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Freddie Cruger and Anthony Mills are Wildcookie - Cookie Dough

What do you get when you put together a veteran producer and an underrated vocalist? You have “Cookie Dough”, the debut from Wildcookie aka producer Freddie Cruger and vocalist Anthony Mills. Together they have crafted an album filled with wicked bass grooves laced with warm mid to down-tempo soul rhythms. Cruger’s compositions range from chilled out jazz to mellow slow burning funk and hip-hop. Top that off with Mills varying vocal styling’s and you have an ambitious yet seductive recording that you’ll find hard to resist. Among the highlights are “Heroine”, previously released on “The Drugs EP” deals with the influence the drug had over some of our legendary artist’s in order to reach their musical heights. Cruger lays down a jazzy mid-tempo groove with a simple drum snare beat while Mills falsetto elevates to the upper register. “Touchy Touchy” has a bossa nova inspired groove with a subtle piano melody that features Mills making his move on a honey and breaking down protocol on what to do on ladies night. On the mellow funk flavored “Come Closer” Mills comes across as a mixture of Curtis Mayfield meets D’Angelo as he croons about the woman who has got him hooked and between the two of them are feigning for each other at a moment’s notice. Much like the title, “Cookie Dough” is kind of like that triple chocolate Devil’s food cake you have no business indulging in. You try to fight it but it’s no use. Just give in and enjoy it over and over. Although the disc at various moments has a dark mood to it, you won’t be able to resist the funky rhythms, the vocals and the production. Superb work by Wildcookie in delivering a disc that merely scratches the surface of their musical chemistry.

http://www.tru-thoughts.co.uk/artists/wildcookie

Rashaan Ahmad - For What You’ve Lost

I don’t know exactly what inspired the title of rapper Raashan Ahmad’s new release but I would like to think that what we’ve lost is some old fashioned feel good hip-hop, which he provides here in abundance. Indeed, the Crown City Rockers front man delivers another refreshing dose of that laidback soulful hip-hop we never seem to get enough of.  There are many enjoyable tracks here to savor like “Imagination”, a mid-tempo rhodes flavored tune that evokes images of sunny afternoons in Cali, which is where Raashan calls home. “Sunshine” has all the ingredients of a summertime jam, the warmth of the grooves, tight rhymes’ and the soulful voice of Noelle Scaggs for bonus points. Another standout track is “I Am” which features the underrated Chi-town native Rita J. Raashan and Rita J’s effortlessly flowing styles make for good chemistry.  “These Foolish Things” is easily one of the best trackss here, and there are quite a few to pick from. Raashan and guest Count Bass D ride this soul jazz organ grinding groove while Silya Nyomen adds a little bit of spice with her soulful vocals. “Falling” also receives honorable mention thanks in part to supreme lyricist Gift Of Gab and singer Aloc Blacc. Despite the notable guest appearances Raashan impressively carries this disc on his own shoulders. Like his previous release “The Push”, Raashan delivers another strong record filled with lyrics that are fun and some that are thought provoking. This is a well spent investment from the underrated MC.

http://www.myspace.com/raashanahmad

T.R.A.C. - The Network (Produced By Marc Mac)

Brooklyn based rapper T.R.A.C. demonstrates on “The Network” that he has lyrics in abundance and the beats to match, courtesy of Marc Mac. Like The Foreign Exchange did several years ago, TRAC and Marc Mac collaborated over the internet and “The Network” is an impressive result of two likeminded talents providing immediate satisfaction.  Over fifteen tracks, T.R.A.C. effortlessly waxes poetic on the daily grind and the economic hardships that surround his environment. On “Step Rite On In” Marc Mac samples the 70’s Blue Magic classic over thick beats while T.R.A.C. leads us on a journey into his life and the code he lives by. ”Radio Heroes” is another banger that features the vocals of Baron aka Drue Davis. “Over My Shoulder” has a laidback groove with a jazzy bassline. On this tune, T.R.A.C. laments about struggling to stay on the right path without being drawn into temptation. “Somn’ For Your Ears” provides more bounce to the ounce and finds T.R.A.C. professing to commitment to the hip hop game. With a release as strong as this one, that’s good news for hip hop enthusiasts.

http://www.bbemusic.com/data.pl?release=BBE168ACD

Si Tew - When The Clouds Ran Away

Si Tew is the latest member of the Atjazz recording family and his full length debut is an assortment of down-tempo electronic beats and experimental soundscapes. Si’s production skills caught the ear of Martin Iveson and it wasn’t long before the two started working together under the MIST alias. After several remixes (most notably Atjazz’s “For Real”) and most recently the Soul Evidence ep, the time was right for an album and he doesn’t disappoint at all. Si starts things off with “Silhouette”, a warm and melodic down-tempo gem aided by the vocals of Shanade. “Hard Look” is an up-tempo ambient beat treat with clever synth arrangements. “Need To Grow” is a definite highlight filled with soothing chords and the soulful vocals of Pete Simpson. “Why Answer?” is a dreamy instrumental sprinkled with gorgeous keys. Overall this is an impressive debut for the talented producer whose services will be in high demand with superb recordings like this.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80  -  From Africa with Fury Rise

