A bit all over the map here and in no particular order, these were my favorite albums released in 2018. I emphasize albums because these were solid listens as full LPs and not just a dope joint here and there. As in I dig some of Cardi’s jams, but her full length was extra meh [...]
Ezra Collective – Juan Pablo: The Philospher Released: October 6, 2017 At this year’s Winter Jazz Fest in New York City, Ezra Collective closed out a BBC Music Introducing showcase at (Le) Poisson Rouge with stunning energy, saving an evening that never quite caught fire until the quintet set the stage ablaze. In [...]
Tony Palkovic – Deep Water Originally released 1980 via Deep Water Records; Re-issued digitally 12/21/2018 via Numero Group Guitarist Tony Palkovic’s Deep Water, initially released in 1980 on Cleveland imprint Deep Water Records, is a dash of Non-Fiction era Steve Kuhn, a nod to the guitar-synth excursions of early Pat Metheny Group, and a few [...]
B. LEWIS – San Jose, CA. Producer - Singer - Songwriter - Bass - Guitars - Keys – Percussion - Samplers B. Lewis – San Jose, CA Producer - Singer - Songwriter - Bass - Guitars - Keys – Percussion - Samplers An alum of Ex’Pression College of Digital Arts, Brad Lewis [...]
In Heavy Rotation – Needle to the Groove’s 2018 Top Spins It’s that time of year where we tell you what was In Heavy Rotation in 2018. We had the whole crew give their top 5 spins on the year. Basura “Qualm” - Helena Hauff “NTS Sessions” - Autechre “Auto-Da-Fé” - SPK “Vengeance Factory [...]
Heavee – WFM (Work For Me) Teklife Records 2018 On this latest release from footwork collective Teklife, producer Heavee maintains the booming, crisp rhythms the crew have made their calling card. He also manages to nudge the style’s rigid musical framework in evocative new directions. For those unacquainted, footwork is a contemporary continuation of [...]
Irreversible Entanglements - S/T - LP International Anthem Recording Company / Don Giovanni Records - 2018 Irreversible Entanglements don’t make music to vibe out to. They don’t craft “bops” that passively graze your eardrums as you study or read. No, the four spellbinding tracks of simmering desperation and channeled rage found on their stellar [...]
“This Time” by Umii released 7/26/2017 Fresh Selects Eight-song set This Time, the debut project by recently-minted duo Umii, almost works as an exercise to showcase the various contexts where vocalist Reva DeVito and producer B. Bravo pair well together. From club-ready dancehall riddims to bedroom ballads, both shine in their ability to create a [...]
DJ Platurn returns to Australia for Tour! Spinning funk, world, breaks, & party rockers don’t miss his smooth, creative approach to mixing & DJing LIVE!! 11/15/18 – Vinyl Frontier – Melbourne, AUS 11/16/18 – Wax Museum Records – In Store – Melbourne, AUS 11/17/18 – Private Event – Melbourne, AUS 11/22/18 – Cuba Libre – [...]
Ivan Ave – Every Eye Released 11/10/2017 You wouldn’t expect a cat from Norway to nail the spirit of jazz rap, yet Every Eye, the sophomore full-length from Oslo-based rapper and Mutual Intentions crew member Ivan Ave, carries a confidence and lyrical dexterity – not to mention a keen ear for beats – perfect for [...]
