NEW RELEASES: RODRIGO CAMPOS – CONVERSAS COM TOSHIRO; THE SESCHEN – FLAMES & FIGURES; MAZ - IDEALIST

RODRIGO CAMPOS – CONVERSAS COM TOSHIRO

A completely beautiful set from contemporary Brazil – and a record that, like some of our favorite classics from that scene, has a mindblowing vibe and a sound that's completely beyond any sort of easy description! Rodrigo Campos has a way of weaving acoustic and electric elements together with a quality that's sometimes snakey, often exotic, and occasionally touched by warmer jazz phrasing – although the music is completely individual, and light years from jazz too. Campos sings with this raspy style that has an undercurrent of soul, and which gives his Portuguese lyrics an instant appeal, even if you can't understand the language – and there's a instantly captivating, completely compelling sound to the record that we'd put in a line between mid 70s Caetano Veloso, and later material from singers like Lenine or Arnaldo Antunes. Titles include "Wong Kar Wai", "Funatsu", "Takeshi E Asayo", "Chihiro", "Abraco De Ozu", "Velho Amarelo", "Toshiro Vinganca", and "Dona Da Bateria". ~ Dusty Groove

THE SESCHEN – FLAMES & FIGURES

One of the most soulful acts in years from the Tru Thoughts label – and that's saying a lot, given that most of their records are pretty darn soulful! Seshun have kind of a crispy, contemporary vibe – tunes that aren't afraid to hang onto a hook, but which also have all the forward-thinking production elements that you'd expect if you know any of their labelmates – a blend that makes the catchy lead female vocals still feel wonderfully fresh, and quite far from mainstream R&B. Bassist Akiyosi Ehara produced the record, but all the words were written by singer Lalin St Juste – whose charms are the real draw to our ears! Titles include "Distant Heart", "Right Here", "Spectacle", "Flames & Figures", "Already Gone", "Other Spaces", and "Firewalker". ~ Dusty Groove

MAZ - IDEALIST

Vocal material from Mike "Maz" Maher – mostly known for his trumpet work in Snarky Puppy, stepping out here in the lead with help from members of that group! Mike sings throughout here – doesn't play trumpet at all – and he's got sort of a breathy, flowing style that opens up soulfully on some gently emotive tunes – the kind of cuts that could have even more crossover appeal than Snarky Puppy, and which are likely to establish Maher as a big solo act on his own. Titles include "Dream Away", "Bombs Into Wine", "Dying Star", "Replica", and "The Rain In June". ~ Dusty Groove