Young MC – Stone Cold Rhymin’ (Delicious Vinyl) 1989
A classic rap album and a great party album. Monster production by Matt Dike & Mike Ross.
David Bowie – Young Americans (RCA)
Brilliant blue-eyed soul album featuring a young David Sanborn screaming away on sax in the background and an even younger Luther Vandross on backing vocals.
Alicia Keys – The Diary Of (J Records) 2003
The best contemporary soul album of recent years.
Nas – God’s Son (Columbia) 2002
An amazing return to form after the tragic death of his mother. Raw emotion. If “Heaven” doesn’t leave a lump in your throat you need to check your pulse.
Hi-Tek – Hi-Teknology (Rawkus) 2001
Vastly underrated producer’s only album including the killer diller “Round & Round” featuring Jonell. Where’s the follow up dude?
Stevie Wonder – Innervisions (Motown) 1973
The heart & soul of 70s urban America captured virtually single-handedly by a true genius. Sublime.
Horace Silver Quintet – The Cape Verdean Blues (Blue Note) 1965
This is never very far away from my speakers at home. The power and the glory, amen.
EPMD – Strictly Business (Priority) 1988
I recently bought this on CD as I’d worn out the vinyl and now I can’t stop playin’ it again. More bounce to the ounce!
Zoe Rahman – The Cynic (Manushi) 2000
Probably the best British jazz album of the last 6 years. Quirky & original. Blinding drumming by Winston Clifford. Seek & ye shall find.
Patrice Rushen – Shout It Out (Prestige) 1977
Hello! Hello! Will someone reissue this damn thing on CD? Please. Killer Hancock-ish jazz-funk baby.
And mine’s a Zubrowka (vodka) & apple juice. Cheers!
