Musical Pirate

Mammal Hands - Animalia With Nick Smart on piano, Jordan Smart on saxophone and Jesse Barrett on drums Mammal Hands feature a classic lineup. Just like their label-mates GoGo Penguin they are more oriented towards a more or less minimal kind of songwriting. Mostly it is a simple piano pattern that carries the track over a clever arranged rhythm. The saxophone is usually occupied with playing the lead melodies which evolve out of the piano pattern that is the keystone to the songs structure. It is also the key to the tracks' steady movement that flows through different moods and dynamics... more Animalia by Mammal Hands Headquake - Into The Spiral Bridging the spheres of heavy psychedelic sounds and stoner rock, Athens-based band Headquake is about to release their brand new album "Into The Spiral". It marks their second full length LP after a selftitled album seven years ago. Drawing influence from a number of bands like Kyuss or Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, ...

"Freedom" is the opening track to Lack of Afro's incredible new album "Music For Adverts" that now appears in a nice single format. You can choose to either go for the two track 45 version or the digital package which includes some more splendid tracks like a remix by the Gene Dudley Group and two instrumentals in "Living under clean Conditions" and "Here We Go Again". The single itself features Jack Tyson-Charles on vocals who appears on various tracks on the LP. It's got the groove and the soul which transforms every track by Lack Of Afro into a classic. In case you missed the album or if you can't play the video above, here's a full stream of "Music For Adverts" including the single:

Bridging the spheres of heavy psychedelic sounds and stoner rock, Athens-based band Headquake is about to release their brand new album "Into The Spiral". It marks their second full length LP after a selftitled album seven years ago. Drawing influence from a number of bands like Kyuss or Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Headquake seems to develop their individual sound by using only certain elements and transforming them into something new. Like the use of heavy riffs with a floating rhythmic character in "Spiral" or the uptempo grooves in "All Life Long" that showcase a serious stoner attitude. Though you might find some very nice and fast rocking tracks on this one like "Evil Spirits", I have to go with the slower, aforementioned floating tunes, that really stand out on this album. The psychedelic moods and melodic riffs of "Sky Is The Dream" are probably the best example to sum up Headquake's sound. "Into The Spiral" will ...

Biography : Released by the band on the Blakey label in 1972 and then re-released by Warner in 1973, this instrumental album is impressive from start to finish, and a veritable catalog of bass guitar technique. Aspery's funky sax and flute work leaves the bottom end completely open to the bass guitar, and Hodgkinson's use of strummed chords is ably backed by his bandmates on the squalling opener "Vienna Breakdown." The mel-low fon-kay bass solo, "Lieutenant Loose," makes effective use of ringing open strings, while "Slivadiv" is a fret-hammering delight. If you're a bassist, be forewarned: listening to this album is a deeply humbling experience. allmusic.com Tracklist : 01.Vienna Breakdown 2:19 02.Plantagenet 1:38 03.Leiutenant Loose 2:38 04.Askin' the Way 2:57 05.Turning Point 2:12 06.Slivadiv 3:45 07.Jive Grind 2:48 08.Human Bed 2:25 09.Catcote 1:55 10.Waltz for a Wollum 2:20 11.Folksong 3:03 12.Back Door 2:48 Back Door : Colin Hodgkinso...

Melbourne's funk and soul combo The PutBacks are about to drop their next record "Dawn" featuring singer Emma Donovan. The album will be released on Hopestreet Records in early November. "Daddy" is the first track taken off the LP that is shared with the public and free to download. Beside Donovan's vocals this tune features a minimalistic rhythmic instrumentation with occasional psychdelic outbreaks. Definitely not your typical soul track. There's a certain tension and an irresistible grooving character to this one that should make any listener curious about what's to come on the full album. Get your free download right here .

Biography : Paul Brett Sage's second full-length, Jubilation Foundry, was a rocking affair that danced delightfully from rock's roots in blues and R&B to its many contemporary nooks and crannies. With their follow-up, 1972's Schizophrenia, PBS dove into the harder side of rock, quite a feat for a group that featured a plethora of percussion but no drummer; although one was brought in for the driving "Slow Down Ma!." But as "Custom Angel Man" proved, Sage could rock like a Band of Gypsies even without one. However, it was Southern rockers and jam bands that were the group's strongest influences, and on "Charlene" they bring the two together. Imagine the Allmans fronting the Band to get the idea. The instrumental "Limp Willie," in contrast, features great dueling acoustic guitars, until the song flops over into Grateful Dead territory. "Take Me Back I Will Love You" sounds just like Pink Floyd, minus all their pomposit...

