Wonderfully righteous work from trumpeter Theo Croker – and a set that's really got the sort of majesty you might expect from the cover! Theo's never been a straight jazz artist on other records – but here, he really ups his game on the cosmic soul front – mixing in guest vocals and instrumental elements with some soul-drenched arrangements that often have a nicely crisp crackle on the rhythms! Croker's trumpet is only part of the album's strength here – as the set also features work from Gary Bartz on alto, plus vocals from Kassa Overall, Iman Omari, Wyclef Jean, and others – on titles that include "Every Part Of Me", "Soul Call Vibrate", "No More Maybe", "Happy Feet", "Where Will You Go", "Anthem", and "Imperishable Star". ~ Dusty Groove
The first-ever Christmas album from Norah Jones – done in close collaboration with funk maestro Leon Michels, who also co-wrote some of the songs on the album! The album's still got the jazz-tinged approach of Norah's familiar music – but there's a different spirit, too – maybe a bit more up-close and soulful at times, especially on the original material. Backing is by a small combo that features Brian Blade on drums – and titles include "It's Only Christmas Once A Year", "Christmas Calling", "Christmas Don't Be Late", "Christmastime", "You're Not Alone", "A Holiday With You", and "Christmas Glow". ~ Dusty Groove
Wonderfully righteous work from Burnt Sugar Arkestra – a group who've been giving us great records for years, but who are maybe even more important to the scene than ever before! The core of the record is the long title track – a very jazzy tune that builds up over loops set down by composer Greg Tate, with a flowing, snakey vibe that allows for plenty of long trumpet, tenor, flute, and alto solos over the guitars and Fender Rhodes that work the rhythms – maybe almost in electric Miles territory, but more laidback. That tune is then reworked on a number of variations that are very different – mostly instrumental, as the main track – but finishing up with a bit of vocals near the end of the record – a great contribution from singer Lisala Beatty! Titles include "Angels Over Oakanda", "Repatriation Of The Midnight Moores", "Oakanda Overdrive", and "Lisala Oer Inna Oakanda". ~ Dusty Groove
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