Terri Walker's 'Matters Of The Heart'

In the past year, UK soul diva Terri Walker stepped out of the confines of her classic r&b/soul stylings and lent her pen & voice to wide range of producers throughout the globe including T Williams, Donaeo, Spectrasoul, The Layabouts, M3nsa, Brackles and Artful. . "Matters Of The Heart" is a collection of some of those collaborations. Great mix of electrosoul, house, dubstep & beyond. Check it out!

Jessie Ware "Sweet Talk"

UK sensation Jessie Ware offered another peak into her highly anticipated debut album "Devotion" releasing August 20th. "Sweet Talk" is a nice & mellow track with a real 80's vibe. Kinda put me in the mind of acts like Tears For Fears with it's light key touches, guitar & synth drums. Check it out!

Miles Bonny "2011 Bootlegs LP"

Kansas City based singer, musician & beat craftsman Miles Bonny unearthed this killer collection of unreleased joints & rarities from his vaults of 2011. 12 tracks total from various sessions & various producers. The LP edition come on a limited rainbow green vinyl! Order it here or get the digital below.

Tall Black Guy "Brazilian Chronicles"

In the past year, it's pretty hard to find a producer getting it in harder than Tall Black Guy. From beat battles, remix competitions, countless appearances on various compilations to curating his own. Now based in the UK, the producer released this fine collections of beats inspired by & containing music & artist of Brazil! Cop it!

Anthony David "Sweet Pain"

Loving the new single from ATL based singer, guitarist Anthony David. "Sweet Pain" will appear on his forthcoming album "Love Out Loud" & has a smooth stepping groove reminiscent of Isley Brothers etc. Check it out!

   

Zara McFarlane "Police & Thieves" (Video)

UK jazz singer Zara McFarlane is in the beginning stages of recording the follow-up to her amazing debut album "Until Tomorrow", that made it to my Best Of 2011 Jazz list. She released the first peak from upcoming about slated for 2013, with the release of her first video. In celebration of 50 years of Jamaican independence, McFarlane put a killer soulful jazz spin on reggae legend Junior Murvin's "Police & Thieves". Check it out!

Jack Davey "Howl At The Moon"

The fiercely innovative female half of J*DaVeY is set to step out on her own with a new self-produced garage rock EP project titled, "L0-F!". The 5 song A & B side effort features Jack Davey in a raw, bluesy light which is evident from the EP's first official offering, "Howl At The Moon". Inspired by Iggy Pop & female sex-Rock goddess Betty Davis, this track is a nice slice of low slung fuzzy funk. Check it out!

Kan Sano "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" (Cover)

Most that know me, know that it will take a special someone or something to get me to check out a cover song. Especially when it's a tune that's been covered repeatedly. I must say that Japanese pianist & producer Kan Sano is definitely one of those special someones. Check out his fresh outlook on the Roy Ayers classic & get the free download here.

Diggs Duke "Mass Exodus"

Multi instrumentalist, singer & SOUNDROTATION fav Diggs Duke never cease to amaze with genre defying & boundary pushing. Now he takes us on a journey or "exodus" into territories of spiritual delight. On "Mass Exodus"  he takes his brand of jazzy soul deeper with sounds that recall the days of spiritual jazz on labels like Strata East & Tribe. Ethnic instruments, all played by Duke, adding a tribal essence to the production all coupled with his classic horn & piano lines. This short but sweet affair proves that Diggs Duke is truly a force to be reckoned with. Check it out below & cop it.

Deborah Bond "Say It" (Nicolay Remix)

It's been a whirlwind year for SOUNDROTATION fav Deborah Bond. After having her long awaited follow-up album "Madam Palindrome" make it to #1 on the UK soul charts, having practically every soul blog list it as one of Best of 2011 & making her UK performance debut at Jazz Cafe. Also in 2011, she served in the supporting cast on spot dates of The Foreign Exchange's Authenticity Tour. Making that connection, she reached out to Nicolay to remix one of the tracks her album & he obliged with this awesome melodically smooth drum & bass remix of her tune "Say It". Check it out & get the free download here.

Kendra Morris "Ride the Lightning"

It's getting closer to the August 28th release date of blue eyed soulstress Kendra Morris' debut album "Banshee". To add to the excitement, Morris & Wax Poetic drops a new series releasing newly recorded cover tunes every Tuesday leading up to the release of the album. This week Morris reimagines Metallica's "Ride The Lightning" into a soulfully haunting track that play out like Pulp Fiction meets Portishead. Get the free download.

