Praise Poems - A journey into deep, soulful jazz & funk from the 1970s

Who other than the south German label named Tramp coul be behind a title like this one? There is probably no one who could collect those tunes better than the Tramp crew.

The name of the band on the first track says a lot about this compilation: Warmth. There might be  still some uptempo tracks on this one (and some of them like Bobby Stroup's "Wait For Me" are simply priceless) but the main focus remains on soulful tracks with warm sounds and soothing vibes. And there is one thing you will surely find in every song - a nice and steady groove  You will also discover instrumental tunes, jams and melancholic moods on this release. On tracks like "Alone Again" or "Carefree" you might sometime wonder if the singer is actually hitting his notes correctly - even if the answer might be a no, somehow those tracks grow easily to be one of the favourites through their original character.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

DJ Inko - Carnibal 012 EP

The latest Carnibal Records release is all DJ Inko sounds and why not dedicate a complete EP to the Greek master of latin remixes?

The digital release features four brand new tracks that display an incredible combination of beats and latin/cumbia samples just like his label mates Panama Cardoon, Hammond Classics or Monetrik like to do it. Maybe it is not the time of year yet but make sure you save these tunes for your summer vacation or any moment you might need some uplifting sounds to dance to wherever you are.

Get the full stream on Soundcloud.

(make sure you check out all the links i've put in this post if you're enjoying this one)

Jess Locke - Words That Seem To Slip Away

Early March will see the new release of the new album by Melbourne-based singer Jess Locke. "Words That Seem To Slip Away" was recorded in a minimal fashion which apparently did not affect the beauty of Locke's folk compositions.

The two preview tracks "Change The Sheets" and "Riding A Dead Horse" showcase some nice songwriting, great harmonies and a melancholic character. There is a certain trance surrounding her songs that can easily make you forget whatever it is that you are currently doing and put you in the same calm moods.

The release will be via Lesstalk Records + support from Art As Catharsis where you can stream both tracks right now.

Smokey Angle Shades - Shades Of Joy

London's Smokey Angle Eyes are the smoothest blend of country and soul sounds that currently walks the contemporary music landscape. After their recent take on a Jimi Hendrix tune the new album "Shades Of Joy" is now out on Impossible Ark Records and available on vinyl and digital.

There are great vocal harmonies, some nice rock licks and a beautiful vibe going through all 11 tracks. It's all captured by some impressive and on point songwriting. It shows in the simplicity of the songs - it's about finding the exciting and little things in an otherwise standard song structure you've heard so many times before - and let me just say that this band is doing an incredible job at this.  Thus it is really hard to pick one standout track to feature below. Still I won't let the gospel/country character of the opener "Empty Carriage" fool you (though it is a great tune) - from bluesy soul tracks like "Everybody Knows" to uptempo acoustic rock tunes like "Had About Enough" - you will find it all on this record and it will grow on you in an addictive way.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Adam and Cuth - The Look Up

The London Hip Hop duo Adam and Cuth just released their brand new single on Hillman Mondegreen's (Ephemerals' guitarist) label .

"The Look Up" is a strong and honest Hip Hop statement with a grimy character and well produced beats. There is a soulful thing to the groups sound that is put into some serious vibes. The B-side features a Jimi Needles remix of a Colemine Records classic "Even More Better" by Tough Junky - so no Adam & Cuth going on there but still a great track to have.

Get the record on Mondegreen's Bandcamp.

Introducing Philophon Records

The Berlin-based label Philophon Records is the newly founded project by Max Weissenfeldt who will use this platform to release some great and soulful music.

Before the first full length album by Anax Dryander & His Polyversal Souls will drop later this year you can already get an impression of the label's sounds on three brand new singles. Each record features a talented vocalist from Ghana. Guy One, Alogte Oho Jonas and Jimmy Taylor (aka Roy X ; son of Ebo Taylor) show their individual approach to deliver some great vibes via reggae rhythms, rap, soulful vocals or dynamic brass sections.

Get more informations on soundcloud or listen to one of the clips below.

Nick Sanders Trio - You Are A Creature

Just a few days until pianist Nick Sanders and his trio will release their new record "You Are A Creature" on Sunnyside Records. It marks the group's second album and features some exciting jazz tunes.

The overall very young trio is completed by Henry Fraser on Bass and Connor Baker on drums. Don't let the name and coverart lead you in a wrong direction - this music is a lively brand of jazz that moves through all kinds of moods and rhythms. Still there is a straight forward approach in their style that leaves you with entertaining tracks and great dynamics. Unfortunately you can stream only three tracks online but they will still get you a nice impression what is about to come. Later on you might discover incredible slow tunes like "Room", the dynamic title track "You Are A Creature" and a song like "The Blessing" that features everything you could ask for a midtempo piano jazz composition.

Get the stream on Bandcamp.