NEW RELEASES - ALTHEA RENE, ABONICS, TONY ALLEN & ABAYOMY AFROBEAT ORQUESTRA FEATURING BNEGAO

ALTHEA RENE - IN THE FLOW

One of the most dynamic albums we've ever heard from flutist Althea Rene – a set that's still got all her sweet soulful solo work firmly in place, but one that also adds in a bit more groove at the bottom too! The album's done in close collaboration with Michael Broening – who plays keyboards and handles the rhythm tracks throughout – providing a fresh setting for Rene's well-crafted lines on both conventional and alto flute – both instruments she blows with a slinky, soulful depth that takes us back to Bobbi Humphrey in the 70s! Titles include "La Solstice", "Flutations", "Free", "In The Flow", "FM 1960", "Song For Wilhelmina", and "Used To Love You" ~ Dusty Groove

ZBONICS - TIME TO DO YOUR THING   The name's a bit unfamiliar, but the group's a great one – and an ensemble that features some major talents of recent years – including Gregory Porter on vocals, Robert Walter on keyboards, Karl Denson on saxes, and Melvin Sparks on guitar! The style's got all the classic modes you'd guess from such a lineup – a righteous blend of jazz, soul, and funk – with an instrumental groove that's already pretty darn great, but which really takes off once Gregory Porter's vocals come into the mix! Porter's one of our favorite jazz singers in recent years, and it's great to hear him in such a setting – and our hat's off to drummer Zak Najor for leading the group, and bringing Porter aboard for a few tracks. Titles include "She Danced Across The Floor", "Catchin Sparks", "Soul Good", "Wash Cloth", "He Said", "Issues Of Life", "Zak Attack", "Just IN Time", "Mystery", and "Scone Break". ~ Dusty Groove  

TONY ALLEN & ABAYOMY AFROBEAT ORQUESTRA FEATURING BNEGAO   A sweet little single – not just for the cool 10" format, but for the great grooves within! "Meus Filhos" is a classic funky track written by Jorge Ben – and delivered here in a tight Afro Funk mode that's way different than the original – lots of tight drums from Tony Allen at the core, great horns from the Abayomy Afrobeat Orquesta, and even a bit of vocals from BNegao! The flipside features a remix by Robin Leduc, but the sound is still very much in the best acoustic mode of the main cut – with mostly just a bit of change in the structure and a few sonic elements! ~ Dusty Groove