I,Ced "Forever" ft. Om'Mas Keith (Behind The Scenes)

Singer, musician, producer I,Ced (Hawthorne Headhunters, Shafiq) is hard at work on the follow-up to his breakout debut "All In My Mind" (Record Breakin'). Recently he went into Converse Rubber Tracks studio in L.A. with Om'Mas Keith of Sa-Ra to finish the first teaser "Forever". The track is pure aural excitement with 60's inspired undertones complete with live strings, piano melody reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi rounded with killer bass work from Thundercat.

The track has also been entered into Shiekh Shoes & Converse Rubber Tracks' music competition with the winner having a chance to fly to NYC to record.  You will decide the winner! Check out the behind the scene making of "Forever" with Ced, Om'Mas & Matt (on strings) and to ear the finished version of "Forever" as well as check out the other participants & vote, go to https://www.facebook.com/shiekhshoes/app_396845877029501.

WonderKiss "Don't Break Me Off"

The dynamic duo of female emcee TK Wonder & singer, producer Kissey release their second video for their single "Don't Break Me Off" from their "Heartfukk EP". The video creatively play like a Saturday afternoon cartoon commercial made from nearly 300 illustrations sketched by TK Wonder herself who always serves as editor. Check it out!

Funkineven & Fatima "90's"

Eglo Records label mates, producer Funkineven & singer Fatima, have teamed up again on a 4 track EP "Phone Line". Our good people at Pinboard Blog London got a radio rip of the first tune "90's", a tune that really conjure up the feelings of those laid back but boombastic joints that dominate late night radio in the 90's. So far it seems the release is vinyl only. Check it out & if you're interested, order the vinyl here.

Ntjam Rosie "In Your Hands (Apple Jac's Sound Of Mecca Mix)"

You should be familiar with the name Ntjam Rosie from making it to my Best Of 2011 List for her album 'Elle". Earlier this year, the Holland based singer put out a live concert dvd & cd package that included a few remixes. When ATL based producer, DJ Apple Jac got word that she was looking for remixes,he jump on it. Unfortunately his mix wasn't finished in time to make it to the release, so the two have graciously decided to unleash it as a gift. Check out the banging & soulful afro house spin he added to it.

Latoiya Williams "This Love Is Sweet"

Back in 2002, I was in a barbershop waiting my turn in the chair. The TV was set to BET, which I wasn't a big fan of but hey, what can you do. LOL! All of a sudden this video comes on with this woman who's voice was like a modern Aretha Franklin. I had to find out who she was. As it tuns out, the song was from Snoop's Doggy Allstars compilation & the voice was Latoiya Williams. Since then she had songs appear in several black comedies as well as guest features on songs by Snoop, Jay-Z, Busta, Kweli & many more. But the question was, when was her solo effort coming. Well it took 10 years, but the soulstress FINALLY released her first official single from her upcoming ep "Kup Cakin'". Produced by Nottz, "This Love Is Sweet" is downright funky with an old school Curtis Mayfield, blaxploitation kinda feel with banging ass bass & drums for the body rock. Check it out & get the free download.

Lady Alma "Running For Nothing" (produced by Mark de Clive Lowe)

International diva & Philly's secret weapon Lady Alma & the wizard Mark de Clive Lowe came to collaborate in 2009 when Mark was still living in London. That recording session included this future soul gem. "Running For Nothing" remixes were released that year & you'd often hear Lady Alma perform it in her live show, but until now, the original version has never been released. Check it out below & order it on Juno.

Everett James "Metamorphosis"

After having his single "Shot Through The Heart" (and accompanying video), take the blogosphere & music sites by storm and attracting the attention tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, who featured the track on his latest Brownswood Bubblers compilation, singer/musician/producer Everett James finally releases his full album. "Metamorphosis" is true to its titles as the sounds transform & take shape in various ways & dimensions. Soul based journey that bend, fold & then gel into a complete thought. Get into it!

Jesse Boykins III & Melo X "Black Orpheus"

In the world of future soul & hiphop, you can not pick more progressive artists than singer Jesse Boykins III & producer / emcee Melo X. So the news that the two have joined forces is serious. Their collaboration project, Zulu Guru, is scheduled to release October 15th on the mighty Ninja Tune label. Inspired by the "spirited tribal warrior", Zulu Guru hopes to push the boundaries of electronic soul music further by infusing elements of afro, tribal & world rhythms. The first single "Black Orpheus" sets the pace. Check it out below & get the free download here.

