Ben Mi Duck – Stepping Back/Patterns (Treble O) UK 7”
Fresh for Domu’s Treble O label is an interesting release from Ben Mi Duck. Both tracks are taken from a project which Ben produced as part of his degree at Coventry University. ‘Patterns’ is a beautifully orchestrated mid-tempo jazz instrumental whereas ‘Stepping Back’ takes a mellower route and features an amazing but un-credited female vocalist. If the rest of this project is up to the standard of these two tracks then let’s hope it sees the light of day very soon.

      
www.myspace.com/benmiduck
www.myspace.com/trebleo
www.trebleo.co.uk

Afro Elements – Stop You’re Killing Me/Latinspiration (Freestyle) UK 7”
It’s been a few years since I’ve heard anything from these guys but their new release should put them firmly back on the musical map. ‘Stop You’re Killing Me’ is a stomping horn driven jazz-funk outing complete with cosmic keys but even better is ‘Latinspiration’, a first rate samba-soul piece with the quirky vocal harmonies giving the impression this has come straight out of 1970s Brazil.

 
www.myspace.com/afroelements
www.afroelements.com
www.myspace.com/freestylerecordsuk
www.freestylerecords.co.uk

Hanna & Beatr8 – Better Than Nothing (Mukatsuku) UK 12”
Hanna & Beatr8 are vocalist Hanna Olsson and producer David Levinson AKA Beatr8. The original mix of ‘Better Than Nothing’ features a heavy bass line, gorgeous piano touches, catchy trumpet stabs and of course Hanna’s delightful vocals to create a classic soul stepper for modern times. Guynamite turns in a solid electro broken-boogie mix and there’s also a great mix from Bakura which again is on a broken tip but throws Latin beats and a dirty sub bass into the equation. 

www.myspace.com/hannaolsson
www.myspace.com/davidlevinsson
www.myspace.com/mukastsuku

Aaron Jerome feat Mozez – Dancing Girl (BBE) UK 12”
Terry Callier’s ‘Dancing Girl’ is one of the greatest tracks of all time, so it takes a brave person to even attempt to take it on. Aaron Jerome has bitten the bullet though and comes with a worthy version. It doesn’t really stray too far from the original and retains the tempo changes and luscious string arrangements with Mozez turning in a superb vocal performance. Also included on this 12” is ‘Blow Your Own’ a nice laid back jazz offering featuring the smoky vocals of Kathrin De Boer and the dramatic string laced drum ‘n’ bass cut ‘Marrakesh’.  

  
www.myspace.com/aaronjerome
www.soulblender.co.uk
www.myspace.com/bbemusic
www.bbemusic.com

Los Charly’s Orchestra – Soul Foundation/Man In Me (Imagenes)
UK 12”
‘Soul Foundation’ is the 2nd release from Los Charly’s Orchestra and is a killer retro styled disco outing very much in a Salsoul vein. Noel McKoy is drafted in to add a few vocal phrases but gets to showcase his distinctive voice more so on the modern soul shuffler ‘Man In Me’. The Broken Soul Version of this track does exactly as you’d expect and although omits much of Noel’s performance is a solid hypnotic groove.

   
www.myspace.com/loscharlysorquesta
www.myspace.com/imagenes
www.imagenes.co.uk  

Deetron – feat. Ovasoul7 – I Cling [Yoruba Soul Mix] (Music Man) Belgian 12”
The original mix of ‘I Cling’, released on a separate 12”, is strong but it’s Osunlade’s Yoruba Soul Mix which really takes this track to another level. He journeys into tech-house territory with his trademark percussion underpinning the nagging key chords and it’s all topped off with an outstanding vocal performance from the under recorded Ovasoul7.  

   
www.myspace.com/deetronofficial
www.deetron.com
www.myspace.com/ovasoul7music

Creestal – Do What You Do EP (Beat & Discovery) French 12”
Hip-hop beats and soulful samples are the order of the day on this 4 track EP. Whilst pleasant throughout it’s ‘Do What You Do’ that really stands out. This is one hell of a part jam with an old school feel reminiscent of a Mizell brother’s production. 

Miles Bonny – Closer Love (Melting Pot Music) German 12”
Miles Bonny possesses a sweet soul voice which works perfectly across 4 jazzy hip-hop/soul flavoured tracks. ‘Yes I Do’, ‘What It Is I See’ and the title track are all excellent and should appeal to fans of Amp Fiddler, Steve Spacek etc. 

  
www.myspace.com/milesbonny
www.myspace.com/mpmworldwide
www.mpmsite.com

Rodney Hunter – Wanna Groove? (G-Stone) Austrian 12” 
For Kruder & Dorfmeister’s G-Stone Records Rodney Hunter delivers an awesome boogie-house cut featuring vocals from Jay Sebag. Although there’s mixes from Wahoo and Christian Prommer it’s the Album Mix that packs a real punch. A guaranteed booty bouncer for the dance floor!

  
www.mypace.com/rodneyhunter
www.g-stoned.com/releases

Robert Strauss – Mr. Feelings (BBE) UK CD
Robert Strauss follows up his debut album ‘Quasars & Phasars’ (Freerange) with an even stronger set. Whilst contemporary, ‘Mr. Feelings’ is heavily influenced by the feel-good grooves of 80s soul. With boogie bombs like ‘Music Is My Life’ fronted by Richie Henessey, ‘Miami Jammin’ and ‘Hot Like An Oven’ featuring the legendary Leroy Burgess this should be huge.   

   
www.myspace.com/robertstrauss
www.robertstrauss.com
www.myspace.com/bbemusic
www.bbemusic.com  

Kira Neris – Behind Closed Doors (Futuristica) UK CD
From Strasbourg, France Houve Poudoulec, the man behind Kira Neris draws together his house and nu jazz influences to create an excellent debut reminiscent of The Cinematic Orchestra. With rich layered arrangements throughout the set opens with the gorgeous ‘Open Doors’ before moving into the outstanding tech-jazz cut ‘Though Dimensions’ which cleverly samples Millie Jackson’s vocals. ‘Scampering’ is a dead cert for TV usage where as ‘Season 9 Episode 12’ has an air of a Charles Stepney production about it. Touch down anywhere on this album though and you won’t be disappointed. 

   
www.myspace.com/bajorland
www.myspace.com/futuristicamusic
www.futuristicamusic.com

Doug Hammond – A Real Deal (Heavenly Sweetness) Dutch CD
Renowned jazz artist Doug Hammond makes a welcome return with his first studio album in 20 years. With Doug on drums, sanza and vocals accompanied occasionally by Kirk Lightsey on piano this is an extremely sparse set but one that retains the magical quality of his 70s recordings for Tribe. ‘A Real Deal’ is consistent throughout but the tracks particularly worth mentioning are ‘Dope Of Power Suite (Four Tet Club Mix)’, ‘Rizz Biz’, ‘Moves’ and the stunningly beautiful ‘A Tear’.

 
www.myspace.com/doughammondmusic
www.doughammond.org
www.myspace.com/heavenlyssweetness