Being influenced by various genres like punk rock, Alex Weiss, alto saxophonist and member of the group Outhead, might not be your typical jazz saxophone player. On "Send this Sound to the King" he rejoins with his fellow musicians Charlie Gurke (baritone saxophone), Rob Woodcock (Bass) and Dillon Westbrook (Drums) to play an highly interesting brand of jazz. Though I can't seem to recognize any specific punk rock elements on this album besides a noisy guitar here and there, it still carries an individual style and spirit. A track like "The Palimpsest" might be a good example: The first thing we can hear is the perfect blend of two saxophones playing together. The next thing is the rhythm section kicking in, which is more or less the trademark of this group. Steady rhyhtms and a dynamic bass provide a solid groundwork in each track for the melodic saxophone symbiosis. "The Chairman" is probably the most grooving song on "Bring this Sound to the Ki...

I'd like to introduce you to another recent gem of the Chopped Herring Records catalogue. Focussing on tracks from Philadephia of the 1992-1995 period another limited vinyl release is coming your way. This sampler is part of a producer series featuring Darrin Ross who is most famous for his work on Lord Aaqil's "Check it Out". The six tracks on this one should give you six new reasons to know and appreciate the artists Ross worked with. Each tune is a rare rap joint that is featuring that dope an gritty old school flavour that we have come to expect from this label.   The Clique - Hassan Chop   EMF Underground  - Straight From Philly   ONF Crew - Check It Out     Pooh and Kev -  Out in the Place   Wisecracks - Whaddup Black   SikAzzClik - Can You Feel It You can order the record right here or prelisten below.

When a funk and soul guitarist like Hugh Gledhill is featuring a personnel on his debut record like the one you will find on "Big Dinosaur Mouth", you know it's gonna be great. He's already made a name for himself in the "Jezebel Sextet" and "The James Taylor Quartet" and is now presenting 9 original compositions with the support of singer Mudibu, The Killer Horns and Seamus Beaghan on Hammond. Right from the start you can hear Gledhill's funky and versatile guitar skills but it doesn't stop there. The songwriting on this album, on the vocal tracks as on the instrumental ones, is what really stands out. Every song has a clear structure and an incredible groove. Musicians like Seamus Beaghan and The Killer Horns put a stunning dynamic in the sound of this record and Mudibu's vocals are the perfect fit for this instrumental ensemble that couldn't provide any better background. The vocal tracks feature a very smooth and soothing mood l...

After their successful "Fracture" EP it was only a matter of time until the british band Telepathy would end up releasing a complete album. The instrumental rockers already received a number of positive reviews and "12 Areas" is another example of the band's monstrous sound and dynamic songwriting. From the first note Telepathy does one thing foremost: creating atmospheres. Minimalistic tensed atmospheres that are bound to burst into huge riffs and rhythms. A sound that walks on the thin line between chaotic structures and certain monumental feeling. Carried by heavy rhythms and solid riffing, there is always a melodic element to the tracks which shines through the noisy guitars. Yet, the standout feature of this band is its capability to switch between different moods, to combine the heavy with the melodic and to know just when to flip the switch from calm to passages to loud ones - in short: the dynamics. You can stream and get "12 Areas" for a price...

Scott Ramirez just published his new video for "KnowledgeX2" - reason enough to feature his new album "Encarta '95" where this track is taken from. It is one of those diamonds travelling through the spheres of soundcloud - underappreciated and free to download. With the Doppelgangaz crew on production this album contains a gritty and flawless sound that makes the perfect breeding ground for Ramirez' rhymes. Instead of multiple hooks or flashy features "Encarta '95" shines with a more sophisticated approach. Each track strikes the listener with its individual structure and conscious lyrics. Still, the moods, flows and beats on this album are highly entertaining and definitely worth your time. On a total of 8 songs, Scott Ramirez features not only the Doppelgangaz but also Rez Raida, HyDeff, Jaff Daniels, Don Beats, Tray Starks and Mike Mystic. Get the free download on Audiomack or the stream on Soundcloud .

