Thankfully, Nailah chose to dedicate herself to music after a promising career as an attorney in North Carolina. The transition to succeed in the music industry was tough, but after some initial doubts it seems Nailah is destined for success.

Nailah was drawn to music by the local church choirs, and tapped a wide range of musical influences to create her own form. She gives Cassandra Wilson the credit for “making her feel it was ok to bring southern roots into it”, Sarah Vaughn for being inspiring with her fierceness and elegance, and Curtis Mayfield and Gil scott-Heron for their songwriting, political insights and courage.

Nailah’s describes her music as being “a blending of genres…music that is Rooted in Spirit…Based on Jazz.” She is true to jazz in the way that she lets the musicians express themself – leaving a prominent place on the stage to her band – before letting her voice reclaim the space.  ”He speaks” is a good example of this – with its engaging rhythm section being the foundation for musical expression. As far as I have found out, her band features Deron Johnson on piano, Justin DiCenzo on bass, Paul Legapsi on drums, and Matt DeMerrit and Tracy Wannomae as a two man horn orchestra.

“Transcending” slowly introduce a slow bouncy treat, with its bossa rhythms leading a well composed selection of musical instruments.  ”Breathe”, “Hands”  and “Lillies and Birds” are all beautiful low key ballads, with the latter more expressive and powerful. The sound is warm and uplifting, sincere and emotional – creating a powerful musical experience.

“Life in session” is a fantastic collection of songs, but my favorite by miles is “Sacred“. Nailah really shows her songwriting talents and have crafted a beautiful, rich and uplifting number that show why Gilles Peterson has dubbed her “Female voice of the year”. The atmosphere reminds me of what Craig Armstrong compose on top form, built on a foundation of roots and jazz.

Debut album “ConJazzNess” being released later this year on NaiMuse.

Fast Tube by Casper

Listen to the full EP at Reverbnation.com

I am not to big fan of the circus that is Amy Winehouse. But when UK Garage maestro MJ Cole put his finishing touches on this remix back in 2004 – the result was a playful little treat. Back in the 1990s he was one of the pioneers of the 2step and UK Garage sound and his big hit “Sincere” (1998) is still a magical piece of music.

Fast Tube by Casper

On that note, there are unsubstantiated rumors that the genre is making a comeback. So I have picked out a few gems I remember from the days of the Strictly Rhythm and Artful Dodger. Myron – We can get down (Groove chronicles remix), Jocelyn Enriques – A little bit of ecstasy (Book t dub), Logic – Blues for you (hard dub), Underground Solution – Get happy, Underground Solution – Luv dancin, House to house – I need your love, Solution – Feels so right, RIP – The chant.

The opening track of the debut album from The Velvet Underground and was released as a single with “Femme Fatale” the same year. The album “The Velvet Underground & Nico” has been widely regarded as one of the most influential records of its time.

Written by Lou Reed and John Cale on a sunday morning (fact) with the voice of German singer-singwriter and model Nico in mind – but ended up with Reed himself singing the vocal. The bands manager, Paul Morissey, originally was opposed to the idea and regarded Lou Reeds voice as less remarkable than Nico – who in the end supported Reed with the backing vocals. Luckily, artistic expression took precedence  over commercial viability.

The band was managed by Morissey and Andy Warhol, who also did the artwork for the album. Warhol and Morissey had previously used the acting talents of Nico in experimental films like “Chelsea Girls” and insisted that she became a part of the group. It was to be a short fling, and she left the group shortly after the release. She was romantically involved both Reed and Cale, but no drama was behind her decision to quit the band. Both later worked with her. On that note, they were not the only  high profile musicians she was involved with – the list also included Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Tim Buckely, Iggy Pop  and Jim Morrison.

The song is laid back and beautiful – perfect for those lazy sundays spent with a long breakfast, a sunny day in the park or in a deep couch of a smoke filled café. The celestas soft and light sound, set in the context of the psychedelic, unpolished and unmistakably british rock sound, with Lou Reeds characteristic voice and simple lyrics creates the perfect contexts for celebrating the lightness of being.

