Vibraphonist Warren Wolf releases yet another fine album. The vocal tracks are of a very high standard including the cover of the Isley Brothers’ ‘For The Love Of You’ plus the delicate ‘Livin The Good Life’, the superb laid back ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ (reminding me of something Quincy Jones might have made in his ‘Body Heat’/’Mellow Madness’ days) and the beautiful ‘Sebastian and Zoe’. They feature the gorgeous voice of new name for us, Imani-Grace Cooper. Warren Wolf’s playing is light and very melodic, complimented by a tight and some wonderful bass lines. ‘For Ma’ has deftness...
Jose James has a voice from another era – a warm, effortless vintage that works incredibly well on this stunning set of a dozen old school soul cuts. The guest list reads like a who’s who: Ledisi , Christian Scott , Lizz Wright , Erik Trufaz, Aloe Blac and Laura Mvulva all lend their talents. The production is superbly warm and positive – the infectious ‘Feels So Good’ will be impossible to remain seated to, the playful ‘You Know What To Do’ finds James’ throaty delivery working so well with groove while he goes into vocal jazz territory with Mvulva...
Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan is a founder member of top UK funk/jazz-funk band The Haggis Horns as well as an in demand session musician. ‘About Time’ is his debut solo set – a superbly accomplished collection of nine original compositions that are firmly rooted in the classic acoustic modern jazz style typified by the great 60’s and 70’s recordings of the legendary Blue Note Records imprint. The breadth of style on show is impressive, from the Latin vibes of ‘Mitchell’s Landings’ and ‘Better Late Than Never’, the swirling, cinematic feel of ‘Take Me To The Clouds’ and the swagger of...
