UNDERGROUND SYSTEM - BELLA CIAO
An Afro
Funk combo, but with a difference! The group's got a strong female vocal
presence upfront, and also really knows how to build a tune – mixing together
classic rhythms with some inventive keyboard and horn solos – surging strongly
forward on "Bella Ciao", a 21st Century version of the kind of
longform jam you'd hear on a vintage Fela album! "DON" is moodier and
dubbier – almost a post-punk kind of take on Afro Funk – with dark elements in
the background at many points, as if Martin Hannett was production! ~ Dusty Groove
BIXIGA 70 - OCUPAI
An Afro
Funk combo from Brazil, but one who bring in a huge amount of different
influences to their music as well – expanding their sound with a range of
soulful colors that make this set even more compelling than their debut! In
addition to some expected Brazilian elements, there's also strong flavors from
different African and Caribbean scenes as well – often explored with the guitar
lines and percussion – while the core tenor, trumpet, baritone, and trombone
line forge out with a strong sense of pride. Flute comes into the mix at a few
points, creating some slight lyrical interplay – and the whole album is
instrumental, with titles that include "Tigre", "Ocupai",
"5 Esquinas", Kriptonita", "Retirantes", and
"Tangara". ~ Dusty
Groove
STOLEN IDOLS - MOONLIGHT OFFERINGS
A
contemporary exotica combo – but one who've really found their own sense of
identity, and don't just replicate styles from the old days! The music here is
wonderfully moody – forged with classic exotica instrumentation that's heavy on
vibes and percussion, as well as piano from arranger Drew Farmer – and the
tracks spin out with a deep understanding of later 20th century modes – not
just in jazz, but other instrumental worlds – such as post-punk or post-rock –
all of which seem to shimmer in the depths of the record somewhere. Way more
compelling than just another retro rehash – especially if you like vibes as
much as us – and titles include "The Kyoto Protocol", "Tonga
Sunset", "Sao Paulo 64", "On Togna Shores",
"Monkey Mayhem", and "Okavango". ~ Dusty Groove
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