Fast Tube by Casper

What an exquisite piece of balearic bliss! I am absolutely in love with Rocha’s debut single “Hands of love (fingers of sand), a record that was recently released on the brand new label International Feel Recordings. If you loved House of House’s “Rushing to paradise” you will adore this one.

The fingers of the artist gently sweeps through the ivory of the piano and interacts with a slow spaced out disco groove to create a monster of a tune. With that description of the soundscape, there is no surprise to see legendary disco producer and dj Harvey coming up with a remix. He dubs it down and adds a sweet layer of sweet, funky bongo percussion. There are rumors saying he actually signed on to do three releases on the label, so keep your eye out in the coming months.

Another hot producer, Reverso 68, takes the original into progressive territory, adding some electro elements, yet not leaving its disco foundation.  There are also remixes from Gatto Frittos and Mugwump.

Listen on YouTube | Juno Records | Soul Seduction |

Jon Lucien captures the essence of romance. His rich and expressive voice are a perfect channel for poetic tales of devotion, trust, hope, harmony and spirituality. The atmosphere is just right, drawing inspiration from rhythm and blues, jazz, caribbean beats (he was born on the island of Tortola – the largest of the British Virgin Islands) and Brazillian bossa to create his own unique blend soul.

These two cuts are finally to be found on on 45! Two huge Jon Lucien cuts, “Searching For The Inner Self” and “Would You Believe In Me”.

What a track “Searching for the inner self” is! It rose to prominence when Gilles Peterson dug the crates and included it in his Digs America compilation back in 2005. The b-side, “Would you believe in me“, is taken from the longplayer “Rashida” and is, as the main cut, a slow groove with Lucien’s majestic voice supported with the right amounts of horns and classic drumbreaks.

Fat City | Official Site |

Florence & The Machine took the UK festival circuit by storm this year, before moving on to conquer the rest of the world. Despite the name – it’s all about the charismatic redhead Florence Welch. Her lucid voice first caught the attention of the BBC and she hasn’t turned back since.

As for The Machine, it’s a flexible beast. It can go right down to Florence and a drum kit or a piano, but right now it’s a seven-piece band including long-term collaborators Rob Ackroyd (guitar), Chris Hayden (drums), Isabella Summers (keyboards) and Tom Monger (harp). Live, Florence and The Machine become an entirely different beast. No two performances are ever alike – as I witnessed at this years Lovebox festival.

“Rabbit heart” was the third single from the best selling debut album “Lungs”. The original version of the single is a powerful piece of vocal indie music, bearing some resemblance to what a female version of The Flaming Lips would have sounded on “The soft bulletin”. Harps and strings, break beat drums, haunting vocals and lucid piano make up some of the many aspects of this multi layered monster.

Jamie T’s Lionheart remix changes the drums to a slightly off, wandering beat, and focusing on the magnificent piano chords, before it builds the pace with a simple, yet so effective old school breakbeat. It is a close race between the two remixes. But in the end it is the magnificent Leo Zero remix that does it for me. The slow disco beat and accompanying drums and the main piano chords builds in with slow pace before it almost unnoticeably changes into dream territory by layering more elements before it slows down and then builds again.

Florence also did a decent cover version of Candi Statons wonderful “You got the love”. It was never released as a single but an unofficial white label with the UK garage inspired remix from The XX has recently found its way to the market - I just can’t get enough of it.

Official site | MySpace | Juno Records |

This an absolutely massive cut – so happy you can’t help smiling. From the very start the horns lead you into a cheerful vibe, the chorus just brings you along and then it breaks down into psychedelic rock guitars and classic drumbreaks. Add some sax and you’ve got a feast! What a track to end the night with.

The original was released on Shadybrook Records back in 1976 and was produced by Gene Russell. Cheyenne Fowler is the name of the vocalist and her records also go under the name “Cheyenne”. The track was part of the album “Cheyenne’s coming”  - and judging by the the few cuts I’ve heard from it, it’s a brilliant record. If you have the full album, let me know as I want a copy!