Sy Smith "Let's Get Lost" (Produced by Ray Angry)

Sy Smith. the indie soul queen, invites us on a cosmic ride through space with this killer tune "Let's Get Lost". Teaming up with The Roots & D'angelo keyboardist Ray Angry, the two craft a beautiful track with just keys, drums that play like the ticking of a clock & Sy's melodic soprano tones floating making the complete creation seem like a dream. Not sure who's album this will appear on. Just enjoy the ride for now.

Meshell NdegeOcello "Be My Husband"

On October 9th, musician, singer Meshell NdegeOcello will release her 10th album titled  “Pour Une âme Souveraine” (“For a sovereign soul”). The album is the musician long awaited tribute to Nina Simone. She recently debuted her rendition of Simone's classic "Be My Husband". Keeping the negro spiritual-esque aspect of the original, Meshell recruited Memphis blues & roots singer, guitarist Valerie June to add a homegrown touch with added drums & electric guitar that create a Nina meets Prince vibe. Check it out!

Full Crate "Dancing In The Douche"

Producer Full Crate get in the groove with this new track mixed with a little bounce, headnod & shoulder lean. "Dancing In The Douche" appears on "22 Beats", a compilation series presented by 22tracks.com featuring 22 dope producers on the Dutch scene that were featured on their playlist in the past. Check out Full Crate's track below & for more info on the compilation, visit http://22tracks.com/#ams/22beats.

 

Analogue Monsta "BOOM"

The dynamic pairing of Suzi Analogue & TOKiMONSTA is pure wizardry. The two bring their unique styles drenched in hiphop, electropop & psych rock,  mash it, tweak it, stir it & created a sonic "BOOM"! Check it out & get the free download here.

In Remembrance Of Amy: Shuko ft. Ty, Akua Naru, Fresh Daily & Rufus Dipper

In tribute to UK gone too soon soul siren Amy Winehouse, Platinum selling producer Shuko put together this kickass ep. Taking elements of Amy's originals & flipping them into serious headbangers. Two of the tracks, he recruited emcees Ty & Fresh Daily, poetess Akua Naru & German pianist, producer Rufus Dipper to complete the madness. By far, one of the best tributes I've heard for Amy to date. Get the free download.

Def Sound "Anything: Thee.Idea.Machine"

LA based artist & Illav8r member Def Sound release his highly anticipated album this week. Said to be inspired by Outkast's The Love Below, Kanye West's Late Registration, Blu's No York,  N.E.R.D's Seeing Sounds and James Blake, "Anything: Thee.Idea.Machine" is a creative effort of love that works within, what Def refers to as his, "musical pyramid" and include guest appearances from RC, Nikko Gray, J*DaVeY, Alex Isley & Zack Sekoff. In addition to the album, he released a video for the subliminal track "Dance In Our Mind". The video is kinda surreal & kind of play like scenes from the movie "The Cell". Check it out & order the full album here.

BusCrates 16 Bit Ensemble ft. Kiara Ravae "Shine On"

Beat conductor BusCrates unleashes more heat. This time featuring his Pittsburgh homegirl Kiara Ravae creating a solid shoulder moving, finger snapping banger. Check it out!

 

Atjazz ft. Amalia "One" (Video)

UK craftsman Atjazz & Swedish funkstress Amalia reboot their 2007 collaboration with new remixes releasing July 27th. Originally released on Atjazz' album "Full Circle", "One" is a mellow & jazzy yet edgy electrosoul masterpeace. Check out the visually stunning new video shot in black & white and pre-order the rebooted single with Boddhi Satva remixes here.

Adi Dick "Spacedust"

Man, it's too much heat coming from the Kiwi scene. Check out this wicked eight track ep from Auckland based producer Adi Dick. "Spacedust" is a aurally exciting,  electronic beat journey that dips thru soul & dub before taking off into the stratosphere.

Teresa Jenee "Electric Yellow"

St. Louis based singer Teresa Jenee return with the highly anticipated follow up to her 2009 stunning debut album "The Ecklectic". Continuing in her stride, "Electric Yellow" boast a soulful side of electropop that's even edgier than her debut finding the singer, producer stepping daringly into realms that at times border on club trap music lol. No kidding. Of course, no Teresa Jenee release is complete without a few piano driven beautiful ballads where her voice & lyricism take center stage. Abnormal, Black Spade, Blake Symphony & Aaron Hardin appear as producers on a few tunes. Even better, this album is available as a free download. Grab it now!