The Australian booking agency and record label Beats Cartel just released a nice collection of blues inspired records from various bands and songwriters. There's probably no other way than to open an Australian blues rock sampler than with the three guys of The Royal Artillery ,who are no strangers to this blog. But there are also some other bands on this one like Cotagent or Deadweight Express that can rock just as dirty and heavy. The mentioned singer-songwriter section consists of the stunning voice Claire Anne Taylor, a live version of Tom Richardson's "Mistakes & Ladders" and Benjamin James Caldwell's impressing "Rosie". There is yet some more good stuff on the complete 12 tracks like some nice acoustic jams but why don't you find out yourself, it's for free. Get the stream and download on Soundcloud .

What can you say about Jazzman Record's Spiritual Jazz series? Time and time again it proved to be one of the best compilation series out there and volume five is raising the bar yet again. The simple title "The World" displays the various roots of these rare jazz pieces, which have almost never seen a reissue. Jazzman's digging brigade worked their way through tons of records from all over the world. The result is a collection of deep jazz tunes from south America, Japan, eastern Europe and various other places. The main focus is on tracks from 1961-1979, a time in which jazz played a crucial role in the contemporary music scene, unlike today. The sounds on Spiritual Jazz 5 show interesting rhyhtmic approaches and always know how to create a very own atmosphere. Tracks like "Mezare Israel", "Half and Half" or "Raga Rock" are perfect ensembles for those perfectly orchestrated pieces that still provide certain surprising and challenging el...

The discovery and remixing of brazilian rhythms and grooves continues as the brand new label Beatnik City is releasing "The Rio District Vol. 1". It is packed with latin-flavoured productions by some of the greatest remixers and re-editors out there. Every track features an absolutely fresh summer groove. Fab Samperi, Smoove, Daytoner and many more show their excellent skills at working effectively with samples and staying true to the original tunes. While every track is put into a modern outfit, you can still hear the infectous brazilian rhythms that are on the foundation of these tracks. Beatnik City focusses on the sounds of the 60s and this trip to Rio is just the first adventure of this young label. You can get a get a preview of each of the 7 tracks on Soundcloud or buy the release on Juno .

If I had to give an award to the best jazz label 2014, Gondwana Records would definitely be in the discussion. After some incredible releases by Matthew Halsall or GoGo Penguin , the new album by Mammal Hands has the full potential to be a part in that list. With Nick Smart on piano, Jordan Smart on saxophone and Jesse Barrett on drums the trio features a classic lineup. Just like their label-mates GoGo Penguin they are more oriented towards a more or less minimal kind of songwriting. Mostly it is a simple piano pattern that carries the track over a clever arranged rhythm. The saxophone is usually occupied with playing the lead melodies which evolve out of the piano pattern that is the keystone to the songs structure. It is also the key to the tracks' steady movement that flows through different moods and dynamics. Mammal Hands prove how simple and effective jazz compositions can be. As always - making the complex and difficult things look easys, that is certainly what is happenin...

There is a new soul band in town featuring Beto Martínez (Brownout & Grupo Fantasma) on guitar and Alex Chavéz on vocals. The Ben Hito-styled cover above is proof that their debut EP is released through no other than the incredible Paris DJs crew. The group is completed by Greg Gonzalez on Bass, Jeremy Bruch on Drums, Josh Levy on Saxophone and Mark Gonzalez on Trombone. Their genuine sound is rooted in classic funk breaks and contemporary soul. Working their way through slow ballads like "Standby" and swingin funk tracks like "All My Stories" the Downtown Rulers Club always stays true to the principles of solid song writing and a flexible grooves. On every track you can really hear the presence of veteran musicians. It shows in the accurate arrangement and instrument of the songs. There is not one chorus, brass section or guitar solo to many on this record. Still, this music carries a genuine and original character that is clothed in perfectly orchestrated song...

