Mar: Form EP

After turning it up a notch with the house oriented single "Man x Woman", Amsterdam based singer, musician Mar is slowing it down a bit and bringing it back to "Form" on this new two track ep. Starting with "A Simple Go" co-produced by his longtime collaborator Full Crate, mellowing out the groove while Mar spell out the (not so) simplicity of couple being where they wanna be. Then the Malin Genie produced "Ode To Her" takes us on a scenic ride down a long road while Mar express his admiration and seemingly infatuation with this heavenly being. And it's available as a free download. Get it below.

   Mar - Form - EP by BDMNR

Jesse Boykins III: Plain (Lyric Dance Video)

Jesse Boykins III is truly the hardest working man on the global underground circuit and she shows absolutely no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Today the soul prince posted a lyric video to a new dance oriented song "Plain" produced by Machinedrum. This tune brings us one step closer to the long awaited release of his second official full length album "Love Apparatus". Plain and simple it's fun, fun, fun. If you need a little pep in your step, a little pick me up, press play on this video and I'm sure you feel a little bounce.

Ruth Koleva: R U T H

Having already made this biggest noise on music scene in Bulgaria including becoming the youngest recipient of GRAZIA's Woman of the Year award and Best Female Singer award at 2012’s BG Radio Awards, Ruth Koleva has her sights on domination of the globe with the worldwide release of her sophomore album "R U T H". The album find the singer working toward that goal as it has already been heralded by the likes of Mark Ranson, Richard Bona and is already threatening to take a position on my Top 10 albums of 2014 list and it's only February. Refreshing modern soul and nujazz accompanying her beautiful light tones with with guest production and co-writing from SOUNDROTATION fav's Diggs Duke, Colonel Red, Richard Spaven and Vincent Helbers of Seravince. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. One listen to the snippets and I'm sure you're going to run to purchase the cd or the digital on itunes.

   R U T H (Album Preview) by Ruth Koleva

Snarky Puppy: We Like It Here

Fresh off a whirlwind of a year with extensive touring, the highest buzz thanks to a video from their live cd/dvd "Family Dinner" going viral resulting in a Grammy win, Snarky Puppy is on top of the world and they are proclaiming "We Like It Here". The latest project finds the collective showing their best side once again, live performance. Recorded with a studio audience over 4 nights in the Netherlands, this cd/dvd combo proves to be another winner as the Snarky crew offer up another fresh batch of experimental and cohesive soulful jazz fusion. Funky most of the time and orchestral throughout. I don't think the fellas will be slowing down anytime soon. Click the link below to purchase in all formats.

The Hue: Heat Gamma

What happens when Houston's most heat seeking progressive soul and hip hop units collide? A sonic explosion. That's just what happened when SOUNDROTATION fav's Radio Galaxy and H.I.S.D. combined to form The Hue and the aftermath of the explosion can be felt worlds away. "Heat Gamma" combines the two forces uniqueness with its otherworldly electric soulful production and skillful lyrical flow. This amount of heat has the capacity level the playing field. You have been warned. Download below.



Also included in the download is more residue from the explosion,  H.I.S.D. "Beta"  

Record Breakin Music presents Sound Traveler Series #2 w/ Columbia Nights

The ever so progressive Record Breakin' label is back with the next installment in their Sound Traveler series. Next up to bat is SOUNDROTATION fav's Columbia Nights. Inspired by their sessions referred to as Vinyls Fridays, a record listening session where they gather to absorb, converse and be inspired, the trio compiled the most impressive mix for the series filled with the baddest soul, jazz funk and fusion ever recorded from the likes of George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and many many more. Check the tracklist and download the mix below.

Tracklist:
George Duke - From Me To You
Jaco Pastorius - Kuru/Speak Like a Child
Dexter Wansel - The Sweetest Pain
Norman Connors - Captain Connors
George Duke - Rashid
Yusef Lateef - Eastern Market
Cortex - L'Enfant Samba
Bob James - I Want To Thank You (Very Much)
Patrice Rushen - What's the Story
Les McCann - Sometimes I Cry
Herbie Hancock - Trust Me
Jon Lucien - Gaku
Sly & The Family Stone - Africa Talks To You "The Asphalt Jungle"
Shuggie Otis - Not Available
Miles Davis - Call It Anything
Band of Gypsies - Who Knows
Weather Report - Manolete
Weather Report - Boogie Woogie Waltz
The Controllers - Hello!
Ed Green - My Love For You And The Ugly
Ronnie Laws - All For You
Darwin Jones - On A Lovely Night Like This
Steve Arrington - Beddie-Biey