Martin Luther "Love Is The Hero"

Bay Area soul funk veteran Martin Luther offered up another collection of songs from previously unreleased vaults this week. This collection really feel like an album complete in thought with his signature guitar driven rock & funk influenced soulfulness  Check out his killer cover of the Hall & Oates classic "Sara Smile" included in the collection. Cop it below, fall in love & prepare for part 2 that's coming soon.

Manuals "Mid One"

Chicago based Gabriel "Manuals" Wallace, drummer for The Gorillaz, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble & De La Soul, released his debut album this week. Mostly recorded in NY with members of Soul Cycle, "Mid One" take the listener on a drummer's journey with its blend of hip hop, funk, pop, afrobeat & jazz fusion. Looking for the perfect, you've found it! Cop it below

Krystale & Kaytradamus "The Good Fight"

Montreal based singer Krystale & producer Kaytradamus team to create this deliciousness. "The Good Fight" ep is not your typical beatmaker, singer union. The two got together one every aspects & arrangements on the ep making it a much more musical affair with Kaytradamus' varied production style & her raspy voice that move between jazz and r&b.

Zaki Ibrahim "Every Opposite"

After 2 stunning ep's & superb collaborations with the likes of King Britt, DVA & Boddhi Satva,  South African singer Zaki Ibrahim releases her debut full length. Recorded in seven different cities between South Africa, Canada,  London & the US, "Every Opposite" cohesively draw from many genres & influences, from rhythms of her homeland to dubstep, bringing a well rounded flavor of soulful electronic music or vice versa with her heartfelt messages of freedom ringing loud & clear.

Funkommunity "Chequered Thoughts"

At last, New Zealand based duo Funkommunity come with their anticipated debut album "Chequered Thoughts". Comprised of producer, musician Isaac Aesili and singer Rachel Fraser, the duo craft an album that's sure to be on my Best of 2012 list, with it's perfect blend of analog & digital influenced soul. They released the 80's boogie tinged single "The Light" as a free download. Get it below & get the full album here.

 

Carlitta Durand "100 Nudges Of Love"

NC based singer Carlitta Durand released the 2nd single from her album "I'll Be Gorgeous When I Die" coming out next month. "100 Nudges Of Love" is produced by Abjo, It's a beautiful drum & bass meets electropop tune with an atmospheric melody that allow Carli's pure tones to float effortlessly about. Check out it out & get the free download here.

Luca Dimoon "Lady Utopia"

Italian singer Luca Dimoon is back with another cosmic & jazzy taste of soul from his upcoming album "Telescope". The self produced "Lady Utopia" gets funky with swirling synths & headbanging drums with horn stab driving it along. Based on this & the last two leaks, I'M READY FOR THE ALBUM! Coming soon is still the promise lol.

JazzMine "Love Bullet"

I've been anxiously awaiting to hear more from JazzMine since I heard her on "Prepared", a collab she did with Byron The Aquarius in 2010. Now the Birmingham based singer, musician steps forward with her debut ep "Love Bullet". Teaming up with Byron again, JazzMine's ep offer up an even mix of acoustic & hiphop influenced soul underneath her poetic phrasing & sultry voice that sometime sound like a cross between India Arie & Jack Davey. The acoustic songs really showcase her fine guitar playing as well. Check it out & purchase it at a "name your price option". DON'T BE CHEAP!

Columbia Nights "Make Some Room"

After their highly acclaimed debut ep, Columbia Nights is back with another slice of heaven in their cover series. This time the duo take on Sade's "Make Some Room". The original was the b side to the hit single "Nothing Can Come Between Us". Mostly instrumental like the original, the duo added a touch more ambience to make it even dreamier than the original with a little light vocals stabs of Vaughan Octavia ended it. Very true to the original & definitely worth the download.

JSoul "Beautiful Nights"

Bmore based singer, producer JSouL is putting the finishing touches on his upcoming fourth album "Blue Midnight" slated for fall 2012. This week he released the first single "Beautiful Nights", a smooth finger snapping 2-stepper perfect for nighttime groovin'.

