Damn incredible work from Irreversible Entanglements – a Philly group, but one who definitely belong in the special, small universe of the International Anthem label from Chicago! This set is even more fierce, more focused than their great debut – burning with righteous energy from a great small combo who play with fire and spirit throughout – and topped with knowledge and wisdom from Camae Ayewa, whose spoken words really hold the whole thing together! The record echoes spoken word/jazz experiments from the most righteous corners of the 70s spiritual avant underground – but has a very different energy that not only belies the younger status of the group, but also the importance of their very contemporary message. Other members include Keir Nueringer on tenor, Aquiles Navarro on trumpet, Luke Stewart on bass, and Tcheser Holmes on drums – and all members also play percussion – on titles that include "Bread Out Of Stone", "The Code Noir/Amina", "Who Sent You – Ritual", "No Mas", and "Blues Ideology". ~ Dusty Groove
Dr Rubberfunk's an artist who just seems to get funkier and funkier as the years go on – and this collection of recent singles and recordings is much heavier on the deep funk side of the spectrum than we might have expected! There's still some of the programming and samples of his early work, but there's also a lot more live elements too – mixed up with occasional vocal contributions from guests who include John Turrell, Izo FitzRoy, Stephanie Whitelock, and Ben Castle – who balance the album out alongside a set of instrumental numbers too. Titles include "How Beautiful", "Boom", "Matter Of Time", "Laid Bare", "Longshore Drift", "A Little Blahzay", "Slim's Mood", "With Love", and "Steppin In". ~ Dusty Groove
An all-electronic set from Gerald Cleaver, but one that's got the same sort of rhythmic pulse as his better-known work on the drums – a record that, in fact, almost feels as if Cleaver is triggering various electronic elements with live work on the drums – or, more likely, using live electronics to recreate some of his energy on the acoustic instrument! The tunes have a very dark vibe – sheets of noise and sound pounding out together in waves of sonic intensity. Titles include "Tomasz", "Blown", "Amidst Curses", "Jackie's Smiles", and the three-part "Signs". ~ Dusty Groove
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