Category — Album

Released: 28/04/2008

Quiet Village is a project of Matt Edwards (best known as dance music maestro Radio Slave) and collaborator Joel Martin. The pair met while attending Sir Dunstan’s College in South East London back in the early 90’s, but it has taken more than 15 years to release their debut album together.

“Silent Movie” could be chategorized as an balearic revival, with rashing waves and crying seagulls, acoustic guitars, piano, harp, strings, hand drums, and vintage synthesizers. It is a recipe for relaxation, yet the richness of the sound makes me a concentrated listener every time i put it on.

Despite its organic and almost classical arrangements, samples are a monumental ingredient on the record. One example being “Victorias secret”, which samples a Chi-lites classic written in 1972 and reinterpretes it for the sunset at Café del Mar, leaving the vocals of the original and adding only slight touches of voice. Another favorite is “Broken promises,” a track that brings reference the likes of 4Hero, Air or Zero 7, with beautiful string arrangements and a light, organic rhythm to match the acoustic guitar.

From the slow disco groove of “Can’t be beat”, to the post rock riff of “Circus Horror” and the jamaican reggae influenced “Pacific Rhythm” and soul fueled “To high to move” – The duo’s musical history and knowledge really shines through on the record – creating a diverse, yet complete debut album.

Official site | MySpace | !K7 | Amazon |

Released: 03/11/2006

Guess I am late discovering this artist, as the album was released almost two years ago. It caught my attention when “This Is What You Are” and “I cant keep from cryin’ sometimes” was released on the German label Unique last month – a record that has been on heavy rotation in Norman Jay’s program Giant 45 on BBC London. It was originally released under the moniker of Was A Bee back in the Spring of 2004. 

“Handful of Soul” is an album ranging between jazz and soul – it swings from smooth vocal melodies to rhythmic tracks you can dance to. Biondi is superbly accompanied by the High Five Quintet, a group that have released two albums (for the label Via Veneto Jazz), and encountered success at the most important jazz festivals like Paris Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, Brianza Open Jazz, Clusone Jazz Festival and Teano Jazz. 

Mario is a white Sicilian from Catania, Italy – but there he certainly is capable of expressing his soul. Biondi have interpreted a lot of original American classics, songs he originally doubted he was able to reproduce stylistically. Songs such as “Slow Hot Wind” and “On A Clear Day”, or even  the title track “A Handful Of Soul”. But his deep and warm voice, and soulful passionate signing shines throughout the album.

MySpace | Soul Seduction | Amazon | Unique Records | Fat City

Released: 26/05/2008

After impressing A&R man Robert Luis while on tour with Australian funk group The Bamboos (she provided the vocals on their album “Rawville”), Kylie Auldist signed a record deal with TruThoughts Recordings last year. Her performance on “I don’t wanna stop” made it an instant classic and personal favorite. 

“Just Say” is her debut solo album. It is co-written and produced by Lance Ferguson of The Bamboos and Lanu. If you have enjoyed the music from the likes of Alice Russelll, Sharon Jones and Nicole Willis (posted on this blog) you will definitively love this one – Fresh, happy and soulful funk. The album showcases Kylie’s vocal talents as fierce and powerful on the one hand and fragile and tender on the other. There is even a slow soul cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You”. 

PS! Kylie also provided the vocals for Simon Grey‘s debut single “One” back in 2002.

Official | MySpace | Last FM | Etch Shop | TruThoughts | YouTube |

Released: 30/04/2007

Flow Dynamics is Australian Dave McKinney. He released his first album last year, and what a debut! It is all about catchy dancefloor funk, full of jams, old school party breaks as well as soul and more downtempo grooves.It is really the complete package.

As the sleeve notes says, it was recorded with real musicians rather than samples. This makes it able to keep that organic funk vibe from the 70s while upping the stakes production wise without sounding overproduced. It is 70s funk reincarnated – with all the obligatory heavy drums, funky basslines, tight horn sections, sharp cuts, and cathcy funk vocals. 

I read an interview with Dave the other day, and noticed the quote “Music makes me happy”. Well, his music makes me happy as well, and with support coming from the likes of Fort Knox Five, Dj Spinna, A.Skills, Quantic, Flevans and the Wiseguys Mr. McKinney has done alright. 

Dave also records under the alias Soul Harmonics where the soundscape turns towards house and nujazz. 

MySpace | Last FM | Amazon | Freestyle Records | Official | Beatsource

Released: 20/05/2008

For a long time, Terry Callier was a hidden gem on the world music scene. His career has spanned nearly four decades, after signing his first record deal as a 17 year old back in 1962. However, the Chicago born soul singer only had regional success, and retired form the music scene after gaining custody of his daughter in 1983.

In the 90′s british dj’s picked up his records from the 60s and 70s, and revived his career. In addition to his numerous albums, singles and live albums, he has collaborated with artists such as Beth Orton, Koop, 4 Hero, and Massive Attack. His 1998 album “Timepiece” won the United Nations’ “Time For Peace Award For Outstanding Artistic Achievement Contributing To World Peace.” I strongly advice you to check out his releases.

Callier’s intense, spiritual live performances are widely acclaimed, with deeply moving poetry and musical eclectisism that builds on a history of soul and jazz. This album was recorded by Mr Bongo on 14th March 2008 at Terry’s UK home – The Jazz Café in Camden, London. As Mr.Bongo describes in the press release, his live performances are regarded by many as spiritual experiences rather than a gig. Time and time again audiences return to see Terry and his immensely talented, long-standing band (all of whom are top players on the world jazz circuit) to witness something different, be it a new story or a new take on a track. 

You should also check out the “Total recall” remix album that was released by Mr.Bongo back i 2003. A great record that still gets a lot of playtime in my house. Also look out for Terry’s new album ”Hidden conversations” that is out soon, including collaborations with Massive Attack.

Terry Callier | Mr. Bongo | MySpace | Amazon | Juno |

Released: 17/02/2003

We are approaching the end of summer here in Oslo, but I am not ready to give up on the feeling just yet. This is the third year I pick out Spanish singer and producer Gecko Turner to provide a soundtrack for the summer. Gauapapasea! was his debut album and, as far as I know, it was originally released back in 2003.

There are a lot of gems on this album. Its so good in fact, picking out favorites does not do it justice. ”Un limon en la Cabeza” is an old favorite of mine, I still play Quantic‘s remix quite often. The album even includes a spanish language re-make of Bob Dylans “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and a cover of Bob Marley’s “Rainbow country”.

Influences ranges from almost every part of the world. You can hear the South American bossa, the african beats, Caribbean reggae and Iberian/Mediterranean sophistication. It is also musically diverse when it comes to the use of instruments and vocals. He is very much a part of the new wave/boss nova generation of musicians, so it is a record to celebrate life and opportunity. 

Gecko Turner | MySpace | Quango records | Amazon.com | Last.fm | YouTube | Juno |