NEW RELEASES: ERIC WYATT – BOROUGH OF KINGS; CAROLANN BREVARD - GREATNESS; MYLES SANKO – FOREVER DREAMING

ERIC WYATT – BOROUGH OF KINGS

Really tremendous work from tenorist Eric Wyatt – a set that has the musician really coming into his own, and maybe emerging as one of the most soulful, spiritual players in recent years! The set bristles with soaring energy – a really kind of old school blend of spiritual jazz and more focused soulbop – with especially searing tenor lines from Wyatt on most numbers, but also a bit of flute as well – all played with a wellspring of emotion that takes us back to Pharoah Sanders on Impulse, or maybe Sonny Rollins at his most expressive. Most of the set features original compositions by Wyatt – whose writing is also a delight – and the well-chosen group includes Duane Eubanks on trumpet, Clifton Anderson on trombone, and Benito Gonzalez on piano. Titles include "Ancient Chinese Secrets", "Borough Of Kings", "One For Hakim", "The People's Champ", "Countdown", and "Quest".  ~ Dusty Groove

CAROLANN BREVARD - GREATNESS

A well-titled set from this up-and-coming singer – as it definitely seems like we'll be hearing a lot more greatness from Carolann in years to come! The album's a very well-crafted individual soul statement – with a vibe that's very different than other records of its nature these days – as Breyard looks back, to the 70s styles of Ann Peebles and Aretha Franklin – instead of going for any too-modern modes in the production and instrumentation! Most of the backings are nice and warm – almost a Hi Records sort of vibe, but leaner and jazzier too – and Carolann really finds a way to make the approach all her own, without ever resorting to easy references, or the kind of gimmicks that some of her contemporaries might use. Titles include "Greatness", "It's Complicated", "Negativity", "Momma's Baby", "If You Don't Believe", "Dog With A Bone", and "May December".  ~ Dusty Groove

MYLES SANKO – FOREVER DREAMING

Following the release of debut EP "Born in Black & White" to broad critical and fan acclaim in 2013, England-based soul singer and songwriter Myles Sanko is following up with his first full-length album "Forever Dreaming". Dubbed as the 'lovechild of soul music' by Times Out London, this talented artist began his music career by singing and rapping alongside disc jockeys in nightclubs. He has fronted popular bands such as Bijoumiyo, and has worked with funk kings Speedometer who were touring with James Brown's backup singer for over 35 years, soul sister Martha High. New album "Forever Dreaming" includes 10 versatile compositions Myles Sanko wrote with his longtime songwriting partner Thierry Los from France. Styles are ranging from the melodic soul-jazz of title track "Forever Dreaming“ through the spiritual acid jazz of "Take A Look At Me Now“ or energetic soul dancer "Shooting Star“.