Her Imaginings "I'm Scared"

Her Imaginings is the new collaborative project from LA based producer Theimagination (of T.IM.E) and Chicago born, NYC based singer Arin Maya. Together the duo crafted this cosmic slice of aural bliss. "I'm Scared" is a pulsating & minimal track with simple keys, soundscapes & Arin's poetic lyric questioning our fears. Check it out.

Cleveland P. Jones "Live In My Heart

After taking the global underground by storm with his collabs with Ahmed Sirour. singer Cleveland P. Jones is finally back on the scene with new music. Check out the energetic track 'Live In My Heart", an interesting piano driven gospel meets electropop groove.

Some Other Time: The Jazz Jousters Digs Bill Evans

Gotta thank my dude DJ Rahdu for turning me on this excellent "Digs" series from UK based label Millennium Jazz. In this series, some of the finest up & coming producers and musicians from the label pay tribute to some of jazz music biggest legends by putting a refreshing & unique 21st Century spin on their classics. Often soulfully hip hop inspired, This time the legend chosen is pianist Bill Evans. All I can say is HEAT! Get the free download & check out the previous collections in the series on their bandcamp page.

Alex Isley "LoveArtMemoirs" EP

Alex Isley, daughter of Ernie from the legendary Isley Brothers, is on the scene carving her own lane into the music world with the beautiful "Love/Art Memoirs" EP. This self written, produced & performed showcases her ability to craft her own brand of r&b; eclectic yet simple, smooth but textured, sparse but lush cosmicly coupled with her lightly poetic phrasing & soulful lyrics. The Isley legacy lives on. Get the free download here.

Alexis Davis "3"

DJ/Producers Mecca: 83, Spinnerty, Simon S & emcee Replife release the ep for their Alexis Davis project. Drawing on their own unique inspirations from the hip hop & musical diaspora including "hey day" boombap & the jazz fusion soaked, the quartet come for your head with this six track banger. Neck braced required!

Cody ChestnuTT "That's Still Mama"

Renaissance man Cody ChestnuTT is working hard on his next album " Landing On A Hundred" scheduled to release in October. The musician launched a campaign recently via kickstarter to help get this project out independently. In addition, he leaked one of the tunes from the album. "That's Still Mama" sounds every bit like it was plucked from a 70s blaxploitation flick with his funky horns, orchestration & heartfelt message of unwavering support from the one true woman in our lives. Check it out below & for more info or to support the campaign, visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/codychesnutt/cody-chesnutt-landing-on-a-hundred.

Phony PPL "Told You So"

Nice work from this nine man collective of rappers, musicians, singers, producers and DJs. Phony PPL hail from the BK, the crew has been quietly making a name for themselves with their blend of hiphop, jazz & 70s inspired funky soul. The crew released the first single from their upcoming ep "Nothing Special" as a free download via Okayplayer. Get it below & for their previous releases, check out their website.

Brownswood Bubblers Eight

Tastemaker number one, Gilles Peterson is back with the eighth installment of his "Bubblers" series on his label Brownswood Recordings. As with the previous seven, Peterson compile 13 tracks of eclectic soulful rhythms from exciting up & coming artist on the global underground scene. Volume eight includes music from Four Tet, Everett James, Def Sound, Leron Thomas, One Liitle Plane, OmMas Keith & many more. Check the preview below & order it here.

Ab "Prologue Vol. 1"

Singer, musician Ab, most known for his work with Black Milk & Nat Turner and Slum Village, come correct with the first volume in his "Prologue" series. On the first, he take the classics of Total, Shuggie Otis, Lauryn Hill, Rufus & Chaka and inject them with his unique blend of 21st century funk, jazz, doo-wop, hiphop & grit. Black Milk is on mixing & engineering duties as well as drums. HEATER! Get the free download.

Breezy LoveJoy "O.B.E. Vol. 1"

Killer EP from LA based drummer, emcee, singer Breezy LoveJoy. Funky, soulful, edgy, electro-madness & FREE! Nuff said.

Orfeo "Quiet Nights" (Produced by Robin Hannibal)

Really digging this smooth track from LA based classically trained opera singer Orfeo. His name was chosen as a tribute to the Baroque opera titled L’Orfeo, whose theme is the Greek legend Orpheus’ ability to seduce with his music and sound. Sounding more like a 70's crooner, "Quiet Nights" is truly sweet seduction thanks to the production of Robin Hannibal of Quadron. The tune will be released digitally on July 20th along with the uptempo synth driven "No Substitution" also produced by Hannibal, on the Quieres Chicle label.