Through various digital releases like the Impossible Ark Records sampler or the jazz edition of Label Love , the name Sara Mitra shouldn't be a stranger to regular readers of this blog. As a preview for her upcoming second album "Losing You" you can now find a free download of 3 new tracks. Its not quite easy to categorize her sound as a bandleader. There are aspects of folk, jazz, soul and probably some more in her music that blend together in her very own style of music. Yet, her songs never sound unfamiliar or strange. That may be due to quite straightforward songwriting, the support of some of UK's finest musicians in Ben Lamdin, Riaan Vosloo or James Allsopp and her soothing voice. In a playful sense and joyful fashion Mitra sings her way through these 3 new tracks which are beginning to paint the picture of an album that we should really be looking forward to. Get the free (and limited) download on Bandcamp . Baltimore Oriole by Sara Mitra

Ever since getting familiar with the GED Soul Records catalogue there has been this name "The Coolin' System" flying around, submitting a track here and there but never appearing in the form of an LP. With "Refridgerate After Opening" this is about to change and we can appreciate this instrumental soul-jazz collective on 8 full length tracks. The Nashville based band plays a nice blend of funk, soul and jazz sounds that steadily moves through different forms of rhythms and moods.You can hear solos by a large number of instruments, like guitars, flutes and brass sections. All work nicely together in funky tracks like "Beyond Mobius" or well arranged jazz pieces like "Jungle Juice". Whatever they do, it never lacks a certain groove that transforms any style into an interesting and entertaining kind of music. You can stream the full album on Bandcamp . Refrigerate After Opening by the Coolin' System

With Context and Jimmy Flipshyt one of the funkiest Hip Hop duos of the last years return. Just listen to their last EP "The Shadows" and you will know what this incredible australian collaboration is able to do with their combination of beats and rhymes. The new EP is called "Fire In The Basement" and features another 8 excellent tracks. You will also find guest appearances by BVA, P.Smurf, Sinks, Statovmind, Mattrix and Dane One who contribute several verses. It's the kind of Hip Hop that will make you nod your head to positive vibes and fresh productions. Speaking the production, its the Beats that really stand out on this record. The clever use of samples to create a funky boom bap sound works perfectly with Context's rhymes, be it on slower tracks like "Have You Heard?" or on the seriously bangin' "Mirror Mirror". Everyone who remembers and loves this duo for songs like "Big Dog" should pick up this LP, because "F...

Next up in Tramp Records' 'The Story Of' series is funk and soul drummer Don Gardner. This LP presents some of his greatest releases and remarkably infectous versions of some groove-classics. Making a name for himself in his younger years Gardner worked with musicians like Jimmy Smith and later collaborated with singer Dee Dee Ford who was his partner in his hit song "I Need Your Lovin'". A lot of the songs you can hear on this release are classics like "Take Five", "What I'd Say" or the Mar-Keys' "Last Night" that were recorded on the road. At the other hand you will discover some of his very own tracks like "I Really Love You" or "Excedrin". Somehow this LP shows one thing first and foremost: It doesn't matter all that much whose songs Gardner and his band are playing, it is the grooves and the dynamic playing that really stand out and overwhelm you - the songwriting becomes more of a secondary th...

Yesterday Heavy Psych Sounds announced their new signing which fits in perfectly in their roster of talented bands that celebrate a genuine brand of rock'n'roll. Wedge is a three piece band from Berlin that is about to drop their self titled debut record. Looking at the picture on the left and listening to the sounds of Wedge you just have to draw that comparison to their fellow Berlin vintage rockers Kadavar and there certainly are similarities here. A song like "Easy Chair" underlines that fact pretty good but it also shows an individual approach to those sabbath-like rock sounds a lot of bands are craving for these days. But most importantly they got the riffs, the vocals and the jams that it takes to play an interesting and highly entertaining style of rock and roll music. Wedge also enjoy some slow moments to build a certain tension in their tracks and the use of some slight keyboard sounds here and there. The LP will be out in November. You can already listen an...

The first Klökkeblömst album already showcased the highly interesting lineup of acoustic bass, saxophone and drums playing a genuine brand of jazz. Now Peter Danstrup, Anders Banke and Anders Provis are back with "Romanticist" which once again delves into beautiful melodies, slight improvisations and very own moods. Danstrup's acoustic bass guitar being a dominant instrument really creates an interesting character to the sound of Klökkeblömst. Banke's saxophone is not occupied with the typical role in a jazz trio. It operates more like a singer who is whistling a certain melody that is still flexibly moving while it adapts to the dynamic sounds of the trio. The opener "Gently The Wind Kisses" is already a good example of how the three well known musicians from Denmark approach their song. And with Klökkeblömst we are really talking more about songs than about frameworks to enthusiastic improvisations. They appear here and there but the sweet melodies and ni...