Stevie Wonder - Race Babbling
I-Level - Give Me
Columbia Nights - All In

   Sound Traveler series #2 ft. Columbia Nights by Recordbreakin

Daniel Crawford: Home (Africa) ft. Cleveland Jones

Daniel Crawford is steadily building the buzz for his highly anticipated sophomore album "The Awakening". Today the L.A. based musician, producer offers us another peak into the project, the tribally jazzy "Home (Africa)". Channeling the energy of ancient ancestry, this track dig deep into the soil of self discovery as its tribal groove frantically search and yearn to return to the state of natural being. The state of true awareness, with the message sung eloquently by Cleveland Jones, who's orchestral voice just soar into the heavens. Truly can't wait for the album to release but for now, savor this winner of a single and cop it below.

NEW ARTIST ALERT! Zetroc: Atrophy

Shout out to my homie, graphic designer Graham Haynes for turning me on to this talented producer and singer Zetroc. Hailing from Louisiana  Jamey Brown aka Zetroc started in the studio back in 08 just experimenting. Six years later, that experimenting has turned into this glorious debut ep. Dealing with the ups and downs of life including the loss of his mother, Zetroc dug deep into his soul and "Atrophy" was born.

"Atrophy is somewhat of a running joke I had with myself about this record (sorry it took so long) and the title also serves as a testament to what I've learned and applied as a producer and individual. At the time I started working on this I had a limited amount of resources to create, However I felt that these compositions were born out of necessity rather than the luxury of having various tools at my reach. With every sound you may hear in this music; Every single one was a learning process. Which often times left me with mixed feelings of excitement and resentment towards this learning curve and the project in general. In "Atrophy", I wrote about experiences of mine within a particular six year period of my life. From losing my mother, to Deconstructing hopelessness, and finding love in someone who mirrors the worst parts of you as a person...and resenting them for it. Atrophy is my reaction to what could happen if I were to not use my creativity and expression as a means to actually feel alive. No matter how challenging or foreign the process may be, The most frightening thing is always is not knowing what could have happened"

Check out this amazing debut filled with experimental soulful goodness and I'm sure he'll stay on your radar.

Max Kane: Out Of My Mind / Ebb & Flow

Bay Area producer Max Kane brought the heat with this double sided release.The first joint will certainly have you "Out Of Your Mind" and into the cosmos with its infectious electrofunk groove featuring fellow funksters Zackey Force Funk and Teeko on vocals and talk box.

The second track will take you from the cosmos to higher levels in the stratosphere. Featuring the killer vocals of SOUNDROTATION fav, St.Louis soul prophet Coultrain, "Ebb & Flow" is pure jazzy goodness with a heavy dose horns and live instrumentation added to the synth production. This double sided release was available last year on 7" vinyl via CrossTalk and now it's available digitally along with the instrumentals via itunes. A MUST HAVE!

Reva DeVito: Kisses (Prod.by B. Bravo)

Nice new track from Portland based singer Reva DeVito. Teaming up with Bay Area electrofunkster B. Bravo, the duo bring the sunshiny and bright "Kisses". And thanks to the good people at HW&W Recordings, this kiss of heaven is available as a free download. Get on it.

Ego Ella May: Breathing Underwater

Uk singer Ego Ella May is back with the follow up to her 2013 debut ep "The Tree" that landed in my Best EP's of 2013. On "Breathing Underwater" there is no sophomore jinx as she continue to push the boundaries of r&b with her brand of electronic future soul mostly produced by Mini-D and two tracks by Soulection labelmate IAMNOBODI. She surely will become a staple on the global scene. Check it out and download.

Expansion Sound Vol. 1

To celebrate the relaunch of the Expansions Collective, UK beat craftsman Mecca:83 compiled 30 hip hop, abstract, soulful and jazzy heaters from the some of the hottest producers and fellow beat craftsmen on the global scene including Dutchy, Kan Sano, Spinnerty, Question and many more. This comp can be purchase on a limited edition cassette or at a name your price option below. All proceeds will go to the fundraising campaign of ATL based producer BusCrates whom last week suffered bodily damage in an accident while riding his bike. So give from the heart.

