New and Groovy

[Jamie Renton]

There's some good new stuff out there at the moment. Please have a listen and let me know your thoughts.

Hazmat Modine are popular around these parts, as I recall and have got a new album Extra Deluxe Supreme maybe their most consistent yet. Here's a live version of track 2 "Plans" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw_3kPbKo9I

Canada's Souljazz Orchestra have long been favourites of mine. They play a strictly analogue mix of 70s funk, jazz, Afrobeat, reggae and on their new album Resistance stir in some Haitian and other Caribbean rhythms too. as on this track "Courage" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXUBxdPypmg

Kolaba is the debut album from Afriquoi, the brainchild of London producer/DJ/promoter Andre Marmot, which combines some fine UK based African musicians with electronic dance beats. I should declare an interest, as I've DJed at Andre's nights a couple of times over the years, but I don't think that's why I like the album as much as I do."Ningde Jubeh" is the new video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X03aVmxff1k

Finally, Southern Italian roots singer Rosapaeda and her band team up with vet UK reggae producer Dennis Bovell for Inna Different Stylee. I shall say no more, as I've submitted a review of the album for the next issue of fRoots Here's a short "making of" video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW-j8Ce0MfQ

So, what do you think? Does anything tickle your fancy amongst that lot?

[AndyM]

Love the last one, though could have done with less 'chat' in the video. She has a storming voice.

[Rob Hall]

The Hazmat tune seems a little undercooked to my ears, I hope the album as a whole holds up better. Love the Soul Jazzers and Afriqoui. I was put off the Italian bunch by the poor sound quality but, yes, she's got a good strong voice.

Thanks Jamie!

[Jamie Renton]

Thanks Andy and Rob

This track from the Rosapaeda album shows off her voice nicely I think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYCiPE5tPtU

Rob: that isn't the best track from the Hazmat album, but it was the only one I could find on Youtube.

[alister prince]

Thanks Jamie. On HM, I agree with Rob, having seen them (with you) at the Borderline some time back, this was a little unexciting, but I'm a fan and look forward to hearing the album. SjO are a reliable bunch and this track didn't disappoint, yummy. I thought Afriquoi were pretty exciting too, this one's a grower. Again, I'm a fan of Rosapaeda and really like the idea. Her voice, the DB production and southern Italian roots, ahhh...
Aly

[Kari Salonen]

Thanks for the tip on Rosapaeda. I have one older album by her where she collaborated with producer and remixer Rootsman.

I don't know what it is, but italians seem to have a knack at combining reggae (and ska) with their own heritage in a seamless way. Think of Almamegretta, Nina Zilli, Roy Paci & Aretuska...

[Jamie Renton]

Thanks Aly and Kari

Yes, Italians do seem to have a thing for reggae. Pastafari!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTC216sDdy8
Strictly ragu-muffin

[Jamie Renton]

Please have a listen and let me know what you think. Hopefully there are a few things here to make forumistas shake and shimmy.

CW Stoneking was a favourite of Charlie's. An Aussie indie kid who reinvented himself as the king of retro hoodoo boogie. His latest "Gon Boogaloo" is his best yet. Everybody, Get On the Floor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa3YbdpIVCs
Please look out for my review in fRoots

Arat Kilo is a new name to me. A French band who dig deep into the Ethiopiques sound. I'm very much enjoying their album "Nouvelle Fleur", particularly this track which features Mali's Mamani Keita (another Charlie favourite) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axg-er1cwXQ

Leyla McCalla is a singer, cellist, banjo player and former member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops. She's got some Haitian heritage and lives in New Orleans. All of which plays its part on her album "Day for the Hunter, Day for the Prey" Here's the title track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czmaR4wVqoQ

MAKU Soundsystem are from New York and mix Latin American (especially Colombian) influences with funk, rock, Afrobeat and general Noo-Yawk edginess on their new album "Mezcla" Here's a taste https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM7eTezxLnI

Does anyone dig any of that?

[john poole]

I remain unconvinced by C W Stoneking as usual, but enjoyed Leyla McCalla - my computer didn't like the above link which I think shoul be -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czmaR4wVqoQ

[Jamie Renton]

Thanks John. I've edited the original link. Glad you like Leyla Mc

There is a degree of Self-consciousness about CW Stoneking which I imagine some find off putting, but less so on this album than ever before. I don't suppose the title track would make a convert of you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j1gLhnR1nk

[john poole]

I don't suppose the title track would make a convert of you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j1gLhnR1nk

That was better, a little like Dion had he recorded for Excello Records, but I remain a sceptic.

[Jamie Renton]

a little like Dion had he recorded for Excello Records, but I remain a sceptic.

Thanks again John. I've been trying to think what that track sounds like and you've described it perfectly.

I can see there's no point in any further efforts to try to win you over though.

[alister prince]

Interesting selections Jamie. Thanks.
I'm with you on CW. I've long liked his work since I first heard it on Charlie's show, but I think his most recent is a step up. More back to basics in recording techniques and he seems more relaxed and enjoying himself.
I'd heard another track by Leyla and didn't warm to it. A bit too Mamvula for me I'm afraid. I preferred your choice, so I'll give her another try.
Arat Kilo, yup, that went down well.
As did MAKU S'system. I'm a sucker for that funky NY Columbian vibe.
Aly

[Chris P]

Another vote for the Leyla McCalla, good selection

[Rob Hall]

Thanks Jamie. Loved the MAKU Soundsystem track. Hasn't that CW Stoneking been out for a while now? It seems like ages ago since I picked it up - I was in two minds at first, but this album convinced me. I like him. Can't get on with Layla McCalla for the same reason I never got on with the Carolina Choc Drops - they seem to treat the music as an academic exercise, there's too much distance between the performer and the listener. I think I've heard Arat Kilo on Gilles P: good stuff.