Seun Kuti follows up his 2008 debut “Many Things” with the powerful “From Africa With Fury Rise”. Seun has taken songs he has performed live into the studio and with the help of highly acclaimed producers Brian Eno and John Reynolds has composed one of the strongest albums of the year. This seven track release contains all the essential ingredients to the Afrobeat sound; blistering horns, infectious percussion and a nonstop funky groove. Of course it’s not just about the music, for all the lyrics pack a powerful punch with the intent to inspire the people of Adrica who continue to suffer from mental and physical abuse. Take “Africa Soldier”, the opening track kicks off with a long instrumental before Seun sings about how the African soldier gets into Politics and wants to remain in power, not to help his people but to empower himself.  On “You Can Run”, Seun’s message to the oppressors is that you can’t outrun the beatings and betrayal you have piled on our people. “Rise” finds Seun imploring his people to rise above the injustices that for years have shackled his people.  Seun follows in the footsteps of his father to spread the message of fighting the system yet succeeds by carving out his own style. This is essential listening that will make you stand up and move to the groove and hopefully stand up for what’s right.

http://www.knittingfactoryrecords.com/artists/seunkuti/discography/

Benny Tones - Chrysalis

If you were among the fortunate to enjoy the sleeper lp by Electric Wire Hustle from 2009 then you’re already familiar with New Zealand’s Benny Tones. Benny was the architect behind the beats and rhythms that made EWH such a huge hit. For his solo debut “Chrysalis”, he delivers once again with another lp filled with hypnotic beats, irresistible grooves plus a few contributions from some of the most talented vocalists not just from New Zealand but on the scene today. EWH front man Mara TK appears on four tracks and all of them strike the right chords but the standout is “Nevermind”. The future soul mid-tempo synth flavored gem captures the imagery of a man in search of a companion as Mara TK lyrically states. Joe Dukie from Fat Freddy’s Drop shines on the laidback dub stepper “Home”. “Odyssey” is another mid-tempo musical voyage filled with clever synths and the beautiful voice of songstress LP. There are other selections that deserve to be heard like the instrumental “Little City” and the title track, a sublime slice of electronica which features the blissful vocals of Sacha Vee. Benny has crafted another superb record that you’ll no doubt wear out just as you did with the EWH recording. It won’t be long before other vocalists and rappers start seeking his services to out the best in their recordings as well. With a record as strong as this, that’s not a bad idea.

http://www.bbemusic.com/data.pl?release=BBE167ACD

VA – Smoove Pres: Mo’ Record Kicks Act II

The deep funk label known as Record Kicks has done it again.  After recently dropping scorching soulful projects like Soulshaker and The Liberators, they deliver another impressive compilation with Mo’ Record Kicks Act II. DJ/Producer Smoove has been committed to delivering the funk for more than thirty years and once again has assembled a roster of heavy hitters with enough funk to jump start any house party. The disc starts out with a bang with The Bakers Brothers “The Young Patter”, complete with infectious guitar rhythms and funky horns. “The Grunt” by Kokolo is a funky mid-tempo Afro-beat groover. The Link Quartet serves up some serious organ grinding soul jazz in the form of “Take Four”.  There are notable remixes as well such as the Valique remix of “Scaramunga” by Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience. The Lack Of Afro remix of “Give Me One More Chance” by The Diplomats of Solid Sound is a definite crowd pleaser. For me the hottest remix here is the Discomix version of “Are You Ready” by Mr Comicstore featuring the soulful vocals of Nicole Willis. This is an absolute floor burner and one of the strongest among several bangers here. After working up a sweat, I’d suggest to cool down to “Ain’t So Low” by Dojo Cuts. Roxie Ray’s vocals and the mellow horns are always soothing to the eardrum. Once again DJ Smoove knows to how to get your groove on by finding some hidden funk gems and bringing them back to life. If you don’t move your body to “Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” then I’d suggest consulting your doctor.

http://www.recordkicks.com/releases/VA-Smoove-presents-MO-RECORD-KICKS-Act-II

James Blake

The buzz surrounding James Blake started in early 2010 with a simmer before it ascended into a boil. Now with the release of his self-titled debut, the twenty two year old pianist is poised to build on that momentum. Blake’s beautiful compositions are hypnotic melodic textures built over dub step rhythms and thick bass lines. That’s quite evident on the huge down-tempo hit “Limit To Your Love”, with its haunting piano melody and vibrato drum patterns. “The Wilhelm Scream” is another standout that merges blues and electronica while Blake’s falsetto captures the emotion of a lost love. The only problem is his songwriting isn’t his strength and some of the other tracks like “I Never Learnt to Share” leave you feeling like he had more to say but couldn’t quite find the words to say it. That’s not the case on “Why Don’t You Call Me”, a tune that taps into his classical roots and his love of the blues. Blake is certainly onto something by seamlessly fusing dissimilar musical styles together. In addition, his production talents and his voice manipulations make his debut a fascinating listen.