Jairus "J Mo" Mozee: Bridge Through Time

Grammy nominated producer, musician Jairus "J Mo" Mozee (Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott) uploaded his nice and smooth cover of Lonnie Liston Smith's lesser known song "Bridge Through Time" to his soundcloud page. Playing every instrument in the production, J Mo has put a nice 21st century polish on the joint. Check it out.

Nicholas Ryan Gant: Something Like Love

Love is definitely in the air on this day of Valentine and Nicholas Ryan Gant has gotten a whiff of it. Minutes ago Mr. Ghetto Falsetto posted a new song "Something Like Love" to his bandcamp page. The tune finds him crooning to a acoustic guitar accompaniment reminiscent of "Ms. Celie's Blues", about that carefree feeling. Check it out and download.

Little Dragon: Klapp Klapp

It's official, the Swedish outfit Little Dragon will make their triumphant return with their much anticipated fourth album "Nabuma Rubberband" on May 13th and from the sounds of the killer first single "Klapp Klapp", they show absolutely no signs of slowing down. It is every bit of the dope 21st century new wave that has made them a force to be reckoned with. Check it out below and get it by preordering the album on itunes.

Rachel Eckroth: Words Don't Mean

NYC based singer Rachel Eckroth is offering another glimpse into her highly anticipated album "Let Go". Produced by keyboardist, composer Jesse Fischer, "Words Don't Mean" takes you on a psychedelic trip with its mix of soul, rock and a hint of folk. Heavy horns strumming guitars, marching drum and a dark bassline pave the way as Rachel sing her song of clarity. Check it out and purchase at a name your price option below.

AB & 14KT: Can I Be Your Lover (Video)

The homies AB and 14KT drop the first official video from their collaborative album "Saturn Return", an album that made my Top 10 Soul Albums of 2013 list. And since the story of the album is predominantly about growing in the game of love and we are approaching Valentine's Day, it's befitting that they chose the sexy, boombapstic tune "Can I Be Your Lover" for this occasion. Follow this couple in the vid as they deal with the all realness that a relationship bring below and if you haven't, I URGE YOU to cop "Saturn Return" here and NOW!

Columbia Nights: Heart Aglow

SOUNDROTATION favs, DC based electrosoul group Columbia Nights are back just in time for St. Valentine. And in true CN fashion, they dig deep in the crates to put their fresh and modern spin on "Heart Aglow", an obscure song originally recorded by the early 80's British band I-Level.Check it out and get the free download.

Sun Circle: I Won't Let You Down

It's been five years since the release of UK producer Simon S and singer Deborah Jordan's debut album as Sun Circle. At long last the duo is back with new music. "I Won't Let You Down" is the first glimpse from their upcoming follow up and it keeps its promise. Simon's slow and moody production with dark strings set the pace with Deborah's airy vocals offering the light and beauty. Check it out and get the free download below.

The Decoders: Adventures In Paradise ft. Alice Russell

The Decoders are back in the groove with the next single from their upcoming album "Adventures In Paradise: A Tribute To Minnie Riperton". This time the L.A. based collective tackle the title track, which also is the title track of Minnie's third album, and in Decoders fashion, they take the song on a true "Adventure". Recruiting the powerful vocals of UK soul siren Alice Russell (Quantic, Bah Samba), they extract the funk of the original and inject it with afro inspired rhythms coupled with fiery horns making the arrangement full and powerful. Minnie would be proud. Check it out and cop the single below.

Giant Step presents Sonic Boom Vol. 4

Giant Step and Maiya Norton are back with with the next installment in their "Sonic Boom" series and like the previous, volume 4 packs a mean punch showcasing some of the hottest artists from the bubbling underground scene including some SOUNDROTATION fav's like Coultrain, Iman Omari, Muhsinah, Joya Mooi and many more. Get the free download below.

Jesse Boykins III: Amen Awoman (Prod. by Melo X)

The hardest working man on the underground music scene is back with a glorious new tune celebrating the true meaning of love and romance. Produced by friend and longtime collaborator Melo X, "Amen Awoman" brings the message of true oneness between the sexes. One not existing without the other. Check it out.

"PREMIER" Bobby Earth: Candyland (Video)

Houston based phenom and Dove Society member Bobby Earth premiered a new video today for his tune "Candyland". The video find the 19 year old singer, producer in adolescent romance mode as he catch eyes with a young lady in the candy store and a taste of sweetness send him to dreamland. Just in time for your Valentine. Check it out below and if you haven't already, stream/download "Bobby Earth's The Book of Genesynth" mixtape for free HERE!