove has already explored and quite likely inspired Overall's Go Get Ice Cream and Listen To Jazz record.

I'm in on the whole record and have already bookmarked it for my year-end longlist, but I was particularly taken with "La Casa Azul," the track featuring Hargrove's muted horn alternating between smooth and staccato, providing as much bounce as the bass line and as crisp a snap as the snare drum.

Yazmin Lacey - "Something My Heart Trusts"

It's only one song, but velvet-voiced Yazmin Lacey is back with her second release via First Word Records. Following up March's "90 Degrees" is this slow-burner with a groove that Lacey luxuriates in.

Officially out tomorrow, you can stream it now, below.




I can't fault First Word for the baby-step approach to Lacey's releases but I WANT MORE GOODNESS!!

BADBADNOTGOOD - "I Don't Know (ft. Samuel T. Herring)"

Following on the heels of one of my favourite records of 2016 - and favourite organ lines of all time - Toronto's BADBADNOTGOOD and Future Islands' Samuel T Herring just dropped this triumphant torch song via Innovative Leisure.

The protagonist of the song might not know, but I sure do. This is a a stunner.

Nautilus - "We Live In Brooklyn Baby"

 This lead-off track from Japanese trio Nautilus' Nautiloid Quest LP is one funky stroll. Those arpeggiated octave lines on keys are particularly entrancing.And the way they f**k with the timing, speeding up, slowing down and nearly full-stopping is just awesome as all get out.

Jimetta Rose - "Rhythm Of Life"

Rose just dropped her new album The Light Bearer last Friday. Lead-off track "Rhythm of Life" is an insistently shuffling tune that marches onward the way time does - but with a little bit of a swagger-step that you'd expect from something produced by the Goddess Georgia Anne Muldrow.

Butcher Brown - "Pontchartrain Causeway"

It's Wednesday as I write this. Which some people call "hump day." Not saying / just saying... but here's your soundtrack.

Shadow J. Brown - "Un Deux Trois Cat Sank"

Discovery of the day on Bandcamp is this slippery tune from Shadow J. Brown (aka James J. Lepinsky) a Maryland-based artist who livens up his jazz tunes with some noodly, freak-folk type elements. This final track on the EP is a bit of a departure from the more straight-ahead material that precedes it, but it's certainly my favourite of the bunch.

Nubiyan Twist - "Nubiyan Twist: Work House Mode"

The final track on London UK 12-piece Nubiyan Twist may be the end to the record, but let it be the start to your week. Ease on in and sip that coffee while you bliss.

Matthew Halsall - "Breathless"

Something beautiful and mellow to ease you into the week. I've previously mentioned Manchester's Halsall in association with the Gondwana Orchestra, but  On The Go (out May 20th) is credited to him alone.

Nomade Orquestra - "Samurai"

This one just dropped on Friday and I'm sorry I missed it then or it would have made the soundtrack to my weekend. Funky, smooth, lovely, "Samurai" is just a stellar slice of sunshine.

Bill Laurance - "Madeleine"

Skinny Puppy member Bill Laurance has been stretching his legs on recent solo releases (among them Swift, my #20 of 2015) and on Aftersun he breaks in to a run. Strong likelihood it ends up higher on the Top 20.

Jaimeo Brown Transcendence - "Be So Glad"

Apt name because this album is transcendent.