Somalia’s Dur-Dur Band have released fresh material, so if you’re interested in Somali music, Afrobeat, funk or soul, you might want to pick this up quickly. From the band’s Bandcamp site: “The Berlin Session travels far beyond the gems collected from dusty cassettes. It is a bridge between the sorrow Continue Reading
Funk
Afro National – African Experimentals (1972-1979)
An Afrobeat treat from Sierre Leone originally formed in 1972 is what we have here from Afro National. From their Bandcamp site: “The Afro National band was formed in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1972. Their inspirational leader, Sulay Abu Bakarr accompanied by his wife Patricia and Ayo Roy Macauley split Continue Reading
Tonino Balsamo – Sta Guagliona Mo Ddà
I have something of a love-hate relationship with the city of Naples in Italy, but what always left a big impression on me was the quality of the music coming out of the city of all genres. This particular single is a reissue by Periodica Records of an ultra-rare disco Continue Reading
Brainstory – Ripe EP
As it turns out, Rialto, California-based Brainstory are my neighbors for the time being, seeing as I am working out of Fontana, the next city over. Brainstory are a band steeped in psychedelic soul, though you can hear elements of trip-hop and jazz that would not go out of place Continue Reading
Raïna Raï (راينا راي) – Hagda (هكدا)
A new name for me to enjoy! Raïna Raï are (were?) a band from Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria who gained a massive following with this album, released in 1982. On the 40th anniversary of its release, the album, lovingly curated by Elmir Records, highlights one of the best raï records Continue Reading
Denny Zeitlin with George Marsh & Mel Graves – The Name Of This Terrain
American pianist and psychiatrist Denny Zeitlin has a body of work that is second to none, including winning several jazz awards and scoring films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but this album was hidden away at Zeitlin’s insistence, which is a shame, as it blends avant-jazz, funk, rock and Continue Reading
Vaudou Game – Pas Contente
Though these tracks are from 2014, this scorcher by Vadou Game, one of Togo’s funkiest bands, features two tracks that will appeal to funk aficionados, especially the title track. Also, James Brown fans, take note. You’re going to love the grooves on this tune.
Inkswel & Colonel Red – Holders Of The Sun, Vol. 1
Inkswel & Colonel Red hail from Australia and the United Kingdom respectively, but have been writing music together for over 10 years. They blend a pretty heady mix of funk, soul, hip-hop and a touch of acid jazz in their stew, and the tracks on this upcoming dish are both Continue Reading
L’Orage – Triangle
L’Orange are a band led by the drummer Nelson Schaer, and they produce a sumptuous jazz that is a heady mix of acid and downtempo. It’s relaxing, but intriguing, listening.
Maha – Orkos
The legendary Habibi Funk will be releasing another scorching release on October 10, 2022. The release will feature a singer called Maha, who hails from Egypt and who worked with Salah Ragab’s Cairo Jazz Band as their main vocalist. There is an amazing backstory you can find on the release’s Continue Reading