I don’t know whether it also was released as a single back in 1976, but it was re-issued ten years ago as a 7″ vinyl on Dom Servinis excellent label Wah Wah 45s.

However, it was the recent re-release on Black Cat with “Hanson – Take Me To Your Home” on the B-side that brought the song to my attention. “Take me to your home” is a rhodes-driven, psychedelic funk-rock cut from their obscure LP on Emerson, Lake & Palmers’ Manticore label. Sweet downtempo, smokefueled funk for the late hours. Both tracks are quality and obscure, so don’t miss out on this release.

You can get your copies from Fat City, Juno and Phonica.

Listen to “Come back to me on YouTube |

I have lots of superlatives in stock for Tanya Morgans “Brooklynati” that was released back in may. The album is still on iTunes list of the top ten best selling hiphop albums.  Their soulful, positive old school vibe with most of the elements I look for in modern hiphop. “Never enough” features the lovely Carlitta Duran on vocals and got that late summer atmosphere you’d want from a song about unconditional love.

Brooklynati is Tanya Morgan’s third project following the success of “Moonlighting” and “The Bridge”. Since Von Pea, Ilyas, and Don Will formed Tanya Morgan in 2003, they have received high praise. References to artists such as De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest is very much justified. Based on the fictitious city of Brooklynati, this release pushes the boundaries of a concept album by incorporating not only lyrical imagery but also cultivating a culture and mindset.

Now, to celebrate the album’s success and the release of the trio’s “Never Enough” iTunes single, Tanya Morgan is giving aspiring producers an opportunity to remix the single. Native Instruments, 2dopeboyz, Tanya Morgan, Interdependent Media, Society Original Products, and Audible Treats have joined forces and are proud to present the “Brooklynati’s Got Talent Remix Contest.” After downloading the Acapella of “Never Enough,” featuring Tanya Morgan’s and Carlitta Durand’s vocals, contestants will have two weeks to craft their best beat and submit their remixed version of the song to be judged by Tanya Morgan and their label, Interdependent Media.

You’ll find everything you need to know about the competition HERE!

Listen to the song | Buy the single from iTunes | MySpace | Amazon |

It has been a while since my last post, the reason being extensive traveling. Over the past month I have been to London, Ibiza and Barcelona – all providing new musical experiences and inspiration. One tuesday a few weeks ago I went to the Notting Hill Arts Club and Marina and the Diamonds did a live gig at the intimate underground venue. I was unaware of the Welch-born, London-based Marina Diamandis, but the Arts Club is great for both discovering new talent and to hear good djs and electronic artists.

Marina impressed me both with her voice and her presence on stage. The crowd was special as well, made up of a large proportion of her friends. Her voice is distinct and powerful, yet fragile and sweet. Comparisons to Florence and the Machine is not too far off. ”I Am Not A Robot” is the lead track from ‘The Crown Jewels EP’, released through Neon Gold on 22nd June 2009. Check out the video here, and a live BBC recording of “Mowgli’s road” here. After releasing her first single, she has appeared live at Glastonbury and her tour schedule is now filled with both UK and international dates. One to watch!

MySpace | MySpace

Massive rework of Aretha’s classic “One step ahead” by Featurecast! Turning it into a slow, uplifting hiphop anthem for the summer! Of course, the original was also  popularized by its use in Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty” back in 1999.

I’ve been a big fan of Featurecast for some time now, after first picking up “Channel surfing” back in 2004. That release was on the groovy Catskills label and achieved commercial prominence after it was used in the famous iPod silhouette ads.

The other side sees Loot Beggar mash up Amy Winehouse (“love is a loosing game”) and Alton Ellis – and the result is a spaced out reggae interpretation. Half decent, but it is all about Featurecasts work on this release.

I speak highly of the Wah Wah 45s label and its limited pressings on Wah Dubplate. Check out one of last years mashup favourites for me – Marvin’s Holla. 

Wah Wah 45s | MySpace | Fat City | Picadilly Records |