1. Taylor McFerrin – ‘Already There’ ft. Robert Glasper & Thundercat
What can I say about Taylor, a proper cool ruler. The line up on his debut lp reads like a fantasy football All Star XI with, Naipalm, Emily King, his dad Bobby, Ryat, Glasper, Thundercat etc. This LP, for me, was a game changer – a fact I never tire of telling him whenever we bump into each other. This McFerrin, Glasper, Thundercat collab is sublime.
2. New Rotary Connection – ‘Love Has Fallen On Me’
For me the original supergroup that never got to reach it’s full potential. This band included members Minnie Riperton and Phil Upchurch and was led by the visionary that was Charles Stepney (who went on to direct proceedings for Earth, Wind and Fire). This track contains vocal arrangements that make me go weak at the knees on every hearing.
3. Nia Andrews – ‘From Here’
Loving the track from LA based Nia Andews. First came across her through her collabs with Mark De Clive Lowe and have been a fan ever since. This track really is stunning and her voice so reminds me of Minnie Riperton.
4. Milton Nascimento – ‘Tudo o que você podia ser’
A brazilian behemoth of a musician and respected around the world. I first heard this tune in my youth via pirate station business and I will never tire of it. Taken from his 1971 collab with Lo Borges called Clube De Esquina.
5. Bill Laurance – ‘Neverending City’
I always have big love for all the music made by the Snarky Puppy crew as a collective and individually. Their keyboard line-up is legendary with the likes of Shaun Martin, Cory Henry, Justin Stanton and, the only english member of the band, Bill Laurance. Bill is a phenomenal composer and arranger with a real cinematic approach to making music. Absolutely love this tune from him.
6. Dusty Springfield – ‘No Easy Way Down’
The ultimate slice of blue eyed soul and my true guilty pleasure. Recorded at the legendary Atlantic studios and produced by Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin this LP has been in my psyche from my childhood thanks to my mums soulful record collection. Already riddled with self doubt the recording of this LP pushed Dusty to the edge of a nervous breakdown. Originally by Carole King this tune never fails to bring a tear to my eye due to the pure conviction of Dusty’s delivery.
7. Leroy Hutson – ‘I Think I’m Falling In Love’
College room mate to Donny Hathaway and heir apparent to Curtis Mayfield, as a member of The Impressions, Leroy Hutson really epitomised the soul-with-groove ethic. I love every item of this mans work, none more so than this slice of soulful heaven taken from his ’76 classic Hutson II.
8. Kaidi Tatham – ‘The Extrovert City’
Bugz in the Attik alumni Kaidi is, for me, one of the worlds fusion keyboard dons. This man has to be seen live for you to fully appreciate that sentiment. Heavily associated with the groundbreaking west London phenomenon that is Jazz Refreshed this man is now the cornerstone of the Mensah, Tatham, Lord and Ranks production unit.
9. Harry Whitaker – ‘Black Renaissance’
With echoes of, Hancock, Coltrane and Sun Ra this progressive jazz funk opus led me into the world of spiritual jazz. A member of Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Whitaker takes us on a journey through black musical consciousness. Anyone who is serious about music needs this in their collection.
10. Kaytranada – ‘You’re The One (feat. Syd)’
Canadian producer Kaytranada can do no wrong in my eyes. Quirky, inventive and original, his productions never fail to deliver. This soulful house epic features the vocals of Syd from the band The Internet, and trust me when I tell you I will never tire of it.
INTO SOMETHIN’ VOL TWO – The Sound Of Everything Records UK
Broadcaster and writer Tony Minvielle returns with part two of his highly acclaimed compilation series. As with the successful Volume One, which made the iTunes Jazz Chart Top 6, this one will not disappoint. Through his now legendary FoldedSpace radio show on SoulandJazz.com and his writing and broadcasting experience, which includes Jazz FM, WCLK Atlanta and Straight No Chaser Magazine, he has built a reputation in Europe and the US as one of this scenes leading musical tastemakers. These 11 breath taking musical journeys cover a multitude of musical genres from the soulful to the cinematic and contain two epic exclusives composed especially for this set from musical heavyweights Kaidi Tatham and Marc Cary. All in all this collection rightly reflects his love of great music and his eagerness to share that love with all who will listen.
The collection opens with the gifted, Brisbane based, vocalist / composer Jordan Rakei whose sublime falsetto vocals and deep soulful production sets the tone for the rest of the album. This is followed by a dizzying two step/ fusion killer from the legendary UK keyboardist Kaidi Tatham (Bugz In The Attic / Tatham, Mensah, Lord & Ranks) which he has produced especially for this compilation. Up next is US jazz legend Carmen Lundy, a contemporary of Dee Dee Bridgewater and Dianne Reeves. The inclusion of this beautiful bossa driven masterpiece, has really got this collection lit. We then visit Peru for a track by a gifted and talented Lima based singer, songwriter and saxophonist Carolina Araoz (Jazz Jaus / Snarky Puppy) who provides us with a lush laidback production that will be instantly adored. Two time Grammy award winning british keyboardist Bill Laurance (Snarky Puppy) delivers a truly cinematic spellbinding opus originally on his debut set ‘Flint’ accompanied by Robert ‘Sput’ Searight, drummer on ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ and Snarky bass player Michael League. The following track is by the superb New York based jazz/R&B vocalist / songwriter Melissa McMillan, who is currently wowing the NYC with her striking vocal styling’s. Chicago based ensemble Sidewalk Chalk excite with their live vibrant jazz / hip-hop mash-up – a completely infectious affair. The pianist / composer from L.A. Daniel Crawford sets out his stall with a percussion driven belter with that added bonus of Vikter Duplais on vocals. One of the drummers of our generation the UK’s Richard Spaven (Flying Lotus / Guru / Sure Co.) gives us something unique from his ‘Whole Other’ set with The Hics on vocals. German producer Lars Bartkuhn specializes in the more intricate side of the genre with a track laden with jazz, Brazilian, soul, and funk influences. This uptempo groove really hits the musical sweet spot. The compilation is rounded off with keyboard jazz legend Marc Cary (Abbey Lincoln / Focus Trio / Revive Music-Blue Note Records) who delves into the twisted funk world with a Curtis Mayfield inspired classic produced especially for this compilation.
INTO SOMETHIN’ VOL TWO – The Sound Of Everything Records UK Limited – TSOEUK008
